Local Secrets, Big Finds - VirginiaLocal Secrets, Big Finds - Virginia

Local Secrets, Big Finds - Virginia

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Tell us about an insider spot in your hometown.
For more travel tips visit Amy Ziff's monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, or visit IgoUgo to get recommendations from other travelers.
Amy Ziff
Local Secrets, Big Finds

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Breaks Interstate Park
Breaks

276.865.4413
The Breaks, nicknamed "the Grand Canyon of the South," is a beautiful park with a 1,000-foot gorge as its focal point. The gorge spans five miles in length and is a quarter-mile deep, making it the longest and deepest gorge east of the Mississippi. This interstate park, situated in the Appalachian Mountains, is so large, it straddles Virginia and Kentucky. Whatever the season, voters proclaim that "this park is stunning." In May, the rhododendrons bloom beautifully, in fall, "the leaves spark with color," and in December, the park hangs lights in celebration of the holiday season. Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Virginia

Cafe Tirolo
Arlington

703.528.7809
The menu at this casual, family-run dining spot features "many excellent Italian entrees, supplemented by dishes, such as goulash, from the former owner's native Austria." All the food is made with fresh ingredients in a small kitchen that's open to the dining room. Notable specials include the Wiener schnitzel and linguine. It's "truly excellent food at very reasonable prices." Finding the restaurant can be tricky because it's tucked away from the main street, so if you're having trouble, walk around the court to the left of the office building.

Town of Fincastle
Fincastle

540.473.3077
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the entire town of Fincastle is a like a living, breathing museum because a visit here feels like "walking into another era." The town is home to "old houses, galleries, a quaint jail, and an old Presbyterian church." It's six miles off Interstate 81, which makes it "a wonderful place to break up a trip and stop for lunch." There's a "great new diner with a Philly cheese steak sandwich for $4.40." The people in this town are "very friendly, so don't be surprised if the sheriff passes by your window and waves." Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Virginia

Hull's Drive-In Theatre
Lexington

540.463.2621
According to the numerous people who nominated Hull's, this drive-in is "a slice of Americana." Watch a movie, eat popcorn with real butter, and "bring your pet." They are pet-friendly, and "even welcome pet pigs!" In an effort to preserve this landmark, a non-profit group from the community formed Hull's Angels, which is still active today. Anyone can sign up to be an "Angel" to help support what is the only non-profit, community-owned drive-in in the entire country. A night at this drive-in is "fun and affordable," and a visit here "supports a piece of local history." Read more.

Island Creamery
Chincoteague Island

757.336.6236
Chincoteague is home to "a lovely beach on the ocean and a natural reserve." The town is "small and quaint," and the Island Creamery has "some of the best ice cream that you will ever eat." With "36 flavors of homemade ice cream," narrowing your choice will be hard, but make sure to order the "fresh-baked waffle cone" or "have your favorite flavor made into a yummy ice cream cake." Enjoy a latte or cappuccino with your cone on the deck. It's "so good!" Note: the Chincoteague horse swim was nominated for a Local Secret in 2005, so be sure to visit the famous horses if you take a trip to the Creamery. Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Virginia