If your ideal Virginia getaway includes winding mountain roads, unforgettable scenery, small-town charm, and experiences that feel a little off the beaten path, Tazewell deserves a spot on your list. Tucked into Southwest Virginia, this corner of the Commonwealth invites visitors to slow down, stay awhile, and explore.
For many travelers, the journey begins with the Back of the Dragon, Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route and one of the region’s most talked-about scenic drives. Stretching 32 miles along Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion with hundreds of curves, it’s a bucket-list ride for motorcyclists who come for the twists, elevation changes, and mountain views. But you don’t need two wheels to enjoy it. Drivers will find just as much to love in the dramatic overlooks, changing landscapes, and, most notably, the sweeping Appalachian scenery. It’s the kind of road where the destination almost becomes secondary to the experience of getting there.
Once you arrive in town, continue the theme at Back of the Dragon Brewery, which has become a natural gathering place for riders and other visitors. Stop in for a locally crafted beer, coffee, or food, and relax after a day on the road. Visitors can also browse themed merchandise and soak up the energy that has made the route such a destination. Even if you never touch a motorcycle, the atmosphere makes it easy to understand why so many make this a destination.
Travelers can also make their way to The Happy Goat, an award-winning downtown favorite known for slicing meats fresh to order and creating sandwiches that have earned a loyal following. It’s approachable, welcoming, and exactly the kind of local spot that's perfect to stumble across in a quaint and cozy downtown.
From there, trade curves for calm with a tranquil visit to Burke’s Garden, affectionately known as God’s Thumbprint. This remarkable landscape is home to Virginia’s highest valley and one of its most distinctive natural features -- a nearly circular valley completely surrounded by a continuous mountain ridge.
The drive into Burke’s Garden feels like discovering a hidden world. Rolling farmland, open skies, quiet roads, and a slower pace create an experience that feels removed from everyday life. Spend time taking in the views and enjoying the rare feeling of being somewhere that remains largely untouched.
To better understand the region’s story, make time for the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine & Museum, Tazewell County’s only National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1882, the mine offers visitors an opportunity to explore the industry that helped shape Southwest Virginia and fueled growth in the area and beyond. Guided tours and museum exhibits bring the area’s mining heritage to life in a way that feels immersive and strongly connected to the area.
History lovers can also explore Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park, Southwest Virginia’s premier cultural heritage center, where exhibits, artifacts, and preserved spaces offer a look at the people and traditions that shaped the region. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can venture toward the Clinch River Basin for opportunities to enjoy fishing, wildlife, and paddling. Near Burke’s Garden, Cavitt’s Creek Park and Lake Witten offer many acres for picnicking, walking, and slowing down after a scenic drive, while Lincolnshire Park is another easygoing outdoor stop.
Back in town, Tazewell’s inviting downtown ties everything together with mountain views, local shops, stays, dining, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to turn a day trip into a weekend.
Events Worth a Visit
Ride into the Rt16 Rally and Music Festival, experience summer community events, enjoy monthly Fourth Friday celebrations, catch old-time traditions at the Annual Tazewell County Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention, browse fall fun at Burke’s Garden Fall Festival, or visit during the Tazewell County Fair, which the county boasts as the oldest fair of its kind in all of Virginia.