Welcome to Marion, Virginia, a city filled with history and life! From the majestic Mount Rogers National Recreation Area to its quaint downtown shopping district, Marion has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a day filled with outdoor activities or an evening of dining and entertainment, there’s always something to do in this small Southwest Virginia town. From historical sites to annual events, Marion is sure to have something that will bring joy and excitement into your life. With plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout the area, you’ll always be energized when visiting this delightful city. Let’s look at everything you can enjoy in beautiful Marion, Virginia!
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The History of Marion
Marion, VA, is a small town in Smyth County that has been around for centuries and is steeped in history. Its legacy dates back to the late 18th century when General Francis Marion, an American Revolutionary War hero, founded it. The town is home to two National Historic Districts – the Downtown District and the South Main Street Historic District – both showcase some significant historical sites within Marion’s borders.
One of these sites is the Lincoln Theatre – a historic theatre that opened in 1921 and was recently renovated and restored in 2017. The theatre serves as a museum and community center, showcasing various live performances throughout the year ranging from music concerts to plays. Another popular site is the Hungry Mother State Park – Virginia’s first state park – with miles of hiking trails, canoeing on Lake Doran, camping sites, fishing spots and more.
The town also features several other attractions such as historic homes like the General Francis Marion Mansion (open for tours), Pioneer Village (a collection of early 19th-century buildings reconstructed on their original sites) and museums like The Barn Quilt Museum or The Lincoln Theatre Museum. Visitors can also explore local stores like the award-winning Moonstruck Marketplace selling handmade gifts or visit one of the nearby wineries.
Marion also hosts several annual events, such as Music The Lincoln, held every Saturday night from April through October, featuring live performers on its stage or MarionFest. This music festival brings together dozens of bands across Virginia for three days each June. Additionally, visitors can participate in activities like Rock Castle Gorge Trail Run & Ride held every year in May or attend races at Southwestern Virginia Motor Sports Park just outside town.
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Outdoor Activities in Marion
Exploring the great outdoors in Marion, Virginia, is an activity that should be noticed. Whether hiking to explore the natural terrain or enjoying some of the area’s many lakes and rivers, Marion is teeming with outdoor activities.
The region’s highest peak, Whitetop Mountain, is just outside Marion and offers stunning views of the surrounding forestland. There are various trails around the mountain, including a 7-mile loop and a 3-mile summit trail that leads to the top of Whitetop. The Appalachian Trail also passes through Marion and provides hikers with miles of terrain to explore as they make their way along one of America’s most famous trails.
For those looking for a more relaxed outdoor activity, there are plenty of lakes and rivers in the area for fishing, swimming, paddling, or simply taking in the scenery. South Holston Lake offers plenty of opportunity for boaters and fishermen who come here for its large population of smallmouth bass and other species. The adjacent South Holston River is also popular among fly fishermen who come here to catch trout year-round. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, whitewater rafting is available on both these rivers and kayaking down their rapids.
Marion is home to several parks where you can spend time outdoors playing sports like basketball or tennis or relaxing while enjoying nature. Hungry Mother State Park features camping sites, cabins and picnic areas, plus several miles of trails perfect for hiking or biking around its wooded landscape filled with wildflowers and wildlife. For those interested in horseback riding, several nearby stables offer guided tours through beautiful scenic pastures and forests.
No matter how you choose to enjoy the great outdoors in Marion, you can be sure that it will provide you with plenty of opportunities for adventure!
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Annual Events in Marion
Marion, Virginia, is a great place to visit and offers a variety of events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the historic Marion Country Music Festival, held annually in August. This event has been happening for over 20 years and features some of the biggest names in country music. The festival is always packed with fans who come out to enjoy great music, artisans, craftspeople, and lots of food vendors.
Another big annual event in Marion is Street Vibrations, a motorcycle extravaganza that brings thousands of bikers from all over the country to town for two fun days. Throughout the weekend, there are live music performances, stunt shows, a bike parade and many vendors offering unique items from around the world.
The town also hosts an annual Apple Harvest Festival in October that celebrates Marion’s apple industry with live entertainment, local artisans showcasing their work and plenty of delicious apple treats. The festival also features a craft fair and several other activities like hayrides, pumpkin carving contests and contests for the best-decorated scarecrow.
The Historic Marion Christmas Parade & Craft Fair is another favorite holiday event among locals and visitors. The parade includes floats featuring colorful lights and decorations, plus marching bands from local schools throughout Southwest Virginia. After the parade, there’s a craft fair full of handmade gifts perfect for holiday shopping. Other festivities include carolers strolling downtown streets throughout the day singing Christmas classics and Santa visits at various locations in town throughout December.
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Marion’s Nightlife
Marion, Virginia, is the perfect destination for a fun night out. Whether you’re looking to hit up hotspots or explore hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in Marion.
For those who want to dance the night away, Club 30 is the place to be. This popular nightclub has plenty of room to dance and an extensive drink menu that’s sure to impress. Plus, you can enjoy live DJs and music every Thursday through Saturday evening.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, check out The Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill. This favorite local offers classic pub fare and a great selection of craft beers on tap. You can also enjoy live music on select nights and games like pool and darts.
If you’re in the mood for classic arcade games, head to Pinball Palace Arcade Bar. This spot features over 25 pinball machines from decades past and other classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Galaga. There’s also an extensive beer list with plenty of local options available.
You can go with The Hot Dog House on Main Street for late-night snacks. Here, they serve delicious hot dogs with all sorts of toppings, plus shakes and fries for a tasty treat after hours!
So if you’re looking for a good time in Marion, Virginia, these spots will help make your night one to remember!
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Where to Stay in Marion
If you are visiting Marion, Virginia, there are plenty of options regarding where to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel with all the amenities or a cozy bed and breakfast with cozy rooms, there is something for every kind of traveler in Marion.
For those who prefer the convenience of a hotel, The Collins House Inn is located downtown and offers single and double rooms. Each room includes private bathrooms and wireless internet access. Guests can also enjoy daily continental breakfasts at the inn and evening snacks and beverages. For those traveling on a budget, several motels in Marion provide basic amenities such as cable television and free Wi-Fi.
For those seeking a unique experience, several beds and breakfasts around Marion offer comfortable lodging in historic homes. The Historic Rosemont Manor Bed & Breakfast offers guests beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and five guest rooms with private baths. Some other popular bed and breakfasts include The Whitetop Mountain Inn & Cottages, which features six different cabins with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and hot tubs, and The Country Inn at Iron Gate Farm B&B which offers four guest suites, each equipped with a Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces.
Finally, if you’re looking for something special during your stay in Marion, consider staying at one of the many vacation rentals throughout town. Vacation rentals range from cottages to cabins to farmhouses providing travelers with plenty of privacy while allowing them easy access to restaurants, attractions, shopping centers, parks, trails and more!
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Marion’s Hidden Gems
Marion, Virginia, is a small town with plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From historic sites to natural wonders and local shops to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Marion. Here are some of the best-hidden gems that Marion has to offer:
The Smith Creek Trail is a great place to explore if you want an outdoor adventure. This 5-mile trail features some of the most stunning scenery in the area and provides visitors with hiking, biking, and even horseback riding opportunities. The trail also offers spectacular views of Mount Rogers and the surrounding areas.
The town of Marion is home to many unique shops and restaurants worth checking out. Be sure to visit The Olde Schoolhouse Shoppe, which offers a wide selection of antiques and unique items. Another great spot is the Big Lick Antique Mall, which houses over 50 vendors selling vintage collectibles, furniture, jewelry, pottery, books, coins, and more.
Check out the Museum of Lincoln Theatre & Arts Center for those who love history. Located in downtown Marion, this museum houses many artifacts related to local history and exhibits art and music worldwide. It’s also home to several galleries showcasing local artwork by historical figures such as William Byrd II and Thomas Jefferson.
Finally, only a trip to Marion would be complete with visiting its beautiful parks and gardens. Be sure to take time out of your day to explore Crooked Creek Park or Booker T Washington Park – both are great places for picnicking or relaxing under a tree with a book! And if you’re looking for something more adventurous than picnicking, head over to Hungry Mother State Park for miles of breathtaking trails filled with lush forests and picturesque waterfalls.
These hidden gems in Marion offer visitors something special every time they come back – so don’t miss out on all that this charming little town has to offer!
If you’re looking for a unique destination with a rich history and plenty of things to do, Marion, Virginia, is your go-to spot. From its annual events and outdoor activities to its lively nightlife and hidden gems, Marion has something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid historian or just someone looking to explore the great outdoors, you’ll find something that catches your eye. So explore all that Marion has to offer – it’s sure to be an experience you won’t forget!
