As far as local visitor centers go, the Roanoke one is a winner. Not only does it include…read moreeverything that you'd expect to find in a standard visitors center (loads of free maps, brochures, and local publications that help you navigate the area), but there's a museum here, too. I didn't get a chance to go through the museum during my stop, but the fact that it was there was a nice touch. The staff here was friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The restrooms were clean and free. Parking out front was simple. Overall, a great little stop to make before you had out and start exploring everything the Roanoke area has to offer.

Nice place to stop in before hitting up the blue ridge parkway. We didn't have time to do the…read moremuseum, but we did swing into the gift shop. Everyone was really polite.

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.

So glad we stopped in to see this museum! It's free. It was small but had a lot of information. It…read morewas interesting to learn about the history of Lynchburg and see artifacts related to Lynchburg. Some exhibits, like the women's suffrage movement, showed how life in Lynchburg correlated to larger events. A large map along with the history of the different sections of the city is in the basement. After leaving the museum, we explored some of the neighborhoods. The Visitor's Center is also located here. The woman at the desk was so helpful. She helped us find a restaurant for dinner, gave us directions, and helped us find some other places to go. A small gift shop area is also here. Prices were very reasonable.

From the owner: Start your LYH visit at the Lynchburg Museum, where friendly staff will assist you with all there…read moreis to see and do in the City of Lynchburg and the surrounding region. Whether you want to soak up the City's rich history, spend a day brewery hopping, or hit the trails, our staff will help you find your next adventure.

My family has lived on the lake for over half my life. I was curious what information was available…read moreat the center. There are lots of brochures on area cities that seem standard for tourists. There is real estate and rental information available. If you want to hunt or fish, you can grab a brochure. There were limited items to purchase. They looked like leftover swag glasses from events. The employees were nice. Bonus points on the swag keychains that float.

From the owner: With more than 20,000 acres of pristine waters and 500 miles of picturesque shoreline, Smith…read moreMountain Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise located at the foot of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you seek days full of activities or more serene time spent relaxing, our region's amazing beauty and natural resources make for the perfect destination.

there maybe a ton of info in line but here I really got some great advice form a local. Very…read morefriendly and one of the most informative visitor centers I have been to

This was such an informative stop! The travel counselor, Gottfried, was extremely helpful and…read moreshared with us his knowledge of the Staunton area. He made several suggestions of places to visit and restaurants to try! We took his advice on The Shack for dinner and it was amazing. His friendly demeanor made conversing with him a pleasure. The space was immaculate and well appointed. And the brochure stand was neat and organized. We chose several pamphlets for upcoming adventures. The restrooms were clean which is a always a plus! Be sure to pop by the visitors center with any questions you may have about this historic little town. Gottfried will be happy to help! Tell him we said hello!

My daughter and I had a great time hiking Humpback Rocks. Others give the directions so I will not…read more The Visitors Center has restrooms and more. The parking for the trailhead is across from the Visitors Center. Wear sturdy shoes, no flip flops or sandals. Take water you will need it, especially on hot days. Only attempt if in good health. Some will bring a good camera, if you have bring it. Obviously take your phone for photos, but keep in mind of weak reception at the top. My recommendation is to start out early AM, but after day break as the trail is too difficult in my opinion to navigate while dark. The trail is around a mile and a half and can take over an hour with breaks. Many can reach the top in 35-45. The view is 100% worth the effort. Be careful up there, it's no joke. Elevation is over 3000 feet.

Lyndhurst, VA (Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)--Road Trip #2…read more The next spot on the trip was Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Farm Museum (HRVC). Since I had done my research, I knew the visitor center would be closed at this time of year. Actually, a lot of Skyline Drive was closed during the winter because of the harsh weather this year. However, when I arrived that day, it was beautiful--sunny, 70s, and gorgeous! Since I couldn't go inside the visitor center, I walked around the grounds and the farm museum. There was no staff that day, but usually they have costumed interpreters to explain about life back in the late nineteenth century. I was still able to look around--they have a single-room log cabin; many outbuildings that represents the regional architecture; and nearly 3,000 acres of forested lands surrounding the museum. Amenities: --Restrooms (Not during the winter season though--you're out luck if you show up like I did. Not even a port-a-pottie. Make sure you go to the bathroom before you visit!) --Exhibits and programs (During the season, roughly May - October, the hours are Thursday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Some of the demonstrations include weaving, basket making, and gardening. --Picnic Area (Milepost 8.5--If you leave HRVC and turn right, you will see the picnic area on the left. This is called Humpback Gap Overlook, and this is where you will find the trail to Humpback Rocks.) --Visitor Center, information, restrooms, and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Interpretive programs are accessible with assistance. I am hoping to get back to the area this summer and, if time permits, I will check out the visitor center and take pictures. I have a feeling that HRVC could be one of the best visitor centers around when it is fully staffed. Still, walk around the grounds, have a picnic, and, if you're brave, climb Humpback Rocks. Just driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a treat!

Lady at the front desk was very nice, and knowledgeable about the area. Park on the South side of…read morethe building, directly across the street from the Farmers Market. The visitors center is located on the lower level.

The staff here is always incredibly friendly and helpful. Anytime I am visiting Martinsville…read morewhether it's for Nascar or visiting the beautiful lakes for fishing, I always make sure to stop in for information on new restaurants, and aquire details about any new regulations I need to be aware of on the lakes. Thanks again for all the help over the years.

Philpott Dam Visitor's Center is a great place for most all recreation. Kayaking, fishing, boating,…read morehiking, and much more. They have picnic tables and a nice playground on top of the hill. I did do much here except to check out the Visitor's Center, swipe a granddaddy long leg outta my car :/ and walk around. Gorgeous views. Turns out, the lake at Fairystone State Park feed into Philpott lake and damn. Pretty cool. Check the mountains in the background. That's where I camped at Fairystone!

Took my little buddy from church to see Philpott Lake, and the dam. We checked out the visitors…read morecenter, which has some nice exhibits featuring animals (taxidermy), examples of local trees and old photos of the construction of the dam. Lady at the front desk got my little friend a coloring sheet, a button and sticker. Viewing platform in the back overlooks the dam, and there is another platform outside just a short walk from the visitors center. In the center of the park are picnic tables, grills and a small playground. Beautiful area!

I've stopped in the Lexington Visitor Center during pretty much every visit to Rockbridge County,…read moreVA and am impressed by how consistently friendly and helpful the staff are. I don't know whether they are employed or volunteer their time, however their knowledge and passion for the history of the environs is impressive. It is conveniently located in historic Lexington and is located just a few doors down from the Stonewall Jackson House & Museum. If you've not been to Lexington in the past or would like more ideas about places to see, this is a great stop. They have a private parking lot AND clean public bathrooms! ( I like the clean part!) PS. A special thanks to Etta with whom I had a delightful discussion!

The Lexington Visitor Center is an excellent place to begin a visit to this historic town. You will…read moresee highway signs announcing it along I-81 and in town. Displays showcase the principal attractions. The helpful docent at the desk will give you a walking tour map and mark it up with a suggested route. A tour will usually begin with the Stonewall Jackson House just up the street. Free parking is available all day at the visitor center, though the parking lot fills up. Restrooms.

This is a useful stop when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) in Virginia. There is a small…read morebuilding, which was manned by a park ranger (or perhaps a parks volunteer?) who provided maps and answered questions. Small, clean, but dated restrooms were along the side of this building. Parking was free and sufficient, even on a leaf-peeping Saturday in October. The real "attractions" here are beyond the actual Visitor Center's building. If you continue along the path past the restrooms, there's a large lawn along the James River with picnic tables. Very relaxing. If you continue, there are also some short "hikes" right at the Visitors Center. The first, which is more of a "walk", takes you across a pedestrian bridge (which is directly below the bridge with Blue Ridge Parkway traffic) that goes to a historic lock. This trail is mostly flat, except for some stairs, and is mostly in the sun. Separately, if you continue straight, instead of crossing the bridge, there's a short loop hike referred to as "Trail of Trees". This one has identifying markers on the trees, and has more of the feel of a short hike. It has some ups and downs, and you need to watch your footing for roots and rocks. You can also hike along the Otter Creek Trail to reach the Otter Creek Lake in about 3 miles. One final note. This Visitors Center does not have a gift shop, nor any snacks or other amenities for purchase. Our "check tire pressure" light had come on, and the ranger was unable to provide assistance nor were there tire pressure gauges for sale. (We learned later that there's a service station relatively close to an exit off the BRP very close to the Visitors Center, but this wasn't mentioned). See separate entry for H&H Market in Big Island, VA.

There is a visitor center here, but it is really just one room with not a lot going on, other than…read morethe notable exception of a park ranger giving out advice. However, there is much in the area to enjoy. A picnic area on the river lies just outside the visitor center, and a bridge crosses the river (offering picturesque views) to a restored lock of a canal that once ran through the region. A trail goes through woodlands following a creek up to a dam. And, the visitor center also offered parking that wasn't full, restrooms, and a water fountain, which I did not see anywhere else nearby.