For your next vacation, take a look at the beautiful town of Marion in Smyth County Virginia. Below are a few of the most popular destinations in our area and all are a short walk or drive from the General Francis Marion Hotel. Surrounded by National Forest...we have a wide variety of biking, hiking and horse trails, a lake with a beach for swimming and boating, world class trout fishing, Appalachian festivals, museums, authentic Bluegrass and Old Time music, antique shopping, Nascar racing, historic landmarks, and so much more!
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The Lincoln Theatre
Located in Historic downtown Marion, and next door to the General Francis Marion Hotel, the Lincoln was originally a movie house built in the 1920s. Today it's been fully restored to host live performances and is one of only three existing Mayan Revival-style theatres in America! Check The Lincoln Theatre's web site for upcoming performances:
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Song of the Mountains
Song of the Mountains is a concert series showcasing Bluegrass and Old-Time musicians. Performances are held at the historical Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia with shows videotaped for later broadcast by Blue Ridge Public Television. The full concert schedule is available online at www.SongoftheMountains.org:
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Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81 and less than 5 miles from the General Francis Marion Hotel, this park has folklore and history, swimming and a beach, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and a conference center. Hungry Mother is a perfect day trip for hotel guests of all ages.
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Grayson Highlands State Park
Easily accessible from I-81, exit 45 in Marion, Va, and downtown Marion, Grayson is adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a part of Jefferson National Forest. Biking, hiking, horse trails, picnic facilities, and excellent trout fishing are popular park features. Find out more by visiting the web site:
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The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is easily accessible to Marion making it a regular destination for day hikers, weekend and other short-term hikers, section-hikers and thru-hikers.
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The Museum of the Middle Appalachians
Located in Saltville, the Museum of the Middle Appalachians features Geology, Ice Age, Woodland Indians, Civil War and Company Town exibits. You'll also find a collection of more than 4,000 photos of Saltville and the surrounding area which can be viewed and purchased at the Museum Store (Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am to 4:00pm and on Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm)
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Lifetime Wellness Center
In partnership with Smyth County Community Hospital,
Lifetime Wellness Center in Smyth County, Virginia, offersyou fun exercise in a fully equipped facility staffed by knowledgeable, highly trained fitness professionals. Through classes tailored to your needs and interests and access to the fitness industry's most modern facility and advanced exercise equipment, you can achieve the level of fitness you want in a safe, comfortable environment.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, sometimes called "America's Favorite Drive," is the most visited unit of America's National Park System. A drive down the Parkway provides stunning, long range vistas and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains. It is designed as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience, so please don't be in a hurry.
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Emory & Henry College
Founded in 1836, Emory & Henry is the oldest college in Southwest Virginia. Only 20 miles from Emory, the General Francis Marion Hotel is an excellent choice for Emory & Henry visitors.
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Bristol Motor Speedway
One of the shortest tracks on the Nextel Cup circuit, Bristol has the highest banking, making an appealing combination for driver and spectator alike. The General Francis Marion Hotel is approximately 45 miles from Bristol, Tn making it a great option for your Nascar vacation. Make your reservations early.
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For More Information on Smyth County Virginia,
we recommend the following sites: |
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Marion Virginia
Famous for spectacular outdoor recreation, Marion is the gateway to both Hungry Mother State Park and the highest peak in Virginia, Mount Rogers. Our nostalgic downtown features registered historic landmarks such as the 1920s Mayan revival style Lincoln Theatre and the 'Lincoln Hotel' now known as the General Francis Marion Hotel.
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Smyth County Chamber
Access the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce web site to find all the latest area events. Smyth County has numerous annual festivals and cultural events such as civil war re-enactments, museums featuring Appalachian history and genealogical research sites.
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Virginia.org
Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Visit Virginia.org to find detailed maps and information on the spectacular Blueridge Highlands Region of Virginia!
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Chilhowie Virginia
The Town of Chilhowie is a community located along both modern and historic routes of travel in Southwest Virginia. Annual Apple Festival is held each fall, so come get your homemade apple butter and stay a spell to listen to local bluegrass musicians. Full shedule is available on the web site:
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Saltville Virginia
Saltville has a rich history from the early prehistoric creatures to Civil War battles over control of Confederate salt, essential at the time for food preservation. The Museum of the Middle Appalachians features artifacts and exibits which cover the history of the Saltville Valley and reenactments are held annually to commemorate the two key Civil War battles fought in the Saltville area. For schedules and other Saltville events:
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