Area Attractions
Only about 15 miles away is the Blue Ridge Parkway, an incredible scenic byway riding the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for spectacular scenic vistas, and features hiking trails, waterfalls and the Blue Ridge Music Center, which are just some of the attractions it offers.
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Also nearby are many parks including, Grayson Highlands State Park, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the Jefferson National Forest, and New River Trail State Park. All have trails for hiking, and many of them also feature trails for horseback and bicycle.
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The Appalachian Trail, the longest foot trail in America, and the Virginia Creeper Trail, another foot trail, are also not far away.
The town of Independence Virginia features the Historic 1908 Courthouse, a beautiful Richardson style building that houses The Treasury, a gallery featuring local artisans, and the Tourist Information Center. There are also several local golf courses in the area.
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LOCAL FESTIVALS
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There are many festivals that are held in the area from the spring through the fall. Many feature live music, arts and crafts, competitions and more.
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White Top Mountain Maple Festival: 4th Saturday in March
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Galax Old Fiddlers' Convention: 2nd Weekend of August
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Fries' Fiddlers' Convention: 3rd Saturday in August
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Naturalists' Rally, Mount Rogers: 2nd Saturday in May
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Elk Creek Apple Butter Festival: 2nd Saturday in October
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White Top Mountain Ramp Festival: 3rd Sunday in May
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Grayson Highlands Fall Festival: 4th Saturday in September
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Wayne Henderson Festival: 3rd Saturday in June
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Baywood Fall Festival: 1st Saturday in October
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Grayson County Fiddlers' Convention: 4th Saturday in June
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Grayson Highlands Fall Festival: 4th Saturday in September
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Baywood Fall Pumpkin Festival: 1st Saturday in October
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Mountain Foliage Festival: 2nd Saturday in October
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Independence Day Celebration: 4th of July
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White Top Mountain Molasses Festival: 2nd Sunday in October
NATIONAL & REGIONAL PARKS
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The Blue Ridge Parkway: Not far from New River Campground
Canoeing and Kayaking, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers
unsurpassed scenic beauty, and many more attractions
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Appalachian Trail: The longest foot trail in America
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Grayson Highlands State Park: For scenic beauty, hiking, and
more
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Jefferson National Forest: For scenic beauty, hiking, and more
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New River Trail State Park: For scenic beauty, hiking, and more
FISHING​
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River Smallies: A great site for those that like to fish
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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: An overview
of North Carolinas resident and nonresident Fishing, and other
state licensing information. For resident fishing information
click on License Information for Residents. For non-resident
fishing information click on License Information for
Nonresidents
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Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries: An
overview of Virginia resident and non-resident state Fishing
licensing information
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS & BUSINESS INFORMATION
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The Historic 1908 Courthouse: Located in Independence
Virginia, this Richardson Style building houses a Tourist
Information Center and an art gallery featuring local artisans
called The Treasury.
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eAlleghany.Net: A hometown eCommunity in the heart of the
Blue Ridge Mountains, Alleghany County North Carolina.
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Alleghany Chamber of Commerce: Dedicated to promoting
Sparta North Carolina and Allegheny County where you can
find information on businesses and activities in the area.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
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How to Kayak: The Ultimate Beginners Guide
