Did You Know?
The demand for Parkway services has continued to increase while the Parkway’s budget has decreased in recent years.
Modern day Vesuvius towered by the Blue Ridge Parkway Photo by Kitty F. Cash
Location
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Vesuvius, Virginia
http://www.vesuviusva.com
Near milepost 27
Vesuvius is a small village at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The roots of the village boast of a rich mining, farming, lodging, and foundry history further enhanced by the coming of the railroad. Although the mining and foundry work no longer exist, and the train doesn’t make scheduled stops, many residents continue to make the mountain their way of life, preferring the slower pace and the caring attitudes of families and neighbors. Vesuvius is a proud community that likes to share its way of life with travelers from near and far.
Vesuvius is a great outdoor community and is home to a number of good fishing spots along the South River as well as access to hiking on the St. Mary’s Wilderness Trail. Visitors can take advantage of the many photographic opportunities afforded by the spectacular views of the Blue Ridge as well as the general store and other sites popularized by famous railroad photographer O. Winston Link. Many of these sites are now replicated in the Heritage Gallery of the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke. Learn about Vesuvius’s heritage at the Museum of Local History, located in Granny’s Attic and next to the Post Office. Enjoy local country cuisine at Gertie’s Country Store & Deli or savor fine dining at Osceola Mill. Sugar Tree Inn and Mangus House bed and breakfast inns provide comfortable overnight accommodations. A short drive westward takes visitors to McCormick’s Farm, Rockbridge Vineyards, and Wade’s Mill as well as several fast-food restaurants, gas, and convenience stores.
During the building of the Parkway, Vesuvius was proud to be home to one of the CCC Camps. Many of these men loved the area so well, they returned, married, and decided to call Vesuvius home. Today, a number of local residents are employees of the Parkway.
