Tazewell: History, Landscape and Hotels

Tazewell combines historic buildings and regional culture with a distinctive mountain landscape. When planning your trip, it’s worth first deciding what you want to focus on: Would you like to explore the Historic District, plan around one of the events mentioned, or drive the Back of the Dragon route? Your travel dates are especially important if seasonal activities or an event date will determine your stay.

Historic Sites and Regional History

Tazewell was initially called Jeffersonville. The town received this name in 1800 in honor of Thomas Jefferson. The Historic District contains residential, commercial, and government buildings, most of which date from about 1880 to 1930. The district includes 145 buildings; 77 percent of them contribute to its historic character. These figures give an idea of how many buildings shape the district, without implying that they all date from the same period.

Another testament to the town’s history is Stras Memorial Episcopal Church. Built in 1886, it is the community’s oldest church. With 14 log and stone buildings, Pioneer Park illustrates life on the frontier in the 19th century. The Red Barn also houses a Ford Model T. Those interested in local history might also consider a walking tour with the Tazewell County Historical Society; check availability before your trip.

At Tazewell Train Station, there is a gift shop, free tourism brochures, and exhibits about the region’s history. The station is also one of two surviving depots along the Clinch Valley Line. Main Street offers distinctive shops and restaurants in a well-preserved historic downtown district. Individual businesses’ offerings may change.

Back of the Dragon and the Landscape

Back of the Dragon is a distinctive destination for a drive through the Appalachians: the route runs along a 32-mile stretch of Virginia Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion and includes more than 400 curves. Tazewell is the northern starting point and the main hub for drivers on the route. As road conditions can change, check them before driving. The route’s character is a planning consideration in its own right; visiting the Historic District or attending an event involves different priorities.

Tazewell lies at the headwaters of the Clinch River. The landscape includes hills with seasonally changing colors and the Clinch River Valley. The Clinch River Pavilion & River Walk improves access to the Clinch River. The town’s history and landscape thus highlight different aspects: the town’s development on the one hand, and the river and surrounding nature on the other.

Parks, Lake, and When to Visit

Lincolnshire Park has walking trails, a swimming pool, a splash pad, and the Kidzown playground. Seasonal facilities may operate at varying times. Fishing is possible at Lincolnshire Lake, where kayaking and stand-up paddling are also offered. If these activities are important to your trip, take the season into account when planning and check the current conditions.

Events Throughout the Year

Main Street Moments takes place every year on the fourth Friday and Saturday in July. Music on Main & Cruise In is a recurring summer event; Oktobrewfest is held every year in October. The Main Street Winter Market takes place in December. The specific dates of these events may vary from year to year. Plan your trip around the period you want to visit, and confirm event dates before booking. The Tazewell County Fair has been a tradition in the county community for more than 150 years.

When looking for hotels, you can match your travel dates to your planned focus: a drive on Back of the Dragon, historic attractions, activities at the lake, and an event on the calendar call for different travel plans. When choosing a hotel, check the specific details of the accommodation. Discover more destinations: Tannersville, Cedar Bluff, Pounding Mill.

For the overview of the wider area: Tazewell.