NewsApril 24, 2018 by Cora Gnegy

Muddy ACCE Race Returns Sep. 15, 2018

Registration is open for the 2018 Muddy ACCE Race

Giles County, VA- Registration is open for the 2018 Muddy ACCE Race to be held on September 15, 2018 at the Glen Lyn Town Park. The third annual Muddy ACCE Race kicks off at 8:30am on the third Saturday of September along the New River in Glen Lyn. The Muddy ACCE Race is a 5K, obstacle mud run course race designed to drag you out of your comfort zone by testing your physical strength, stamina, and mental grit. It’s not about how fast you can cross the finish line, but if you can handle the mayhem. A challenge that emphasizes teamwork, camaraderie, and accomplishing something. For the kiddos we also have the Children’s Mud Pit. Along the banks of the New River in Southwest Virginia, this race has a rope swing out onto open water and other challenges…think you can handle it? This year, there will be 50 obstacles!

The Muddy ACCE Race has been developed to support the Giles County Access to Community College Education efforts. Giles County is the first locality in the New River Valley to participate in the “Access to Community College Education” initiative. ACCE is a public/private partnership that makes college available tuition-free to resident graduates from Giles County by covering the cost of tuition for two years at New River Community College. ACCE supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available for the program. With your support, students will graduate from NRCC prepared to join the workforce or transfer to a four-year university without college debt. The successful program has garnered national attention for Giles County and has allowed over 150 students to further their education at New River Community College.

The MAR will be an event not to miss. Participants can sign up to complete the event as individuals or teams. There are also competitive time slots where runners compete for medals and all the glory! Later time slots are perfect for those running for the challenge or fun of it. The obstacles include the Warped Wall, Tarzan’s Trapeze, the Human Ladder, New River Shuffle, and the rope swing! New this year, participants can also look forward to the Copperhead Climb, Feel the Burn, and Stock Treatment. Every registered participant will receive an event t-shirt to prove you attempted the challenge, along with a water bottle and commemorative sticker. Spectators are welcomed to enjoy the village of vendors, food, and entertainment. Visit MuddyACCERace.com for registration, more information about the course, update course information and pictures, and to learn more about the ACCE program. Can you rise to the call and handle this muddy mayhem? Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @MuddyACCERace.

Jennifer and friend trudge through one of many mud pits at the 2016 event.

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org. For media interviews or visit, we look forward to working with you. Please contact Cora with requests.

NewsApril 11, 2018 by Cora Gnegy

Pearisburg Day Trip

SUGGESTED ITINERARY | PEARISBURG DAY TRIP

Morning- Enjoy breakfast at Friends and Family Restaurant. Pearisburg is the county seat and as such there are many things to do and enjoy in this community.

For the rest of your morning delight in shopping and strolling the historic downtown. Pearis Mercantile is a premier gift shop in the region. Located just across the street from the Visitors Center (203 N. Main St), stop in to get a Visitors Guide, maps, and stickers. Other shopping includes the C&P Discount and small shops along Wenonah Avenue.

Tour the Giles County Courthouse that was featured in the film, Wish You Well. The Andrew Johnston House and Museum is home to the Giles County Historical Society and is open seasonally (Mar-Dec) Wednesday through Sunday. Pearis Cemetery located less than a mile from the museum. The cemetery also lies along the Appalachian Trail. The walk from parking at the trailhead to the cemetery is less than ¾ mile and in the cemetery you will also see one of the largest Cucumber Magnolia trees in the state!

Lunch- Options for lunch in Pearisburg include local options Papa’s Pizzeria, Queen’s Pizza, La Barranca Mexican Grill, and Pizza Plus. Fast food options include McDonalds, Wendy’s, Hardees, Pizza Hut, and hiker favorite, Dairy Queen.

Enjoy a stroll after lunch through the streets of Pearisburg to see a series of murals painted by local artist that depict local scenes. The Pearisburg Town Park has multiple permanent sculptures for viewing along their paved park walking trail. During the warmer months (April-October) on the third Thursdays enjoy the Pearisburg Community Market with food and craft vendors and entertainment.

For more active outdoor adventure, hiking Angels Rest provides a unique perspective of the town and the New River Water Trail far below. The 1.3 mile hike is strenuous with multiple switch backs and constant grade. The two boat landings nearest to Pearisburg include the Ripplemead Boat Landing at Whitt-Rverbend Park. This park is 28 acres with a paved walking trail, campsites, and restroom facilities. The boat landing also has restroom facilities and paved boat ramp. The Bluff City Boat Landing offers a paved boat ramp, area information kiosk, restroom, and paved parking area.

Finish out your evening in Pearisburg with a stay at the award-winning Inn at Riverbend. Enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the New River on their vast decks. Other area lodging options can be found at gilescounty.org/lodging.

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079. For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs. For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

NewsApril 4, 2018April 3, 2018 by Cora Gnegy

Rich Creek Day Trip

Suggested Itinerary | Rich Creek Day Trip

Rich Creek is a small town in Giles County with a population of 760 people. Accessing Rich Creek is very easy by car as it sits on Route 460 almost to the West Virginia state line, as well as Route 219 from Peterstown, WV. The charming main street welcomes visitors and is a relaxing home to residents.

To start your day in Rich Creek consider The Corner Market or Burger Boy. The town is situated in such a way that much of the activity is walkable. Enjoy a stroll through the heart of town to enjoy old homes and churches that make up Rich Creek. Daniel Shumate and Milly Callison with their three sons settled Rich Creek and built their first log home in 1780. Later in 1787 Daniel received a land grant for 387 acres and built his second log home near a large spring knoll overlooking the river. The people of Rich Creek came to know this home as “Riverside, home of the Hardin Shumates” until 1981 when it was sold to Emory and Louise Eaton. However, white settlers came across Rich Creek back in 1671 when the Batt and Fallam Expedition came to a halt when Indian guides refused to go any further. They burned their initials in a tree and claimed the territory for King Charles II of England. The early settlers in Rich Creek were Scotch, Irish, Germans, and Englishmen.

storefront of the Corner Market in Rich Creek — The Corner Market in Rich Creek. Photo from their Facebook page. Be sure to visit!

Shopping in Rich Creek could include consignment and flea markets as well as a stop in to Allen’s Furniture and Gateway Gifts, part of Smith’s Pharmacy.

Lunch- Enjoy lunch at regional favorites Pizza Plus or Queen’s Pizza. The Corner Market also has fresh produce to make a picnic lunch. The public boat landing along the New River Water Trail is just east of Rich Creek and would be a nice place for an outdoors lunch, overlooking the New River.

Enjoy lunch and a walk or take the children to play at Woodland Park located above the downtown area. This park features a walking trail, picnic pavilion, and playground equipment. After an afternoon recess you should visit the Rich Creek Public Library, also home to the Town Hall and Community Center. They have Visitor Guides and other information to help plan your time in Giles.

End your day with a nostalgic meal of good proportions at Central Restaurant. Located on the banks of Rich Creek (the creek by which the town gets its name) this family friendly establishment is a must for visitors or travelers. To stay in Rich Creek, one would enjoy Gentry’s Landing RV Park and campground. There is also a Budget Inn Motel near the Town Hall. Other nearby lodging properties could be found at gilescounty.org/lodging.

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