Getting away from it all doesn’t have to be only for the youthful adventurer. A world of discovery exists for ALL ages in our region – and we promise you’ll find enough fun to put some spring in your step.
Civil War Trails
Smyth County is wealthy in its historical landmarks of Civil War Trails. Saltville, north of I-81 on Route 107 – Salt wells here were crucially important to the Confederate war effort, important enough to be the focus of Union attacks late in 1864. Civil War Trails interpretation at two sites. Marion – Civil War Trails sign in a small cemetery on East Main Street tells the story of Col. William Elisha Peters, who enlisted as a private in the Confederate army and quickly rose in the ranks. He was arrested briefly for refusing to join in the burning of Chambersburg, Pa. Wounded three times, he surrendered with his unit at Appomattox. He is buried nearby. Engagement at Marion, Civil War Trails sign on Route 11 in Marion – Confederates, outnumbered 4:1 here, managed to hold off for two days (Dec. 16–18, 1864) Union forces raiding the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad and the salt and lead mines in the area. Local heros saved county records and other town resources.
For The Birds
Southwest Virginia hosts many trails for the birding and wildlife enthusiast. Sites along the Clinch Mountain Loop include parts of four counties, Washington, Tazewell, Russell and Smyth, with elevation ranges that span over 3000 feet. (View Loop Map) Each of the sites offers unusual features likely to please nature enthusiasts, starting just off the interstate at Hungry Mother State Park. Here, the sandy beach entices visitors to the clear cool waters of Hungry Mother Lake, and the area’s deep woods echo with the music of singing warblers. Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, which includes Laurel Bed Lake, is the second largest and most biologically diverse wildlife management area in Virginia. Saltville Well Fields is a haven for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, with ecology unique to inland saline watersheds. Hayter’s Gap, a private site, offers additional incentives to visitors, such as educational workshops and guided tours. The site of two Civil War battles, nearby Saltville is on the Virginia Civil War Trails and provides access to the North Holston River where visitors can view a great blue heron rookery and possibly bald eagle.
From Your House to Town House
From your door to our door, there has never been a better way to experience Town House, one of Virginia’s premier culinary destinations! Priced at $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity), the From Your House to Our House package features a five course dinner (additional courses can be added for $10 each) for a minimum group of 8 people with free round-trip transportation (must be picked up and returned to a single location). Allow us to do the planning and chauffeur you safely to and from Town House. On your ride home, enjoy a selection of homemade treats after a gastronomic evening you will never forget. (Rates apply to Abingdon, VA; Bristol, VA; Bristol, TN and all points between).
(Lincoln Theatre, Winery, RVing, change pic up top)
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