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 where you can choose from a motel room, one-room camping cabin, RV site or a tent space. Once you’re settled in the accommodation of your choice, stop at their official Virginia LOVE sign. The colorful mural is one of the longest LOVE signs in the state. It celebrates the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mabry Mill to the Blue Ridge Music Center.

Remember to turn the corner at the end of the LOVE sign. The second segment features a colorful, butterfly mural. The butterfly bushes in front of the mural are full of butterflies in the spring and summer.

Heading north on the Parkway from the campground, your first stop is Fancy Gap, only three miles away. You can grab lunch at the Gap Deli or Lakeview Restaurant and browse through the shops.

Puckett Hawks Cabins and Meadows of Dan

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 along 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. They are known for their delicious pancakes. You can also pick up a souvenir or enjoy an ice cream treat. 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 there as well as a choice of trails. The trails range from to difficult. They connect in a way that you can customize your hiking trip to suit your ability and the time you have to enjoy the area. Another hiking option is Buffalo Mountain. The summit offers a panoramic view of Southwest Virginia. There is a short but steep trail to the top or you can take the longer trail. The longer trail has plenty of switchbacks to break up the ascent. If you continue north on the BRP, you’ll find the exit for Floyd, VA. In Floyd, you can finish your day with a bite to eat, a selection of shops and possibly catch some Blue Grass music.