New Castle VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Castle, Virginia.
1. Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is a sprawling 500-acre facility nestled in the stunning landscape of New Castle that offers an exciting range of outdoor activities. Visitors can experience everything from instructor-led high ropes adventures and rock climbing to canoeing, mountain biking, caving, backpacking, and hiking. The facility is also known for its summer camp programs and hosts various live music events throughout the year.
2. Old Brick Hotel
HISTORIC LANDMARK BUILDING
The Old Brick Hotel is a historic three-story building constructed in stages beginning in 1840 that once housed lawyers, judges, and possibly Jesse James. Now restored by the Craig County Historical Society, it showcases local antiques and includes a ground-floor Genealogy Library added in 2012. The hotel serves as the proud focal point of the Craig County Fall Festival held the second Saturday of each October.
3. Craig County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Craig County Courthouse stands as a centerpiece of New Castle's historic district and represents the area's judicial heritage. Located across from the Old Brick Hotel, this landmark has served the community for generations as both a functional government building and a symbol of local history. Visitors interested in architecture and local government history often include the courthouse in their tour of New Castle's historic sites.
4. The Emporium
MODERN-DAY GENERAL STORE
The Emporium is a charming modern-day general store that offers visitors a unique shopping experience in downtown New Castle. The store features a variety of local products, crafts, and essentials that reflect the area's culture and heritage. Shoppers can browse through an eclectic mix of items while experiencing the friendly small-town atmosphere that makes New Castle special.
5. Craig County Historical Cabins
PRESERVED PIONEER DWELLINGS
The Craig County Historical Cabins consist of three restored log structures located near the Old Brick Hotel in New Castle. These cabins are fully furnished and preserved to demonstrate the pioneer lifestyle of early settlers in Virginia's Western Highlands. Visitors can step back in time and gain insight into the daily lives of those who shaped the region's early development.
6. Barn Quilt Trail
RURAL ART EXPERIENCE
The Barn Quilt Trail offers a scenic driving route through the countryside of Craig County featuring colorful quilt squares painted on barns and buildings. Each quilt square tells a story about the property, the family who owns it, or represents a significant aspect of local heritage. The trail combines rural sightseeing with folk art appreciation, creating a unique cultural experience for visitors exploring the region.
7. Swinging Bridge Restaurant
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Swinging Bridge Restaurant provides a distinctive dining destination in the nearby community of Paint Bank, just a short drive from New Castle. Known for its country-style cuisine and rustic atmosphere, this restaurant offers hearty meals in a setting that celebrates the region's natural beauty and agricultural traditions. Visitors often combine lunch at the Swinging Bridge with scenic drives through Craig County's picturesque landscapes.
8. Caffe Museo
CULTURAL COFFEE SHOP
Caffe Museo serves as both a coffee shop and cultural hub in the community of New Castle. The establishment offers quality beverages and light fare in an atmosphere that celebrates local art, history, and conversation. Visitors appreciate the warm ambiance and opportunity to relax while learning about the area's heritage through displayed artifacts and information.
9. Craig County Genealogy Library
FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH
The Craig County Genealogy Library, added to the Old Brick Hotel in 2012, provides a valuable resource for those researching family histories connected to the region. Open every Friday afternoon from April through November, the library houses records, documents, and resources that help visitors trace their ancestral roots in Virginia's Western Highlands. Researchers can access local archives and receive assistance from knowledgeable volunteers dedicated to preserving the area's genealogical heritage.
10. Clifton's Cash Store Building
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL RESTORATION
The former Clifton's Cash Store building at 258 Main Street represents an ongoing restoration project by the Craig County Historical Society. This historic commercial structure stands as an example of early 20th century business architecture in small Appalachian communities. Once completed, the restoration will add another dimension to New Castle's preserved historic district, offering visitors insight into the town's commercial development.
11. Craig County Fall Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Craig County Fall Festival takes place the second Saturday of each October, centering around the Old Brick Hotel and drawing visitors from throughout the region. This annual event celebrates local culture with crafts, food, music, and activities that highlight the area's Appalachian heritage and seasonal traditions. Attendees experience small-town hospitality while enjoying demonstrations, performances, and opportunities to purchase locally-made products.
12. WA Fest Music and Adventure Festival
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT EVENT
WA Fest Music and Adventure Festival combines thrilling outdoor activities with fantastic live music at the Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing facility. This annual event draws attendees seeking both adrenaline-pumping adventures and quality musical performances in a stunning natural setting. Festival-goers can participate in various outdoor sports and activities during the day before enjoying evening concerts under the stars.
13. New Castle Disc Golf Course
SCENIC RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY
New Castle Disc Golf Course offers an engaging outdoor recreational opportunity for both casual players and serious disc golf enthusiasts. The course winds through picturesque terrain, challenging players with a variety of holes that showcase the natural beauty of Virginia's Western Highlands. Regular tournaments attract competitors while the course remains accessible to beginners wanting to try this increasingly popular sport.
14. Paint Bank General Store
NOSTALGIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Paint Bank General Store offers a nostalgic shopping experience just a short drive from New Castle in the nearby community of Paint Bank. This charming establishment combines a country store with a restaurant, gift shop, and local products that celebrate the region's rural heritage and traditions. Visitors enjoy browsing through unique merchandise while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Appalachian general store.
15. Jefferson National Forest Trails
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Jefferson National Forest Trails provide extensive hiking opportunities throughout the region surrounding New Castle and Craig County. These well-maintained paths range from easy walks to challenging treks, allowing visitors to experience the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas of Virginia's Western Highlands. Outdoor enthusiasts can observe native wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views while exploring these protected natural areas.