Galax, Independence (Pulaski, Abingdon, Blue Ridge: to rent, restaurants, shop)

[IdaClaire]

Our family leaving for a week-long vacation at a friend's cabin on the New River between Independence and Galax next week. For the occasional forays out for grocery shopping, dining, etc, which of the two cities has more services? Is there much difference culturally between the two towns, i.e., one more settled by natives and the other more settled by "crunchy" newcomers? I am always curious about these kinds of things.

Any suggestions on things we should see or do? We've camped several times at Grayson Highlands State Park, but other than that, we don't know much about the area. We have a 21 month old child, so some of the longer hikes we once did might be somewhat impractical right now.

Thanks!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by IdaClaire

Our family leaving for a week-long vacation at a friend's cabin on the New River between Independence and Galax next week. For the occasional forays out for grocery shopping, dining, etc, which of the two cities has more services? Is there much difference culturally between the two towns, i.e., one more settled by natives and the other more settled by "crunchy" newcomers? I am always curious about these kinds of things.

Any suggestions on things we should see or do? We've camped several times at Grayson Highlands State Park, but other than that, we don't know much about the area. We have a 21 month old child, so some of the longer hikes we once did might be somewhat impractical right now.

Thanks!

Galax is much larger so you find more places to eat and shop there.

Consider taking a day trip over to Damascus and renting some bikes to ride around town, even all the way to Abingdon if you want, if your toddler can sit for a bike ride.

If you are really adventurous, definitely consider taking the shuttle up to the top of the Virginia Creeper trail and riding all the way back down to Damascus. They do have bikes to rent with those little kid wagons you pull behind the bike. The scenery on this trail is just amazingly awesome and the ride is easy since you are going down the mountain on a nice level trail. There are many lovely spots to stop, waterfalls, river crossings - it is just an amazing day trip. Have a great vacation!

[BCole]

Galax has much more in the way of amenities than Independence. You may want to try the New River Trail State Park. It was originally a rail bed that has been transformed to a hiking and biking trail. There are multiple access points, but I would start in Galax. This would be a good option with a child. Parts of the trail follow Chestnut Creek and the New River. It extends to Pulaski. As for restaurants in Galax, there is an Applebee's, various fast food places, Macado's (nicer sandwich restaurant in old post office), a nice restaurant called Bogey's, and various other mom & pop's places. Hillsville is a 15 minute drive from Galax. There are a few restaurants there as well.

The area in general has a lot of newcomers, but you will find a lot of locals. You will may also want to check out the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is just south of Galax.