5 Fall Weekend Escapes from Richmond That Are Just Far Enough to FEEL Like An Escape
What I’m loving right now? A little fall getaway! Before things get holiday crazy, it’s the perfect time to get out of town, relax, recharge, and check out somewhere you may have never been. I slipped down to Boone last weekend- to visit my son, but it was also so nice to just breathe some clean mountain air, enjoy the changing colors, and rest a bit before things really get busy with events and holidays. It was so nice, I thought I’d share some of my favorite getaways that are just far enough to feel like a real getaway, but close enough to do on a weekend from the Richmond area.
1. Boone, North Carolina (~5.5-6 hours)
Downtown Boone Photo: Joey Seawell
Highlights & Things to Do
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Dine at The Gamekeeper – A rare for me 10/10 dining experience. Absolutely fantastic food and service. Wild game, bold flavors, and a cozy, elevated mountain lodge ambiance. Reservations recommended. More info HERE
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Grandfather Mountain & Mile-High Swinging Bridge – Hike the trails, see wildlife habitats, and cross the bridge (if you’re not afraid of heights) for amazing
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Blue Ridge Parkway- Boone is home to lots of great scenic overlooks, small spur hikes (Rough Ridge, Linn Cove Viaduct), and this is the perfect time of year for those sunset views.
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Mystery Hill & Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster – Mystery Hill offers “gravity-defying” illusions, and Wilderness Run, in Banner Elk, is an outdoor alpine coaster, if you’re an adrenaline junkie like me.
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Stroll downtown Boone / sample local brews & galleries- Explore great independent shops, local art, and breweries (Appalachian Mountain Brewery is a favorite, and Lost Province is an awesome spot for great food and great beer.)
Boone is probably my current favorite, because my son (always my favorite) lives there, but it’s also just generally fantastic, with really laid back vibes.
2. New River Gorge, West Virginia (~4.5–5.5 hours)
New River Gorge Bridge
Highlights & Things to Do
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Bridge Walk (under the New River Gorge Bridge) – A guided catwalk experience under the bridge that gives stunning angles and daring views. (Another good one for the adrenaline rush lovers!)
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Hiking to overlooks -Trails like Endless Wall, Long Point, and Grandview offer fun hikes, and gorgeous panoramic canyon vistas.
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River adventures- There are options for all levels on the river, whether you want a chill float or a whitewater adventure.
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Drive Fayette Station Road & rim backroads- Explore lesser-traveled rim roads that hug the gorge’s edge. (Just keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel!)
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Coal-town history & echoes of ghosts- Visit Thurmond (almost ghost-town status), old mining relics, and railway ruins for a real sense of the area’s history.
3. Abingdon, Virginia (~3.5-4.5 hours)
Highlights & Things to Do
The White Mill is the last of it’s kind in Wahington County, Virginia. It was built in 1790 and restored in 1866.
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Virginia Creeper Trail -A 34.3-mile rail-to-trail route connecting Abingdon → Damascus → Whitetop.
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The section from Abingdon to Damascus is popular, mostly downhill, and scenic. This section was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, but has recently reopened, and these towns need your support.
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Catch a performance at Barter Theatre — A historic regional theatre with rotating shows, musicals, and local flavor. I saw a show here with my mom and brother a couple of years ago, and we all really enjoyed it!
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William King Museum of Art / Arts Depot — Regional art exhibits, sculpture gardens, and community arts.
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Historic downtown & walking tours — Brick streets, antique shops, café stops, and guided heritage walks.
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Ghost walks & storytelling — Local lore and wonderful stories abound; private or guided ghost tours with spooky tales of old homes and legends.
4. Wytheville, Virginia / Big Walker Lookout (~3–4 hours)
Wytheville’s Bolling Wilson boutique hotel.
Highlights & Things to Do
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Big Walker Lookout Tower & swinging bridge — Climb up, cross the bridge, soak in vistas, enjoy the store and occasional live music.
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Historic walking tour / architecture — Visit Trinkle Mansion, local churches, and charming historic districts.
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Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum — Explore the life of President Wilson’s second wife, born in Wytheville.
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Nature trails & nearby hikes — Look for trails around Crystal Springs, nearby parks, or dreamy, wooded escapes.
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Local festivals & sweet treats — The lookout site often features weekend music, artisans, and a classic country store with fudge and local goods. Check HERE for more info!
5. “Heart of Appalachia” Loop — Southwest Virginia (~4–6 hrs, flexible)
At Robo’s in Pound
Highlights & Things to Do
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Drive scenic backroads through the Heart of Appalachia region — Ridge-top roads, hidden turns, and no big crowds.
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Visit small towns: Norton, Pound, Damascus – Each town has its character: local cafés, craft shops, vintage finds.
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Hidden waterfalls & forest hikes – Seek out under-the-radar cascades off the beaten path.
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Music & artisan fairs along The Crooked Road — Indoor/outdoor performances, local mountain music, craft markets and good food.
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Farm stands & roadside dining gems – If you love country, Southern fare, let your hunger guide you. Small shops, produce stands, and family restaurants are a huge part of the adventure here, so make sure you stop along the way! (Robo’s Drive In in Pound is a classic drive in like you don’t see any more. Milkshakes, foot long chili dogs, and more. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid!)
