All attractions and locations listed in this post are well suited for a low-impact, high enjoyment trip to Giles.

You work hard, you do good things, you deserve to rest and relax in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Read on for a perfectly packaged trip to Giles County, Virginia.

Traveling through Giles on your arrival, you will notice the scenic river views, landscapes in the distance, and charming towns. Arriving at the Inn at Riverbend for your stay provides you a chance to check-in and check out from the rest of the world. The award-winning bed and breakfast has beautiful rooms that all overlook the New River. Access to sweeping porches and beautifully landscaped grounds are just part of the allure of this magical property. Guests enjoy luxury bedding, amenities, and a gourmet breakfast, the perfect way to start your day.

After leisurely enjoying the morning, you’ll head to JBR Vineyards and Winery, the only one in Giles. This relaxed atmosphere puts you right in the vineyard to enjoy your tasting with the owners, Jessee and Debby Ring. Guests can enjoy JBR during their normal business hours (Saturdays 11am-5pm & Sundays 1-5pm) or they invite you to call ahead and set up a time for arrival for a private tasting (they are happy to do it). Meandering to the vineyard is part of the fun. The rolling vineyard is beautiful to see and they are enthusiastic to share about their process, their grapes, and history of the local area. Be sure to bring back a bottle or more to enjoy and remember your time at JBR.

lady blonde hair with wine glass

A relaxing visit means no cooking for dinner, and we have just the spot to relax and unwind. The Palisades Restaurant located in the Village of Eggleston is an off-the-beaten path destination dining experience. Their rotating seasonal menus feature unique creations to delight the tastebuds. Their tried-and-true regular menus items are outstanding as well. Fan favorites include the pork chop or the black and blue salad. The Palisades also feature a curated collection of wines and beer from Virginia and beyond, ask your hospitality specialist for a recommendation, they are there to help. Their dessert menu is the delectable finishing touch to your dining experience. Most weekends you can enjoy live, local musicians in this lively establishment.

plated food with vegetables

What better way to relax than to have a customized, fully catered fishing trip with Tangent Outfitters along the New River Water Trail? Shawn or any of his guides will put you on the best spots for trophy smallmouth. Cast a line under their expert eye to reel in any one of the predominant species found in the New. Looking to float instead- they can also set you up for a kayak or canoe trip on our 37 miles of the New River that run through Giles. A popular and scenic float is Eggleston to Pembroke, but one that’s comparable in time that you may enjoy is Bluff City to Narrows. They also have other services to complete your relaxing float, connect with them to set it all up.

scenic new river with single canoe

At a glance:

Stay at the Inn at Riverbend
Play with Tangent Outfitters along the New River Water Trail
Taste the wines at JBR Vineyard and Winery
Dine at The Palisades Restaurant

Pets welcome in Virginia’s Mountain Playground

All locations and attractions mentioned are welcoming of pets on your visit…

Traveling with your best friends or man’s best friend, Giles is ready to welcome you to Virginia’s Mountain Playground. From a place to stay, things to do, and adventures to have- Giles is a pet friendly destination. Read on for a two-day suggested trip to Giles County, Virginia.

DAY 1:

Check in to the pet-friendly Mr. Hunter’s Cottage in the village of Eggleston. Mr. Hunter’s Cottage is a two-suite home on the banks of the New River and adjacent to The Palisades Restaurant. Guests can book one or both suites and the sofas pull-out for added sleeping accommodations. This historic vacation home features wide plank pine floorboards and a quaint setting that provides easy access to the New River or neighboring towns to explore.

Less than eight miles from The Palisades Restaurant is New River’s Edge. This private retreat along the New River can sleep up to 16 in the a-frame cabin. But what’s more is New River’s Edge is the place to be to “let the river love.” They can provide family and group tubing for one price all day, putting in at the Pembroke public boat landing and taking out at the property’s private boat landing. Then do it again, all day from 10am-4pm. They also have yard games, fire pit, and open spaces just to enjoy the fresh air and flowing waters.

Day 2:

These two lodging locations put you in prime proximity to enjoy a wine tasting at the only vineyard and winery in Giles, JBR Vineyards and Winery. The owners welcome you to book a tasting on-site any time or visit during their normal hours as posted on their Facebook page. JBR Vineyards and Winery is positioned in the rolling hills of Giles and produce their own wines, from their own grapes. You can enjoy cheese and crackers along with Riesling or Pinot Noir on your visit. Again, pets are welcome to the property for the open spaces, scenic beauty, and quality experience.

From playing on the New River, sampling the wines of Giles, and enjoying the company of man’s best friend, surely, you’ll work up an appetite. Next door to Mr. Hunter’s Cottage is the award-winning destination dining experience, The Palisades Restaurant. Open Wednesday through Sunday and many times with live music on the weekends, this historic building in the heart of the village is a must for your visit. Their contemporary Appalachian cuisine will delight and intrigue all. Their seasonal menu will not disappoint but be sure to consider the wood-fired pizzas or the pork chops. Made-on-site ice cream offers unique flavors. (Unfortunately, service animals are the only pets invited to dinner- please leave the pets at your lodging location.) If you’d like to pick up dinner to enjoy at your cabin, they offer amazing stone fire pizzas, and their entire menu can be ordered to-go.

Load up the pups, book your stay, and come play, wine, and dine in Virginia’s Mountain Playground!

At a glance:

Stay at Mr. Hunter’s Cottage or New River’s Edge
Dine at The Palisades Restaurant
Pets welcome as you enjoy the wines at JBR Vineyards and Winery
Play along the New River Water Trail with New River’s Edge or Tangent Outfitters

Take it easy & enjoy the New River Water Trail