Perfectly positioned Visitor Center for information on the Peaks of Otter area. The very helpful…read morepark ranger gave us hiking maps for the area which includes views of Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. The Visitor Center also has a small shop, exhibit area, and clean rest rooms. There is also a cancellation station for your National Park Service stamps. We also recommend a stop at the Peaks of Otter Lodge just down the street. There's a nice, flat 1.0 mile walk around Abbott Lake in the back. gorgeous in mid-October!

If you're in the western part of Virginia anywhere near Peaks of Otter, I absolutely suggest a…read morevisit. The three mountains -- Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill -- are stunning. There's a few ways you can take them in, including a walk or picnic around the lake, a meal or stay in the lodge, camping, and/or hiking up the mountains. Sharp Top has a shuttle that takes you within 1,500 feet of the summit. Ahead of visiting, I didn't do sufficient research, but I will say they should add to the Peaks' website to be a little more clear about the hike level. The website currently states this: "Not everyone can hike a nearly 4,000-foot mountain, but it would be shame to deny anyone the view, so we provide transportation to within 1,500 of the scenic summit!" With that in mind, I thought the last portion (quarter-mile each way) would be fairly easy. It was not. My mom immediately took the shuttle back down to ground level upon seeing the trail, but I proceeded. On the way up, I was able to follow some other hikers, so it wasn't as daunting. On the way back down, I was solo. Lots and lots of steps, narrow path at times, very uneven with many rocks to contend with. Not for the faint of heart! I don't regret the hike at all. The view from the top of Sharp Top was nothing short of incredible. I hadn't climbed a mountain in any capacity since college, so while it was challenging, it also felt like such a feat to complete it without hurting myself. I was really proud of myself. I only wish I was better prepared -- so for those interested in the hike: bring water, possibly a walking stick, and really good shoes. Oh, and bug spray. The summit was fillllled with flies. No one on the shuttle down had spotted any bears, but I hear they're pretty prevalent along with snakes, deer, and other wildlife. After the hike, I stopped by the visitor center and purchased both a shirt and a stuffed otter (so cute). My cat thinks the otter is his new toy, but for me, it's a nice reminder of the day I randomly and safely climbed to a summit, unprepared and solo.

I'm jealous of the Lynchburg residents! They get to frequent this eclectic, fascinating shop…read moreregularly! The second you walk in, you are smacked with a kaleidoscope of patterns, textures and colors! The boots department will blow your mind! I've ne r seen such unique one-of-a-kind boots and shoes in all my born days! Yes, they were a pretty penny, but I'm sure the wearer will get oodles if compliments and feel fabulous! I may have to go back for a pair one day! The jewelry and Clothing was one sale the day we went! 50% off. I found a cozy, cool spring sweater, a pair of owl earrings and a pair of sparkly "readers" for bargain prices! Most of the items are brand new, some are gently used, and some are upcycled! For example, I saw this cool handbag: it was made from soda can tops and trimmed with leather. Absolutely fantastic! Much of the jewelry and purses were designed by local artists. You will also find hand painted wine glasses and loads of other gifts ideas in a little alcove towards the back of the shop! Everything about this spectacular shop is royal! Even the dressing rooms will make you feel like a queen! And the owner is a princess! So sweet! Don't miss this boutique while you are in historic Lynchburg!

We had a very nice time here! Picked a lot of apples in the orchard. AND -- bonus -- you can pick…read moregrapes as well, which we did. Also, very nice building with places to sit, in between apple and grape picking and looking around at the wine, fruit, peanuts and other food products for sale. Some of the reviewers are critical of the place, apparently because they weren't coddled like it was a high-end b-and-b or something. It's a family farm in a rural area with a few rough edges, not Sprouts or Whole Foods.

Went here with a big group of my girlfriends to pick apples, enjoy a wine tasting, and get into…read moresome ACD's (apple cider doughnuts). Overall, I have to say the experience was pretty disappointing. The apples that were in the orchards were VERY busted and bruised and we had to get most of them from bins. Turns out they were out of apple cider doughnuts and the wine tasting portions were legit the size of a liquid medicine cup. What actually is heavily influencing my overall rating of Johnson's Orchard was the rude service we received at the convenience store. The lady was very abrupt and unpleasant which sort of put us off after already having a poor experience. I don't know if I was so disappointed because I was expecting "southern hospitality" or what. Anyways, it cost nothing to be kind and really would have changed my overall opinion of the place if we were welcomed with a friendly face. The animals at the end were their saving grace-so sweet! The peacock was honestly random/concerning but we loved the sheep/donkeys/goats and my friend Katherine loved the pig.

The friendly staff and tour ways perfect for all ages. The info signs along the way helped. We…read moreenjoyed the gift shop and did the gem mining before leaving.

I am a big fan of caves/caverns so when I see one when I am traveling I try to stop if I can…read more While in West Virginia we were fairly close to Lost Word so we made the stop. The grounds are nice and have places to picnic and there are llamas. There is a gift shop and that is where you enter and exit and get your tickets. The caverns are pretty neat. Not super large or difficult to walk. Just be warned that there can be large school groups that could impact your visit.

I wish I could teleport this store to New York so I could shop there more regularly. I love…read moregreeting cards and the selection here is incredible and it took incredible restraint on my part to only buy seven of them! My husband on the other hand, showed no such restraint in the confection department as we spent a lot of green on candy purchases both times we visited the store during our long weekend in Roanoke. They also have so many neat gift ideas and items for your house. If you like to have fun cocktail napkins at your parties, you will find a huge assortment here. If I'd had a bigger suitcase, I would have bought more. The staff here is super friendly and helpful. They seem to enjoy what they do and it shows in the pride they take in the store and in their interactions with customers. Excellent place!

This amazing gift shop family business is full of surprises. Located on Market Street near the…read moreRoanoke City Market, it carries a wonderful selection of the finest artisan chocolates from around the States, as well as a nice variety of creative greeting cards, and gifts of all kinds. The store is completely packed from wall to wall and display case to display case in a well organized way and they manage to always be caught up with the current Holiday Season at hand. Besides this, it has a warm and friendly group of employees who greet you warmly from the time you step foot in the store and are always ready to answer any questions you might have of any of their products as well as assist you in selecting a gift or putting together a group of nice chocolate for that special person in your life. From the time you enter the store, you encounter a vast variety of greeting cards, chocolates, and gifts of all kinds; including books, local souvenirs of the Star City of Roanoke, and many curiosity items that will be the a surprise and topic of discussion of anyone fortunate to receive it as a gift. I highly recommend this unique chocolate, greeting cards, and gift shop to all those who are looking for a special gift for a family member, a friend, or a loved one, during the Holiday Season, for their birthday, or just to make any day a special day by surprising them with that "one of a kind" gift.