Virginia's Route 52 takes you through small towns and past serene countryside.
Embarking on a road trip can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Taking in the sights along the open road and stopping along the way to experience area attractions will help break up long jaunts in the car and provide for some entertainment. If you're traveling along Route 52 in Virginia, you will be heading through the towns of Fort Chiswell, Wytheville, Hillsville and Bastian, where you are sure to find nature, adventure and an abundance of dining options.
Fort Chiswell
For a bit of retail therapy, detour at Route 81 and take exit 80 for a stopover at the Factory Merchants Outlet Mall, which features 25 brand-name outlet stores. Fort Chiswell Outlet Stores in Max Meadows is another shopping destination located just off of Route 52 at Route 77. Stores such as Kitchen Collection, Hanes and Polo Ralph Lauren are among the variety of stores in the mall. Chiswell is also home to the Fort Chiswell Animal Park. The 45-acre free-range zoo allows for visitors to feed and pet animals such as deer, monkeys and camels.
Wytheville
Take in the serene natural sounds or a bit of adventure at the New River in Wytheville. The New River is one of the few rivers in the world flowing south to north. A great destination for boating, swimming and fishing, the New River is enjoyed by the locals and visitors alike. Additional attractions in Wytheville include the African American Heritage Museum, Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, Big Walker Lookout and Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. Another point of interest is the West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery, located just outside of town in Max Meadows.
Hillsville
You'll be sure to find a dining option in Hillsville, home to 14 restaurants. Experience a blast from the past at Nuckolls Soda Fountain or curbside dining at B & P Drive In. Dine outdoors at the authentic Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant or take the family to Shoney's for a casual dining experience. If you're interested in the history of Hillsville, stop at the Confederate Monument or the Carroll County Historic Museum to take in some of the significance of the area. Hillsville also has an abundance of natural elegance you can enjoy on the walking trails at the Beaver Dam Walking Park and the Carter Pines Community Park.
Bastian
You'll transport yourself back 500 years to the life led by the Eastern Woodland Indians if you stop at Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum in Bastian. The village is based on -- and recreates -- a historical site known as the Brown-Johnston archaeological site, which dates back to the year 1500. The museum displays artifacts from the excavation, and visitors can take advantage of quiet nature trails and picnic facilities.
Tags: Fort Chiswell, located just, Route Virginia, sure find
