Love quiet little towns? Take a must-see trip to Historic Downtown Hillsville. First stop and try a wonderful early morning breakfast at the Hillsville Diner. Venture next door afterwards for a history lesson at the Carroll County Historical Museum inside the Historic Carroll County Courthouse. Need a romantic getaway? Stay with Don and Sherri at the Inn and Cottages at Orchard Gap, a lovely B & B off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take in a scenic drive, visit Mabry Mill and a winery or two up the road. Don’t miss a concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center.

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.

Carroll County offers two unique wineries, or should we say one meadery and one cidery? Head out toward Dugspur to have a taste at Black Snake Meadery and Foggy Ridge Cider. From Dugspur, you can take a scenic back road to Fancy Gap to enjoy a picnic at the Devil’s Den Nature Preserve and visit the array of quaint shops in Fancy Gap.

If you are equestrian enthusiasts, saddle up! Take a half day ride at the newly established Crooked Creek Equine/Recreation Trail. This trail is the first of its kind in the state. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has designated this 10.6 mile loop trail that surrounds the Crooked Creek Wildlife Management Area as a multi use recreation trail using existing state maintained dirt surfaced roads.

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. Check out some local fare such as the new Cabo Mexican Grill in the former historic Guynn Hardware store or our new Mile High Burger Company located in the former Nuckoll’s Drug. Both great eats!

Before you leave the area, be sure you visit “pick your own” orchards Levering and Berrier for some seasonal apples and peaches. After visiting the orchards and getting your fruit fresh from the tree, your next stop is to collect some locally grown produce at the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market off I-77 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. The peak colors of fall are brilliant against the crystal clear blue sky. It has to be a little touch of heaven on earth. Anytime of the year is a good time to visit Carroll County.