Amid the rolling hills and lush forests of Southwest Virginia lies the picturesque town of St. Paul. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this charming Appalachian enclave offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From outdoor escapades to cultural discoveries, St. Paul has something for everyone to enjoy. While it may be small in size, it packs a punch when it comes to adventure and excitement.
History buffs will enjoy learning about St. Paul’s origins as an early frontier settlement. The town contains well-preserved 19th century buildings and homes that provide a window into the past. In addition to its natural splendor and historical significance, St. Paul hosts a variety of unique attractions. Check out the various festivals and events held in St. Paul throughout the year, from music festivals to holiday celebrations. The town comes alive during community events like the Clinch River Days. With such diverse offerings, it’s easy to understand why so many make the scenic mountain drive to experience the charms of St. Paul, Virginia.
A Warm Welcome at the Western Front Hotel
As you drive into St. Paul, you can’t miss the Western Front Hotel, where comfort meets adventure for an unforgettable stay. With its rustic charm and modern amenities, it’s the perfect base camp for your St. Paul adventure. As you step into the lobby, you’re greeted by friendly faces and a warm atmosphere that sets the tone for the stay.
The Western Front Hotel offers upscale accommodations with rustic decor, modern amenities, and comfortable furnishings. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing stay. Situated in the heart of downtown St. Paul, the Western Front Hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities.
Guests can easily explore the town on foot, ATV or take a short drive to nearby destinations. Guests staying at the Western Front Hotel will be immersed in the local culture and learn about the town’s fascinating history. The Western Front Hotel boasts an onsite restaurant and bar Puerto Nuevo, where guests can indulge in Mexican cuisine and cocktails. Additionally, the hotel often hosts live music events and other entertainment options for guests to enjoy. The area behind the Western Front Hotel has a stage for live music, a fire pit for s’mores and plenty of room for relaxing. The Western Front hotel as well.
The hotel has a small gift shop that had some cute merchandise including bath products from the hotel, doggie treats and other items. One of the cutest souvenirs from the Western Front Hotel is a ceramic rabbit made by a local artisan that holds cotton balls. The hotel has a complimentary coffee bar in the lobby and also will bring a Kureig to your room upon request. A complimentary, “kick start your day”, breakfast can be ordered from a card in the room and placed outside the door in a provided pail. The pail is returned the next morning with the food selections which include yogurt, homemade granola, fruit and juice options.
Overall, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a luxurious retreat in a charming Appalachian town, the Western Front Hotel offers an exceptional experience for all types of travelers. Everyone I met while visiting was so friendly. The Western Front Hotel is also the perfect lodging for a, “mancation” , and a great hotel to surprise your guy with a trip to.
Exploring St. Paul: Where Adventure Awaits
For outdoor enthusiasts, St. Paul is a paradise waiting to be explored. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails of the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, where you’ll discover rugged terrain, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas around every corner. Hikers can traverse miles of scenic trails, passing breathtaking vistas and lush forests along the way. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Appalachian mountains on various hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Take a bike ride and discover the beauty of Southwest Virginia by biking along world-class trails that offer breathtaking views and exciting challenges. The nearby Clinch River offers fishing, kayaking, and tubing adventures. Grab your fishing gear and spend a relaxing day on the water casting your line into the pristine waters of the Clinch River, home to an abundance of trout and smallmouth bass. Or enjoy a scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains driving through rolling hills and lush forests along the scenic byways in the area. While St. Paul may be the main attraction, there’s plenty to see and do beyond the town limits.
The famous Back of the Dragon, a 32-mile stretch of winding mountain road that offers breathtaking views and hairpin turns is guaranteed to get your heart racing. Venture further afield you can explore the historic town of Abingdon, home to charming shops, galleries, and the renowned Barter Theatre. The choice is yours and there is truly something for everyone to do in or around St. Paul, Virginia.
Spearhead Trails: ATV Heaven
For those craving adrenaline-fueled excitement, look no further than the Spearhead Trails network. Cross off being able to take an ATV on historic trails and old logging roads winding through the mountains off your bucket list. The Western Front Hotel has the option to book ATV packages that include an ATV rental during your stay making the booking process easy. The convenience of having the ATV rental at the hotel was perfect. The Western Front Hotel provided trail maps and the staff was very helpful to answer any questions.
A short walk out the back door of the hotel, and guests can get in their ATV rental. From the hotel parking lot it’s a quick drive up to the trails. In addition to ATV rentals the hotel sells passes for the trail if you choose to bring your own ATV, UTV, quad or dirt bike. The trails are well kept and were labeled by their level of difficulty as well as what type of atv was allowed on them.
Some of the area trails allowed for Jeeps and 4×4 vehicles and other spots were only accessible by mountain bike or dirt bikes. My favorite spot was an overlook of the surrounding mountains. While on my adventure I saw deer and the trail was very peaceful and a great place to connect with nature.
Spanning hundreds of miles across Southwest Virginia, these ATV and mountain biking trails offer thrilling adventures for riders of all skill levels. Strap on your helmet, rev up your engine, and prepare for an exhilarating journey through the rugged backcountry of Appalachia.
Cultural Delights and Local Flavors
After working up an appetite, head back to town to indulge in some local flavors. St. Paul may be small, but its culinary scene is mighty. No visit to St. Paul would be complete without sampling the local flavors that define Appalachian cuisine. Indulge in hearty comfort food at one of the town’s family-owned restaurants or treat yourself to a farm-to-table restaurant serving up fresh, seasonal fare.
Sample delicious Southern cuisine at one of the many eateries in St. Paul, from homestyle cooking to fine dining options. The town of St. Paul, Virginia offers a brewery, several restaurants, grocery, a pharmacy and other shopping. Inside the Western Front Hotel is Peurto Nuevo where you’ll find Mexican comfort food. I really enjoyed that I could eat at the hotel or walk from the Western Front Hotel to close by food options.
The Sugar Hill BrewPub a couple streets over has many beer and pub food options. During my stay the brewery hosted a trivia night too, so make sure to check for local activities during your stay. Be sure to sample some craft beer brewed right in Southwest Virginia during your visit to St. Paul.
The Fat Boys BBQ across the street from the Western Front Hotel, has the sweetest proprietors and they encourage everyone to try the Heart Attack which is a baked potato with cheese and butter topped with BBQ chicken. Locals like to add baked beans and even coleslaw on top of this creation. This restaurant also has plenty of other options and cooks all their own BBQ in town.
A Stay to Remember
When your adventure in St. Paul comes to a close, you’ll find yourself reluctant to leave the beauty and excitement of this hidden gem in the Appalachian Mountains. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, St. Paul, Virginia, has it all. From its scenic beauty to its rich heritage and warm hospitality, this hidden gem in the heart of Appalachia invites travelers to slow down, soak up the serenity, and discover the magic of small-town life. I can’t recommend this hotel enough especially for ATV lovers. The adventure is waiting for you and it’s only in beautiful Virginia at the Western Front Hotel.
Thrilling three-day itinerary to make the most of your time in St. Paul, Virginia:
Day 1: Outdoor Adventures and Local Exploration
- Check into the Western Front Hotel
- Afternoon: Explore St. Paul taking a stroll through the charming streets of downtown and admire the historic architecture and charming shops.
- Evening: Relax and unwind with dinner at Puerto Nuevo inside the Western Front Hotel.
- After dinner: Gather around the fire pit at the Western Front Hotel backyard for s’mores, sharing stories and making memories with fellow travelers.
Day 2: Thrilling ATV Adventure and Cultural Discoveries
- Morning: Start your day with your Kick Start breakfast delivered straight to your room.
- Gear up for an ATV adventure on the Spearhead Trails. Choose a trail that suits your skill level and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the mountains. Break for lunch trailside.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a your choice of a restaurant in downtown St. Paul, reminiscing about your adventures in the heart of Appalachia.
- After dinner: Relax on the rooftop terrace of the Western Front Hotel, taking in panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Scenic Drive and Outdoor Relaxation
- Morning: Have breakfast in your room before checking out.
- Head to the the Clinch River Park Area for a hike. Enjoy stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Perhaps pack a picnic lunch for along the trail.
- Have a safe journey home!
As you bid farewell to the Western Front Hotel and the charming town that stole your heart, you’ll carry with you memories of thrilling adventures, warm hospitality, and the promise of future journeys to come. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in St. Paul, Virginia. Adventure awaits around every corner. Book your own trip today!
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Thanke you for reading! Don’t forget to pin this idea on your vacation board for your next trip inspiration and to check out my other travel posts. If you are a hotel, campground, or business and would like to collaborate please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com
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