Best of the Blue Ridge

Patrick County is home to many amazing events and attractions. Don’t just take our word for it! Below are the winners of Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine’s annual Best of the Blue Ridge competition. Readers from all over the region nominated their favorite businesses, festivals, and attractions.

Winner

• Front Porch Fest – WINNER Best Family Friendly Festival in the Blue Ridge: Front Porch Fest features an awesome music lineup and plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy. Held on Labor Day weekend, this festival is the best way to end the summer.
• DeHart Disc Golf Park – WINNER Best Disc Golf Course in the Blue Ridge: This brand-new course was created in partnership with Stuart’s Rotary Club, Patrick County Parks & Rec, Dehart Park, the Town of Stuart, and Patrick County Tourism. This short, beginner-friendly course is perfect for kids and adults.
• Spa at Primland – WINNER Best Wellness Center in the Blue Ridge: Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind spa day at Primland Resort. Hidden among the peaks of the Pinnacles of Dan, Primland offers
• Pickle & Ash – WINNER Best Restaurant in the Blue Ridge: Pickle & Ash offers seasonally inspired, farm-to-table dining just outside of Stuart. Stop by for lunch or dinner Thursday-Saturday.

Runner Up & Nominee

• Primland Resort – RUNNER UP Best Resort in the Blue Ridge: Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the luxury of a 5-star resort. Primland offers unbeatable views, luxury accommodations, outdoor adventure, and more.
• Edd Martin and Associates – RUNNER UP Best Realty Company in the Blue Ridge: Looking to relocate? Check out Edd Martin and Associates for all your real estate needs.
• Daring Wine & Cidery Co – RUNNER UP Best Cidery in the Blue Ridge: Enjoy small batch wine and cider made in Patrick County!
• Kibler Valley River Run – RUNNER UP Best Water Race or Event: Held in July, the Kibler Valley River Run attracts kayakers and canoers together for a fun day of racing in Kibler Valley.
• Rock Castle Loop – READER NOMINEE Best Hiking Trail in the Blue Ridge: Offering miles of challenging trail and stunning views, the Rock Castle Loop is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge in Patrick County.

What’s New

Discover the newest additions to Patrick County! Discover new restaurants, trail enhancements, and more when you explore Patrick County in 2026.

NaanStop – This brand new addition to Stuart’s Main Street features classic Indian dishes and fun fusions like Indian-style pizza.

Clay & Twig – Located in Critz, you’ll find Clay & Twig under the awning of an old tobacco barn. This charming farmstand offers a wide array of plants, baked goods, and other items.

Mayo River Rail Trail Upgrades – The Mayo River Rail Trail received trail enhancements as a part of the Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative. Community members added a pollinator garden, mural, and solar lanterns along the trail.

Fairy Stone State Park Campground Reopening – The campground at Fairy Stone State Park is reopening in March! The campground received some much needed reovations and updates. Book your stay at one of Virginia’s best hidden gems.

Get in the Groove

If you love live music, then you’ll love these great venues! Tap your toes to bluegrass or enjoy a high energy preformance at the Star Theatre.

Star Theatre – Spend the evening listening to great music at Stuart’s Historic Star Theatre! Hosting a great mix of local and regional artists, you’ll hear everything from bluegrass & blues to jam bands & funk.

Patrick County Music Association – This group of music lovers hosts free monthly bluegrass shows, fall-spring. This is a must for bluegrass lovers!

The Coffee Break – Owned by Patrick County Music Association founder, Denny Alley, the Coffee Break is an iconic piece of Stuart’s North Main Street. This charming diner is packed every Tuesday morning for the weekly Breakfast & Bluegrass Jam.

Willis Gap Community Center – A must stop for bluegrass lovers, this piece of the Crooked Road Music Trail attracts musicians from all over. The Willis Gap Community Center’s Friday Night Open Jam is an iconic piece of Patrick County’s music heritage.

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Fall is the season of harvest, and what better way to celebrate than with a road trip through Patrick County, Virginia. Home to orchards, farmers’ markets, and our annual Apple Dumpling Festival, there is no better place to experience fall.

Celebrating 50 Years

Tucked into the hill of Woolwine is a small roadside market that holds a special place in its community. Wade’s Orchard has been supplying Patrick County with fresh, Virginia apples since 1975. Located just off Route 8, Wade’s is the perfect addition to any fall road trip. Wade’s Orchard is hosting a 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 27th for 10am-4pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, apple butter, fresh apples, and more.

Apple Dumpling Festival

Spend the day in Downtown Stuart for the annual Apple Dumpling Festival and 5k. Spend the morning running along the Mayo River Rail Trail before grabbing fresh apple dumplings later in the day. Enjoy live music throughout the day. Outstanding artisans, jewelry, jellies, preserves, housewares and more….of course, delicious foods. Stock up on fresh, local apples for your own fall desserts. The Apple Dumping 5k starts at 8am and the Apple Dumpling Festival starts at 10am.

Windy Hill Orchard

Windy Hill Orchard has been in the Noonkester family for over 100 years.

Every Thursday, September – November, you are invited to come watch as the apples are pressed into apple cider. Don’t forget to leave with a fresh jug! They also sell apple cider vinegar, apple sauce, apple butter, jams, and dried apples.

Levering Orchard

Visitors to Levering Orchard are treated to pick-your-own cherries, peaches, pears, and apples in a gorgeous mountain setting.

Fall apple season at Levering lasts from September through mid-November. They provide you with buckets and ladders and send you into their expansive orchard to experience picking the fruit right off of the tree yourself.

More to Explore

Don’t forget to visit one of our many country stores, markets, and farm stands while you’re exploring the county. Spend a Friday morning at the Stuart Farmers’ Market, visit Clay and Twig in Critz, or swing by Trent Farms. With hundreds of miles to explore, Patrick County is the perfect destination for your next fall adventure.

The post Fall Guide to Apple Season in Patrick County, Virginia appeared first on Visit Patrick County.

Clay & Twig is a self-serve farmstand in Critz. Shop homegrown plants and seasonal goods under a charming old tobacco barn.

Follow their Facebook for updates and more information.
Cash, check, or Venmo accepted.

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Orchards and Berries

Annual Spring Festivals and Events

Greenhouses and Garden Stores

Flower Blooming Schedule

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