Meadows of Dan Mountain

Wanderlove Scenic Drive

"Wanderlove" is the strong desire to travel in Virginia! After months of self-quarantining, travelers are taking to the open roads to experience their vacation social-distancing style. This is why Patrick County, VA is the perfect place to stretch your arms, soothe your cabin fever, and leave the stresses of life behind.

Take a drive on route 58 down Meadows of Dan Mountain to experience fun curves, beautiful scenery, and find hidden gems along the way.

The LOVE Sign at Nancy’s Candy Co.

Nancy’s Candy Co. & LOVE Sign

Start at the top of the mountain in the charming village of Meadows of Dan. Here you will find delicious country cooking, beautiful regional artisan crafts, and one of Patrick County’s treasure, Nancy’s Candy Co. Pull into the parking lot of this enormous candy factory to be greeted with a friendly, masked employee who can take your order. Choose from their decadent fudge, truffles, fruity gummies, chocolate covered pretzels, retro candies, snack mixes, and so many more options. While you wait for your order, you can grab a selfie at their candy-themed LOVE sign! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #VirginiaIsForLovers when posting to social media!

View from the outside of Cockram Mill

Cockram Mill

Once you leave Nancy’s, continue down the road towards Route 58 (JEB Stuart Hwy) and head south. Soon, on your right, you will see Cockram Mill. This 135-year-old grist mill is the oldest of several in Patrick County. Currently being used by Longfin Grill, you can order a plate of delicious seafood and sit out on the back deck which overlooks the mill wheel and the Dan River.

Entryway to Poor Famer’s Farm

Poor Farmer’s Farm

Continue southward on Route 58 and on your left will be Poor Farmer’s Farm. This old fashioned country store sells everything from homemade jams, candies, and other treats, to souvenirs, plants, gifts, crafts, Hungry Hillbilly Hotdogs, ice-cold drinks, and much more. Catch their Front Porch Bluegrass jams every Saturday, May-August on the Front Porch Bluegrass Stage!

Uppermost overlook at Fred Clifton Park

Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook & Fred Clifton Park

Continuing south down Route 58, it is impossible to miss the long-range view of Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook on your left. Easy on and off parking allows you to grab a quick picture of this stunning landscape. What is easy to miss, however, is the adjacent Fred Clifton Park. This small park includes picnic tables, grills, and three additional overlooks of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Legend says a Native American maiden, Morningflower, and a colonial man fell in love, but both their families forbade them to be together. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as their backdrop, they jumped into the great blue yonder to be together forever. They say their jump occurred at the uppermost overlook in the park and that you can still hear them when you stand on the overlook platform and look out at the expansive view.

Howell’s Grocery serves the best burgers around!

Howell’s Grocery

Enjoy the rest of the way down Route 58 as you weave around the mountainside and take in the beautiful views. This tour ends at the bottom of the mountain when you arrive at Howell’s Grocery. This retro filling station is well-known for serving up the best burger around. Grab one to-go and relax outside at the picnic table by the creek. Take advantage of their full-service gas pumps and sit in your car while the attendant pumps your gas for you! Check out some of the other Wanderlove Scenic Drive itineraries in this series to continue your driving tour of Patrick County’s beautiful roadways.