A WanderLOVE day trip that combines fun, history, shopping, hiking and great views starts on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway. Plan to stay at Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground. Choose from a motel room, one-room camping cabin, RV site or a tent space. Once you’re settled in the accomodation of your choice, stop at their official Virginia LOVE sign. The colorful mural is one of the longest LOVE signs. It celebrates the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mabry Mill to the Blue Ridge Music Center.

Fancy Gap, Puckett Hawks Cabins and Meadows of Dan

Heading north on the Parkway from the campground, your first stop is Fancy Gap, only three miles away. You can grab lunch and browse through the gift and antique shops. Back on the Parkway, stop at the Orlean Puckett Hawks Cabin at milepost 169.9. The cabin is a portal that takes you into the lives of the earliest settlers and their famous mid-wife. Next, head to Meadows of Dan to enjoy the shops and cafes.

Mabry Mill

Return to the BRP and travel to Mabry Mill at milepost 176. The mill is one of the most historic and most photographed sites on the Parkway. A visit to the mill gives you another look at the life of the area’s settlers. Enjoy the demonstrations, gift shop and restaurant while you’re there. On the way, stop at Groundhog Mountain picnic area to climb the observation tower for fantastic mountain views.

Hiking

If you’d like to hike, stay on the Parkway and stop at Rocky Knob Recreation Area at milepost 167. There is an overlook with breathtaking views. There is also a choice of easy, moderate and strenuous trails. If you continue north, you’ll find the exit for Floyd, VA where you can grab a bite to eat, shop and catch some Blue Grass music.