Things to do… Giles A > Z
Things to do… Giles A > Z
Giles County offers a multitude of things to do and places to see. We have something to suit the needs of everyone. Giles County does have extensive outdoor recreation activities: floating on the New River Water Trail, hiking to one of our beautiful waterfalls, or camping by the New River. But, we also have a versatile array of other non-outdoor activities. Whether you want to enjoy an outdoor activity or one of our non-outdoor activities, Giles County will surely have something for you. To make things a little easier, here is a sampling list of things to do and places to see from A to Z.
Andrew Johnston House
This one is for you, history lovers! The Andrew Johnston House in Pearisburg, Virginia is the oldest surviving brick house in Giles County. Today, it is a museum, and it is home to the Giles County Historical Society. Tours are offered when the house is open, and the staff can help with genealogical services in their Research Center. There is also a gift shop to find something to remember your visit.
Barney’s Wall
In your search and experience with Giles County, it is likely you have stumbled across or heard of the well-known Cascade Falls hike in Pembroke, Virginia. Barney’s Wall, sets directly above the Cascades, offers a scenic mountain view for hikers who are willing to go the extra distance to get there.
Corner Market
On your A-Z journey of Giles County, make sure to stop at the Corner Market in Rich Creek, Virginia. You can fill up your gas tank, purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, or grab a quick snack.
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Castle Rock Golf Course
Surround by views or the mountains, Castle Rock Golf & Recreation is open to the public with an 18-hole course recently recognized as a top public course in Southwest Virginia. Visit them today, book an event at the 19th Hole, or consider a membership to enjoy the pool and other amenities.
Castle Rock Golf Course, Pembroke, VA
Disc Golf
Enjoy an evening of disc golf in the Town of Narrows, Virginia at Camp Success Campground. This disc golf course is comprised of ~18 holes located throughout the campground. You are sure to have a good time!
Eggleston Springs Campground
Eggleston Springs Campground, located in Eggleston, Virginia, is a great place to camp or access the New River Water Trail for the day for a small fee. It is a family oriented campground that offers some of the best fishing. Bring your tackle and see for yourself!
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Eggleston Public Boat Landing
Put your tube, boat, kayak, or canoe on the New River Water Trail access in Eggleston, Virginia. This section of the New River is recognized as one of the most scenic floats in all of Virginia, with the historic Palisades Cliffs downstream on the right of the access ramp.
Farmers Markets
In Narrows you can find our local farmers market, boasting fresh produce, crafts, events, and activities. Vendors can be set up at the Farmer’s Market from 8 AM to 1 PM on Thursdays and Saturdays April 1st through October 31st. They also host special events on the second Friday’s of the month.
Glen Lyn Town Park
In Glen Lyn, Virginia you can find the Glen Lyn Town Park. The park is along the New River Water Trail, and there is a public boat landing next to the RV access inside the park. There is also playground equipment for the youngsters to enjoy.
Hunting
Giles County contains 92.4 square miles of Jefferson National Forest, so Giles County is often busy in the fall once hunting seasons begin. There is an abundance of whitetail deer, wild turkey, rabbit, and raccoon for hunters and sportsman. Find out more about hunting licenses for the Commonwealth and where to hunt in the Jefferson National Forest.
Inn at Riverbend
For those of you looking for a place to relax and unwind on your trip from A to Z, take a stop at the Inn at Riverbend in Pearisburg. The Inn is a bed and breakfast with seven appropriately named rooms for places in Giles County for guest to recharge during their visit. You’ll be sure to enjoy your stay!
Jam Sessions
Music lovers, we even have something for you! If you’re looking for music to enjoy, you can find another old time jam session on Thursdays at the MacArthur Inn. The MacArthur Inn is a historic hotel located in Narrows. These jam sessions are enjoyable and entertaining.
Kelly Knob Overlook
To get to Kelly Knob Overlook, you hike two miles along the Appalachian Trail near Newport, Virginia. Once you get to the overlook, there are beautiful views to enjoy. The elevation is from 3,300 to 3,800 feet, and the hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty.
LOVEwork
Virginia is for Lovers! You can find three LOVEwork displays for a fun photo opportunity in our beautiful communities! One is in Newport at the Newport Recreation and Community Center. The other one is at the Mill Pond, also known as the Duck Pond, in Narrows. And the newest addition is located in downtown Pearisburg, next door to the historic Courthouse. Stop by and enjoy the creativity that went into these displays, and snap a quick picture while you’re at it to share on social media. (Be sure to use #GilesCoVA & #LoveVA)
Motorcycle Tours
Great views intertwined with a fun ride! GearHead Moto Tours located in Pearisburg can give you just that. They can help you with a rental, or you can bring your own bike. They take care of everything, like lodging, dining, and getting you to the beautiful views, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
New River Water Trail
Giles County is home to 37 beautiful miles of the New River Water Trail. There are many public and private access points to get on the river. River guests can enjoy tubing, canoeing, rafting, swimming, standup paddle boarding, fishing, and kayaking. There are outfitters and guides who can help you rent gear and guide your trip along the stunning New River.
Oktoberfest at Mountain Lake Lodge
Oktoberfest at Mountain Lake Lodge is a yearly event that promises authentic food, beverages, and entertainment for those who come out to enjoy the weekend.
Palisades Restaurant
The Palisades Restaurant, located in the former Pyne’s General Store, in Eggleston offers contemporary, sophisticated cuisine with southern hospitality. Most of their pork, beef, trout, and produce are locally grown in the New River Valley. The Palisades offers dinner daily and Sunday brunch. Plus catch live music every weekend!
Queen’s Pizza and Subs
Another yummy place to eat on our tour from A to Z is Queen’s Pizza and Subs. With locations in Pearisburg and Rich Creek, it is convenient to grab a pizza, burger, or sub to enjoy on your trip through Giles County. You can dine in, carry out, or have your food delivered to where you are staying.
JBR Vineyard
JBR Vineyards LLC was the first to sell a bottle of wine made from Giles County grapes. At an elevation of 1800 feet in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, JBR Vineyards LLC passionately produces small quantities of hand-tended classic wine grapes and hand-crafted wine.
Sinking Creek Bridge
The Sinking Creek Bridge is located in Newport. The bridge has been standing since 1916, making the bridge over 100 years old! The bridge is 70 feet, and a bright, beautiful red color. Because of its beauty, it has been the subject of many photographs and paintings throughout the years. It is open to the public for you to enjoy on your trip from A to Z.
Treasure Island
Located within the Pembroke Park in the Town of Pembroke, Treasure Island playground is sure to make the youngsters on your trip happy. This playground will be loads of fun for them as they run, climb, and play. Pembroke Park also has a walking trail and a picnic shelter to enjoy on your visit.
Underground Caving
The Giles County Historical Society has held an informational session about Giant Caverns in the summer of 2016. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation also will hold occasional caving opportunities for experienced cavers to enter caves. Giles has over 250 registered caves. Please be respectful and extremely cautious when considering entering a cave. All caves require permission to enter from landowners.
Virginias Walk Trail
The Virginias Walk Trail in White Rocks Campground meanders 1.3 miles around the campground. Its name comes from the fact that the trail travels from Virginia into West Virginia and back again. The trail begins at campsite #9 and ends at campsite #26. It is a pleasant stroll to enjoy!
Walker Creek Retreat
Walker Creek Retreat is situated along nearly a mile of unspoiled creek frontage of Walker Creek in Pembroke. There are five waterfront vacation rentals with rustic-chic cabin décor. This is the perfect retreat for those looking for a peaceful place to stay on their journey from A to Z in Giles County.
X Country Skiing
Yes, we even have something that begins with the letter X! Cross country skiing, or X country skiing, is something to enjoy during the wintertime in Giles County. The Mountain Lake Conservancy has areas for skiers to enjoy. The Jefferson National Forest can also be a place you may see skiers enjoying the terrain.
Yoga
Need some time to relax? The Giles County Wellness Center offers group yoga classes, as well as many others group exercise classes. The Wellness Center also has cardiovascular equipment, free weights, weight machines, and full locker room facilities for gym guests to use.
Zorb Racing at Mountain Lake Lodge
Our last stop from A to Z in Giles County is Zorb racing at Mountain Lake Lodge. You climb into giant bubble balls to roll around the adventure center, in a similar fashion to a hamster in a hamster ball. You can also race an opponent thought the Zorb Racing Course. Hop in for a spin!