Think Floyd (Floyd, VA)
RVA Traveler | Spring / Summer 2020
Whether you’re looking for crafty artisans, folksy music or smooth moonshine, you’ll find it here.
When I announced that I would be traveling to Floyd, I received a mix of “Where?” and “Oh yeah, FloydFest”, which actually takes place in neighboring Patrick County. I came to find that Floyd is an idyllic haven for artists, musicians, and just good-hearted folk.
Settle in
I stayed at The Pine Tavern Lodge, a unique hotel constructed in 1927 as a motor lodge. The owners have gorgeously renovated the property and brought modern amenities to the lodge while maintaining its rich history. My suite featured a stone fireplace with décor touches that made me feel at home.
Eat and Drink
I started my day perfectly at Red Rooster with a tasty latte. This coffee shop began by roasting coffee for its existing roasting house, but is has become a distributor for venues across the East Coast. For lunch, visit Parkway Grille, and try the shrimp and grits – the flavor is superb! Grab dinner and a musical performance at Dogtown Roadhouse, or head into the Floyd Country Store to enjoy a drink in their soda shop, and – if you’re there for the weekend –take in a Friday Night Jamboree. For libations, hit up Five Mile Mountain Distillery for some smooth moonshine cocktails (I swear – you won’t even taste the shine). If craft brews are your thing, head down the street to Buffalo Mountain Brewery and relax in its English-pub-style tasting room.
Hit the Outdoors
The largest zipline in Virginia, Floyd’s Buffalo Mountain Ziplines was created by Robert Nickell, builder of the first zipline in America. The park allows visitors to get a jungle feel by soaring through the trees on cables up to 150 feet above the forest floor at distances up to 2,400 feet. The experience includes a guided tour which introduces the area’s bird, plant, and animal life.
The Cycle Floyd initiative has made bicycling something fun and safe to do in Floyd, whether you’re looking for a short ride around town, or a day-long adventure. Annual events include the Tour de Floyd on May 16, a 100k group charity ride that benefits the local rescue squad; and the Tour de Dirt, an autumn celebration of unpaved roads in Floyd. Be sure to grab a copy of Cycle Floyd’s trail map from the Tourism Office or online.
Get your Art on
Floyd’s variety of talented artisans is an art lover’s dream. I was first introduced to Floyd by locals Aaron and Anne Vaughan who were selling her layered jewelry designs at Richmond’s Bazaar Bizarre. Their studio is in Floyd’s impressive new Innovation Center, but her merchandise and a host of other creations can be found in downtown Floyd’s shops and museums, including Troika Gallery, Hey Helen and Bell Gallery.
Save the Date –
June 13-14 Floyd Artisan Trail. This celebration of Floyd County’s artisans features activities at locations across the county, 10 am to 5 pm Saturday; noon to 5 pm Sunday, floydartisantrail.org