Whether soaring vistas, historic explorations, water adventure or sheer relaxation, Patrick County has it all.
Located where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet Virginia’s Piedmont, Patrick County contains all the elements for a perfect weekend getaway. Here’s our recipe for a jam-packed weekend trip to Patrick County.
Friday
Afternoon:
Begin your visit at Fairy Stone State Park, where you can swim, fish, paddle, or hunt for fairy stones.
Fairy Stone State Park offers an unforgettable experience with camping, swimming, hiking, paddling, picnicking and two playgrounds, including one in the water. Go deeper to explore the recreation area’s local folklore and its unique abundance of fairy stones—the small, cross-shaped rocks that are said to be the crystallized tears of ancient fairies.
Afterward, stop by Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, Patrick County’s only remaining historic covered bridge. The bridge was first built in 1914 to access a church, and it has survived flooding and the passage of more than a century.
Or head into Stuart, the county seat, and shop at Mattie B’s (https://www.mattie-bs.com), Main Street Cards, Marilyn’s, Quilted Colors, and Wanda’s Estate Jewelry. Make sure to stop by Pet Provisions to stock up on supplies for your traveling pets.
Supper:
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Primland Elements restaurant. Stop by the Stable Saloon to check out some live music. Then, end the evening with a whiskey tasting.
Primland makes a fantastic destination for its own dedicated weekend trip. Stay at a lodge, cabin or even a treehouse. While there, enjoy world-class golf, fishing, shooting, and fine dining—all without leaving the resort grounds. No matter your preference, Primland can open your eyes to the simple pleasure of a mountain getaway.
Saturday
Breakfast:
Start your day at Coffee Break on Main Street with their throwback diner feel. Or visit the Honduras Coffee Shop for locally roasted coffee.
Morning:
Visit Lover’s Leap and take a selfie at the overlook. Locals claim the name originates from the days of the early settlers, when legend has it that a settler boy carried on a relationship with an American Indian girl. The couple was threatened and shunned, so with the beautiful rock and wildflowers as their backdrop, the leaped from the cliff to ensure they would be together forever. Is the story true? No one can say for sure, though some say you can still hear their whispers on the cool evening breezes.
Stop in at Nancy’s Candy watch candy being made and shop their selection of locally made candy. While there, shop in the Meadows of Dan Village, and pick up unique gifts at Concord Corner Store.
Cap off the morning by driving Patrick County’s 30 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway, which offer sweeping views of the mountains and foothills. Known as “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive,” is known as a roadway with one-of-a-kind scenic, recreational and historic qualities.
Lunch:
The blend of mountains and foothills in Patrick County blend makes for an exceptional terroir, as demonstrated by the county’s rich wineries.
For lunch, stop off the parkway at Villa Appalaccia for a wine tasting, pizza and music on the piazza. The vineyards, tasting room and music garden of Villa Appaccia offer stunning views and a relaxing environment on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Patrick County, Virginia. The winery specializes in Italian grape varieties, including Sangiovese, Primitivo, Pinot Grigio, Malvasia, Cabernet Franc, Aglianico and Corvina.
Afternoon:
Then keep the day flowing at Stanburn Winery, a family-owned vineyard and winery that offers delicious wines and friendly warmth in a beautiful setting. Nelson and Elsie Stanley established their vineyard in Patrick County, Virginia, in 1999, and Stanburn Winery became a reality a decade later with their son David and his wife Tabatha. The winery began with Chardonnay, Traminette, and Cabernet Franc varietals and now makes 12 different styles.
Dinner:
Check out the Stuart Family restaurant, which is known for big portions of a variety of foods, including vegetarian fare, at a reasonable price.
Sunday
Breakfast/coffee:
Begin the morning with a stop by the Claudville Cafe for breakfast.
Morning:
Take a wondrous drive along Squirrel Spur to Angel Overlook, then to Groundhog Mountain Lookout Tower. From here, cast your gaze over the county’s rich topography and soak in the views.
Or if your tastes turn to angling, visit one of Patrick County’s five rivers and four lakes. The Dan River, North and South Mayo rivers, Rock Castle Creek, Ararat River, Fairy Stone Lake, Philpott Lake, Talbott Dam and Townes Reservoir hold a wide variety of fish, from sunfish to bass to stocked trout. Make sure to brush up on state fishing regulations with the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries before getting your line wet.
Lunch:
Before heading out, fill up at Jane’s Cafe, which has homestyle food with out-of-this-world homemade desserts.
