This Bluegrass-Loving Mountain Town Is One Of Virginia’s Best-Kept Secrets

Tucked into the quiet folds of Southwest Virginia, far from the hum of the interstates, Independence is a small but spirited mountain town where outdoor adventures meet deep-rooted Appalachian heritage. Hike to spot sturdy wild ponies, pedal along a rail-trail or two, or tap your toes to the twang of old-time fiddle music. It may catch you off guard, but this grounded authenticity is part of the charm.  

This is the kind of place that invites you to press pause—to slow down and truly appreciate what’s around you. When you’re ready to explore Independence and the surrounding beauty of Grayson County, here’s where to begin.

Get Outside 

See Wild Ponies

At Grayson Highlands State Park, set off on a scenic hike to spot its famous free-roaming wild ponies. Introduced in the 1970s to maintain the open grassy balds, these stocky, sure-footed ponies have become beloved icons. For your best chance at a sighting, start at Massie Gap and hike north toward Wilburn Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. For a more summit-focused hike, head south on the Big Pinnacle Trail to two of Virginia’s highest peaks: Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle. 

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands, 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-7092

Go Birding 

Nature lovers and birding enthusiasts will find quiet refuge at Matthews State Forest. The 0.9-mile Birding Trail winds through hardwood forest, white pine groves, and grassy meadows. Interpretive signs call out oft-spotted species, like red-eyed vireos, brown thrashers, and pine warblers. Download the free Merlin app before you go. It can recognize birds by their songs and calls, making it a great companion on your hike.  

dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/matthews-state-forest, 106 Forestry Lane, Galax, VA 24333; 276-236-2322

Float on the New River

One of the oldest rivers on Earth, the New River flows northward through this mountainous region. Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube from New River Outdoor Adventures and get out on the water. Choose a relaxing two-mile float for a mellow afternoon or go for a longer 8.5-mile trip with mountain vistas and gentle rapids. A shuttle service lets you focus on the experience without worrying about logistics. Be sure to pack sunscreen. 

newriveroutdooradventures.com, 5785 Fries Road, Galax, VA 24333; 276-237-8823

Get in a Horseback Trail Ride

Saddle up for a scenic trot with Shoal Creek Horse Adventures, which is located on a 400-acre working farm on the New River. Guided trail rides that last 60 or 90 minutes run from May through October and are suitable for all skill levels, even beginners. Explore rolling pastures, shaded woods, and riverfront paths that make it easy to soak in the quiet beauty of the landscape and the agricultural heritage. 

facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572474577604, 1358 Battlefield Drive, Independence, VA 24348; 276-768-0864

Hike to the Highest Point in the State 

Virginia’s highest point, Mount Rogers, sits at 5,729 feet. While the summit itself is forested with no panoramic views, the hike to get there is nothing short of spectacular. Starting at Massie Gap at Grayson Highlands State Park, the nine-mile round-trip hike winds across open highland meadows, past grazing ponies, and into a mossy spruce-fir forest ecosystem. The white-blazed Appalachian Trail guides you for most of the way on this moderately challenging hike. 

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands, 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-7092

Get Pedaling

Bring your bike—or rent one locally—and enjoy the region’s scenic rail-trails. The 57-mile New River Trail and the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail are two of the most beloved routes in the state. Both offer gentle grades, restored trestles, and beautiful river or forest views. Shuttle services allow you to take advantage of one-way rides. In 2024, Hurricane Helene damaged some sections of these trails, including the now-closed stretch between Whitetop Station and Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Always check for trail updates before setting out.

Brush Up on History & Traditions 

Dive into Local Farm History

Matthews Living History Farm Museum is a 22-acre working farm that brings the early 1900s to life. Wander through authentic buildings, including a barn, spring house, and blacksmith shop, and learn about time-honored Appalachian trades like quilting, soap-making, and woodworking. From late May through early September, weekly music jams with fiddles and banjos celebrate the area’s musical heritage. Farm animals, like sheep, cows, and a beloved donkey, roam the grounds. 

matthewsfarmmuseum.org, 476 White Pine Road, Galax, VA 24333; 276-773-3080

Visit a Historic Courthouse

The Historic 1908 Courthouse is an architectural gem with stories to tell. Designed by renowned architect Frank P. Milburn, the structure features octagonal towers, arched windows, spiral staircases, and bricks shipped by rail from Maysville, Kentucky. The courthouse served as the county’s judicial hub until 1979 and today houses the Grayson Crossroads Museum, the Grayson County Historical Society, and Baldwin Auditorium. On Wednesday nights, stop in for the Old-Time Mountain Music Jam from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

historic1908courthouse.org, 107 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-773-3711

Celebrate the Legacy of Mountain Music 

For a deeper dive into Southwest Virginia’s musical roots, don’t miss the Grayson County Fiddlers’ Convention. Held annually in Elk Creek since 1967, this two-day music festival takes place the last full weekend of June. Bring your folding chairs for a twangy celebration of old-time and bluegrass music, complete with youth competitions, flatfoot dancing, and toe-tapping performances set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Grab a Bite

Start the Day with a Hearty Mountain Breakfast

For a filling, no-frills breakfast, Aunt Bea’s in Independence hits the spot with classic Southern fare like scratch-made biscuits, pancakes, and fluffy omelets—all served all day long. In nearby Mouth of Wilson, Corner Market & Café features breakfast staples like French toast, cheesy scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon. Fuel up for a day of mountain adventures.

auntbeasbbq.com, 529 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-773-2100

graysoncountyva.com/business/corner-market-and-cafe, 4013 Troutdale Highway, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-4440

Enjoy a Meal with River Views  

In Fries, just a short drive from Independence, settle in at Windy River Café and dig into comfort foods like country-fried steak, pork chops, and fried okra. If you’re craving more elevated dining, Fries Dam Steakhouse serves up bourbon-glazed salmon, filet mignon, and fried green tomatoes, with a side of New River views. 

windyrivercafe.weebly.com, 335 Firehouse Drive, Fries, VA 24330; 276-744-0137

fries-dam-steakhouse.com, 439 West Main Street, Fries, VA 24330; 276-313-0916

Revel in a Picnic Lunch

A picnic beside Powerhouse Falls—also known as Peach Bottom Falls—can be a relaxing mid-day break. Picnic tables overlook the cascades, and a short trail allows for easy exploration. Grab lunch to go from Angie’s Sip & Taste on Main Street, where the fresh-made sandwiches, hearty soups, and garden salads are a great choice for a light picnic lunch to enjoy outdoors. 

angiessipandtaste.com, 310 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-768-1035

Cool Off With a Sweet Scoop 

Indulge in a sweet treat at the end of the day. In Mouth of Wilson, the Grayson Highlands General Store & Inn serves hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream in classic flavors like Moose Tracks and Cookies ‘n Cream. Windy River Café in Fries offers a line-up of sundaes and banana splits, while The Frosty Monkey in Independence is the stop for milkshakes, shaved ice, and signature ice cream creations, like ice cream nachos. 

graysongeneralstore.com, 4249 Highlands Parkway, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-4602

windyrivercafe.weebly.com, 335 Firehouse Drive, Fries, VA 24330; 276-744-0137

thefrostymonkeyonline.com, 305 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-773-2228

Stay Awhile 

Sleep in a Silo at a Reimagined Dairy Barn

Dream Rock Silo is a creatively restored 1950s dairy barn turned boutique lodging. The four-story structure features three one-of-a-kind suites, including the circular Silo Suite with a round king-size bed and wrap-around mountain views. Outside, rock gardens and the soothing sounds of nature set the tone for peaceful exploration. It’s no surprise this spot has earned a place among Airbnb’s most wish-listed stays in Virginia. 

dreamrocksilo.com, 664 Saddle Creek Road, Independence, VA 24348; 276-768-6350

Book a Historic Stay with River Views  

For riverside charm, book a room at The Washington Inn in Fries. This beautifully restored inn dates to 1902 and offers easy access to the New River Trail. With 11 individually coded ensuite rooms—including a spacious Hideaway Suite that sleeps up to eight—it’s a comfortable and convenient spot for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

the-washington-inn.com, 509 West Main Street, Fries, VA 24330; 704-778-7734

Read the original article on Southern Living