Travelers seeking an adults-only destination filled with outdoor fun, fresh Appalachian Mountain air, and a touch of culinary creativity will find this hidden gem a great alternative to overrun tourist destinations such as Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Perched above New River in Pearisburg, VA – Virginia is for lovers at boutique retreat Lilly Valley Inn. Discover Virginia’s best sunrise, dramatic views, and a foodie’s dream stay — all less than a 3-hour drive from Charlotte.
Located near the Appalachian Trail, this Blue Ridge Mountain destination is the getaway you have been looking for and never knew you needed. Visit wineries, take a cooking class, bask at the majestic bridge at New River Gorge National Park, hike Angel’s Rest, or simply relax in a luxury suite with one of the best last views on the East Coast.
Whether flying into Charlotte Douglas International Airport and exploring, or looking to escape Queen City, take a foodie road trip to discover accommodations and a destination with some of the best mountain views on the East Coast. This sample itinerary highlights things to do and see along the way and during your stay. Create memories and experience a one-of-a-kind getaway.
The Undiscovered Scenic Drive from Charlotte, NC
Hint: It’s not along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Biltmore House, Outer Banks, or Hilton Head Island.
Instead of heading towards Western North Carolina, this route to Southwest Virginia offers something unique and Instagrammable. Begin one of the best road trips from Charlotte mid-morning, setting your sights northeast toward the Virginia mountains. The most straightforward route is via I-77 North, joining I-81 North near Wytheville, then onto VA-100 to Pearisburg. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes without stops, but this itinerary encourages exploration along the way.
Charlotte, NC Skyline
Top Stops Along the Route:
- Mount Airy, NC: About an hour and a half out of Charlotte, pause in the charming town famous as the inspiration for Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Show.” Enjoy a quick stroll down Main Street, grab coffee from one of the local cafés, and browse unique boutiques. Mount Airy celebrates Appalachian Mountain culture and offers a great introduction to the region’s spirit.
- Wytheville, VA: As you near the Virginia border, make time to stretch your legs at Wytheville’s historic downtown. Known for its prominent pencil landmark and heritage museums, this is a great spot to learn about Southwest Virginia’s history before pressing on.
- Pulaski, VA: Detour east to Pulaski for local eats or a leg-stretching walk at the lovely New River Trail State Park, a linear state park that follows an old railroad bed and provides river views and woodsy serenity—a taste of what awaits near Pearisburg.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Check into Lilly Valley Inn in the afternoon, where the tranquil setting and personalized service create an immediate sense of relaxation. The inn features luxuriously appointed rooms, all with breathtaking views overlooking the New River and the valley. Plush amenities, a French-trained Chef, and a verandah overlooking the New River are designed for ultimate unwinding after your drive.
Take in the view by grabbing a coffee or adult beverage, and let the mountain air wash away the stresses of daily life.
Evening: River View Relaxation
Unwind with a glass of wine on the deck as the sun dips behind the hills. The tranquil setting makes every evening feel special, with the sounds of the river providing a natural lullaby.
La Barancca (Mexican)
Day 1 Highlights:
- Charlotte to Pearisburg with curated stops.
- Check in at Lilly Valley Inn.
- Wine overlooking New River.
Day 2: River Views and Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure
Awaken to gentle light spilling over the New River and enjoy locally roasted coffee on the deck. The morning at the inn is restorative, inviting guests to ease into the day surrounded by the stillness of nature. Breakfast is always included and is a Chef-inspired three-course gourmet breakfast (worth the trip alone!). The panoramic deck is the perfect setting to watch mist rise from the river’s surface. This view has been named one of Virginia’s best sunrises.
Sunrise view from Lilly Valley Inn verandah
Morning Adventure: Hiking Angel’s Rest
For the active traveler, set out for Angel’s Rest, one of the Blue Ridge’s celebrated overlooks. The moderate 4.6-mile round-trip hike begins just minutes from downtown Pearisburg and rewards with sweeping views of the valley below. Even if hiking isn’t your forte, the Angel’s Rest trailhead presents a peaceful walk, passing wild rhododendrons and the Pearis Cemetery—where one of Virginia’s largest Cucumber Magnolia trees stands sentinel.
Prefer paddling to hiking? The New River is at your doorstep, offering kayak and canoe rentals for adventurers of any stripe. The Ripplemead Boat Landing or Whitt-Rverbend Park both provide gentle access points for a morning float or light fishing—an immersive way to encounter the region’s natural beauty.
Afternoon: Small-Town Exploring
After a morning outdoors, head into Pearisburg for lunch. Local eateries—like Queen’s Pizza or Sugar + Flour Bakery—offer comforting bites along with a dose of small-town Appalachian charm. Stroll downtown to shop at Pearis Mercantile, view artisan murals, or drop by the Giles County Historical Society for a taste of local lore.
Evening: Cooking Class At Lilly Valley Inn
Attend the inn’s artisan cooking class—an immersive, hands-on experience led by French-trained Chef Lilly. Guests join in crafting a three-course meal featuring regionally sourced ingredients, learning both technique and flavor. These classes, scheduled on select Saturday evenings, are available exclusively to guests, so book early. Afterward, savor the fruits of your labor in the elegant dining room.
Day 2 Highlights:
- Morning coffee and breakfast overlooking the New River.
- Hike to Angel’s Rest or morning paddle on the river.
- Explore Pearisburg’s downtown, shops, and history.
- Cooking class at Lilly Valley Inn
Day 3: A Taste of Blacksburg and Farewell
Enjoy another morning at Lilly Valley Inn, savoring breakfast and coffee as the river sparkles in the early light. With checkout looming, take time to enjoy the vernadah or capture final photographs of the view—it’s a memory worth preserving.
On your way home, detour to Blacksburg, about 35 minutes east, famed for its vibrant downtown and college-town atmosphere. Stop by Rustic Roots, an olive oil boutique offering chef-inspired oils, vinegars, and French spice blends. The shop sits at 400 N Main Street, serving as a culinary bridge between your cooking class experience and the broader world of infused olive oil and vinegars. Sample selections, chat with the owner, Chef Lilly, and stock up on gourmet souvenirs.
Rustic Roots Olive Oils in Blacksburg Virginia
If you have time, pop into other local boutiques or enjoy a salad at Roots Natural Kitchen before heading back to Charlotte.
Day 3 Highlights:
- Morning coffee and breakfast overlooking the river.
- Visit to Rustic Roots in Blacksburg for culinary souvenirs.
- Return to Charlotte via the scenic Blue Ridge.
Travel Tips and Final Notes
- Best time to visit: Early fall brings vibrant foliage and crisp mornings; late spring and summer are ideal for paddling and hiking, while winter is perfect for a cozy retreat and a cooking class experience.
- What to pack: Sturdy hiking shoes, casual attire for the cooking class, swimsuit for river adventures, and a light jacket for brisk mountain evenings.
- Booking advice: Lilly Valley Inn’s cooking classes fill quickly, particularly on autumn weekends. Reserve both room and class well ahead of your preferred date.
This Appalachian retreat blends rejuvenation and exploration with high-touch hospitality. Whether sipping coffee in the mist, learning new culinary skills, or uncovering Blue Ridge vistas, a weekend at Lilly Valley Inn is a feast for all the senses—and a journey into Virginia’s best-kept mountain secrets.
Plan your stay today and let Lilly Valley Inn become your front porch to the New River Valley, complete with rustic elegance, vibrant flavors, and the peace that only Appalachia can provide.
