TWO DAY TRIP IDEA

DAY ONE

Arrive early at Crooked Creek Wildlife Management Area, enjoy a peaceful stroll in and around the the 1,800 acre nature preserve, enjoy trout fishing from a stocked stream, take in the natural beauty and wildlife. Then head back into Hillsville to check-in to one of our family-friendly hotels; there are several to choose from.  Choose one with the perfect amenities. settle in and have a quick nap. Most of our hotels offer a free hot breakfast, pool and free parking.

When you’re ready, drive into downtown Hillsville, visit our historical museum open 10:30 am – 4:00 pm Tues – Fri and on Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Admission is free and the museum is located inside of the Carroll County Historic Courthouse.  For a local dinner head over to Pizza Perfect, or 508 Brews & Company, located just across the street.  From there, if you head back to your hotel, there is a lovely community park that features playground equipment, adult outdoor exercise equipment, a 9-Hole disc golf course, and a 1 mile hiking trail, where you can end the day with a little play time in a beautiful outdoor setting.

 DAY TWO

Start your day with a cup of coffee and a bit of breakfast and then head out to the Blue Ridge Parkway, located 7 miles south on Hwy 52 (South Main Street).  You will find the park entrance at mile post 199.5 in Fancy Gap. The 469 mile motor-road is the largest linear park in the nation. Travel north and visit Mabry Mill, an old working grist mill where interpreters are on site to teach about the mechanics and workings of the mill and the primitive way of living from past years.  Travel south and make a quick stop to see the Piedmont overlooks where, on a clear day, you can see well over 60 miles away to the city skyline of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Continue on to Milepost 213 where you will find The Blue Ridge Music Center with daily musicians on site.  If its the weekend, enjoy the weekend concert series featured through-out the season.  There is always a tune echoing through the hills.  While you’re there, also check out the cultural museum exhibits and the wildlife trials.  Before heading out of town, The Gap Deli is a great place to grab a snack for the road.  You will find it on US-52, located as you exit off the parkway at Fancy Gap and just under 2 miles south Interstate 77.

LOOKING FOR OTHER IDEAS? 

A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Pick from a list of cozy cabins cottages or private homes, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit Mabry Mill and a winery or two (Foggy Ridge Cider, Blake Snake Meadery and Chateau Morrisette are all close by). Don’t miss a concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center.

WITH THE KIDS

Love the outdoors? Check out Lake Ridge RV Resort!  Plan to spend a couple nights tent camping and playing around the pool and waterslide. Don’t forget the paddleboats, fishing, campfires, roasting hotdogs and making s’mores.

SEASONAL ADVENTURES

August is the perfect month for some time in the mountains and in the water. Consider an early morning bike ride on the New River Trail or perhaps a guided fishing trip or a canoe, kayak, or tubing adventure on the New River. You won’t want to miss the Carroll County Agricultural Fair on Wednesday – Sunday during the last full week in August!  You’ll enjoy exhibits, livestock shows, midway rides, Old Time and Bluegrass music, lawn mower races, horse pulls, and much more.

With the turning of the season, September draws record crowds to Hillsville for its annual Gun Show and Flea Market on Labor Day weekend. It is packed with deals, people and food galore. You just have to come see it to believe it. If you get tired of fighting the thousands of people and standing in line for a delicious polish sausage, you should check out some local fare such as Rio Grande, Contenders, The Mason Jar (all conveniently located near the Flea Market) or even Maples Restaurant located at Olde Mill Resort. 

Before you leave the area, be sure to visit “pick your own” orchards, such as Ayers or Levering for some seasonal apples and peaches and even cherries in June. After visiting the orchards and getting your fruit fresh from the tree, the next stop is to collect some locally grown produce and fresh baked goods at the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market off I-77 at Exit 14.

If you’re here in October, the climate is perfect, and the colors of autumn are painting the mountain sides. It is still warm enough for outdoor activities, and the peak colors of fall are brilliant against the crystal clear blue sky. It has to be a little touch of heaven on earth.

WANT TO PLAN YOUR VERY OWN ADVENTURE?

Feel free to browse the site and add items of interest to your favorites list, you will find a tab at the top of our home page that will capture all your favorite items which can then be viewed or printed during your visit – created and customized just for you.

Anytime of the year is a good time to visit Carroll County.  It’s Cooler in the Mountains!