There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Rural Retreat, Virginia! For the outdoorsy family, head to Claytor Lake State Park for a day of hiking, fishing, and swimming. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out the Museum of Rural Life which offers a glimpse into the area’s rich agricultural history. Don’t forget to stop by the Rural Retreat Farmers Market for some locally grown produce and homemade goods. And of course, no trip to Rural Retreat would be complete without a visit to the Hoo-Hoo House – the only remaining example of the unique architectural style of the local Hoo-Hoo Club.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Rural Retreat, Virginia
1. Visit the Wytheville Farmer’s Market – The Wytheville Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday morning from 8:00am until noon. It is located on Main Street in downtown Wytheville. The market offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, honey, flowers, and more. There is also live music each week.
2. Take a hike on the Appalachian Trail – The Appalachian Trail runs through Wytheville, and there are several access points nearby. The trail offers beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains, and is great for hiking, camping, and fishing.
3. Visit the Rural Retreat Lake – Rural Retreat Lake is a man-made lake that is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. There is also a beach area and a playground.
4. Explore Fort Chiswell Animal Park – Fort Chiswell Animal Park is a small zoo that is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, reptiles, and more. The park also has a petting zoo and a playground.
5. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway – The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. There are several overlooks along the way that offer stunning views.
6. Visit the absolutely adorable Mayberry in the Virginia Mountains – Mayberry in the Virginia Mountains is a small town that is modeled after the fictional town of Mayberry from the TV show The Andy Griffith Show. The town has a museum, a replica of the courthouse from the show, and more.
7. Check out the Wytheville Wildlife Conservation Area – The Wytheville Wildlife Conservation Area is a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and other animals. The area also has hiking trails and a fishing pond.
8. Visit the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests – The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are two of the largest national forests in the United States. They offer a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more.
9. Go tubing down the New River – The New River is a popular spot for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are several businesses in Wytheville that offer rentals and shuttle services.
10. Visit the Museum of the Virginia Highlands – The Museum of the Virginia Highlands is a small museum that is dedicated to the history and culture of the Appalachian region. The museum has a variety of exhibits, as well as a gift shop.
