Updated June 21, 2023 – July 4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the destination to celebrate our country’s independence whether you want to relax in peace and quiet or spend the day at festivals and parades. All around us in southwest Virginia, July 4 options abound.
Campground
At 9 pm on July 4th, join us at the overlook that’s a short walk down the Blue Ridge Parkway from the campground and motel. Bring a chair so you can look down at the fireworks displays in North Carolina’s Piedmont region right below us.
Mabry Mill
A popular option for guests is to travel about 25 miles north of the campground to Mabry Mill. The Mill is one of the most historic and most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mill and restaurant are open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday and Saturday. You can enjoy breakfast or lunch as well as tour the mill. The restaurant is known for its pancakes. We can personally testify to the fact they are delicious. Often, the Park Service has demonstrations that give you a sense of life as it was in the early 20th century for settlers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To learn about more things to do north of Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, take a look at a day trip itinerary.
Blue Ridge Music Center
The Blue Ridge Music Center is ten miles south of the campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Center is open 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. From noon to 4 pm, tap your feet and clap along to local Blue Grass bands during their free afternoon concerts.
The BRMC also has a summer concert series in their amphitheater. Concerts are scheduled for the evening of July 1 featuring the Sam Bush Band and July 8 with the Jeff Little Trio and DeShawn Hickman Sacred Secret.
Make time to visit the museum and gift shop as well as enjoy the walking trails when you visit. There is more to do south of us. Check out another day trip suggestion.
Hillsville, VA
July 4 – Travel ten miles north of the campground on Hwy 52 to Hillsville, VA. The town hosts a genuine hometown, patriotic celebration. The parade starts at 4 pm followed by music, games and food at the VFW. Fireworks will light up the sky at dark.
Galax, VA
On July 4, sponsor a duck for the annual Galax Fire Department Great Duck Race at 10 am. Start at Chestnut Creek at the East Grayson Street Bridge and follow the ducks to the CVS Parking lot. Winning ducks are worth cash prizes. At 7 pm in downtown Galax, line up for the parade and then make your way to Felts Park for fireworks.
Independence, VA
Get yourself over to Independence, VA for the “Proud to Be an American” festival that starts at 10 am. Stay all day for the food, activities parade and fireworks. Everything will wrap up between 9 and 10 pm.
Fries, VA
July 4 Fries holds its annual Independence Day Parade from noon to 1 pm. After the parade gather in the ball park as the festivities continue. Visit friesfestivals.com for more information.
More Ideas to Celebrate July 4
You can learn more about other outdoor activities by clicking below to learn about other outdoor activities in our region:
New River Outdoor Adventures can help you plan a tubing or paddling adventure.
When you’re ready to rest after celebrating July 4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, choose one of the motel rooms, camping cabins, RV spaces or tent sites at Fancy Gap Cabins and Camground.
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