This Small Virginia City Off the Appalachian Path Is Price Visiting Even If You are Not a Hiker

The Appalachian Path is considered one of America’s most well-known long-distance hikes, a 2,000-plus-mile journey from Georgia to Maine. Those that full it are referred to as “thru-hikers,” with roughly 3,000 making an attempt the months-long trek yearly, however you’ll additionally discover loads of “part hikers” who full items of the path.

The path covers greater than 500 miles in Virginia, passing via a number of communities the place hikers can take a while off, having fun with what’s referred to as a “zero day” or non-hiking day.

In Marion, considered one of 56 A.T. Neighborhood cities by the Appalachian Path Conservancy, there’s a shuttle into city, free motion pictures on the historic theater, and even an area pizzeria that can ship to the backcountry shelters. Nicknamed “America’s Coolest Hometown,” Marion additionally has the excellence of being the unique residence of the Mountain Dew soda method. You may benefit from the drink round city together with offbeat varieties like flavored fudge.

Plan your journey round one of many annual occasions like Saltville’s Woolly Mammoth Day in January, which honors the prehistoric creature discovered within the small city, and the quarterly Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally, the place audio system and educators talk about the area’s biodiversity on the Blue Ridge Discovery Heart.

I’m not a lot of a hiker myself, however I really like southwest Virginia, the place I traveled within the fall, flying into the Tri-Cities Airport, round an hour’s drive away from Marion. However you don’t must be a hiker to expertise one of many path’s greatest cities.

Issues to Do

The Appalachian Path is the large draw to Marion, nevertheless it’s not the one hike round. The city is positioned close to each Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands State Park, recognized for its miniature ponies that roam the grounds.

The area additionally attracts motorbike and automobile fanatics, who observe the sharp turns of the appropriately named “Again of the Dragon.” The scenic drive has greater than 300 curves in round 30 miles.

The Wayne C. Henderson College of Appalachian Arts is a must-visit, the place you’ll be able to construct your individual instrument. Most days, you can too catch a jam session with locals, watch the work within the letterpress studio, and admire artwork within the galleries.

Close by Saltville is value a detour, particularly for the Museum of the Center Appalachians. The house options reveals targeted on the realm’s previous, from wooly mammoth fossils discovered within the space to a glimpse into the salt mining trade that introduced the area to prominence. 

Eating places and Bars

Dip Canine is likely one of the oldest eating places on the town, having been an important cease for vacationers since 1957. The signature merchandise here’s a scorching canine dipped in batter, however you can too get pleasure from burgers and milkshakes.

Situated within the city’s former Piggly Wiggly grocery retailer, Sisters Cafe & Presents has a little bit little bit of every little thing, from morning espresso to night wine. Seize a BLT sandwich whereas shopping the store for domestically made items.

Sur 81 is the place southern meets south of the border, with each biscuits and burritos on supply plus burgers, sandwiches, and a full bar. Finish the day at Highlands Distilling Firm, which follows the lengthy custom of distilling within the area with moonshine and bourbon-style whiskey.

The place to Store

The A.T. set tends to make a beeline for Marion Open air, run by a thru-hiker and probably the greatest spots close by to purchase gear like clothes and camp kitchen necessities. You may also choose up your mail right here and reap the benefits of the hiker field stocked with goodies.

The Downtown Resale Boutique has classic clothes and accessories to jazz up your wardrobe, and The Ford Studios, a former artwork deco-style automobile dealership, is now an artwork gallery showcasing work, ceramics, fiber artwork, and jewellery.

Locations to Keep

If it’s a break out of your tent you need, Marion is the proper spot. Merry Inn, conveniently positioned above Marion Open air, is a downtown hiker hostel with loaner garments to put on when you wash and comfy bunks for a great evening’s sleep.

Hungry Mom State Park, a brief drive away, was in-built 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is considered one of Virginia’s authentic state parks, and you may e-book a keep in one of many log cabins developed by the group (observe these do e-book out far prematurely). The state park can also be residence to conventional campsites and yurts.

The Twenties Basic Francis Marion Resort takes its identify, because the city does, from the Revolutionary Conflict normal most frequently related together with his time in South Carolina. The lodge, which was introduced again to life after a interval of neglect, has sizable rooms and is steps away from the most effective of downtown Marion.