The summit included the Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards, hosted by the Friends of Southwest Virginia. The awards recognize the region’s remarkable contributions to tourism marketing, visitor services, events, and leadership. These awards were open to tourism organizations, individuals in tourism and economic development, and tourism-related businesses within the 19 counties of the Southwest Virginia region.

“Celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of our tourism partners is vital,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia. “Tourism is a key economic driver in Southwest Virginia, and we’re thrilled to acknowledge these outstanding leaders who tirelessly showcase and market our region to travelers.”

Patrick County won Excellence in Tourism Marketing Collateral awards for the Best New Website (Tourism Marketing Budget—$50,000 or more) and Best Magazine Guide for the 2023 Fall Magazine. “I am excited about the awards. They show the team’s hard work and dedication to showcasing our amazing stories, people, and an outstanding community,” stated Director of Economic Development and Tourism James Houchins. “The magazine is produced in partnership with the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Director, Rebecca Adcock, is one of the driving forces behind the magazine as she coordinates the ads and works seamlessly with David Stanley of Silverlining Designs. The efforts of Kim Rakes, Grace Cooper, and our entire team are what make a winning product. I hope the county sees the work of our fine staff and knows that we have something great here, and we love to show it off. In addition to our awards, I was thrilled to see the Outstanding Tourism Partner of the Year award go to One Family Productions. Chris, Sarah, and the group have consistently put on top-quality events that drive tourism for the county, a well-deserved award.” 

Southwest Virginia tourism professionals submitted over 65 nominations. Winners were selected by a panel of tourism industry professionals from across the Southeastern United States and one judge from England, who carefully reviewed and judged each entry. A complete listing of all of the winners throughout the region can be found at https://friendsofswva.org/.

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Fairy Stone State Park

Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers and families. With miles of trails to explore and easy access to Fairy Stone Lake, the park has become a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Fairy Stone offers a variety of educational events and guided hikes for kids and adults. Along with the fun outdoor activities, visitors can learn about the park’s unique history. Buried beneath Fairy Stone Lake is the town of Fayerdale, a once thriving “boom-town” built around the mining and logging industries. Visitors can learn more about the park’s history through ranger-led activities. We recommend the Moonshine Hollow Hike, Moonshine Murders, Fayerdale: The Forgotten Town, and Corn ‘Squeezins’.

I.C. Dehart Park

I.C. Dehart Park is a beautiful, multi-acre park located on a reclaimed wetland site. Visitors enjoy the extensive trail system and natural beauty. The park is a popular destination for mountain bikers, who enjoy the miles of piedmont-style trails. I.C. Dehart Park was once home to the F. DeHart Distillery, which operated legally in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Reynolds Homestead

The Reynolds Homestead is one of the most iconic historic sites in Patrick County. The homestead was donated by Nancy Reynolds to Virginia Tech. The Reynolds House and other historic buildings have been preserved. Looming past the house is No Business Mountain, which housed numerous moonshining operations. The mountain earned its name from the locals stating that no one had any business on that mountain except moonshiners and rattlesnakes. The property is open daily from dawn to dusk. Historic house tours are offered on Sundays.

The Patrick County Historical Museum

The Patrick County Historical Museum is a small museum connected to the Blue Ridge Regional Library. The museum houses a moonshine still and other historic artifacts. Exhibits highlight over two hundred years of history of Patrick County. The museum displays hundreds of items relating to the history of Patrick County Virginia.

The Virginia Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame

The Virginia Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame is a must-stop for race fans. This little museum packs a big punch. See how moonshine was made and hear the fascinating story of how this business led directly to the birth of NASCAR racing. The motorsports museum is open weekly.

The Wood Brothers Racing Museum

The Wood Brothers Racing Museum is a must-stop for NASCAR fans! Wood Brothers Racing was founded in the 1950s by Patrick County native Glen Wood. They are one of the oldest NASCAR teams in the sport. The museum houses the team’s retired cars and other artifacts from the team’s decades of racing.

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Best Public Lands: Winner

The Blue Ridge Parkway – Connect to one of America’s favorite national parks and explore the sights and history of patrick county. The Blue Ridge Parkway snakes along the northwestern edge of the county, starting just above Ararat and ending in Meadows of Dan. This section of the parkway offers beautiful views, historic sites, and access to the Rocky Knob Recreation area.

Best Farmers Market: Winner

The Stuart Farmers Market – The Stuart Farmers Market is a source of pride for local farmers. Running from May to November, the farmers market is home to friendly faces, fresh produce, and unique crafts. The market is open on Friday mornings, 8am-12pm.

Best Paddling Event: Runner-Up

Kibler Valley River Run – The Kibler Valley River Run is a great event for canoers or kayakers looking to test their skills. This event is held each July and is hosted by the local Ruritan Club. Participants start at the Pinnacles of Dan power plant and make their way down the river all by enjoying the beautiful Kibler Valley scenery.

Best Winery: Nominee

Stanburn Winery – Stanburn Winery is a small, family-owned winery located just outside of Stuart. They grow and produce a variety of dry and sweet wines. You can find their products at Pickle & Ash, Food Country, Concord Corner Store, Circle K, and online. Stanburn Winery is open on select weekends or by appointment.

Best Family Friendly Festival: Nominee

Front Porch Fest – Front Porch Fest boasts a ton of kid-friendly activities each day. The children’s activity tent offers fun, engaging activities for everyone in the family. The Children’s Area staff members work hard to plan hours of engaging, creative, and educational content for young people of all ages. Children twelve and under are always free at Front Porch Fest and the staff work hard to make sure all families will feel welcomed at the festival.

Best Restaurant: Nominee

Pickle & Ash – Pickle & Ash offers unique takes on southern classics. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for date night or family dinner. Menus change often to reflect what is seasonally available. Take advantage of their backyard complete with tables and fire pits. Their food truck is open on select nights. Pickle & Ash is open Thursday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Brunch is offered on the first and second Sundays. Reservations are required for dinner and Sunday brunch.

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Farmers Market – Stuart Farmers Market – WINNER

The Stuart Farmers Market is open every Friday from May to November and offers a wide variety of locally grown produce, baked goods, and crafts for sale. It is a great place to visit whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to start your weekend off right. You never know what you will find when you visit this lovely farmers’ market.

Best Festival Overall – FloydFest – WINNER

Best Family-Friendly Festival – FloydFest – RUNNER UP

FloydFest is the premier festival here in the county. It’s five days of great music featuring headliners such as Old Crow Medicine Show, Melissa Ethridge, Lake Street Drive, and many more. FloydFest is the perfect event for any music lover to attend. Along with great music, the festival also offers a ton of fun activities throughout the entire event. From early morning yoga to strenuous hikes, the festival takes advantage of its beautiful surroundings and encourages young and old alike to explore the beautiful surrounding area.

Campsite/ Campground – Fairystone State Park – WINNER

Fairystone State Park is a great place to check out during any season. Whether you’re there to camp or just to explore for the day, the park’s beautiful trails and beach-like shoreline make it a great place to spend the day or the week. While you’re here you can look for the mythical Fairy Stone that gives this park its name

Paddling Event – Kibler Valley River Run – RUNNER UP

The Kibler Valley River Run is a great event for canoers or kayakers looking to test their skills. This event is held each July and is hosted by the local Ruritan Club. Participants start at the Pinnacles of Dan power plant and make their way down the river. This event is a fun way to see the beautiful Kibler Valley area.

Winery – Stanburn Winery – RUNNER UP

Stanburn Winery is located in Stuart and it offers a wide selection of locally made wines. This Vineyard is still family-owned and operated and prides itself on making great wine without the pretentiousness. Stanburn is one of three wineries located in Patrick County.

Wine – Big A Red (Stanburn WInery) – RUNNER UP

This is a delicious red wine made by Stanburn Winery. This wine has a sweet, fruity aroma and a soft, creamy palate. Big A Red pairs well with grilled meats, raspberry cheesecake, BBQ, and medium to hard cheeses.

Winery – Villa Appalaccia – Nominee!

Villa Appalaccia Winery is a taste of Tuscany in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway between milepost #170 & #171, it is one of the more unique wineries in the state of Virginia. Villa Appalaccia is a Virginia farm winery, producing wine in a local vineyard established in 1989. The Italian villa that is home to the winery is straight out of a postcard from Tuscany.

Villa Appalaccia is a wonderful winery to visit while you’re in the county. This winery is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers beautiful scenery and delicious wine for visitors to enjoy. During the summer they host live music during their weekly Pizza at the Villa.

Overall Restaurant – Pickle and Ash – RUNNER UP

Pickle and Ash is a new addition to Patrick County, but it has quickly become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Pickle & Ash is a restaurant, market, bar, and community gathering place. Pickle and Ash is home to a restaurant kitchen, market, table seating, and bar lounge area conducive for games, reading, relaxing & socializing. This restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated, locally sourced menu that changes with the seasons. Their Market Place offers delicious baked goods and a variety of grab-and-go meals to take home.

Family Friendly Festival – Front Porch Fest – Nominee!

Front Porch Fest is located at  Spirithaven Farms in Stuart. This family-friendly festival boasts a ton of kid-friendly activities each day. The children’s activity tent offers fun, engaging activities for everyone in the family. The Children’s Area staff members work hard to plan hours of engaging, creative, and educational content for young people of all ages. Children twelve and under are always free at Front Porch Fest and the staff work hard to make sure all families will feel welcomed at the festival.

Costumed Event – Spooktacular – RUNNER UP

Spooktacular is a great family-friendly event hosted by the Patrick County Young Professionals. Spooktacular is a fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Local businesses set up booths along Stuarts Main Street and hand out candy to anyone who comes by. In 2021 Imagine Circus provided wonderful entertainment for kids and adults alike.

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If you’ve ever traveled through Patrick County during the spring or summer you’ve probably seen the beautiful flower gardens decorating Stuart’s Main Street. These gardens are created by a group of local volunteers who work to beautify and educate the county. The Master Gardeners are a group of trained volunteers who are certified by the Virginia Cooperative Extension. These volunteers are tasked with creating and maintaining gardens that work with native pollinators and environments.
The Master Gardeners must complete at least fifty hours of training along with fifty hours of volunteer work to become an official Extension Master Gardener. This ensures that the Master Gardeners have ample knowledge to host classes and events for the public to attend. There are many topics a Master Gardener needs to have knowledge of including botany, entomology, pesticides, water quality, and plant pathology just to name a few. These skills are then passed down to the community at large to help improve both gardening techniques and the environmental impacts of gardening.
The Patrick County Master Gardeners work with other local organizations, such as the Blue Ridge Regional Library and Patrick County Tourism, to encourage an interest in pollinator-friendly gardening techniques. These educational events are free to attend and are a great way to learn gardening skills. Learning how to work with local pollinators when gardening is a great way to improve the natural landscape around your home.

During the spring and summer, the Patrick County Master Gardeners host learning garden workshops. These workshops are free to attend and cover a variety of topics including soil rehabilitation, berry growing, herb growing, seed saving, and microclimates.
Another educational event hosted by the Master Gardeners is the Spring Garden Symposium. This symposium is one of the larger events hosted by the Patrick County Master Gardeners and each year it features a selection of knowledgeable speakers. The symposium is a great event for those who want a more in-depth and technical understanding of plants and gardening techniques. The symposium takes place in March each year. For more information about the symposium and learning garden workshops, check out the Patrick County Master Gardeners on Facebook.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Master Gardeners, check out the Spring 2023 issue of the Patrick County Magazine.

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Along with its artsy furniture and decorations, The Hatteras Pearl also hosts various workshops and classes for those who want to create their own unique pieces. This has helped the store connect with the community in a deep way in a short amount of time.
The Hatteras Pearl’s owner, Amber Huffman, wrote this weekend on Facebook that “Believe it or not, “The Hatteras Pearl” started out about 10 years ago as just a place for me to be creative, share some of my handcrafted, hand-painted pieces & earn some extra money. I even rented a booth from The Oak antique mall in Petersburg Va (…) for a while, before moving here to be closer to family. Today I’m celebrating my (official) 1 year anniversary of having a storefront!”

She goes on to say that “when I first opened the shop I think we started with 5 vendors, we now have over 15 vendors & consignors! The Hatteras Pearl isn’t just a place for me to fuel my passion, it’s a place where I have made so many friends, & I get to meet new ones daily. Some share the same passion as me, & some I get to put a paintbrush in their hand for the first time! I get to help people pick out pieces to create fun or cozy spaces in their homes.”

She concluded by saying that “I hope you all know I am FOREVER grateful for the support we are given daily. A year already, wow, since I decided to turn my love of painting & creating, into a career.” You can find The Hatteras Pearl at 109 N Main Street, Stuart, VA. Check out their Facebook here to see what’s new or to join upcoming events. Come see why this unique little store has become such a popular part of the community.

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