the Destination Magazine™

The Secret State Park Where You Can Find Real “Fairy Stones” and Moonshiner History!

Posted on by Destination Magazine Food & Travel Creative Team
The Secret State Park Where You Can Find Real “Fairy Stones” and Moonshiner History!

Hunt for magic stones, feast on decadent fudge, and jam out to bluegrass in Patrick County’s stunning mountain playground!

Stewart, VA
April, 2026

Stunning views, fun events, and beautiful spring flowers await you in Patrick County. Spend the day exploring Fairy Stone State Park and learn about the buried town of Fayerdale and the moonshiners who once roamed the area. Stay at one of the park’s historic cabins or camp in the newly renovated campground. Celebrate Earth Week with fun, ranger-led activities. Learn about the animals that call Fairy Stone home, create a pollinator garden, and spend the evening watching the Lyrid Meteor shower. Fairy Stone State Park has something for everyone to enjoy! 

Spend the day exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway in Patrick County. Visit historic sites like Mabry Mill, Orlean Puckett’s Cabin, or the Ground Hog Mountain Overlook. Explore Rock Castle Gorge’s 10-mile looping trail or enjoy a picnic at one of the area’s many overlooks. Need a pick-me-up? Swing by Meadows of Dan for a delicious lunch at Poor Farmer’s Market or Papa’s County Cooking. Warm up with a fresh cup of coffee at Primitive Coffee Market before checking out one of the town’s many stores. Don’t forget to visit Nancy’s Candy for a box of decadent, homemade fudge. 

Get your groove on at the Historic Star Theatre with Jordan T. Morrison & the Foothill Boys on April 10th and Empty Bottles on April 24th. Grab your instruments and jam out at the Coffee Break’s Tuesday morning Breakfast & Bluegrass Jam and the Willis Gap Friday Night Jam. 

Discover what makes Patrick County the perfect destination for outdoor lovers, music lovers, and history lovers. With so much to do and explore, Patrick County is the perfect place for your next getaway. So come, get lost, and find yourself here! 

Find Yourself Here! 

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Patrick County is a jewel of a destination, offering activities for the whole family.

Patrick County Tourism
106 Rucker St. Stuart, VA 24171
www.visitpatrickcounty.org

Subscribe Now

Weekly Destinations to Enjoy

We Tell You Where To Go!

Destination Magazine Food & Travel Creative Team

Think of us as your digital tour guides with a serious design addiction. At The Destination Magazine, our creative team has spent over 40 years mastering the art of the “wish you were here” feeling. We’ve traded city traffic for scenic routes and cubicles for wide-open spaces, all to prove that the best stories aren’t found on a screen—they’re found down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. We’ve gotten so good at making rural look radical that we were even named an Adobe Success Story. Apparently, our layout and design techniques are officially “the gold standard,” but we just like to think of it as making sure the local hidden gems get the spotlight they deserve. Whether it’s a tiny mountain town or a coastal secret, we use our four decades of design magic to make sure you’re inspired to pack a bag, grab your keys, and go find some fresh air.