The Area – The Litz Mansion

Welcome to The Litz Mansion!

While you are here, be sure to check out the Back of the Dragon Center and try out our craft beer and delicious food. Please relax, unwind, have fun, and enjoy your stay!

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Back of the Dragon

Virginia is not just for lovers anymore, it is a destination for riding enthusiasts! Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains on Virginia’s famed Route 16 lies Back of the Dragon…32 miles of exhilarating winding curves and unparalleled excitement.
Spanning from Marion to Tazewell, Virginia riders from around the world unite for the experience of a lifetime. Back of the Dragon offers 438 curves for the thrill-seeking knee draggers, a two-lane ribbon road for the sports car aficionados, and breathtaking views of the expansive 3 mountain ranges for all riders.

Burke’s Garden

This rare piece of geology was first discovered in the 1740’s by James Burke while hunting in the area. The name “Burke’s Garden” was given to the valley as a joke in 1748 after Burke planted potato peelings by the campfire of a surveying party. The next year, a fine crop of potatoes was found. It is oftentimes referred to as “God’s Thumbprint” because of its view from the air. This mountain-ringed bowl is 10 miles in diameter and filled with some of the most fertile farmland in the state. The area, at 3000 feet, is the highest mountain valley in Virginia. It was designated a National and Virginia Rural Historical District. The community can be viewed from the Appalachian Trail or by car from state route 623. Visitors can buy baked goods and vegetables, bike on area roads, hike and hunt in nearby Jefferson National Forest.

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother, one of the original six Virginia State Parks, has long been a favorite. It’s known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. The park has a sandy beach with a bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and paddleboards), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy its campgrounds, cabins, yurts, gift shops, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge, hiking and biking trails, and restaurant. The Hemlock Haven Conference Center, which is available for retreats, conferences, and special events, is also here. Catering is available.

Fincastle Golf Course

Designed in 1965, Fincastle has built a reputation for its quick greens and the precise shot placement that is required. Guests will experience a variety of unique shots as they play a round on Fincastle’s manicured fairways and greens. Golfers can expect a blend of open holes through the lower part of the course during the first nine before transitioning to a more tree lined route on the second nine that scales up the mountain. With amazing mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere, Fincastle is the perfect course for your next round. Fincastle is fully public and welcomes all golfers.

Virginia Creeper Trail

A destination for visitors from across the US and a cherished asset for local residents, the Virginia Creeper Trail is best known as a biking trail, but in reality, the VCT is a multi-use trail with opportunities to bike, walk, run, fish, horseback ride, people watch, cross country ski and geocache, along with chances to observe and learn about the native fauna and flora, as well as the fascinating historical and economic role the railroad played in southwest Virginia.

Cavitt’s Creek

The 54 acre lake is part of the 300 acre Cavitt’s Creek Park Campground. A quiet and breathtaking retreat for fun and relaxation, birding, hiking, camping, fishing and more. Three large covered and 5 small covered picnic shelters are available for rental, Large playground -Paddle boats, “john” boats and kayak rentals, 2 boat ramps for electric motor driven boats. -Fishing: Trout, Bass, Walleye, and more. No fee to fish, but Virginia fishing licenses are required. Trout stamp required October 1 to June 15th.

Lincolnshire Park

This site is easily accessed from the Town of Tazewell and supports a multitude of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife. A walking trail offers access to the lakeshore. A hike around the lake in summer affords views of several species of songbirds attracted to the woodlands and edge habitat. During winter and migrations, the reservoir hosts a variety of waterfowl and depending on water levels, several species of shorebirds. Painted turtle can often be spotted surfacing out on the lake. Butterflies, such as orange sulphur, Horrace’s duskywing, and eastern tiger swallowtail, decorate the landscape. The lake and moisture-laden surroundings also provide adequate habitat for dragonflies such as eastern pondhawk and widow skimmer.

Crab Orchard Museum

Experience a settler’s life in the early 1800s as you tour our Pioneer Park village, featuring 15 log and stone buildings, including a farmhouse, craftsmen’s shops, barns, corncribs, family cabins, a smokehouse, springhouse and Red Barn horse-drawn equipment building. Wander through time in our museum center gallery from the prehistoric period to the 20th century, looking for wooly mammoth molars, colonial maps, animals of Southwest Virginia including the infamous “Varmint,” Native American tools and relics from the 500 year old Indian Village on our significant Crab Orchard archaeological site, a silk wedding dress fashioned into a Confederate flag for the Smyth Rifles, a bone ring made from the kneecap of a Rebel soldier, the beginnings of the coal mining and railroad industries, and more. Take home a souvenir book, handmade Appalachian craft, or remembrance from our Museum Shop, which also sells refreshments. Picnic on the grounds in our covered shelter. Relax under the old willow by the creek and imagine days gone by. It’s your history, too, so enjoy yourself!

Pocahontas Exhibition Mine

The Pocahontas Exhibition Mine is the only of its kind in Virginia. Located in the town of Pocahontas in Tazewell County, the mine takes visitors underground to see how coal was produced in the 19th century. The 13 foot coal seam was first mined in 1882 and an operation remained there for 73 years. Pocahontas coal also once fueled the American Navy. In 2015, the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) decided to partner with the mine in an effort to preserve some of the history of coal mining in southwest Virginia.

Spearhead ATV Trails

A region bursting with outdoor recreation, traditional American music, cultural heritage crafts and natural beauty, Southwest Virginia is a go-to spot for adrenaline chasers and families alike. Winding ATV trails, hiking and biking spots and an up and coming equestrian system makes Spearhead Trails a world-class destination with over 550 miles of trail over 6 trail systems for any skill level.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, ranging from Maine to Georgia.

National Forest

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests stretch along the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and even cross into parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. Welcome to your forests!

The Great Channels Hike

Tucked away in the verdant depths of the 4,836-acre Channels State Forest is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets and most singular natural wonders. Located in the heart of the vast state forest, in the designated 721-acre Channels Natural Area Preserve, the Great Channels are a 20-acre labyrinth of sandstone, stashed away along the 4,208-foot crest of Middle Knob, the high point of Clinch Mountain.

The Great Channels are an otherworldly experience, like no other place else in the state and reminiscent of the slot canyons and gorges of the American Southwest.

Breaks Interstate Park

Bountiful nature, as richly colored as our mosses underfoot, our mountains on the horizon, and our sky overhead.
Rivers to raft, heights to scale, camping, birding and porches to be sat on…while smiles form lazily upon contented faces.
Expect this and more at Breaks Interstate Park, up in the mountains of Virginia and Kentucky, where uncommon history, heritage, and heart offer a welcome that never wears out.

The Town of Tazewell

Located in the heart of scenic Appalachia, Tazewell offers the full Southwest Virginia experience. Nestled among the Back of the Dragon’s rolling mountains, the winding Clinch River and sweeping farm lands, Tazewell is Nature’s playground. Enjoy an excellent meal at one of our many diverse dining establishments after you shop your worries away at trendy boutiques.

We have fun community events for all ages, from the Music on Main & Cruise In held the fourth Saturday of each month May – September, to the First Fridays held the first Friday of each month June – August, to our Main Street Moments festival held the fourth Friday/Saturday in July every year, to the Oktobrewfest each October, and the Main Street Winter Market in December.

Marion

Marion is one of a few towns to be designated as an official Virginia Main Street Community and National Main Street Community. The Lincoln Theatre, a meticulously renovated Art-Deco Mayan Revival-style performing arts center in Marion, is the home of the nationally syndicated bluegrass music program Song of the Mountains. The town hosts a monthly ArtWalk with local artists and musicians, held on the second Friday of each month in May through December.

Wytheville

Wytheville is a true original, not just because it’s the only town in the country fortunate enough to bear that name but also because of its stunning landscape, which includes majestic mountains, sparkling waters, and rolling hills. No doubt about it – a trip to this memorable and striking town in Southwest Virginia always leaves visitors wanting more!

Abingdon

Abingdon is a fun place to visit. The mountains that surround the town beckon visitors to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular scenery. The downtown district with its brick sidewalks and treelined streets entice visitors to explore every block and visit every shop, restaurant and café. That’s what old-fashioned southern hospitality is about.