Best Virginia Drives for Fall Color

There are few people who are not dazzled by the brilliant displays of the leaves changing color as the summer season fades into fall. While many states have excellent viewing of the autumn foliage, few can rival Virginia's vivid offerings. The following are some of the best Virginia drives to view the fall foliage.

Blue Ridge Parkway

From the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park at its northern end to the beginning of The Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the North Carolina border in the south, the 495 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is one location where nearly every lover of natural beauty is guaranteed to be left breathless at the sight of the Appalachian mountains seemingly "catching on fire" during the changing of the seasons.

Skyland Drive

While there are many scenic drives along The Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyland Drive is perhaps the most well-known. Stretching for over 100 miles from Front Royal to Waynesboro, this drive has over four entrances: Front Royal accessible via I-66 and Route 340, Thornton Gap accessible via Route 211, Swift Run Gap accessible via Route 33, and Rockfish Gap accessible via I-64 and Route 250.

The Nelson Loop

The Nelson Loop is also part of The Blue Ridge Parkway, and encompasses a wide variety of terrain with 50 miles of piedmont valleys, mountain tops and scenic towns from which to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall. Most visitors start their journey at the Spruce Creek Park Visitor Center on Route 151 in Wintergreen, Virginia. The Nelson Loop follows three scenic roads in addition to The Parkway: Patrick Henry Highway (VA Route 151), Beech Grove Road (County Route 664) and Crabtree Falls Highway (VA Route 56) and this drive is perfect for automobiles as well as bicycles.

Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway

This byway is about 16 miles long and is located near the historic town of Wytheville, Virginia. One can gain access to this scenic road by taking Exit 52 on I-77 and traveling South, or by taking Exit 47 on I-77 and traveling to Route 717 to US-52 and then heading North towards Wytheville. Along the way you can enjoy historic farms and enchanting forest filled valleys as you reach the 100 foot tower at Big Walker lookout where you can stop to enjoy the views of the mountains.

Highlands Parkway Abingdon to White Top

While many are familiar with the hiking and biking trail known as the Virginia Creeper Trail that travels from Abingdon to Damascus to White Top along abandoned railway lines and beaten paths along the forest floor, many are unaware that the nearby US Route 58 Highlands Parkway from Abingdon to Damascus to White Top also provides stunning views of the fall foliage. Near Abingdon, take exit 19 ontoUS-11/US-58 and turn right onto Lee Highway and continue on Route 58 E. This route will take you through the historic towns of Abingdon and Damascus and across the Holston River and Taylor's Valley until you reach the top of White Top Mountain, about 34 miles later.

While there are many other locations and trips one can take in Virginia and elsewhere to enjoy the beauty of autumn, these drives are some of my personal favorites for stunning views and interesting towns to stop and investigate along the way. As such, these drives are some of the best fall drives in Virginia and should not be missed when traveling in Virginia.

Best Virginia State Parks for Late Summer and Early Fall Fun

Whether you are looking for a way to beat the heat in the summer or searching for a fun getaway in the fall, visiting one of the many state parks in the nation is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The state of Virginia is home to over 37 state parks and numerous other natural areas with public access. While each state park has unique features and a lot to offer any outdoor enthusiast, in my opinion, the following Virginia state parks are the best for their wide variety of activities and scenic attractions in summer, fall, and throughout the year.

Breaks Interstate Park 

PO Box 100, 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607. 276-865-4413.

The Breaks Interstate Park is open year round and is just off KY State Route 80. Located high in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia and Southeastern Kentucky, this spectacularly beautiful park contains over 4,500 acres of scenic woodlands and vistas, abundant wildlife, and many unique geological formations, including the largest and deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River, with world-class whitewater rafting that features class 2 through class 6 rapids. Primitive camp sites, as well as fully equipped, spacious cabins; luxury cottages; lodges; and a restaurant, convention center, and gift shop are located on site, as well as swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, geocaching, golf, and many more recreational opportunities, educational programs, and cultural events. I first began taking my children to this park in the summers many years ago, and today, it remains our family's favorite outdoor getaway, regardless of the season.

First Landing State Park 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415. 757-412-2300.

First Landing State Park is actually the most visited Virginia state park, and while it can be crowded at different times during the year, it is still a great state park that you will not want to miss. Located on the Chesapeake Bay of U.S. Route 60, the park is situated on the site where settlers first landed before establishing the colony of Jamestown. The park contains over 2,888 acres of woodlands, ponds, marsh, and dunes, as well as 1.25 miles of beachfront. Primitive camping and cabin rentals are available, as are swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, wildlife, bird viewing, and many more activities. The park offers many different historical-themed, educational, and cultural events through the year and is conveniently located near Virginia Beach, Cape Henry Lighthouse, and other attractions.

Westmoreland State Park 1650 State Park Road, Montross, Va. 22520-9717. 804-493-8821.

Westmoreland State Park contains 1,311 acres and over 1.5 miles of beachfront along the Potomac River. It is minutes away from the birthplace of George Washington and the childhood home of Robert E. Lee and within an hour of King's Dominion Amusement Park and the Fredericksburg Civil War Battlefields. Within the park, there is abundant wildlife and unique natural scenery to enjoy, including frequent sightings of blue heron and osprey and the formidable Horsehead Cliffs, which provide stunning views of the Potomac. Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and many more activities are available, as well as cabin rentals, a conference center, and upscale retreat.

New River Trail State Park 176 Orphanage Dr., Foster Falls, VA 24360. 276-699-6778.

New River Trail State Park and Shot Tower contains 1,337 acres, 39 miles of which run parallel to the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few that runs north rather than south. The park is a total of 57 miles long and was formed from an abandoned railway line. The trails are great for hiking and biking enthusiasts, and they make excellent bridle trails for lovers of horse riding. Boating, fishing, and kayaking are available, and while there are not any designated swimming areas, tubing at the Foster Falls section is popular with local residents. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and primitive campsites are available. A key feature of this park is the unique shot tower that was used to make ammunition for early area settlers. The park offers picnic shelters, a gift shop, and other cultural and educational activities throughout the year, as well as many other opportunities for recreation. The park is also close to nearby Claytor Lake State Park, the Jefferson National Forest, and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex and Arena, with numerous rodeos and other horsing events offered throughout the year.

While there are certainly many more state and national parks in Virginia that have a lot to offer any lover of the outdoors, these are among the best parks in Virginia and well worth the visit.

Little Known Jefferson National Forest Trails Prove Why Virginia is for Lovers

One of the state slogan's for Virginia is the well-known motto, "Virginia is for Lovers." There are several little known but astonishingly beautiful trails that are a well-kept "secret" in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest that prove this old saying. One of these trails that is hidden away in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia that is perfect for both lovers of natural beauty as well as romantics is The Guest River Gorge Trail.

Located just outside of the small town of Coeburn, Virginia, the trail is 5.8 miles in length and follows along an abandoned railway bed. The first mile of the trail is graveled and mostly level and easy for most hikers before winding its way down through the gorge which plunges over 400 down from majestic cliffs, so the trail requires more strenuous effort. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing as well as mountain biking are allowed on the trail and it is one of my favorite destinations for a scenic day hike. Several small waterfalls are to be found throughout its length, enhancing the scenic beauty of this hidden jewel as they cascade down from the high sandstone bluffs that make up the gorge. Numerous geologically unique rock outcroppings, an old railway tunnel and several railroad trestles making the trip interesting as well. To get to this trail take exit #1 at Coeburn on Alternative Hwy. 58 and then travel south for 2.3 miles along scenic and curvy State Route 72. After passing the Flatwoods Picnic Area on the right the Guest River Gorge is left. Turn left onto Forest Road 2477 and drive for 1.4 miles to reach the parking lot. The trailhead is marked.

This trail is not the only site worth seeing in this area. Additional area hiking trails that are a must see for those who love the great outdoors and are seeking a spectacular view as the backdrop for their romantic getaways are within 2 to 10 miles of this part of the Jefferson National Forest and are also accessed from State Route 72 and intersecting forest roads. These areas include the stunning The Devil's Bathtub and Waterfall as part of the Devil's Fork Loop, Little Stony Falls, Bear Rock, Chief Benge's Trail, Hanging Rock, Flag Rock Recreation Area and Bark Camp Lake Recreation Area. An annual Guest River Rally is also held in the nearby town of Coeburn each Labor Day that is filled with many special activities at the gorge on this day.

The nearby Little Stony Falls and Bear Rock are particularly special to me as I spent a great portion of my teen-aged years along these trails as my grandparent's farm was less than two miles away from these stunning areas. Hiking along all of these remote trails in the Jefferson National Forest seem to be one of Virginia's best kept secrets when it comes to the great outdoors and it makes these areas all the more special and enjoyable. Probably the most significant reason why I love these hiking trails the best of any that I have traveled is that it was while viewing the high vistas and breathtaking fall foliage from atop Bear Rock that my husband proposed to me. This area is abundant in wildlife and many interesting scenic views that should not be missed by any lover of natural beauty or romance.

Visiting Historic Big Stone Gap Virginia

The historic town of Big Stone Gap is in the Southwestern portion of the state of Virginia at the foothills of Stone Mountain and the High Knob overlooking scenic Powell Valley. The town was originally known as Three Forks and then Mineral City in 1882 before acquiring its current name in 1888. The town was an important stop along the way for early pioneers and settlers making their way west through the nearby Cumberland Gap and was known for its abundance of natural resources such as timber and minerals such as copper and coal. Today the town remains one of the prime gateways into the state of Virginia and is a convenient location from which to base exploration of areas within Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The town is within 30 minutes of the Tri-Cities and about an hour away from the Twin Cities of Bristol and the famed Bristol Motor Speedway.

Hiking, Biking and Outdoor Activities 
When I first visited Big Stone Gap in 1988 I was immediately struck by how picturesque this town is with its many stately Victorian era homes, an old fashioned Main Street, as well as many modern developments that are juxtaposed against the backdrop of the lush, forested mountains. The town is an excellent place for those who enjoy hiking and biking with a Greenbelt walking trail that winds its way through the town which is both scenic and peaceful. Construction is set to begin soon in the nearby town of Appalachia to convert the abandoned railway that runs between these towns and the scenic area of Roaring Branch and connect it with the existing Greenbelt walking trail, which will make an already pleasant experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. In many areas the trail runs alongside the Powell River, which is kept stocked with trout, bluegill and bass with fishing is allowed. Additional hiking opportunities can be found in the nearby High Knob Recreation Area, Cave Springs, Natural Tunnel State Park, Wilderness Road State Park at the western end of Lee County, and the Virginia Creeper Trail in nearby Abingdon, Virginia.

Museums and Drama

The town is also the location for the state of Virginia's official outdoor drama, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which was based on the famous novel of the same name and written by local resident John Fox Jr. at the turn of the last century. The drama plays nightly each summer and is housed in the historic June Tolliver House. The drama is a must see stop for any visitor to the town as is the John Fox Jr. House and Museum, the Harry Meador Coal Museum, historic Clinch Haven Farms, and the Southwest Virginia Museum HistoricalState Park which is also one of the most popular museums in the state.

Festivals

In addition to the natural beauty of the town and its museums and the drama, the town also boasts several festivals throughout the year that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, including a Farmer's Market in the Summer, Home Craft Days featuring authentic Appalachian foods, Unique handmade items and more every October, a Fourth of July Celebration that grows each year and features some of the area's most stunning fireworks displays, the Celtic Festival, the Gathering in the Gap Music festival and much more.

Places to Stay and Dine

The town has many bed and breakfasts in which visitors can enjoy a rejuvinating stay, including The Poplar Hill Cottage at the Southwest VA Museum, rooms at the Ivy Inn, as well as the Comfort Inn which is a modern hotel with all of the amenities. There are two RV campgrounds also available in the town. While there are many chain restaurants in the town, some of the best kept local secrets for culinary delights include my favorites the dreamsicle cupcakes at The Bakery Around the Corner, traditional breakfasts and more at The Café in the Mutual Drug Pharmacy, fast food with a twist at Dari Delight, tea and reserved dining at the John Fox Jr. House, and the daily lunch specials of Pollo Loco, Steak Fajitas and more at Little Mexico Restaurant.

Tour Guides

With all of the cultural and outdoor activities that are available throughout the year, it is little wonder that the town has been home to several prominent authors in addition to John Fox, Jr. The popular modern day author Adriana Trigiani has even used the town for the setting of several of her most successful books including Big Stone Gap, Milk Glass Moon and Big Cherry Holler. Tour guides are available at the Visitor's Center so that fans can see the sights mentioned in her novels.

If you are looking for a charming town from which to start your adventures on The Crooked Road Music Trail or anywhere else in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, this small mountain based town with a big story and an even bigger heart is the best place from which to base your travels. If you do decide to visit you should not be surprised if you find yourself so enchanted that you are like me and decide to stay and make it your home.

Visiting Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City Virginia

Ring Tailed Lemurs are just one of many exotic, endangered animals that can be found at the Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City, VA

Photo Credit: Elaine Yeary Bradley
Copyright: Elaine Yeary Bradley

Getting Up Close and Personal with Endangered Species from Around the World in the Tri-Cities

If you happen to be searching for fun things to do in the Tri-Cities area, a great trip for families and friends of all ages is to visit Creation Kingdom Zoo. Hidden away in a remote corner of Southwestern Virginia that is conveniently next door to the Tri-Cities area on the Virginia and Tennessee border, few people would expect to find a zoo that is stocked with some of the world's most rare and endangered species - but this is exactly what my family and thousands of others have found when visiting Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City, Virginia. 

This zoo features a vast array of different, exceptional specimens from the animal kingdom, including over 30 different endangered species. Black Handed Spider Monkeys, Ring Tailed Lemurs, the rare White Capped Mangabey, Amur Tigers, Black Mane Lions, and White Royal Bengal Tigers are just a few of the wide variety of primates, mammals, cats, birds and reptiles that one will encounter when visiting this zoo. The zoo staff have taken great care to ensure that all of the animals thrive in a relaxing setting with especially designed enclosures that are designed to mimic the animals' natural native habitats. This zoo was originally a private reserve that was dedicated to assisting in the preservation of endangered species through breeding programs conducted in conjunction with zoos and preserves from around the world. Three years ago the founders decided to share their knowledge of the animal kingdom with the general public to increase awareness about the need for preservation through education and thus the zoo was born. 

Creation Kingdom Zoo's mission is to provide "education, conservation and propagation" of these stunning creatures to ensure their survival as a species. Sadly many of the world's rarest creatures have found it difficult if not impossible to continue to survive outside of zoos and preserves as they have been driven to near extinction from both human misunderstanding about their nature and needs as well as the drastic reductions of their native habitats. Education, preservation and breeding programs are the key to help these dwindling populations survive.

Getting There

Travel on Alternative Highway 58 to the Gate City exit. The Gate City High School is just off the exit on the right. Turn right at the first light beside of the high school. Take a right at the stop sign onto Hwy 71. Travel 5.6 miles and turn left at the Zoo sign on Snowflake Road. Continue on Snowflake Road for 1.5 miles and you will reach the zoo entrance.

Admission and Hours

During the winter months from December through March, the zoo is only open on the weekends during the following days and times: Saturdays 11am-5pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm. As the weather begins to warm in mid-March, the zoo's regular hours return: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission rates are $10 for ages 2 and up and visitors 2 and under are free. Group rates and special discounts for school and church groups are available by contacting the zoo.

What to Expect

Visiting this zoo is both exciting and relaxing. Everyone, including the animals, seems to have adopted a more leisurely pace to their day than what many of us have become accustomed to with our hectic, busy lifestyles. The zoo allows visitors to walk through the park at their own pace, and provides additional educational programs both on and off site. While touring the zoo grounds, I know that my family and I were not alone in noticing the extra time and effort that the staff spent in ensuring that everyone enjoyed their visit and was able to get the pictures and experiences that they wanted with the various animals and exhibits. 

Be prepared to come with lots of memory space and battery life for your digital camera when you visit, especially if you bring children along. Unlike some other zoos and conservatories, Creation Kingdom Zoo does not place a limit on the number of pictures that can be taken of these beautiful, magnificent animals, and I noticed that visitors were often allowed to get quite close and even interact with some of the zoo's inhabitants. The zoo even allows visitors to feed some of the animals with specially designated food that is available for purchase.

Education Programs

For schools and other groups, the zoologist and staff have special educational programs for groups touring the zoo, but they are also willing to bring the animals on site to schools to add to their curricula as an on-site field trip. These trips are great to help children and others learn about the wildlife with which we share the planet, and can be used to satisfy some mandated education requirements in both Tennessee and Virginia. More information about these programs is available by contacting the zoo.

Additional Special Programs

The zoo also makes a special effort to make many popular holidays and festivals even more enjoyable for both the animals and their visitors with special events such as Easter at the Zoo, "Boo at the Zoo" which has become one of the area's most popular harvest and Halloween events, and special tours and decorations for Christmas at the Zoo.

My family and I had a great time at this zoo, especially when we got to see and interact with some of the primates, birds and smaller mammals. If you are in the Tri-Cities and searching for a great activity for family and friends, regardless of the time of year, a trip to Creation Kingdom Zoo is a treat you will not want to miss!

Contact Information

Creation Kingdom Zoo

1692 Snowflake Rd

Gate City, Virginia 24251

Telephone: (276) 690-5450

Email: staff@creationkingdomzoo.com

Top 4 Best Bagel Shops in Charlottesville Virginia

Historical Charlottesville, Virginia, is known for being the home of one of the founding fathers of our country, Thomas Jefferson, and for his school The University of Virginia. What many people may not realize is that the area known as "The Corner," and the UVA campus itself, in Charlottesville are also home to some amazing Bagel shops.

Bodo's Bagels opened in Charlottesville in 1988 on Emmett Street, and has expanded to three locations, including my favorite one on the University's "Corner" near the Rotunda at 1609 University Avenue. Telephone: (434) 293-6021.

Bodo's makes all of their bagels from scratch every day in the "New York" style, kettling them before baking them. They have a wide variety of bagels as well, such as Plain, Sesame, Poppy, Garlic, Salt, Everything, Cinnamon and Raisin, to 100% Whole Wheat Bagels in Plain, Everything, and Cinnamon and Raisin. You can get a bagel with one of their many homemade cream cheese spreads which include Herb, Scallion, Olive, Vegetable, Walnut Raisin, Honey Pecan, Blueberry, Lox and Honey Butter as well as Egg bagels with Cheese, Ham, Sausage, Bacon, or Deli-Egg bagels. Prices for bagels start at .70 each and can rise to $4.80 depending on toppings and spreads. My favorite is the Deli-Egg topping with Scallion Spread on a 100% whole Wheat Everything Bagel. They also have various Salads, Wraps, Sandwiches and Omelets available. Bistro type seating is available outside and inside this Bodo's location the dark, wooden interior gives you a "nestled" feeling while you are eating. Parking is limited, and you may have to park at the parking garage or at the University and walk to the location. There are two other locations in Charlottesville with ample parking if this is an issue.

Einstein Brothers Bagels has two locations on the campus of The University of Virginia, one in the Rice Hall and the other location in the campus bookstore. Telephone: (800)224-3563.

Parking is an issue as you will need to walk from one of the parking garages, but the walk is well worth the gastronomical treat that you receive when eating one of their delicious bagels. Einstein Brothers Bagels are also baked fresh every day, and come in a wide variety such as Plain, Honey Whole Wheat, Plain, Pumpernickel, Asiago Cheese, Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Raisin, Cinnamon Sugar, Cranberry, Garlic, Good Grains, Onion, Poppy, Potato and Sesame. Einstein Brothers also serves a wide variety of Egg Panini, Egg Wraps, Sandwich Wraps, Salads, Pizza Bagels and Bagel Hot Dogs. Various Coffees, Espresso and Lattes as well as Teas and Fruit Drinks are available as well. My absolute favorite bagel here is the Whole Wheat Everything Nova Lox; its salmon and cream cheese filling is heavenly. Prices for bagels vary depending on bagel type, filling and topping, but range from $.99 to $5.69.

Dunkin Donuts has three locations in Charlottesville, including the one at The Corner near The Rotunda, 1509 University Avenue. Telephone: (434) 984-9600.

Including one of the mass producing restaurants in the category of "bagel shop" is anathema to some "bagel purists", but Dunkin Donuts does have a wide variety of bagels available at this location, including Sesame, Poppy, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, Garlic, Multi-Grain, Salt, and Plain as well as Bagel Twists with various baked in flavors and their other Sandwiches, Wraps, Muffins, Doughnuts, Pastries, and Hash Browns, as well as a wide variety of Coffees, Espressos, Teas and other Beverages. Prices vary depending on type of bagel and topping or filling, but range from $1 to $6 in price. Like the other locations at The Corner, parking is limited.

Starbucks has nine locations in Charlottesville, including the one on The Corner at 1601 University Avenue. Telephone: (434) 970-1058.

Starbucks is not known for their bagels, but are known for their coffees, which come in a wide variety and are generally considered by many to be equivalent to nectar from Heaven. This location only has three varieties of bagels, Plain, Sesame and Everything and they are of the mass produced variety and are $1.25 each. The bagels are not terrible; it's just that with so many choices of genuine New York style bagels nearby, I would pass. If you just can't pass up your Starbucks coffee, if the weather co-operates you can have the best of both worlds, get your coffee from Starbucks and walk a few feet down to Bodo's Bagels and grab one of their bagels of homemade goodness and enjoy both outside at one of the bistro tables under the umbrellas.

Visiting the Vineyards of Southwest Virginia

When most people hear of the region of Southwest Virginia, they automatically think of coal, and indeed the mining of this resource has been a way of life for many generations in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. What many people do not realize is that there is fertile ground that is contained in the vast, open expanses that are found on the plateaus of reclaimed strips jobs, as well as the many naturally occurring, open meadows of the area that make the region the perfect location for growing grapes. There are several vineyards in the region that seek to capitalize on this resource as some in the area make the transition from coal and begin to pursue more sustainable endeavors.

My favorite vineyard in the region is located at the far corner of Virginia in Wise County, Mountain Rose Vineyard (10439 North Reservoir Rd., Wise, Virginia. 276-328-2013). The Lawson family which owns the vineyard planted its first vines in 1996 on land that was originally a reclaimed strip mine. At an elevation of 2,640 feet, the Lawson's currently grow eight varieties of grapes at this vineyard - white: Traminette, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Niagara, Rkatsiteli, and red: Chancellor, and Cabernet franc are grown there to produce wines that are known as "fruity and complex" and are winning awards everywhere. 

The vineyard offers daily wine tasting for free for five wines with a $3 fee for additional tastings, and tours 6 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and also offer several special events throughout the year. This vineyard is also known for the over 100 roses that are growing throughout the vineyard and is becoming known for the private events that it also hosts, which include birthdays, weddings and other group gatherings. 

Perhaps two of the vineyard's best known and regional favorite events are the annual Concord Grape Festival, held sometime in September, where visitors are invited to pick their own grapes, and also the annual Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival, held sometime in October of each year, the event features hayrides through the vineyard, a country lunch, and a grape stomping contest! Recently the Lawson's opened a second, smaller vineyard in nearby Russell County, which is known as Grace Vineyards.

In nearby Russell County, there is another vineyard that seeks to capitalize on the region's abundant fertile ground and elevation to produce great wines, Vincent's Vineyards (physically located just past Big Cedar Creek Bridge near Lebanon. 2313 E. Main St., Lebanon, Virginia. 276-889-2505). The Gilmer's started the vineyard on land that has been a family farm for over six generations. Over the years, the farm went from growing Wheat, Corn and Tobacco and raising cattle and sheep herds to planting its first vines in 2001. Currently they grow seven varieties of grapes which include Traminette, Cabernet Franc, Steuben, Chambourcin, Chardonel, Chardonnay and Concord. They offer free wine tastings and tours 6 days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, sell wine from their tasting room, and also have a small gift shop that features local artisan's crafts, wine accessories, and jellies made at the Vineyard.

Continuing up the road to Washington County one will find the Abingdon Vineyard & Winery(20530 Alvarado Rd., Abingdon, Virginia. 276-623-1255). The Nordin Carlson Family owns the 53 acres upon which this vineyard was founded. They planted their first 500 vines in 1998 and had over 6,000 by 2001. Their main varieties of grapes are Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonel, Traminette, Pinot Noir, Norton, Chambourcin, and Viognier. This vineyard offers tastings and tours March 15^ththrough December 15^th on Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 noon to 6 p.m.

There are many other vineyards that can be found throughout the unique, abundant and bountiful region that is known as Southwest Virginia, but these three are currently the best known. As more individuals in the region become more aware of the area's natural resources and turn to tourism and ecology to diversify employment opportunities in the region there will surely be more vineyards in the region in the years to come.