Stuart VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Stuart, Virginia.
1. Fairy Stone State Park
NATURAL WONDER AND RECREATION
Fairy Stone State Park is home to the legendary fairy stones and features a picturesque 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir. The park offers numerous outdoor activities including hiking trails, swimming, boating, and camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while exploring the 4,741 acres of parkland just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2. Wood Brothers Racing Museum
NASCAR RACING HERITAGE
Wood Brothers Racing Museum showcases the legacy of one of NASCAR's oldest and most successful racing teams. The museum displays historic race cars, trophies, and memorabilia documenting the Wood family's contributions to motorsport. Visitors can learn about the innovative pit stop techniques and mechanical ingenuity that made this Stuart-based team legendary in racing circles.
3. Stanburn Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Stanburn Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in the beautiful countryside of Patrick County. The family-owned vineyard features a variety of wines crafted from grapes grown in the Virginia Blue Ridge region. Guests can enjoy tastings, vineyard tours, and special events throughout the year in a relaxed rural setting.
4. Patrick County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Patrick County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays the rich heritage of this Blue Ridge Mountain region. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Stuart and Patrick County's development over generations. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting local industries, notable residents, and the cultural traditions that shaped this Virginia community.
5. Reynolds Homestead
TOBACCO HERITAGE SITE
Reynolds Homestead is the restored 19th-century birthplace of R.J. Reynolds, founder of the renowned tobacco company, built in 1843 as Rock Spring Plantation. The elegant two-story brick home has been designated as both a state and national historic landmark and includes family and slave cemeteries on its grounds. Now operated as a Continuing Education Center by Virginia Tech, the 717-acre property hosts cultural and educational activities throughout the year.
6. Stuart Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE HUB
Stuart Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans in downtown Stuart, offering fresh produce, crafts, and homemade goods. The market serves as a community gathering place where visitors can connect with local farmers and learn about regional agriculture. Operating seasonally, it provides both residents and tourists with access to the bounty of Patrick County's farms and kitchens.
7. Honduras Coffee Shop
SMALL TOWN COFFEE SPOT
Honduras Coffee Shop offers a cozy atmosphere for coffee lovers in the heart of downtown Stuart. The shop serves specialty coffees, teas, and light fare in a friendly, welcoming environment. Visitors and locals alike frequent this establishment as a gathering spot to enjoy beverages while experiencing small-town Virginia charm.
8. Historic Star Theatre
VINTAGE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Historic Star Theatre stands as a preserved piece of Stuart's entertainment history in the downtown area. This classic venue hosts movies, live performances, and community events in a nostalgic setting. The theater continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone for Patrick County residents and visitors seeking entertainment with historic character.
9. Mayo River Rail Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATH
The Mayo River Rail Trail offers a peaceful walking and cycling route through Stuart following the path of former railroad tracks. The trail provides scenic views of the Mayo River and connects key areas of the town for pedestrians and cyclists. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this outdoor amenity for exercise, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
10. Patrick Springs Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Patrick Springs Park provides recreational facilities for residents and visitors in the Patrick Springs community near Stuart. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Its convenient location makes it a popular destination for local events and everyday leisure in Patrick County.
11. Stuart Amphitheater
OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE VENUE
Stuart Amphitheater hosts a variety of outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events in downtown Stuart throughout the year. The venue serves as the central location for popular annual events including the Strawberry Festival in May, the Virginia State Peach Festival in August, and the Apple Dumpling Festival in October. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment in an open-air setting while experiencing the cultural traditions of Patrick County.
12. Blue Ridge Parkway Access
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway access points near Stuart provide entry to America's longest linear park known for its spectacular mountain and valley vistas. Travelers can explore the 469-mile scenic road that connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The parkway offers numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Appalachian Highlands.
13. Philpott Reservoir
EXPANSIVE WATER RECREATION
Philpott Reservoir offers 3,000 acres of pristine water surrounded by the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Stuart. The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, water skiing, and other aquatic activities. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the scenic shoreline with its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and peaceful atmosphere.
14. DeHart Botanical Gardens
NATIVE PLANT COLLECTION
DeHart Botanical Gardens showcases the diverse flora of the Blue Ridge region in a serene natural setting near Stuart. The gardens feature walking paths through collections of native plants, wildflowers, and trees representative of the area's unique ecosystem. Visitors can learn about local plant species through educational displays while enjoying the tranquility of this horticultural attraction.
15. Mountain Rose Vineyard
HILLSIDE WINE DESTINATION
Mountain Rose Vineyard offers wine tastings and scenic views from its hillside location in the nearby community of Meadows of Dan. The vineyard produces handcrafted wines from grapes grown in the unique microclimate of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the tasting room experience while taking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.