On October 3rd, 2024, the National Park Service closed the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please use alternate routes to travel through the county. Patrick County is home to many scenic backroads. Meadows of Dan is open and accessible. If you need help planning your trip, please contact the Patrick County Visitor Center at 276-693-2005. For updates, please visit www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm
Are you looking for the perfect fall escape? Visit Patrick County this October and discover the beauty of the Blue Ridge. With hundreds of miles to explore, Patrick County is perfect for your next fall adventure. Below are six reasons to visit Patrick County this Fall!
1. Charming Towns
Explore the picture-perfect towns scattered throughout our county. Start your day in the Town of Stuart: home to the Historic Star Theatre, The Mayo River Rail Trail, and two beautiful LOVEworks. Stop by Mattie B’s, The Hatteras Pearl, and the Honey Pot for unique gifts, decor, and more. Avoid construction on Highway 58 and enjoy a scenic drive through Woolwine on your way to Meadows of Dan. Walk around this small community and visit unique shops like Poor Farmer’s Market, The Concord Corner Store, and Poppy’s. For chocolate lovers, Nancy’s Candy Company has something to satisfy any sweet tooth.
2. Historic Sites
Discover Rock Churches, restored homesteads, grist mills, and more in Patrick County. Visit the Birthplace of Civil War General JEB Stuart and watch history come alive at the annual Civil War Encampment. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and discover Olean Puckett’s Cabin, a Bob Childress Rock Church, the Groundhog Mountain Overlook, and Mabry Mill. Stroll through Jacks Creek Covered Bridge in Woolwine, the last remaining covered bridge in Patrick County. Tour the Reynolds Homestead and discover the fascinating history of the Reynolds Family. Check out these 20 Must See Stops for History Lovers to learn more about our county’s historic sites.
3. Great Food
Enjoy farm-to-table meals, fresh baked goods, and charming diners as you explore Patrick County. Check out The Coffee Break, Howel’s Grocery, or Stuart Family Restaurant for a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. Head over to Jane’s Cafe, Poor Farmer’s Market, or Poor Farmer’s Farm in Meadows of Dan for a home-cooked meal along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out Pickle & Ash in Stuart for fresh, farm-to-table meals and craft cocktails.
4. Farms and Orchards
Farmers markets, farmstands, and orchards are scattered all over Patrick County. Visit Levering Orchard for fantastic mountain views and pick-your-own apples. Spend a Friday morning at the Stuart Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. Swing by Wade’s Orchrad, Trent Farms, or H.C. Harold Orchard for bushels or pre-picked apples. Read our Guide to Apple Season to learn more about apple orchards in Patrick County!
5. Fall Festivals & events
Looking for something fun the whole family can enjoy? Lose yourself in the Doe Run Farm Sunflower Maze, a multi-acre maze in Ararat. Doe Run Farm also offers hayrides, slides, pumpkin bowling, and other fun activities for kids to enjoy. Spend the day at Fairy Stone State Park for guided hikes, fairy stone hunts, and other fun activities. Head to Stuart for the 23rd Annual Apple Dumpling Festival and enjoy live music, shopping, and tasty apple dumplings. The Patrick County Music Association is hosting The Hutchens, Olivia Jo, and The Country Boys on October 26th. For a Halloween you won’t forget, gather your ghouls and goblins for the Stuart’s Spooktacular.
6. Scenic Drives
Discover the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick County. There are miles of scenic roads, overlooks, and trails to explore. Colors tend to peak in our county in early-mid October. For a scenic drive out of Stuart and into the mountains, travel along Route 8 towards Woolwine and the Blue Ridge Parkway. At Tuggles Gap, travel south along the Parkway through Rock Castle Gorge, a sprawling recreation area with scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and trails. Continue south for a few minutes to reach Meadows of Dan. Turn onto Squirrel Spur Road and make your way towards Ararat or stay on the Parkway and enjoy a picture-perfect drive through the mountains. Stop at one of the many Overlooks in Patrick County for stunning views.