You'll never be at a loss for interesting things to do when you're a guest at our Norton, Virginia Hotel. Enjoy live concerts at the Virginia-Kentucky Opry. Engage in all types of outdoor recreation in Jefferson National Forest. Get a fascinating history lesson at the Southwestern Virginia Museum. Check out these and other top tourist attractions in the below compilation.
Jefferson National Forest -
Hugging the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Jefferson National Forest is home to a wealth of outdoor recreation activities. Choose from hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and camping. Plus, many visitors have taken part in birding, photography, and driving along back-country roads. www.stateparks.com/jefferson.html
Virginia-Kentucky Opry -
Since 1995, the Virginia-Kentucky Opry has featured top-notch live concerts starring both regional and national performers playing everything from country and gospel to bluegrass and big band. Past bluegrass artists include Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks plus country-rock's Goose Creek Symphony. www.virginiamountainmusic.org
Devils Fork Loop Trail -
Quite challenging, the Devils Fork Loop Trail features up to 18 stream crossings along with a 1200-foot elevation change. It's also quite a stunning hike that goes through a rhododendron forest and features everything from rock formations and waterfalls to swimming holes and mountain views. www.traillink.com/trail/devils-fork-loop-trail.aspx
Flag Rock Recreation Area -
Covering 25 acres, Flag Rock Recreation Area provides hiking trails, fishing area, playground equipment, and more than a dozen camping spots. Picnicking is big as well. There are large and small shelters plus more than 50 picnic tables with grills. www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/FlagRockRecreationArea
Lonesome Pine Raceway -
Featuring a 3/8-mile asphalt oval, Lonesome Pine Raceway is one of the top places to race in the United States. Many renowned drivers have competed on this ASA track, including Richard Petty, Harry Gant, Alan Kulwiki, Rusty Wallace, and Mark Martin. www.thepineraceway.com
Guest River Gorge Trail -
This six-mile scenic trail follows the Guest River, where trout fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular activities. There are several interesting sites along the trail such as an old railroad tunnel, bridges, waterfalls, and outcroppings of rock. www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/GuestRiverGorgeTrail
Southwest Virginia Museum -
Learn all about boom and bust era of the late 1800s through a variety of exhibits at the Southwest Virginia Museum. Examine a wide range of mail-order catalogs, photographs, and radios from the early 20th century as well as an array of artifacts from early settlers in the late 1700s. www.swvamuseum.org
MountainRose Vineyard -
Since 1966, MountainRose Vineyard has been growing eight varieties of grapes. They include whites, such as Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Niagara, and reds like Chancellor and Cabernet Franc. In the winery's future are several acres of Chancellor and Pinot Noir grapes. www.mountainrosevineyard.com
Little Stony National Recreation Trail -
This picturesque trail follows Little Stony Creek through a deep, wide gorge. At certain points, hikers will be required to navigate large rocks. But it's definitely worth the effort, especially since there are many beautiful waterfalls along the way, including one that cascades down 24 feet. www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/site.asp?trail=2&loop=MAW&site=MAW04
Ralph Stanley Museum -
Located in a 100-year-old, four-story home in Clintwood, Virginia, the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting mountain and bluegrass music. It accomplishes via workshops, seminars, and conventions. www.ralphstanleymuseum.com
