There are so many great things to do in Floyd, Virginia that it might be overwhelming to know what to do. We’ve listed the 10 best including where to eat, nearby adventures, and some of the best shops so you don’t miss anything.
Floyd Virginia is a tiny town and a unique community that seems more well suited to the Pacific Northwest than the highlands of Southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
We love visiting Floyd, Virginia and each time we find a new fun way to spend out day. There are so many amazing events as well as unique shops and delicious places to eat. It’s amazing just how much is packed into this tiny town.
1. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Downtown Floyd is only a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and once you are there, you can find endless things to do.
Mabry Mill – At milepost 176 you can find Mabry Mill, one of the most popular stops on the parkway. There is a delicious restaurant along with the very photogenic historic mill. And the 25 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway you’ll drive to get there are also beautiful.
Smart View Recreation Area – Smart View Recreation area is at milepost 154.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and only takes about 15 minutes to reach.
Once you’ve arrived you will find a great picnic area and several trails. The real draw for the area, though, is the historic log cabin. There is ample parking and a very short walk to reach the cabin.
Rocky Knob Recreation Area – Rocky Knob is at milepost 167 and there are a series of overlooks where you can view the Rocky Knob Gorge. There are camping options at the recreation area as well as a great hike into Rock Castle Gorge. The Saddle Overlook and The Rock Castle Gorge Overlook are probably the best stops to take in the beautiful view.
2. Take a hike
There are a couple of great hikes near Floyd. Hiking in Floyd is especially nice in the summer because the higher elevation keeps the temperatures cooler.
Rock Castle Gorge
The longest and most rewarding hike is the ten mile Rock Castle Gorge trail. It’s a great trail for avid hikers but if that distance seems more than you want to take on, don’t worry. You can always just hike the first few miles of the trail along the rim of the gorge. There are some amazing views from this section of the trail.
If you decide to hike the entire trail, you will enjoy walking along Rock Castle Creek and seeing some historic homes deep in the gorge.
Buffalo Mountain
Buffalo Mountain is another great trail to consider taking. The trail is much shorter and easier than Rock Castle Gorge and you will love the 360 degree views from the top. Overall the trail is just over two miles and it will only take a couple hours to enjoy the entire hike.
3. Grab some great coffee at Red Rooster Coffee
I love coffee and Red Rooster has some incredible beans! You can find their roasts all over the Roanoke Valley. They are famous in the region for the freshness.
The food is also an incredible surprise. When we visited I was excited for the coffee and it was amazing, but the food blew me away, especially the scones.
4. Go shopping
There are some great shops in Floyd. The community is very eclectic and you can find that reflected in the crafts for sale around town.
Republic of Floyd features has an eclectic mix of items for sale. You are likely to find something you didn’t realize you needed when you walk through the doors.
Finders Keepers has a collection of well preserved antiques and local crafts. Everything is well made and you can find some great items in the pretty shop.
New Mountain Mercantile is a craft shop stuffed with interesting and fun creations by locals. They even allow for online purchases so if you leave and regret not purchasing something, they have you covered.
Chic’s Antiques and Variety is a classic antique shop with items ranging from beautiful handcrafted furniture to mid-century modern sundries. Avid antiquers will feel right at home.
Angels in the Attic is a thrift shop in downtown Floyd and has everything you would expect from a thrift shop. There are always some unique things in the shop.
The Floyd Country Store is best known for the concerts they host, but the store also has a café, soda fountain, and some local items. Perusing their funny t-shirts and drinking an ice cream soda is a hard-to-replicate treat.
A Little Monkey Business specializes in fun clothing for everyone. You are likely to laugh a lot while you check out their clothing.
The Floyd Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local farmers, bakers, and crafters sell their handiworks year round. You can always find something tasty and fresh when you visit.
5. Catch some live music
This is probably what Floyd is most famous for. The Crooked Road runs right through the town and bluegrass music is built into the soul of the community. One of the most regular events to plan for is the Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. They also have regular concerts in the intimate side stage.
Another place to check out is the Floyd Center of the Arts. They have concerts less regularly than the Floyd Country Store but you will find a mix of classical, jazz, soul, and other genres here.
6. Catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise
There are a few places to watch sunset or sunrise. Floyd is one of the best places to watch the faded light spread because Floyd is surrounded by natural beauty.
Your best locations for either are at Buffalo Mountain and at The Saddle Overlook on the Parkway. Both have incredible views to both the east and the west.
Floyd is also higher than most of the surrounding mountains because it is on the Blue Ridge Plateau so you get the great hazy views in the predawn and dusk light.
7. Grab a great meal
Whether are looking for an upscale meal or grabbing a quick bite from a food truck, Floyd has you covered.
Parkway Grille is your best option for a interesting flavor combinations in a refined setting. Despite the awesome flavors and beautiful décor the price remains reasonable.
Bootleg BBQ has some seriously good food and the surrounding outdoor seating is fun.
If neither of those are sounding like what you want, you can head to the Blue Ridge Diner and grab a familiar plate of tasty food with very friendly service.
8. Grab an adult beverage
There are a few places to enjoy a little alcohol in Floyd. You can grab drinks at the Republic of Floyd Emporium to be enjoyed later but for a fuller experience there are two great options.
Chateau Morrisette Winery
This is the best option for wine lovers. The winery is about 20 minutes from downtown Floyd and you can combine it with a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway and grab some scenic views along the way. They have a great mix of wines and the grounds around the winery are stunning. It’s a great place to add to your must do list if you love wine tastings and you can even bring your pup!
Buffalo Mountain Brewery
Buffalo Mountain Brewery is a microbrewer only a couple minutes from downtown. They have a short list of great brews and a menu with a few delicious snacks.
9. Find a unique place to stay
Floyd has so much to do that it’s worth considering a multi-day stay. You won’t find any large commercial chains near the town, instead you’ll find interesting places that offer more than a bed and shower that can enhance your experience.
Staying in a yurt is a great way to visit the mountains and stay connected to the beautiful surroundings. Floyd Yurt Lodging has you covered. You will want to book early for your visit because the yurt goes quickly.
Hotel Floyd is in the middle of downtown Floyd and they are the best option if you want a classic hotel experience. If you are traveling with your family, you can find rooms with 2 queen beds here.
Oak Haven Lodge is only a couple minutes out of town and offers cozy inexpensive rooms. The lodge is a good option for couples wanting an inexpensive stay in a cozy room.
Pine Tavern Lodge has rooms and suites for a very affordable price. Travelers that like their comfort will find a welcome respite at Pine Tavern, just book early so you can secure a suite.
10. Take in an amazing event
Floyd Fest is an annual event that enchants the entire region.
There are options for staying onsite in camp sites, RV sites, or even a glamping option. Lodging will become impossible to find closer to the event so book as soon as you know you are attending.
One thing that separates Floyd Fest from many other similar events is that it is kid-friendly. Usually massive music festivals are full of all forms of not kid-friendly fun. Floyd Fest works very hard to make kids a focus of the event, not just an afterthought.
Sadly, Floyd Fest has been cancelled for 2023 but it will be back for 2024.
If you love mountains, music, and good times, Floyd is a place you need to visit. It’s an amazing small town with a community that is deeply invested in making it a wonderful place to visit and to just be yourself.
Floyd, Virginia is one of our favorite towns to visit in the Blue Ridge and one where we can always find something unexpected and interesting to do.
If you love visiting small towns in the Blue Ridge you might love visiting Bedford, Virginia as well. Bedford has a deep rooted history and tons of natural beauty nearby, even if you’ve visited Bedford before there’s likely something you’ve missed.
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