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Fairy Stone campground re-opened after renovations
A cabin at Fairy Stone park.
Submitted photo
A camper checks in at Fairy Stone State Park.
Submitted
Yurts await at Fairy Stone.
Submitted
Fairy Stone State Park is thrilled to announce the reopening of its main campground following extensive renovations designed to enhance comfort, accessibility and convenience for visitors. The improvements reflect the park’s commitment to providing a welcoming outdoor experience for all visitors.
The renovated campground now features:
Upgraded electrical service: New pedestals at each site offering 20/30/50-amp hookups.
Expanded accessibility: A new, large ADA-accessible campsite was created with an accessible sidewalk to the bathhouse.
Fresh paving: Smooth, newly paved roads and pads throughout the entire campground.
Improved water infrastructure: New water lines, valves and spigots.
In addition to these upgrades, the park’s yurts now include exterior water spigots and electrical outlets, adding convenience for guests who enjoy a unique camping experience.
For visitors who prefer more traditional lodging, Fairy Stone State Park also offers fully furnished cabins and a family lodge, providing a cozy retreat with modern amenities.
Blackhawks big bluestem is low maintenance and combines nicely
with other perennials.
Page A1
SPorter
Blackhawks big bluestem is low maintenance and combines nicely
with other perennials.
Housing open house scheduled
Staff reports
Interested in buying a home in Floyd County?
The Floyd County Economic Development Authority wants to hear from you tonight.
The authority is exploring the possibility of creating a new housing development specifically targeted at individuals who are either currently working in Floyd County or those seeking employment opportunities within the county. The initiative reflects an effort to address housing needs that support the local workforce and attract new residents to the area.
The primary goal of the potential housing development is to provide affordable and accessible living options for people connected to Floyd County’s labor market. By focusing on workers and job seekers, the authority aims to bolster the community’s economic growth and stability through improved residential infrastructure. This housing project could play a significant role in enhancing quality of life and ensuring that employment opportunities are matched with suitable housing availability.
To gauge interest and gather community input, the Floyd County Economic Development Authority has launched a quick survey. This survey is designed for individuals who might be interested in purchasing homes within the proposed development. It serves as a crucial tool for understanding demand, preferences, and potential buyer demographics, helping the Authority tailor the project to meet actual needs.
Interested parties are encouraged to participate by visiting the survey link: https://bit.ly/3YprsuQ.
An open house and public hearing to provide detailed information about the project and to collect feedback from the community is set for tonight. This session is an opportunity for residents, potential buyers, and other stakeholders to learn more about the development, ask questions and express their views.
The open house, from 4 to 6 p.m., allows attendees to come at any time within the two-hour window.
A public hearing will follow at 6 p.m., providing a formal platform for comments and discussion.
The event is set for the Floyd County Administration Building at 202 E. Main St.
Floyd businesses honored by magazine
Floyd County businesses were among the “Best of the Blue Ridge” honorees when Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine announced the winners of its 16th annual awards last month.
Last October, the publication’s readers nominated their favorite outdoor businesses, events, food and drink destinations, and attractions across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, then voted to select the top winners. This year, the magazine received more than 200,000 votes across 51 categories.
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines was named Best Zipline; Chateau Morrisette Winery won Best Winery; Five Mile Mountain Distillery took Best Distillery; Red Rooster Coffee Company was recognized as Best Coffee Shop; Buffalo Mountain Brewery earned Runner Up for Best Brewery; and FloydFest was named Runner Up for Best Music Festival.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was once again voters’ top choice for Best Public Land. Floyd County has one of the longest stretches of the Parkway and popular attractions such as Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob Campground.
“It’s exciting to see so many Floyd County businesses recognized by Blue Ridge Outdoors readers,” said Floyd County Tourism Director Kathleen Legg. “These awards really speak to the people behind the businesses and the memorable experiences they’re creating for both our community and visitors alike.”
From outdoor recreation to music, food, and small-town charm, Floyd continues to stand out as a place people love to visit. Floyd has so much to offer and we are honored, among many here in Floyd, to be recognized as “Best of the Blue Ridge,” said Kerry Underwood, co-owner of Five Mile Mountain Distillery.
In a separate contest announced in last November’s issue, Floyd was voted a Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors readers in the Tiny Town category. Readers were invited to vote for their favorite outdoor destinations across four population categories, from towns under 3,000 residents to those with more than 75,000. The 2025 contest drew nearly 25,000 votes across three rounds of online voting for 100 destinations. Twelve towns were recognized as winners or runners-up, including seven Virginia localities.
The annual Best of the Blue Ridge awards are among the most recognized outdoor honors in the Southeast. “With Floyd and Patrick counties so consistently well represented among the winners each year, as well as the Roanoke Valley, it underscores that our region is a popular choice for visitors,” said Buffalo Mountain Ziplines owner John McEnhill.
Winners are featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Visit BlueRidgeOutdoors.com to view the complete list of winners and runners-up.
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