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 Lily Valley Inn 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

Family Time is time well spent in Virginia’s Mountain Playground

All items and locations are perfect to add to your trip with your family, large or small, to Giles

Close knit group or large family gathering- read on for trip inspiration and plan to come to Giles. There’s always so much to consider when planning a family get-away. With Giles’ easy to access location, family-friendly activities, and welcoming people let us help you take some of the work out of planning your next get-away.

Large groups, up to 16 can enjoy the riverfront cabin at New River’s Edge. While staying at “The Edge” guests have access to the firepit, their own river access, and all the yard and river toys you can imagine. New River’s Edge can also set up the entire group to enjoy a short section float on the New River in tubes or kayaks. For a flat rate all day (10am-4pm) guests can enjoy the Pembroke to NRE section of river as many times as they’d like, stopping only to play as needed.

Small family groups will enjoy Mr. Hunter’s Cottage that feature two units in a single story cottage, also near to the New River. With accommodations for eight people, this historic vacation home in the heart of the Village of Eggleston is in the heart of it all (easy access to everything), but off the beaten path so your family can enjoy their time together.

Adjacent to Mr. Hunter’s Cottage groups of all sizes are welcome at The Palisades Restaurant. Their seasonal menu features unique, contemporary Appalachian cuisine and fan favorites. If you’re looking to try farm raised trout or sticking to the peperoni stone-fired pizza there is something on the menu for the family to enjoy. Their dessert menu is top-notch and homemade ice cream is worth the trip. The Palisades also regularly features live local music on the weekends and offers food to-go if you’d rather enjoy the company of family in your lodging accommodations.

While there are many things to do in Giles that offer up fun to your family unit- in the warm months, you can’t miss getting out on the New River. Tangent Outfitters, also located in Pembroke, can help you pick the best float for your family in kayaks or canoes and based on the amount of time you want to spend on the water. Along the New River Water Trail families can enjoy easy access at our 14 public boat landings, making it easy to spend an hour or the day on the water. From scenic rock cliffs to fun water rapids, the New River in Giles, with the appropriate level of caution, is an easy and safe family fun experience. Cooler months, when on-water isn’t ideal take the family for a hike in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Short and easy nature walks, or more moderate hikes to spectacular waterfalls- you’ll find your families next adventure is here in Giles County, Virginia.

The most important part and take-away from playing in Giles with family and friends, is the time spent together was well worth the memories made. We’ll see you soon, in Virginia’s Mountain Playground.

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