Issuu

Fall/Winter 2026 | Volume 19 Issue 2

magazine

Floyd Virginia Your FREE

pice B

The S

Celebrating the People & Entrepreneurs of Floyd!

Fall/Winter 2026

Comprehensive Guide To

McHale ’s Arbo

rscape

LCF Group

All Things Floyd

Ed &

E the

l’s

Local Stories - Points of Interest - Maps of Floyd Food - Wine - Art - Lodging - Real Estate & Land

www.FloydMagazine.com

www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 3

www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 5

magazine

Floyd Virginia Your FREE

Comprehensive Guide To

Fall/Winter 2026

Celebrating the People of Floyd!

Volume 19 • 2nd Issue

On The Cover

All Things Floyd

The cover photo is of the tractor in front of Reed Construction on Floyd Hwy S

Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelery

From Laurel Creek Farm to Global Goodwill: The Story of LCF.............................................................. 8-11

Engagement Rings Wedding Bands Custom Jewelry Jewelry Repair Diamonds, Gemstones & More!

Building a Life and Business Together: The Story of Floyd Floor Co......................................... 12-14 How This Jewelry Store Found its Way Home..................... 16-18 From Small Engines to Outdoor Adventure: The Evolution of T&E Outdoor................................... 20-22 A Dash of Adventure: A New (Spice) Bar in Floyd............. 26-28 Floyd on Two Wheels: Exploring Floyd One Ride at a Time................................30 Floyd County Map........................................................................32 Town of Floyd Map.......................................................................34 Directory...............................................................................36 & 38 Floyd County Historical Society

Ed & E thel’s om www.EdAndEthels.c

McHale’s Arborscape Excavation Grading Driveways Building Pads Drainage

McHale ’s Arbo

rscape

540-810-1845

Celebrates 50th Anniversary ...................................... 40-43

LCF Group

Eagles Nest Regeneration Marks 20 Years............................ 44-47

Land For Sale By Owner!

Spring/Summer Happenings 2026..............................................50 Blue Ridge Motel Reborn as Blue Ridge Mountain Inn..... 52-53 The Vikings are Coming to Floyd!........................................ 54-56 One American Farm Family.................................................. 58-60

For publication information, call John Brill 540-815-1079 For additional copies, email John@FloydMagazine.com

The Spice Bar

6 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

nd.com

untainLa

Alphabetical Listing of Advertisers Page 62

© 2026 FLOYD VIRGINIA MAGAZINE, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part, without written permission from FLOYD VIRGINIA MAGAZINE is prohibited. Every attempt has been made to verify the information contained in this publication. We assume no responsibility for incorrect, omitted or outdated information contained herein. We publish ads and stories without any implied endorsement of organizations, the views they express or the products/services they offer.

129 Needmore Lane Floyd VA 540-808-4984

roup

LCF G

giniaMo www.Vir

Floyd Virginia John Brill - Publisher Magazine Team Aaron Sobczak - Editor

317 E. Main Street, Floyd, VA 540-260-0165

Showing You How Real Flavor Is Made! 302 S Locust St, Floyd, VA 540-249-1060

The Sp

ice Ba

www.The Spice.B

Fall/Winter 2026

EST 2021

Primitive Coffee Market COFFEE WORTH THE DRIVE! APPLE BUTTER GRILLED CHEESE!

Haunted Walking Tour Fridays & Saturdays October 2nd - 31st from 7pm-10pm!

Coffee • Pastries • Breakfast Smoothies • Teas • Local Foods Pasture-Raised Meats Artisan Gifts & Home Goods Located 20 minutes from Floyd on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Meadows of Dan

Open Daily! 2577 Jeb Stuart Highway, Meadows of Dan, VA Dependable, high-quality cleaning for homes, Airbnbs, and businesses! Local, insured, and dedicated to making every space shine!

Explore the 9 Realms of Norse Lore as the Spirits of the Harvest Season Rise Forth!

General Cleaning 276-733-6888

Tickets can be purchased online or at the event.

www.VikinglandPark.com

southwestshine@outlook.com

Your LOCAL One Stop Shop!

WILLIS VILLAGE MART Since 1994

Groceries • FRESH Produce • Seasonal Plants & Fruits

H S E R F Steaks A nd Cut USD

rk Chicken • Po age Ground Saus

es & LOCAL Win eers! 60+ Craft B

Do you know someone who needs help? We provide substance abuse treatment services designed to stop the destructive lifestyle of substance abuse while in a safe and therapeutically conducive environment. We are a long-term in-residence substance abuse treatment center. Our goal with our faith-based model is to educate, motivate, and assist adult male and female clients to develop and maintain healthy, permanent, recovery-centered lifestyle changes.

Hardware - Gas - Diesel - Propane Exchange

- Biblical Instruction, Counseling and Small Groups -

OPEN 7 DAYS • 5602 Floyd HWY S. Willis VA

- Occupational Training - Family Recovery -

540-789-7241

11 SCENIC MILES SW OF THE STOP LIGHT

Fall/Winter 2026

www.ENRM.org • 540-745-4001 148 Rehoboth Lane, Floyd, VA www.FloydMagazine.com

David Larsen, Gaynell Larsen, and Dee Wallace

From Laurel Creek Farm to Global Goodwill: The Story of LCF For more than half a century, Laurel Creek Farm Group, or LCF, has been involved in some of the most familiar and far-reaching projects to come out of Floyd. Its work has included farming, real estate, rental properties, tourism, publishing, outdoor recreation, housing, and international charitable service. Today, LCF consists of David Larsen, Gaynell Larsen, and Dee Wallace. David and Gaynell built the early foundation of the business, while Dee joined in 2002 and became part of its real estate, publishing, promotional, and charitable work. The projects have changed over time, but the basic approach has stayed much the same: recognize a need, work closely with others, and turn an idea into something useful.

Where It All Took Root David Larsen grew up in Oregon and earned a degree in business and technology in electronics from Oregon State University. After working as an engineer, he came to Virginia and joined Virginia Tech, where he taught electronic instrumentation and automation for 31 years before retiring in 1998. He also assisted the university’s Office of International Development, connecting his technical background with a growing interest in international cooperation. At the same time, David was gaining experience with farming, land management, and rural business. In 1968, he formed Laurel Creek 8 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Farm, Ltd., naming the corporation after the first area of land he developed. That early work created the foundation for a business that would continue adapting as new needs and opportunities appeared. Gaynell later joined him, and together they owned and managed a Christmas tree farm and bed-and-breakfast in Floyd. The Christmas tree operation became familiar to local families through seasonal visits, tree sales, and hayrides, while the bed-and-breakfast brought visitors into the area and added hospitality to the couple’s growing list of activities. Those years helped shape the way the business would operate in the future. David and Gaynell were not simply buying and selling property. They were learning how land could support farming, lodging, recreation, housing, and community activity, sometimes all on the same property. That broader view would later influence projects ranging from Chantilly Farm to tiny-home development. In 1991, while they were still operating the farm and bed-andbreakfast, LCF founded the Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd., or FAIRS. FAIRS uses amateur radio to help people communicate, prepare for emergencies, learn technical skills, and build relationships across borders. Because amateur radio can operate without cell towers, internet service, or commercial networks, it can be especially useful during storms, power outages, and other emergencies.

Fall/Winter 2026

The idea for the foundation took shape during a train trip from Moscow to western Ukraine. David and Gaynell saw how radio could connect people from different countries and support communication where other systems were limited or unreliable. From the beginning, FAIRS combined radio training and emergency preparedness with a broader mission of goodwill. Its work has included providing equipment, helping people earn licenses, supporting local radio networks, organizing exchanges, and sending medical, educational, and other supplies where needed. David and Gaynell sold the Christmas tree farm and bed-andbreakfast in 1993, but they did not step away from land or community projects. Instead, LCF moved more deeply into real estate development, direct property sales, rentals, and other work serving people who wanted to build lives in the region.

Growing a Business Around the Land

handling part-time contract work for David and Gaynell before formally joining LCF in February 2002. Her responsibilities soon stretched across the business. Dee became involved in land sales, property management, writing, editing, promotion, design, accounting-related work, and project coordination. She also became part of FAIRS, helping with newsletters, outreach, events, and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities needed to keep a small organization moving. With Dee on board, David, Gaynell, and Dee became the three primary people behind LCF. Their skills complemented one another: David brought decades of experience in electronics, land, and international work; Gaynell helped lead the business, manage projects, and build relationships; and Dee added communications, design, organization, and daily coordination.

Building Something Bigger Than a Magazine

As the real estate work expanded, the focus stayed on preparing By 2007, Floyd had many businesses, artists, farms, events, and rural property for practical use without stripping away the qualities attractions, but fewer organized ways to promote them together. that made it valuable. The business worked with recreational and Graphic designer Luis Garcia had been working on a publication for agricultural land in Floyd and surrounding communities, often Hotel Floyd when he began thinking about a larger magazine that dividing larger tracts, improving access, identifying possible home could represent the whole community. sites, and preparing parcels for buyers. At around the same time, David, Gaynell, and Dee had been Properties could support homes, small farms, agriculture, recre- discussing a publication that could promote their real estate work ation, or a mix of uses. Rather than relying only on while giving other businesses a stronger way to conventional listings, the team worked directly with reach residents and visitors. When Luis and Rob buyers and often offered owner financing, giving Cluxton met with the LCF team at its Village some people another route to property ownership Green office, the idea quickly grew beyond a basic outside a standard bank loan. marketing project. That personal approach became one of the They decided to create a publication defining features of the business. Buyers were not highlighting Floyd’s businesses, people, culture, always looking for a typical house lot, and the history, events, and attractions. The team right property was not always part of the current committed to producing 10 issues over five years, inventory. In many cases, the team helped people with each person filling a clear role. Dee served as think through what they needed and search for senior editor and story writer while also helping land that fit their goals, whether they wanted a with layout, design, organization, and production. home, farmette, recreational retreat, or long-term David and Gaynell worked on advertising investment. sales, editing, promotion, and distribution. Rob The rental side also grew to include homes, handled advertising and distribution, while Luis offices, and other properties for people who needed led the graphic design. a place to live or work. Some renters were moving The first issue of Floyd Virginia Magazine was to the area, some were still searching for land, and released in spring 2008. The 36-page, full-color others needed temporary housing while a home was publication combined local stories with adverThe first issue of Floyd Magazine being built. That flexibility allowed the business to tising and visitor information, giving readers from Spring/Summer of 2008 help people at several stages of settling in Floyd. a reason to keep it rather than treat it as a Dee Wallace first became involved while attending Virginia Tech temporary promotional piece. and working at an accounting firm in Blacksburg. Originally from The response was immediate. Business owners had been waiting for Nebraska, she moved to Virginia in 1992 for college and began something that could promote Floyd as a whole, while readers liked

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com

having useful information and local stories gathered in one place. Visitors could use the magazine while exploring and then take it home, extending the value of each issue well beyond its release date. The original team had discussed printing 10,000 copies, but the first run grew to about 15,000. Copies were distributed throughout Floyd and into nearby communities, including Roanoke. Rob built magazine stands, while businesses, tourism destinations, and other organizations quickly became regular distribution points. Chantilly Farm, which LCF owned and developed, became one of the most useful places to share copies. Visitors attending events, camping, or spending time on the property could pick up a magazine and learn about other businesses and attractions throughout the area. LCF completed its original five-year commitment and stepped away from production in 2013. By then, the magazine had grown far beyond a way to promote real estate. It was a trusted community publication with a loyal readership and strong support from advertisers. Luis, Rob, and others continued the work after the original five-year period. John Brill later became publisher and carried the magazine into its next phase. David, Gaynell, and Dee continued to support and distribute it, remaining connected to a project they had helped bring to life.

Turning Chantilly Into a Community Destination During many of the same years, the team was transforming Chantilly Farm into one of its most visible projects. The roughly 200-acre property became a destination for camping, concerts, festivals, weddings, reunions, car shows, agricultural programs, cycling events, and other community gatherings. Its mix of open acreage, cabins, bunkhouses, camping areas, event spaces, and natural scenery made the property adaptable. One weekend might bring a music festival, while another could include a family reunion, car event, wedding, or group of campers. The Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, held from 2011 through 2019, became one of Chantilly’s signature events. It brought well-known bluegrass and mountain music performers to Floyd and helped establish the property as a regional destination for traditional music. Other events included the Floyd Auto Fair, livestock and agricultural programs, the VW Bus Campout, community celebrations, and cycling gatherings. Each brought different visitors to the property and helped build its reputation as more than a campground or event venue. The team also invested in making Chantilly a place for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Working with cycling advocate Paul Sullivan and trail builder Tony McGee, it developed a network of multi-use trails designed to follow the natural shape of the land. The system included Tilly’s Trace, Tilly’s Wynd, the Cairn Trail, 10 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

and the Chanterelle Loop. Rather than cutting straight up hillsides, the trails used gradual grades and switchbacks to reduce erosion and create routes that were more enjoyable for riders, hikers, and runners. At the time, off-road cycling options in Floyd were limited. Chantilly gave residents and visitors a place to explore away from public roads, while families and younger cyclists could use the trails without traveling far. The property also became the starting and finishing point for Tour de Floyd and Tour de Dirt, one highlighting paved mountain roads and the other emphasizing gravel and unpaved routes. Through these projects, Chantilly showed how rural land could support tourism, music, recreation, agriculture, and community gatherings at the same time. LCF sold the property in 2021. It later became Floyd Family Campground and now operates as Floyd KOA Holiday.

New Housing Ideas and a Global Mission After selling Chantilly, the team began placing more emphasis on tiny homes and other forms of transitional or stepping-stone housing. They saw that many people wanted to own a home but could not easily move into a traditional house on a large parcel. Rising prices, construction costs, limited inventory, and financing barriers made that first step harder. Tiny homes offered one possible path by giving buyers a smaller, more manageable place to start while building stability and working toward a larger goal. LCF began developing homes and lots at Haycock Acres, located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The project follows the same approach found throughout the business’s history: prepare the land carefully, respond to a real need, and give people options they can build upon over time. The team also provides spaces where RVs and tiny homes can be parked with full utility hookups. These sites can serve travelers, people searching for land, buyers waiting for construction, or those working toward a more permanent home in the area. Its real estate work continues to include recreational and farm properties, land sales, rentals, development, and owner-financing packages. Current listings and vacancies are shared online and through social media, while buyers and renters can also visit the office at 129 Needmore Lane in Floyd. FAIRS also remains one of LCF’s most important long-term projects. Since its founding in 1991, it has supported amateur radio training, equipment, licensing, emergency communication, local radio clubs, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian assistance. In Floyd, the foundation supports W4FCV, helps maintain the local repeater on Harris Hart Road, and works with area operators on

Fall/Winter 2026

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS training, licensing, public events, and emergency preparedness. Volunteers also assisted with communication and community support following Hurricane Helene. Its international work follows the same practical model. FAIRS works with local radio operators, educators, volunteers, and community leaders in places such as Dominica, Malawi, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Guyana, and Canada. Depending on the need, that support may include radios, technical training, medical supplies, educational materials, emergency communication, or help establishing local radio networks. The foundation has also organized more than 100 peopleto-people exchanges, using amateur radio as a starting point for longer relationships among volunteers, students, educators, and local leaders. LCF’s real estate activity partially subsidizes this work. Income from land sales, rentals, development, leases, and financing helps sustain the foundation’s local and international projects, connecting the business’s daily work in Floyd with a mission that reaches far beyond it. From Christmas tree customers and bed-and-breakfast guests to land buyers, magazine readers, campers, radio operators, and people searching for a first home, the story has always reached beyond property. It is about using land, business, technology, and communication to create something useful—and then finding ways for that work to help others. More information about LCF properties and projects is available at virginiamountainland.com. Information about FAIRS, including its projects, membership, volunteer opportunities, and donations, is available at fairs.org. LCF Group • David Larsen, Gaynell Larsen, and Dee Wallace 129 Needmore Ln NE, Floyd, VA • 540-808-4984 www. VirginiaMountainLand.com • www.FAIRS.org

Building Materials Lumber • Hardware • Empire & Buck Stoves • Oil, Gas & Wood Stoves • New Homes • Remodeling • Additions • Treated Lumber • Plywood • West Windows • Salt & Snow Shovels • Propane Refill & Exchange • Heat Pumps & Dehumidifiers • Plumbing, Electric & Paint Eco Friendly Stains & Glues Green Building Products • Kiln Dried Lumber Envirosafe Lumber • Hardie Board Siding El Dorado Stone • Cultured Stone

202 Lumber Lane, Floyd VA

540-745-2044

www.WillsRidge.com Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 11

Richard Schoonover and Grace McCutchan

Building a Life and Business Together:

The Story of Floyd Floor Co.

Floyd Floor Co. may be having its 1-year anniversary, but the experience behind it has been years in the making. The store brings together Richard Schoonover’s background in construction and flooring with Grace McCutchan’s experience in customer service, sales, and account management. Since opening in downtown Floyd, the couple has focused on giving customers a local place to purchase flooring, arrange installation, and receive help throughout the process. Richard and Grace first met in biology class at Floyd High School. They later drifted apart, reconnected in 2013, and married in 2021. Both were born and raised in Floyd. Grace’s parents met while attending Virginia Tech before settling in Floyd, where she grew up with four older sisters. Richard’s father was from Bedford, and his mother was from Salem, and they also moved to Floyd during the 1980s. As Richard and Grace built a life together, each developed professional skills that would later shape Floyd Floor Co. 12 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Richard grew up around construction. His father was a contractor, and Richard spent much of his early life learning carpentry, construction, and some farming. He later worked as a flooring installer for five years throughout the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley. That experience gave him a close look at the flooring industry and the way customers were sometimes treated. “I wasn’t thoroughly impressed with the way some of our friends and neighbors in the area were getting treated by other floor companies,” Richard said. “We saw an opportunity to offer them exceptional service and treat them fairly—the way we wanted to be treated ourselves.” Richard also owns Paragon Builders, a Class A residential contracting company he started in 2021. Through that work, he regularly met homeowners and business owners who needed flooring and other contracting services, reinforcing the need for a local flooring business. Grace brought a different but complementary background. For more than 12 years, she worked at her family’s business, Fall/Winter 2026

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP

FOR YOUR HOME!

Your journey to the Blue Ridge Parkway starts with our 61 luxurious, full hook-up RV sites and comes with long-range mountain views, fast WiFi internet, and these other amenities: • Pavilion • Heated Pool • Custom Private Luxury Bathrooms

• Dog Park • Dog Washing Station • Laundry Room

SIDING ROOFING DECKING BATHROOMS CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE TODAY!

276-222-3333 • www.TheOaksRVResort.us 7530 Jeb Stuart Hwy, Meadows of Dan, VA TheOaksRVResort@gmail.com

540-382-8747

www.CrockettHomeImp.com Award Winning • Fully Licensed & Insured

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 13

Red Rooster Coffee. After filling several roles, she moved into account management, where she worked with wholesale clients and handled sales, training, and customer service. Although flooring was a new industry for her, those skills carried over naturally. The idea for Floyd Floor Co. began taking shape about two years before the store opened. Richard understood installation, while Grace knew how to manage customers, orders, vendors, and daily operations. Together, they saw an opportunity to combine those strengths. Finding a storefront was the next step, but it didn’t take too long before they settled into their spot downtown. For Richard, seeing residents and local supporters attend was one of the most meaningful moments of the store’s first year. “We had a lot of people show up from our community and support us opening our business,” he said. “That meant a lot to me.” Today, Floyd Floor Co. handles both flooring retail and installation. Customers can compare products, place orders, and arrange installation without coordinating separately with another company. The showroom also serves as a meeting place for larger projects. Homeowners and business owners can discuss flooring alongside other remodeling or contracting needs. The store sells flooring, tile, subfloor materials, siding products, and Schluter trim pieces. As an authorized Schluter dealer, Floyd Floor Co. carries items that were previously difficult to find locally. Grace has now transitioned into the business full-time. She operates the showroom, communicates with customers and vendors, places orders, tracks deliveries, manages inventory and bookkeeping, and handles other 14 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

office responsibilities. Their customers come from Floyd, Roanoke, Meadows of Dan, Catawba, and other communities in the New River Valley. Even with that broader reach, the couple said local referrals, repeat business, and word of mouth have been essential to their growth. That support has encouraged them to plan for the future. They hope to eventually move into a larger building with easier storage and delivery access, along with room for a design studio where customers could work through projects from early planning to final installation. They also want to continue offering low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials and products made through more sustainable practices. Outside the business, Richard and Grace are raising a three-year-old son and expecting a daughter in late fall. Their son attends the same school Richard attended when he was five, and the couple remains closely involved there. Grace is also continuing her education, with part of her studies focused on regenerative growth and sustainable living. Richard spends some of his free time helping with affordable housing projects and other local efforts. Floyd Floor Co. has also supported community work by donating labor for a recent flooring installation at Mountain School. For Richard and Grace, the business is a way for each of them to use their talents and passions to benefit Floyd and Southwest Virginia. Visit their showroom to see the fruits of the couple’s labor. Floyd Floor Co • Richard Schoonover and Grace McCutchan 203 Fox St. NW Unit A, Floyd, VA • 540-302-2858 www.FloydFloorCoLLC.com • FloydFloorCo@gmail.com Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2026 2026

Mountainside Holistic Clinic Health and Wellness Center Comprehensive Care + Collaborative Support

•Lyme & Tick Borne Disease •Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine •Holistic Cancer Support •IV Nutrient Infusion Therapy •Laboratory Services •Nutritional Consulting

Research Based Medicine

•Red Light Therapy & Infrared Sauna

Hope, Healing, and Restoration

of your wounds,”says the Lord -Jeremiah 30:17

•Acupressure

•Mosaic Diagnostic Testing

Longer Appointment Times

“For I will restore Health to you and heal you

•Acute Illness & Minor Emergency

•Thermography & UltraSounds •For the Whole Family

540-745-4654

www.Mountainside.Health • Info@Mountainside.Health • 611 Floyd Highway N, Floyd, VA Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 15

Brooke and Chris Brinson

How This Jewelry Store Found its Way Home

If someone had told Brooke Brinson when she started her first job in the jewelry industry that she would one day own a jewelry store back in her hometown of Floyd, she never would have believed it. But life has a funny way of bringing people home. Brooke was born and raised in Floyd, and like so many people who grew up here, she carried a piece of it with her wherever life took her. Floyd has a way of shaping people. It teaches the value of hard work, genuine conversations, looking out for neighbors, and the importance of community. Those lessons stayed with Brooke as she attended Virginia Tech, began her career, and eventually married her husband, Chase. Looking back, she can see how strongly those small-town values influenced the business they would one day build together. Her journey into jewelry began in 2010 while she was attending Virginia Tech. Her mother managed the Kay Jewelers in Christiansburg and encouraged Brooke to take a part-time job there while she was in school. At first, Brooke thought it would simply be a college job. Before long, though, she realized jewelry was not really about jewelry. It was about people. 16 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Every engagement ring represents an incredible promise. Every anniversary band celebrates years of commitment. A repaired heirloom gives someone the chance to wear a piece of family history again. A birthday gift, graduation present, or “just because” surprise often becomes something that carries memories for years to come. That was when it clicked. Brooke was not simply selling jewelry. She was becoming part of some of the biggest moments in people’s lives. Around that same time, Chase found his own path into the jewelry industry after being recruited into the business. What started as an opportunity quickly became a career he loved. A few years later, Brooke and Chase found themselves managing different stores for the same jewelry company in Richmond. They spent plenty of time trying to outdo each other, but somewhere between the friendly competition, long conversations, and a shared passion for helping customers, they became friends. Before long, they realized they had found something even better than a great career: they had found each other. By 2020, both had nearly a decade of experience in the jewelry industry. They loved the work they were doing, but they also found

Fall/Winter 2026

themselves dreaming about what it would look like to create a jewelry store that reflected their own values and the kind of experience they believed customers deserved. Then the world changed. When COVID-19 swept across the country, Brooke and Chase were both furloughed from their jobs. Like so many families, they suddenly found themselves asking, “What’s next?” They prayed, talked, and sought advice from people they trusted. As one opportunity led to another, they began to feel God leading them toward opening a business of their own. It was not something they had planned, but with every step, they became more confident that it was exactly where they were supposed to be. In September 2020, Brooke and Chase opened Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry in Christiansburg. Looking back, Brooke sees how one step of faith led them to where they are today. One of the questions they hear most often is, “Who were Ed and Ethel?” The answer usually surprises people. Ed and Ethel Nuckols were not jewelers. They were simply two of the kindest people Brooke had ever known. Although they were not related by blood, Ed and Ethel loved Brooke and her sister as if they were their own grandchildren. They spent the final three decades of their lives in Floyd and were the kind of people who quietly made a difference wherever they went. They showed Brooke and her family what unconditional love, generosity, faithfulness, and serving one’s neighbors truly looked like. They lived those values every day. When it came time to name the business, the decision was not difficult. Brooke and Chase did not want to build a jewelry store

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 17

Ed and Ethel

Dawn Williams and Vickie Williams

known only for beautiful jewelry. They wanted to build a place where people felt genuinely cared for, where relationships mattered more than transactions, and where customers felt welcomed, remembered, and celebrated. Naming the business after Ed and Ethel felt like the perfect way to honor the legacy they left behind and to remind Brooke and Chase every day of the kind of business they wanted to build. Over the past six years, they have had the privilege of celebrating thousands of stories with their customers. They have celebrated engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, retirements, and many other milestones. They have redesigned family heirlooms, repaired jewelry people thought could never be worn again, and helped families preserve memories that mean far more than the jewelry itself. That is why their motto is simple: “Where We Celebrate Your Story.” When Brooke and Chase learned that Floyd Jewelry would be closing after faithfully serving Floyd for 31 years, their hearts immediately went there. They reached out to Sarah Sowers, began discussing what a transition might look like, and spent considerable time praying about whether this was where God was leading them next. The more they prayed, the more at peace they felt that Floyd was exactly where they were supposed to be. Sarah and her team served the town with care and integrity, and Brooke and Chase know those are big shoes to fill. They do not take that responsibility lightly and are grateful for the trust Floyd Jewelry built over more than three decades. They are honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the people of Floyd. Opening the Floyd store has felt special in more ways than one.

Longtime residents may remember Brooke’s grandparents, Gene and Mary Williams, who owned and operated the Floyd Piggly Wiggly many years ago. Brooke never had the chance to know them as well as she wishes she could have, but knowing her family once again has the opportunity to serve the people of Floyd makes this chapter especially meaningful. Today, Ed & Ethel’s remains a small, family-run business. Brooke and Chase work alongside family members who help make the stores what they are each day, and that family-first mentality is part of everything they do. Whether someone has lived in Floyd for a lifetime, recently made it home, or is simply spending the day enjoying one of Virginia’s most special small towns, they are always welcome at Ed & Ethel’s. Some may visit for an engagement ring. Others may bring in a family heirloom that deserves a second life or stop by to have their jewelry cleaned while downtown. Whatever brings someone through the doors, Brooke and Chase hope that person leaves feeling as though they have found a hometown jeweler. Serving the town that helped shape Brooke is something she will never take for granted. She and Chase are honored to be part of Floyd’s story, and they look forward to getting to know many more neighbors in the years ahead. They hope to earn that trust one conversation, one repair, one celebration, and one story at a time.

18 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry • Brooke and Chris Brinson 317 E Main St, Floyd, VA • 540-260-0165 www.EdAndEthels.com

Fall/Winter 2026

Floyd-Craf ted Ar tisanal Chocolates Truf fles ˜ Chocolate Drinks ˜ Cof fee Baked Goods ˜ Ar tisanal Chocolate Bars 540-695-0224 • 109 E Main St, Floyd, VA Located across from the Floyd County Cour thouse Locate Store Hours or Shop Online at

www.cocoamiachocolates.com

Garden Center & Christmas Shoppe

WIDE VARIETY OF GARDENING ITEMS AND DECOR!

Coffee, Smoothies, Sandwiches & Fresh Baked Bread

• Annuals, Perennials • Top Quality & Low Prices • Trees, Shrubs, Mulch • Farmers Finest Produce • Potting Soil • Butchers’ Best Meats • Stone Decor • Deli & Fresh Bakery • Starter Plants • Great Lunch Specials!

276-930-1850

536 Floyd Highway S • 540-745-2908

Tue - Fri 7:15AM-5PM • Closed Sun & Mon

Fall/Winter 2026

23 Elamsville Rd • Stuart, VA

www.FloydMagazine.com 19

From Small Engines to Outdoor Adventure:

The Evolution of T&E Outdoor What began more than 22 years ago as a small, family-operated engine repair shop has grown into one of Southwest Virginia’s destinations for outdoor power equipment and, now, outdoor adventure. When John and Kelli Higgs opened T&E Small Engine, the business was born out of determination, hard work, and a desire to provide for their family after John was laid off from his longtime job. Both John and Kelli were born and raised in Floyd, where both sides of their families have deep roots. They met shortly after high school while cruising around Christiansburg, later married in Floyd, and raised two children in the community they have always called home. Before opening the business, John worked in maintenance at a foundry in Radford for 10 years. When he was laid off, he was faced with the challenge of finding a new way to support his family. John was skilled at small engine repair, and Floyd needed a dependable repair shop. With encouragement and a small loan from a family member, John and Kelli decided to take a chance. They built a service shop at their home, where John handled repairs while Kelli managed the bookkeeping in addition to working her regular job. T&E Small Engine was born.

Growing Through Small Steps

The couple quickly earned a reputation for honest service and expert workmanship. As demand grew, so did the business. 20 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

What began as a repair shop soon expanded into equipment sales, with the Higgses adding trimmers, mowers, chainsaws, zero-turn mowers, and other outdoor power equipment. They began with product lines that included Robin, Snapper, Jonsered, and Dixon. As the inventory grew, John and Kelli added a showroom to their home so customers could see the equipment firsthand. Five years after opening the original shop, they moved into their first commercial location in downtown Floyd, behind the Moose Lodge. The move gave the business more room and visibility. It also allowed the family to become more involved in daily operations. John and Kelli’s oldest son, Anthony, started working at the store when he was 15. He remains part of the business today. Over the years, the couple continued taking what Kelli describes as “small stepping stones.” They added new services and trusted equipment brands as customer needs changed. In 2008, T&E added the full line of Husqvarna lawn and garden equipment, helping fuel another period of growth. The business later expanded into tractor sales, first carrying Yanmar and then adding Mahindra after recognizing Floyd’s need for a local tractor dealership. Over time, brands such as Mahindra, LS Tractors, Husqvarna, and others helped T&E become a one-stop shop for tractors, zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, outdoor power equipment, parts, and service.

Fall/Winter 2026

Next steps: a larger location

As the tractor line expanded and service work increased, the downtown building was no longer large enough. John and Kelli purchased more than five acres from Floyd in the Industrial Park and began work on a new, permanent home for the business. After approximately 18 months of planning and construction, T&E moved into its current 6,000-square-foot facility in 2016. Located at 199 Appalachian Road, the building includes a full showroom, parts department, service shop, offices, employee areas, and equipment storage. The surrounding property also provides room for outdoor displays and a broad selection of tractors and machinery. Throughout every stage of that journey, the business has remained family-owned and family-operated, with the same commitment to serving customers that inspired its beginnings. Most of T&E’s business comes from Floyd and communities within a 50- to 60-mile radius. John and Kelli especially value the relationships they have built with their Floyd customers. “Floyd’s family,” Kelli says when describing the community. She regularly sees people she went to school with and families she has known for much of her life. That familiarity is part of what makes the business special. Customers are not simply walking into a large equipment dealership. They are working with people who know the area, understand their needs, and often know their families.

Hardware Hardware •• Building Building Supplies Supplies Farm Farm •• Feed Feed •• Landscaping Landscaping Outdoor Outdoor Furniture Furniture •• Garden Garden Sheds Sheds •• Barns Barns •• Cabins Cabins

276-952-2800

2934 2934 Jeb Jeb Stuart Stuart Highway Highway Meadows Meadows of of Dan, Dan, VA VA Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 21

A New Chapter for T&E Outdoor

Today, that commitment is entering an exciting new chapter. Recognizing that many of their customers do not just work the land— they also enjoy exploring it—T&E has expanded beyond outdoor power equipment into hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation. Along with a new name, T&E Outdoor, the business now offers an even broader selection of products designed to help customers enjoy every season. Whether they are maintaining their property, heading into the woods, spending a weekend at the campground, or casting a line on the lake, the goal is to help them find what they need. What has not changed is the heart behind the business. T&E Outdoor continues to be built on family values, knowledgeable service, and a genuine passion for helping customers find the right equipment for work and play alike. Before expanding into fishing supplies, the Higgses put sincere thought into what the department should offer. They surveyed several fishing clubs to learn what local anglers needed and wanted, then worked to fill the gaps identified in those surveys. John and Kelli care about providing top-notch service and appreciate feedback from the community they serve. While the store carries a strong selection of products in each department, customers are encouraged to ask if they cannot find what they are looking for. In many cases, the team can order it.

Hunting, Fishing, and Camping

The camping department seemed like a natural addition, especially with the many trails, campgrounds, and parks surrounding the Floyd community. Customers can find tents, sleeping bags, propane, and other supplies for weekends spent outdoors.

22 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Many Floyd residents also hunt to provide food for their families, so T&E Outdoor offers a variety of seasonal hunting supplies. Deer calls, turkey calls, tree stands, and other products can be found throughout the aisles, with additional items planned as the department grows. And with John being an avid fisherman, expanding into fishing supplies made perfect sense. T&E Outdoor works to stay up to date on the latest trends and products that can help local anglers reel in the big one. The business also sponsors Chris Casts Outdoors as he pursues his goal of becoming a professional fisherman. His YouTube channel gives viewers a look at tournaments, practice sessions, and his experiences on the water.

Built for Work and Play

The expansion into hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation allows T&E Outdoor to continue offering the customer service it has built its reputation on. The business remains a local tractor dealer and small engine service center, but it is also becoming a destination for all things outdoors. More than two decades after John and Kelli opened a repair shop at their home, the family continues to grow the business through the same kind of small, thoughtful steps that carried it from the beginning. Whether customers need a tractor, mower, engine repair, camping gear, hunting supplies, or fishing equipment, T&E Outdoor is ready to help them get it done and get back to life! T&E Outdoors • John and Kelli Higgs 199 Appalachian Road, Floyd, VA • 540-745-8383 www.TESmallEngine.com • www.TEOutdoor.com www.facebook.com/TESmallEngine • info@TESmallEngine.com

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2026 2026

Licensed since 1978

540-745-3700

Floyd’s Rural Property Specialists From 8 Ac to 600 Ac available! Doug Phillips 540-320-1515 David Phillips 540-250-6730

PhillipsRealEstate@gmail.com PhillipsRealEstateVA.com NewRiverValleyLandSales.com 214 N. Locust Street (Only 700 feet from the Red Light)

ZIP THE FALL COLORS!

Ages 3 and up • Weight limit 275lbs

540-200-5234

Featuring Virginia’s Highest & Longest Single Zipline!

CHECK AVAILABILITY AND BOOK ONLINE AT

www.BuffaloMountainZiplines.com

Located on Black Ridge Rd one mile off the parkway (one mile from Chateau Morrisette) MP 171.5 on BRP Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 23

Bison Meat for Sale! Great Housemade Sides and Desserts!

Full Service Restaurant! Carry Out • Curb Side • Catering Patio Seating • Indoor Seating

4040 Riner Road • Riner, VA

540-381-9764 To see our full menu, google “Buffalo And More Restaurant” and click on the menu

24 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

CFMoto Motorcycle & Powersports Dealership

Maintenance and Repairs for Most Motorcycle, ATV, UTV, and SXS Brands!

540-392-0696

gorace@go-race.com

www.Go-Race.com

1265 Moose Dr • Christiansburg, VA

Fall/Winter 2026

Offering A Wide Selection Of Essentials For Visitors And Locals! Craft & Imported Beers • Fine Wines Gifts • Gourmet Foods • Cigars 114-B South Locust St • Floyd, VA • 540-745-2898

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 25

Tonya Urban

A Dash of Adventure:

A New (Spice) Bar in Floyd When you first walk through the doors of The Spice Bar in Floyd, the first thing that hits you is the aroma. The air is alive with the sharp bite of cayenne, the comforting warmth of toasted cumin, and the rich, sweet scent of cinnamon. It is an immediate sensory wake-up call. This is nothing like the sterile, plastic-bottled supermarket aisles most of us are used to. Here, spices are treated as living building blocks of flavor, inviting visitors to see their kitchens in a completely new way. For locals and tourists alike, The Spice Bar has quickly become a must-visit destination, perfectly complementing Floyd’s reputation as a hub for artisan crafts, music, and local food. But while the storefront is a fresh addition to the town’s vibrant streets, the magic happening inside is backed by nearly two decades of local flavor history. 26 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

The Road to Floyd

The story behind the shop belongs to Tonya and Mike Urban, who moved to the New River Valley in 2008 to embrace the natural beauty and welcoming, intentional pace of Southwest Virginia. After a successful career in real estate, Tonya found herself searching for a creative, hands-on path that would allow her to build something tangible within the community. The opportunity arrived when she met Susan Thompson, owner of Monticello Spice Company, a beloved, behind-the-scenes wholesale business that had been quietly supplying bulk spices to regional kitchens since 2005. With Susan preparing to retire, Mike saw tremendous potential in the business, and Tonya dove headfirst into learning the intricacies of the spice trade.

Fall/Winter 2026

“Whether you are looking to buy or sell a single family home, a farm, raw land or commercial property my attention to detail and top quality service will add considerable value to your transaction. As a full time, full service real estate professional, I will put my skills, experience and knowledge to work for you!”

Jocelyn Coulston - Realtor Thomas & Wall Real Estate 102 N Locust St., Floyd VA 24091 Cell: 540-831-9861 Office: 540-745-8973 jocelyn@thomaswallre.com

RE WE YAING BU S!

LOG

d Loc

y At Flo

ation

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 27

Jacob Merrill, Tonya Urban, and Magen Adderly

On April 1, 2023, the Urbans officially took the reins. While preserving the company’s proud history of artisanal, smallbatch mixing, they immediately began planning a bold evolution: bringing those flavors out of the warehouse and directly to the public. When the Urbans began searching for the perfect home for their storefront, Floyd was the undeniable choice. They wanted a location that matched the business’s artisanal spirit and was large enough to house the entire operation. The Floyd location is not simply a boutique where prepackaged goods are shipped in and placed on shelves. This is where all the magic happens. The facility serves a dual purpose, with the public-facing tasting room located alongside the active production headquarters. Behind the scenes, Tonya and her team still mix every batch by hand with an eye for precision. Depending on the recipe, she uses everything from small kitchen bowls for specialty mixes to a large mixing barrel capable of handling quantities of up to 60 pounds. What began as a beloved local secret has since expanded across the Mid-Atlantic region. The company now supplies pristine, dye-free, and filler-free custom seasonings to restaurants, caterers, and commercial kitchens. In fact, when you enjoy a spectacular meal at a local restaurant, there is a good chance it has been seasoned with spices mixed at The Spice Bar.

Taste, Explore, and Play

Inside the shop, the Urbans have created an interactive playground for food lovers. The Spice Bar operates on the belief that high-quality spices deserve the same respect, attention, and appreciation as fine wine or specialty coffee. Instead of wandering the shelves without direction, visitors are invited to discover.

28 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

The highlight of the room is the interactive “spice flight.” Much like a wine or beer tasting, experiences such as the “Chili Challenge” and the “Build Your Own Blend” station encourage guests to pull up a seat, slow down, and explore distinct flavor profiles. The experience demystifies cooking and replaces kitchen intimidation with creative curiosity. Or, as the Urbans put it, “Spices are full of history, culture, and science. If we treat them as just something to sprinkle from a plastic jar, we miss what cooking is really about.” While the main tasting room focuses on culinary exploration, the Urbans have also made sure to keep things lighthearted. In a dedicated section of the store, visitors can explore The Spicy Rack, an increasingly popular product line born during the Urbans’ time traveling to festivals. Featuring premium spice blends with playful names and a touch of adult humor, the collection has become a popular destination for unique gifts, souvenirs, and novelty items.

A Must-Stop Destination

The Spice Bar does far more than sell ingredients. It gives people a way to discover new flavors, one pinch at a time. In a world that often values speed and convenience over quality, this Floyd gem offers a welcoming space for the patient, the curious, and the passionate. Whether you are a seasoned chef searching for the perfect custom blend or a weekend traveler hoping to elevate your Sunday morning breakfast, stop by, take a flight, and experience flavor at its source. The Spice Bar • Tonya and Mike Urban www.TheSpice.Bar • 540-745-3386 302 South Locust Street, Floyd, VA

Fall/Winter 2026

Deb Wildman Realtor

540-230-2563 102 S. Locust St Floyd, VA

DebWildmanRealtor.com • DebWildmanRealtor@swva.net

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 29

Floyd on Two Wheels: Exploring Floyd One Ride at a Time

There is something special about experiencing Floyd on two wheels. Maybe it is the way a cool morning breeze rolls across the mountains as the road begins to climb. Maybe it is the quiet of a back road, where the only sounds are birdsong and the hum of tires on pavement. Or maybe it is the feeling that every curve reveals something new—a sweeping mountain view, a century-old barn, a roadside stream, or a country store that seems untouched by time. Sharing those moments with visitors and locals alike inspired Floyd on 2 Wheels, an initiative created by the Floyd Tourism Office with help from local businesses and riders who know these roads better than anyone. The idea was simple: share the routes residents love with visitors looking for an unforgettable ride, while encouraging them to explore Floyd’s restaurants, shops, lodging, and attractions along the way. Anyone can plug a destination into a GPS, but the best roads are rarely the fastest way from one place to another. They are the roads people remember, recommended over a cup of coffee, discussed after a group ride, and compared by cyclists looking for their next favorite climb. Floyd on 2 Wheels captures that local knowledge and turns it into an invitation to experience the area from the seat of a motorcycle or bicycle. Each route was carefully selected by local enthusiasts who understand that a memorable ride is about more than mileage. It is about scenic overlooks, winding mountain roads, peaceful stretches, and places that make you want to pull over and stay awhile. For motorcyclists, the routes showcase the variety of roads found throughout Floyd. Some follow smooth pavement with broad, sweeping curves made for touring, while others venture onto gravel backroads for dual-sport and adventure riders looking for more of a challenge. Routes with names such as Moonshiner’s Pass, The Crooked Road Ramble, Fiddler’s Revenge, and Buffalo Mountain Bender have personalities all their own. Some invite a relaxed day of sightseeing, while others offer technical riding, elevation changes, and enough twists to keep experienced riders smiling inside their helmets. Distances range from 59 to 118 miles, making it easy to choose an adventure that fits the day. Routes such as Banjos and Backroads offer gravel, winding curves, and quiet stretches where the journey feels as rewarding as the destination. The dual-sport routes are also designed to be big-rig friendly, making them accessible for riders traveling with trailers. 30 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Cyclists will find just as many opportunities to explore. The available routes range from gentle loops suited for relaxed rides to demanding courses filled with climbs, descents, and mixed terrain. Routes such as the Fretboard Flyer and Rocky Knob Classic are fully paved, while the Zig-Zag Holler and Wills Ridge Ramble combine pavement with mixed terrain for cyclists looking for more adventure. Route lengths begin with an approachable 19-mile loop and extend to an ambitious 151-mile ride that follows much of the Floyd line. That longer route offers a serious challenge while rewarding determined cyclists with an unforgettable tour of the area. One of the things that makes Floyd on 2 Wheels unique is that every route begins and ends in Floyd. Riders can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the community before and after their adventure. A day might begin with locally roasted coffee and breakfast, followed by a return to town for a meal, a drink, live music, or time spent browsing local shops and galleries. Floyd’s restaurants serve everything from casual comfort food to chef-inspired cuisine. The brewery, distillery, and wineries offer opportunities to relax while sampling regional flavors. Visitors can also explore independently owned shops, meet working artists, browse galleries, or enjoy the live music that has become one of Floyd’s best-known traditions. Motorcycle clubs, cycling groups, and friends planning weekend getaways are encouraged to make Floyd their basecamp. The Floyd Tourism Office can assist with printed route maps, lodging and dining recommendations, and other visitor information, helping groups spend more time creating memories and less time worrying about logistics. Every route also includes detailed navigation information, downloadable GPX files, and printable PDFs. Riders can follow the route using a GPS device or printed map, and complimentary Floyd on 2 Wheels maps are available through the Floyd Tourism Office. Whether you are chasing mountain curves on a motorcycle, setting a personal cycling goal, or simply looking for a scenic ride with friends, Floyd offers routes for every style of rider. The only question left is simple: Which route will you ride first? For maps and route information, visit visitfloydva.com/floydon2wheels. Floyd Tourism Office & Floyd Visitor Center 203 East Oxford Street, Floyd, VA • 540-745-4407 www.VisitFloydVA.com • Info@VisitFloydVA.com

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2026 2026

Friendly Home Town Service! C.W. Harman & Son is a family owned Farm and Building Supply business located in rural Floyd, Virginia. For over thirty years, they have offered a wide variety of competitively priced farm products and building materials.

2894 Floyd Hwy S • 540.745.2252 www.cwharmanandson.com

Bird Feeders, Blades, Car Batteries, Cleaning Products, Concrete, Coveralls, Doors, Drywall, Electrical, Fencing, Fertilizer, Gravel, Heaters, Ladders, Lawn and Garden, Lumber, Mulch, Paint, Plumbing, Plywood, Pumps, Purina Feeds, Roofing Supplies, Rubber Boots, Sand, Tools, Trailers, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Windows, Wood Stoves, Vinyl Siding, and much, much, more!

Dwelling & Contents • Farm Property • Livestock & Farm Equipment Mobile Homes • Business Property

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 31

FLOYD COUNTY, VA Radford

Bent Mountain

Shawsville

Rorrer Well Drilling

Christiansburg

Crocket t Hom Improvem e ent

BT’s

Treehouse Tavern

Southern States

Antiques on Main

DeHart Tile Go Race

Norman’s Cabinetry

Virginia Vintage

Apple Ridge Farm

Copper Hill

Sinkland Farms Pizanos Rte8

First XI The Scoop & Airtech Buffalo And More

Riner Food Center

Pilot

Riner

Riviera Vines

Highland Haven Airstream Park

612

Check

Fairview

Eagle’s Nest Restoration

Snowville

Leadfoot & Dynasty Design Anahata Education Center

615

nt ura sta s Re use o ie c nh lini nP ree tic C e ca eri s G g lis Am ey’ Ho Lod lan side ern v n tai Ta un ine Mo & P

t& ske ice Ba ad Cho e r ’s B tler t Se Wills Ridge Supply Alum Ridge Camino The Barnyard Sensory Gym Viejo Whiskers & Tails Vet Buffalo Mountain T&E Brewing Company

787 Indian Valley

Pearce Heating & Air Slaughter’s Supermarket

Wildwood Farms General Store & Daylilies

Floyd Yoga Jam & Living Light River Studio

221

C.W. Harman & Son

ills

H nd

falo Buf tain n u o M

Buffalo Mountain Disc Golf

Also Roads Blue Ridge Parkway

Stargazer Park

Buffalo Mountain Ziplines Chateau Morrisette Winery

Mabry Mill

Fancy Gap

Laurel Fork

6 Miles

Meadows of Dan

32 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Wade’s Orchard

Woolwine

Meadows of Dan

try Vis Bl ito ue R itiv oad r’s C Rid e C Re e ge off alty nter ee

Blue Ridge Mountain Inn

The Oaks RV Resort

a yG

Griffith Lumber

Cockram Mill & Freehouse Brewery

Mayberry Trading Post

Olde Mill Golf Resort

e Ridg Blue way k r a P

Jerry & Connie’s House of Collectibles

58 Willville Bike Camp

Nester’s General Store

Crooked Mountain

Blue Ridge Yurts

Moonlight Manor Bed and Breakfast

Villa Appalaccia Winery & Vineyard

County Border U.S. Hwy 81

Floyd County Humane Society Spencer’s Body Shop & Franklin Pike Storage

Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn

799

Roads

Floyd Event Center

681

Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

Roberson Mill

Willis

7 o 7 ille

See Page 34

Griffith Lumber

679

Rakes Mill Pond

Buffalo Mountain Motorsports

Streamline Timberframe

Meadows of Dan Campground

Parkway

Willis B&S Automotive Village Mart Dino’s

787

5 Mile Mountain Distillery

St. Pierre Woodworking & Sawmill

Blue Ridge

754

VikingLand

At the Outpost: • Omnibuild

Sweet Providence Tree Farm

G.J. Ingram & Son

Turner Family Farms

Town of Floyd

Check Country Store Festival Park

221

Whitlock’s Garage

Soup Shop

Seven Springs Farm

Ron Campbell Art And Custom Framing

Bent Mountain Lodge

Smith’s Grocery & Hardware

David’s Auto Repair

642

679 The Eighty Four

Copper Hill Cakes & Goodies

653

Auburn Hills Golf Club

Nancy’s Candy Company

Frontier Farm & Home Center

Po Co Pa or M nc pa F Po ead ord ’s Co arm pp ow Co e u y’s s o un ntry rs M f D try a C an Sto ook rket ing Mu re ral

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 33

To R

iner

• Camino Viejo Mexican Grill • Floyd Fitness • Felts Support for Living

T&E Outdoors

StoneHaven Manor & Ministry Retreat e

bs M

Web

Bootleg BBQ

Oak Haven Lodge

ad N

ill Ro

Citizens Telephone Tri-Area Community Health

ain St

Wesnt M

To Willis

221

Gussied Up

a rm ry ete ibra P ie l L ss ria Je emo M

The Traffic Light

34 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Liq

uid He Fir Flo llo H eG yd air las S Ma XPre alon s rke ss t Rd

T he

arm wlery The Phse Fine Je Hou Ed & Ethal’s Blue hurch Ridge Old C Cocoa Diner Gallery

Floyd Elementary School

Mia

Floyd County High School

Green Acres Resort

*At The Station • Earth Dance Jewelry & Gems • Heather’s New to You • Emma’s Loft • Troika • A New Leaf Gallery • Farmer’s Market

Floyd Center for the Arts

s Gap

June Bug Center

Blue Ridge Yurts

Tuggle

Also Roads

offe

Roads

R Po ed R st O oo ffic ster e C

Ro s Gap Wood

Floyd

221

Lig

*At The Wintersun Building • The Spice Bar • Dogtown Roadhouse • Floyd Card Shop • El Charo Mexican Grill

The Town of

hec

To C

c affi

Buffalo Hemp tile an d t c n The Station* Hotel Floyd r y A e o l s M ’ e F r c t i M of to Ch w lic S g* Ne pub untry ildin ic Re Co Bu Att e S Lo Baker St cu yd un the ac st Flo nters ls in r Sp St e i . W nge Out A

e iqu

erry

Barb

DJ’s Drive In

P & hoe Lic ni he x H n o ar r K dw no ood t s

Sacred Bell Gallery Star & Stone Blue Rid ge Flori st

is Floyd V

treet

St W Oxford

st M

ocust S

loor Co

Floyd F

E Oxford

abics

ouse F

Schoolh

North L

Penn Rd

ctic Chiropra Beacon Moon & Harvest staurant Re Gather ounty Floyd C ociety al S Historic Tattoo the Sun Under llness iver We ter Little R itor Cen

W. Fishe I.N r A Jac . C uto Ma kson are P in S vill He arts tre e Tr alth et M ad ech ing & ani cs

up LCF Gro

ain

Christian sburg Pik

Buffalo Mountain Brewing Company

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 35

DIRECTORY: PAGE 1 OF 2 LOCATION

CONTACT INFO

16 Hands

www.16Hands.com

A New Leaf Gallery

www.ANewLeafGallery.com

540-745-7367

American Pie Restaurant

www.AmericanPieRestaurant.com

540-745-2501

Earth Dance Jewelry & Gems

540-230-7955

Beacon Chiropractic

www.BeaconChiroFloyd.com

540-745-4450

Ed & Ethel’s

www.EdAndEthels.com

540-260-0165

Bell Gallery and Garden

www.BellGalleryAndGarden.com

540-745-4494

Edward Jones - David Cross

www.EdwardJones.com/David-Cross

540-745-6851

540-651-2500

Farm Credit of the Virginias

www.FarmCreditOfVirginias.com

540-745-2071

Bent Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inc

PHONE

LOCATION

CONTACT INFO

PHONE

Dynasty Designs

www.DynastyBranding

540-728-0740

Eagles Nest Regeneration

www.ENRM.org

540-745-4001

www.BentMountainLodgeBedAndBreakfast.com

Farmer’s Market / Sustain Floyd www.SustainFloyd.org

540-745-7333

Blue Ridge Mountain Inn

www.BlueRidgeMountainInn.com

276-952-2244

Floyd Card Shop

FloydsCardShop@gmail.com

540-257-6959

Blue Ridge Yurts

www.BlueRidgeYurts.com

540-745-7458

Floyd Center for the Arts

www.FloydArtCenter.org

540-745-2784

Bread Basket

facebook.com/BreadBasket.floydva

540-745-5382

Floyd County Fair

www.FloydCountyFair.com

Buffalo and More

www.BuffaloAndMore.com

540-381-9764

Floyd Country Store

www.FloydCountryStore.com

540-745-4563

Buffalo Hemp Company

www.TheBuffaloHempCompany.com

540-745-8242

Floyd County Historical Society

www.FloydHistoricalSociety.org

540-745-3247

Buffalo Mountain Adventures

www.BuffaloMtnAdv.com

540-755-0910

Floyd County Mutual Fire Insurance

540-745-4882

Buffalo Mountain Brewing Co

www.BuffaloMountainBrewery.com

540-745-2491

Floyd County Tourism Office

www.VisitFloydVA.com

540-239-8509

Buffalo Mountain Disc Golf

www.BuffaloMountainDiscGolf.com

704-807-1886

Floyd Event Center

www.FloydEventCenter.com

540-745-4434

Buffalo Mountain Ziplines

www.BuffaloMountainZiplines.com

540-200-5234

Floyd Family Campground

www.FloydFamilyCampground.com

540-251-2250

C.W. Harman & Son

www.CWHarmanAndSon.com

540-745-2252

Floyd Floor Co

www.FloydFloorCoLLC.com

540-302-2858

Chestnut Springs Retreat

540-745-2345

Floyd Humane Society

www.FloydHumaneSociety.org

540-745-7207

Citizens

www.Citizens.coop

800-941-0426

Floyd Yoga Jam

www.FloydYogaJam.com

Cocoa Mia

facebook.com/CocoaMiaChocolates

540-695-0224

Frontier Farm and Home Center

276-952-2800

Concord Corner Store

facebook.com/ConcordCornerStore

276-952-3400

Full Spectrum Wellness Care

757-288-8075

Country Road Realty

www.CountryRoadRealtyVA.com

276-952-6582

Great Oaks Contracting

540-392-5361

Crockett Home Improvement

www.CrokettHomeImp.com

540-382-8747

Green Acres

540-745-4273

Crooked Mountain

www.CrookedMtn.com

540-541-9734

G.J. Ingram & Son

540-745-3201

Crossroads Cafe

276-930-1850

Go Race

www.Go-Race.com

540-392-0696

Daniel Bishop Homes

www.DanielBishopHomes.com

540-239-9086

Griffith Lumber Company

www.GriffithLumber.net

276-692-8754

DeHart Tile Co

www.DeHartTile.com

540-382-3271

Harvest Moon

www.HarvestMoonStore.com

540-745-4366

Dogtown Roadhouse

www.DogtownRoadhouse.com

540-745-6836

Heathers of Floyd

540-577-6703

Dulaney’s Greenhouse

www.DulaneyGreenhouse.swva.net

540-745-2994

Hello Hair Salon

540-745-2977

36 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

www.GreenAcresResortFloyd.com

www.HelloHairSalon.com

Fall/Winter 2026

Local-build 1BR or 2BR Tiny Homes for Sale

• Located in the heart of beautiful Floyd County, VA

Office at: 129 Needmore Lane - Floyd, VA

Get on th Waiting L e is for Hayco t ck Acres TODAY!

www.VirginiaMountainLand.com – OWNER FINANCING!

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 37

DIRECTORY: PAGE 2 OF 2 LOCATION

CONTACT INFO

PHONE

LOCATION

CONTACT INFO

PHONE

Hotel Floyd

www.HotelFloyd.com

540-745-6080

Settler’s Choice

www.SettlersChoice.com

276-266-5807

540-745-4653

540-745-4561

Jacksonville Trading Co.

Schoolhouse Fabrics

facebook.com/Schoolhouse.Fabrics

Jerry & Connie’s House of Collectibles facebook.com/MeadowsOfDanAntiques 276-952-1095

SETEC

www.SoilAndEnvironmentalTechnology.com 540-381-0309

LCF Group

www.VirginiaMountainLand.com

540-808-4984

Slaughters’ Supermarket

540-745-2908

Lichen or Knot

www.LichenOrKnot.com

540-267-6556

Spencer’s Body Shop

540-745-5880

Liquid Fire Glass

facebook.com/LiquidFireGlass

540-250-6728

Sticks & Stones Construction

540-763-2003

Living Light River Studio

www.LivingLightRiverStudio.com

540-745-5483

StoneHaven Bed & Breakfast

www.StoneHavenBnBFloyd.com

540-745-4018

Main Street Mechanics

540-745-4224

Streamline Timberframe

www.StreamlineTimberframe.com

540-230-5505

McHale Arborscape

540-810-1845

Sweet Providence - Tree Farm

www.Facebook.com/SweetProvidenceFarm 540-525-8444

Midway Grocery

540-745-4520

T & E Small Engine

www.TESmallEngine.com

540-745-8383

Moonlight Manor

540-745-2080

The Schroeder Law Firm, PC

www.Schroeder-Law.com

540-745-4435

Mountainside Holistic Clinic

www.MountainsideHolistics.com

540-745-4654

The Scoop

www.TheScoopRiner.com

540-750-9130

New Mountain Mercantile

www.NewMountainMercantile.com

540-745-4278

The Spice Bar

www.TheSpice.Bar

540-249-1060

Oaks RV Resort

www.TheOaksRVResort.us

276-222-3333

The Woodshed

540-320-3057

Omnibuild

www.OmnibuildConstruction.com

540-745-2599

Thomas & Wall Real Estate

www.ThomasWallRE.com

540-745-8973

Papa’s Country Cooking

276-952-1112

Tinbenders Inc

www.TinbendersInc.com

540-334-5841

Pine Tavern Lodge

www.ThePineTavernLodge.com

540 745 4428

Treehouse Tavern

540-929-4242

Phillips Real Estate

www.PhillipsRealEstateVA.com

540-745-3700

Tri-Area Health Communitiy

www.TriAreaHealth.org

866-942-0401

Phoenix Hardwoods

www.Phoenix-Hardwoods.com

540-745-7475

Troika Contemporary Crafts

www.TroikaCrafts.com

540-745-8764

Poppy’s

MODpoppys.com

276-952-8370

United Country Real Estate - Ed

www.EdGallimore.com

540-230-9090

Premier Seamless Gutters

PSG@ibyfax.com

276-952-8488

United Country Real Estate - Matt www.BlueRidgeLandandAuction.com

Primitive Coffee Market

www.primitivecoffeemarket.com

facebook.com/ShaneMcHalesArborscape

904-567-6612

VikingLand

Poor Farmers Market

276-952-2670

Villa Appalaccia Winery & Vineyard www.VillaAppalaccia.com

RE/MAX Dominion

www.ReMaxDominionVA.com

540-239-5222

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival

Republic of Floyd

www.RepublicOfFloyd.com

540-745-2898

Wildwood Farms General Store

Red Rooster Coffee

540-745-2005

www.VikingLandPark.com 540-593-3100

www.VBRMF.org

www.WildwoodFarmsDaylilies.com

540-745-5155

www.RedRoosterCoffee.com

540-745-7338

Willis Village Mart

540-789-7241

Ron Campbell Art & Custom Framing www.RonCampbellArt.com

540-521-1986

Wills Ridge Supply

www.WillsRidge.com

540-745-2044

Rorrer Well Drilling

www.RorrerDrilling.com

540-745-6448

WIN Care Health

www.WinCare.us

540-977-8700

Sacred Stars & Stones

www.SacredStarAndStone.com

866-702-1455

YOSOURCE

www.YOSOURCE.org

540-553-4378

38 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026

THE

SCHROEDER

LAW FIRM, P.C.

Main Street Mechanics

Convenience. Quality. Communication.

REAL ESTATE & LOAN CLOSINGS BUSINESS AND CORPORATE LAW TRUSTS & ESTATE PLANNING ELDER LAW & SPECIAL NEEDS PROBATE & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

540-745-4435

www.schroeder-law.com 304 East Main Street, Floyd VA

Fall/Winter 2026

• General Maintenance • AC Repair • Tune Ups • State Inspections • Shocks & Struts • Alignments • Tires • Oil & Lube • Brakes

540-745-4224

610 E Main St, Floyd, VA (Next to Floyd Jewelry)

www.FloydMagazine.com 39

Floyd County Historical Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary by Jean Thomas Schaeffer and Floyd County Historical Society

The Floyd County Historical Society turns 50 this year. On July 3, 1976, the Society’s founding directly tied in with Floyd County’s celebration of America’s 200th birthday. Effie Brown, longtime Floyd County educator, remembered that many people were in town for the day’s festivities. Herman Heafner, owner of the Western Auto store, was dressed in colonial garb and served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Women from around the county appeared in colonial dress. Winning the contest for best dress was Effie Brown, wearing a dress she made for the occasion. Men of the county participated in a beard-growing contest that was won by Willard Clower. A special edition of The Floyd Press was published that week. Its front page was taken up with a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Other content included interesting and inspiring stories, many taken from earlier The Floyd Press editions. The day began with Girl Scouts singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” The wonderful, patriotic day ended with more music and fireworks. Some people in the crowd were heard to say, “We ought to organize a historical society.” The idea of starting a historical society was not new. In 1975, the Bicentennial Planning Committee, chaired by Bill Gardner, had 40 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

formed. By the committee’s second meeting, most of its members expressed an interest in forming a historical society for Floyd County. After the Bicentennial celebration, plans to form the Floyd County Historical Society began in earnest. Joseph H. “Joe” Poff, a long-time Commonwealth’s Attorney (1932-1952) and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates (1958-1965), chaired the first meeting at the Floyd County Courthouse. At least two follow-up meetings were held before the Society would launch. Marie Williams, a long-tenured teacher in the Floyd County public school system, was elected president; Jeannie O’Neill, secretary; and Zonie Spencer, treasurer. Effie Brown, a charter member, recalled that the individual elected vice-president had to leave the area because of a health condition and did not serve. A three-person committee led by Effie Brown met at her home to draft the Society’s bylaws. Marguerite Tise and Eris Wade, two members who would make significant contributions to the Society over the years, were the other members of the committee. The 1976 bylaws were replaced in 2010 and were later updated. Members of the initial Society learned that the New River Historical

Fall/Winter 2026

Society was purchasing the Alexander House for a museum in Newbern, Virginia. The Floyd County Historical Society decided to operate as a chapter of the New River group and joined Montgomery, Pulaski, and Giles and the City of Radford in that organization. The Floyd group was expected to raise funds for the regional historical society and its museum in Newbern. Dinners were held as fundraisers for the regional museum, and the Floyd group was expected to furnish homemade bread. Eris Wade furnished homemade butter. The Floyd chapter was also expected to volunteer at the Newbern Museum. Eris Wade kept the record of those volunteer hours. The chapter also furnished items for the Museum’s Floyd Room. The Civil War era drum, now displayed at the Ridgemont, was one of the loaned items. Eris Wade became the Floyd chapter’s second president and continued to serve until the late 1980s. Other local officers during that era were Jessie Heafner, Ruby West, Harriet Shank, and Genevieve Starkey. In the early 1990s, it became difficult to support the New River organization from afar. An aging membership made getting to Newbern difficult, although two members, Pat Boothe and her daughter Sue Anne (a current member of the Board of Directors), ften volunteered at Newbern on weekends. During the nineties, dues were only fifteen dollars, but ten dollars went to Newbern. With few new members, little remained to fund efforts in Floyd. At about this time, Marguerite Tise, who had recently retired and returned to Floyd, began providing Society programs specifically on the history of Floyd County. Effie Brown served as president through the 1990s, resigning in late 2003 for health reasons. Jean Thomas Schaeffer had moved back to Floyd County in the late ‘90s and began to attend Floyd County Historical Society

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 41

meetings. Taking office in January 2004 were Jean Schaeffer, president; Julie Hancock, vice-president; Sue Anne Boothe, secretary; Genevieve Starkey, treasurer; and Margaret Smith, program chair. No longer able to provide help in Newbern, the membership voted to separate from the New River group. The Floyd chapter membership incorporated and obtained IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit, charitable corporation. This allowed tax-deductible contributions to the Society; dues stayed at fifteen dollars. The newly incorporated Society worked with Wanda Combs, editor of The Floyd Press, to publish stories about Floyd County’s history. Combs, a native Floyd Countian, wrote many of these stories herself. The Society’s membership grew to about 100 members, half of whom resided outside of Floyd County. The Society’s first office was in the Blue Ridge Land building. The rental payment was made possible by a grant from the Larry Woodrow Vest Fund. The grant facilitated the Society’s ability to manage its acquisitions process, undertake important archival and preservation work, and maintain the collections through proper cataloging and storage. Digitization and better storage was partly grant-funded as well. A computer, scanner, software and shelves were purchased using the Vest funds. Kathleen Ingoldsby, hired as a part-time worker to catalog and digitize photographs, helped the Society with grant writing and took the lead in publishing brochures and the Society’s first calendar. Mike Ryan also came on board to catalog documents and artifacts. Around this time, a partner organization was formed to preserve historical buildings in Floyd County. The Floyd County Historical Preservation Trust, Inc., was established to protect real property in Floyd that was of significant importance to the county’s history. The initial board of directors for the Trust were Gerald W. Via, Micky Hatcher, John D. O’Connor, Jr., Robert N. Shelor, Jr. and Gino Williams. The Ridgemont was obtained by the Trust with the intent of providing a museum home.for the Society. The Trust also worked to preserve the Phlegar house, the Oxford Academy, and later Pine Creek Church and Cemetery. The Ridgemont had been built by Dr. Martin L. Dalton as a local hospital. The building, believed to have been built by Lather Hylton, began its use as Floyd County’s first hospital in 1914. On the main floor were an operating room with a cement floor, an examining room with the first x-ray machine in southwest Virginia, and a waiting room. Ten patients could be accommodated in beds upstairs. Dr. Silas T. Yeatts later purchased the hospital and practiced there until his death in 1948. In 1950, Marie Williams, the Society’s first president, purchased the Ridgemont and made her home there until 42 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

her death. Her executor, following her instructions, conveyed the property to the Trust which retains ownership. During Schaeffer’s term as president, several projects were undertaken. CEMETERY PROJECT: Floyd County has hundreds of small cemeteries – many forgotten. The Society encouraged persons knowing about remote cemeteries to provide the following: cemetery name, location, names and dates of those buried in the cemetery, person to contact with knowledge of the cemetery, and any other details. Even incomplete information was appreciated. Society member Genevieve Starkey spent much personal time locating cemeteries and determining GPS coordinates for them. She and others placed that information in a database and in books located in the Society’s Ridgemont Museum. CURTIS TURNER LEGACY: In 2004, the Society hosted a showing of the Curtis Turner film “Hey, Pops!” in the Floyd County High School auditorium. Curtis Turner’s daughter, Margaret Sue Turner Wright, attended and shared personal recollections about her famous Floyd County father and his racing career. Born in 1924, Curtis Turner developed his legendary driving skills on the winding roads of Floyd County and was instrumental in the creation of early NASCAR. LOCAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: African-American history in Floyd was another focus during that time, and much information was added to the Society’s archives. Phyllis Campbell Cunningham, daughter of Harris Hart principal Walker Campbell, shared photographs and documents from their family as well as from students who had attended Harris Hart School. YOUTH PROGRAMS: Society members encouraged participation by youth by supporting several projects. One project titled “Preserving the Past,” encouraged youth to interview older Floyd County citizens and to write essays based upon their interviews. That living-history writing project was done in cooperation with the public schools and sixth-grade teachers in Floyd, Check, Willis, and Indian Valley. The effort to incorporate local history into the school curriculum and get youth interested in local history led to an opportunity for intergenerational learning. Many essays were submitted and judged; a top essay prize was given at each school The four winners read their essays as part of a Society program on January 15, 2006. In addition to the essay contest, the Society provided an original curriculum and arranged for a study of Floyd County history for all sixth graders at the four elementary schools. As a part of that, some Society members visited the elementary schools and taught the students about Floyd County’s history. Concluding that study,

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2026 2026

sixth graders went on a field trip to Double Springs, a former schoolhouse. Dorothy Vest had attended Double Springs and her family had preserved the building and contents to convey what attending a one-room school had been like. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: In 2006, the Floyd County Historical Society celebrated two anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the Historical Society and the 175th year since Floyd County was formed in 1831. POSTAL PROJECT: As part of those anniversary celebrations, Maurice Slusher (retired postal carrier) and Dick Giessler (avid stamp collector) took the lead in organizing a postal project for the Society. Along with Fred Quesenberry (postal worker at that time in Floyd), they set up a temporary post office in the Floyd County Court House to allow persons to get letters stamped with an anniversary postmark and have them mailed on January 15, 2006. Slusher and Giessler also arranged for the design and sales of two commemorative envelopes in honor of the county’s 175th anniversary. One had a black-and-white pictorial cachet of John Floyd, the county’s namesake; the other had a colored cachet of an early Floyd County Court House, taken from a painting done by local artist Frances Harman. The postal project component for youth involved the design of the cancellation postmark. Besides the postal project on January 15th, an anniversary program was held in the Court House with speakers, music, and youth recognitions. Gino Williiams gave a detailed talk on the history of the county. Following Schaeffer, Judy Blackwell served for a short time as president. After her term, Rebecca “Becky” Weeks took over the president’s duties and provided leadership in making themed exhibits a reality. The Ridgemont held its grand opening on May 29, 2010. One of the major projects under Becky Week’s leadership was a pictorial history, Images of America: Floyd County. Society members Gerald Via, Ricky Cox, Janet Keith, Connie Mitchell, Alice Slusher,and John Graham were among contributed to the book which was published in 2012 . Health issues led to Becky Weeks stepping down as president, and within a short period of time, the deaths of Becky, Gerald Via, Margaret Smith and John Graham left a leadership void. Jim Slusher and Gino Williams were added to the Board of Directors with Gino replacing Becky as president and Jim serving as vice-president. During this transition period, Linda Wiseman was hired as the office manager and Dan Feather for technical and graphic-design support. Over the last several years, there has been a refocusing of the Society’s newsletter. Relaunched as The Floyd Intelligencer, the newsletter is more about Floyd County’s history and less about the present. Connie Mitchell and Linda Wiseman work to create the yearly calendar with editing assistance from Janet Keith. Beth Highly created a guided walking tour of the town that is held once a month during the summer. Highly and Myra Adams were instrumental in organizing a 100th anniversary celebration of NASCAR great Curtis Turner’s birth. Each year, the Society sponsors an art scholarship contest named in memory of Gerald Via. All in all, the Society continues to be very active in all aspects of Floyd County’s history through its archives, publications, programs open to the public, and museum exhibits. The current exhibit at the Ridgemont, “250 Years of Patriotism and Service,” provides a retrospective of military and civilian service from the Revolutionary War period to the present with its focus upon the sacrifices and achievements of Floyd County residents.

Floyd County Historical Society 217 N Locust St, Floyd, VA • 540-745-3247 info@FloydHistoricalSociety.org www.FloydHistoricalSociety.org

Fall/Winter 2026

At The Spice Bar, we don’t believe in fillers, and we don’t do passive tastings. We craft high-stakes flavor experiences built on two unwavering principles: Flavor as a priority, and purity as a must!

540-249-1060

302 S Locust St, Floyd, VA

www.TheSpice.Bar

www.FloydMagazine.com 43

Eagles Nest Regeneration Marks 20 Years of Recovery, Restoration, and Hope On a hillside in Floyd, lives are being rebuilt in quiet, steady ways. A man makes his bed before heading to work. A woman sits in a group and tells the truth about her life without being met with shame. A father calls his child, sober. A mother begins to believe she can be present again. Around shared tables, in counseling rooms, during work training, worship, graduation services, and ordinary conversations, Eagles Nest Regeneration and The Well are helping men and women discover that their stories are not over. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Eagles Nest Regeneration, a Christ-centered, clinically sound, long-term residential recovery program that began much smaller than most people would imagine. Today, Eagles Nest Regeneration and The Well have 106 licensed beds across their campuses and serve men and women through a growing network of residential recovery, transition, leadership training, workforce development, family support, and alumni connection. But the beginning was far simpler: a family, a burden, and a willingness to step into the broken places many people would rather avoid.

A Recovery Program Begins

Robbie and Toni Maddox moved to Southwest Virginia in 2004 with two young children and a vision to help people struggling with addiction. Robbie knew that world personally. After battling addiction 44 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

himself, he entered a long-term Christian recovery program in Florida. The experience changed the direction of his life and shaped the kind of help he wanted to offer others: not a quick fix, but a place where people could face the roots of addiction, learn to live differently, and encounter the love of God in practical, daily ways. The early years were uncertain. Robbie started a painting business, Transformation Painting, because that was work he knew, but the recovery vision did not leave him. Then came a call about a man who wanted help. Robbie interviewed him, accepted him, and then faced one problem: there was no program yet. He planned to move the man into his own basement, but an elder at their church had an apartment behind his house. The church rented the apartment, and Eagles Nest Regeneration began in 2006 with its first resident, Adam, followed soon after by a second man. “We worked with two guys in those apartments,” Robbie recalled in an interview. “We would teach in the morning and then take the guys out to work during the day.” From there, the ministry moved into a house in Christiansburg known as the Blue House, where space was tight, and growth was constant. The work was not easy, but the purpose was clear. During that season, Robbie remembers sitting in a room full of men whose lives looked broken from the outside. What he sensed in that moment has become part of the ministry’s DNA. “I hear this voice inside of me say, ‘You’re looking at the pillars of your ministry,’” he

Fall/Winter 2026

said. “They are our executive leadership team now. They’re the guys that make this place what it is.” That belief—that people in recovery are not liabilities but future leaders—still shapes Eagles Nest Regeneration. Many staff members have walked through the program themselves. They understand the language of addiction, shame, resistance, surrender, and hope because they have lived it. Their presence tells new residents something powerful: change is possible. The name Eagles Nest also reflects that vision. In an eagle’s nest, young birds are sheltered, fed, strengthened, and eventually stirred from comfort so they can learn to fly. The program follows a similar pattern. Men and women are welcomed into safety, but they are also challenged to grow through classes, counseling, group sessions, biblical instruction, and workforce development at therapeutic worksites. Residents learn to take responsibility for the effects of addiction on themselves and others. They begin to ask different questions, build different habits, and imagine a future that addiction once made impossible.

Learning to Live Differently

For Zach, that change began before he even reached the front door. “From the time that I started driving up that hill, I had a peace come on me that I hadn’t felt in a very long time,” he said. “When I stepped in the doors, I felt love, and I was comforted. I wasn’t scared. I just knew it was where I was supposed to be.” Bob described arriving with almost no belief in himself or in a future. Over time, the program helped him begin again. “I really believed myself broken and hopeless and without a future,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I believed in myself or believed in my future. And I do now.” For James, recovery meant learning to live without addiction at the center of every thought. “This is the only time in my life I’ve

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 45

ever honestly had my addiction not be priority number one,” he said. Instead of thinking about what he could take from others, he began asking, “What can I do to bring something to the table worthwhile?” Chet described the change in practical terms. Before Eagles Nest, he said, his life was a cycle of jail, drug use, violations, and instability. After months of structure and inner healing, he found a new way to live. “My life now is, I’m a man now,” he said. “I get up, I make my bed. I have a job. I have purpose in my life. I have peace. And most important, I have a relationship with the Lord.” The Well, the women’s program in Floyd, was born from a different but equally unforgettable moment. Robbie was in court with one of the men in the program when he heard a woman stand before the judge and say she was addicted to drugs and had called the police on herself because she did not know what else to do. Robbie’s response was immediate and deeply human: “That ought not be.” The need for a women’s program had been clear for years, but that moment brought it into sharp focus. In the months that followed, the people, resources, and opportunity needed to open The Well in Floyd in May 2023 aligned. Since then, The Well has offered women a safe, supportive place to pursue long-term recovery while addressing trauma, family restoration, spiritual growth, and practical preparation for life after the program. The women who have walked through The Well describe it as a place where love and accountability meet. Bridget, who came to The Well after years of addiction and homelessness, said the culture was unlike what she had known on the streets. “I came to The Well, and it was the exact opposite,” she said. “Love is the standard. They love you through your mess.” For Melissa, the difference was safety. “I feel stable and safe,” she

46 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

said. “I’ve never had that in my life until now.” She also described the program as difficult but deeply worthwhile, a place that taught her to pause, listen to God, and respond differently in the middle of chaos. Christie spoke about the kind of love that helped her face the damage addiction had caused. “I’ve never met someone who loved me for me and would fight for me,” she said. “The love that they give is beyond measure.” She described The Well as a place that helped her put God at the center of her life and begin receiving guidance she had needed for much of her life. Sierra had once called Eagles Nest before The Well existed, only to learn that the program was for men. She remembers asking God why there could not be a place like that for women. Years later, after seeing a request to support the women’s recovery program, she called The Well. “I knew right then and there that I needed to call The Well and see if I could get a bed,” she said. During her time there, a leader helped Sierra see something she could not see for herself: “I’m worth trying again, and recovery is possible.” That phrase could describe much of the work at Eagles Nest Regeneration and The Well. Residents are not only getting sober. They are learning that they are worth the work of healing and how to repair relationships, manage emotions, hold jobs, serve others, and live in community.

Restoring Families and Building a Future

Family restoration is one of the most visible signs of that transformation. Bridget shared that when she arrived at The Well, she had not spoken to her youngest son in five years. “The Lord has redeemed and restored that relationship,” she said. “I talk to my children every day. I’m building back the broken relationships. I’m present in their life. I’m sober. And I’m excited for the future to be their mom.”

Fall/Winter 2026

At Eagles Nest, Chet said the program helped him become the best father he had ever been. Zach described waking up without anxiety, helping his son get ready for daycare, and caring for his family as signs of a life he once could not imagine. That is why the ministry continues to focus on sustainable recovery. Sobriety matters, but long-term stability requires more: safe housing, mentorship, accountability, workforce development, spiritual formation, and a community that continues after graduation. Stage 2 and Servant Leadership Training give graduates additional support as they move toward independence, leadership, and service. Alumni gatherings, family recovery efforts, and community partnerships help extend the impact beyond the residential program itself. As Eagles Nest Regeneration celebrates 20 years, the vision continues to grow. The ministry now includes the Floyd men’s campus, The Well in Floyd, and Elim Home in Lynchburg. Plans also call for expanding the women’s program to Lynchburg and opening a men’s program in Franklin County. Leaders are also working toward a multipurpose community and training center in Floyd, a two-story facility of more than 7,000 square feet designed to strengthen daily operations and expand vocational training. The planned center would include a community dining hall, licensed commercial kitchen, and bakery, creating space for residents to train in food preparation, service, and kitchen management. Future plans also include classrooms, meeting rooms, expanded support services, a coffee shop, and a coffee roastery. The goal is not simply to construct a building. It is to create a place where hospitality, training, community, and recovery work together. The story that began with two men in an apartment now stretches across campuses, families, churches, businesses, courtrooms, workplaces, and homes. It is measured in graduates, restored relationships, new jobs, repaired trust, baptisms, sober parents, and people who once felt hopeless now helping others find hope. Robbie often points back to community as one of the deepest sources of healing. “The community aspect of the recovery community brings healing to people,” he said. “People come in broken, and they get help. And shortly after that, they start helping.” That is the story of Eagles Nest Regeneration and The Well after 20 years. People come in carrying pain, shame, addiction, and loss. They are met with truth, structure, faith, counseling, work, and love. They begin to heal. Then, in time, many turn back toward the next person coming up the hill, walking into court, calling from jail, or wondering if a place like this could exist for them. In Floyd and beyond, the answer continues to be yes.

P KWAY STO R A P E G ID R BLUE R &

YOU

T FOOD A E R G S FOR LE STAY B A T R COMFO S! TED ROOM A V O N E R • FRESHLY FROM • MINUTES N FLOYD! DOWNTOW RIDGE PARKWAY! LUE • SCENIC B 540-745-3402 • www.TugglesGap.com 3351 Parkway Lane S Floyd, VA

Eagles Nest Regeneration • 540-745-4001 www.ENRM.org • 148 Rehoboth Ln NE, Floyd, VA

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 47

Sticks & Stones

Construction, Inc.

Distinctive Woodworking & Stone Masonry New Homes • Renovations Additions • Stone Masonry Custom Decks & Porches Timber Framing

540-239-0898 Floyd VA

Class A Licensed, Fully Insured

48 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 49

Floyd VA Fall and Winter Happenings 2026 Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty, where the people are renowned for their hospitality. Floyd has a vibrant culture of music, arts, local foods and wines, and outdoor recreation. With nearly forty miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway running through it, Floyd is a wonderful place to visit. For more information about below and other events, go to VisitFloydVA.com or call the Visitor Center at 540-745-4407.

SAMPLING OF MAJOR EVENTS: September 3-6 – Floyd Yoga Jam – Burnett Farm www.floydyogajam.com September 12 – Floyd County Fair Floyd/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA – www.floydcountyfair.com September 12 – Mountain Valor Fest – Crooked Mountain www.mtnvalor.org September 14-19 – Fifth Floyd Plein Air Biennial Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydartcenter.org

October 24 – Tour de Dirt – Floyd/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA www.plentylocal.org October 31 – Town of Floyd Halloween Trunk or Treat East Oxford Street November 8 – Floyd Veterans Day Parade – Downtown Floyd November 20-22 – 16 Hands Floyd Potters Market Floyd EcoVillage – www.16hands.com November 28 – Shop Small Saturday Artisan Market Jacksonville Circle December 5 – Floyd Christmas Parade – Downtown Floyd December 5-6 – 32nd Annual Winterfest and Festival of Trees Floyd Center for the Arts – www.floydartcenter.org December 19 – Last Minute Holiday Market Jacksonville Circle

WEEKLY Check with individual venues for 2026 updates. Floyd Country Store hosts Tuesday Tunes, Honky Tonk Thursdays, the Friday Night Jamboree, American Afternoon music from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and old-time and bluegrass music jams on Sunday afternoons. Dogtown Roadhouse features music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings in downtown Floyd. Chateau Morrisette Winery hosts Music in the Courtyard from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

September 19 – Healthy Floyd 5K • www.healthyfloyd.org

Floyd Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from May through November and from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. from December through April at the downtown Community Market.

September 19-November 1 – 35th Annual Pumpkin Festival Sinkland Farms

Buffalo Mountain Brewery hosts free music on many evenings from Thursday through Saturday and on Sunday afternoons.

October 3 – Floyd County Arts and Crafts Fair Floyd County High School Fridays and Saturdays in October – Night of the Draugrs Vikingland Park • www.vikinglandpark.com October 10 – Floyd Americana and Art Festival Warren G. Lineberry Park October 10 – Historical Society 50th Anniversary Celebration Oxford Academy • www.floydhistoricalsociety.org October 10 – Seeking Justice, Presented by Dr. Daniel B. Thorp Floyd Center for the Arts • www.floydhistoricalsociety.org October 10 – Paws Cause – Floyd EcoVillage www.floydhumanesociety.org

Floyd on Two Wheels Check out Floyd’s Floyd County Bike Guide/Map on-line. For maps and route information, visit visitfloydva.com/floydon2wheels. More information is available online at www.VisitFloydVA.com. Or, you can visit or contact our Floyd Visitor Center, open and staffed seven days a week by calling 540-745-4407 or emailing Info@VisitFloydVA.com. Note: The events above were scheduled as of the printing of Floyd Virginia Magazine. Readers are encouraged to check with event organizers and visit VisitFloydVA.com and its calendar for continuing updates.

October 17 – Afterlife Music Festival – Indigo Mountain Farm www.bookoftechno.com 50 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026

Wholistic Integrative Networked Care

WIN Care Health Primary Care & Urgent Care for All Ages

Pamela Logan

Primary Care, Wound Care, Chronic Care, Infections, Referrals, Testing, Women’s Health, Sports and Physical Exams, In Clinic & In Your Home!

MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CWCN-AP

540-745-8700 706 East Main Street, Floyd, VA

Green Acres Resort Vintage Camper Rentals & Tent Camping

in Located n Downtow Floyd!

Beach • Spring Fed Pond • Paddle Boards Pickleball • Floating Trampoline • Much More!

www.GreenAcresResortFloyd.com 400 Baker St • Floyd, VA • 540-745-4273

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 51

Blue Ridge Motel Reborn as Blue Ridge Mountain Inn The Blue Ridge Mountain Inn sits just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Meadows of Dan and has recently been purchased and rebranded from the long-established Blue Ridge Motel and Diner. The story is a simple one: roots in the area and an opportunity. The inn was built in 1963, with additions in 1973 and 1983. It was well maintained by its family owners and remains in great structural shape; it simply needed a fresh look and approach. Updating the inn and serving both visitors to the Parkway and the communities that sit along it are the goals of the new owners, Anita and James Watts. The roots in the area belong to Anita, as the property adjoining the inn is her grandparents’ farm. She grew up playing with the grandchildren of Johnny Alderman, the original owner of the motel and restaurant. Her mother is a Terry from Meadows of Dan, and her father is a Largen from Dugspur. The Terry family goes far back in America. They fought in the Revolutionary War and came to Meadows of Dan in the early 1800s. The land around the inn was once part of a much larger Terry farm before time, inheritance, and the Parkway divided it into smaller farms. Anita grew up in Dugspur and attended Virginia Tech, where she met James. He was from San Antonio, Texas, and they married and built a life there. They raised a family and, with partners, started and ran a software business for 25 years, but Anita often returned home to raise her children, who had strong ties to their Virginia family. The winds of change brought the motel’s owners to a point where they were ready to sell and brought Anita and James to a point in their lives when they were willing to take a chance on an opportunity. They see that opportunity in simple terms: invest in the inn, contribute to and benefit from the area’s growth and change, and meet the need for beautiful lodging along the Parkway and U.S. 58. 52 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

James is leading the reimagining of the inn. All the rooms are being renovated with local tradespeople and products, and new amenities have been added, including electric vehicle charging stations, a fire pit, picnic tables, and ice and drink machines, with much more to come. James employs local vendors and uses local products whenever possible, and is dedicated to making the inn a community jewel. The website is open for reservations year-round at www. blueridgemountaininn.com. Eventually, the new owners hope to reopen the restaurant and make this little spot in Meadows of Dan a warm welcome to travelers, the local community, and the occasional wanderer who stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway and does not know why. As the owners say, “not all who wander are lost,” and sometimes you find yourself at a local inn looking for a room because you are exactly where you should be. James and Anita believe it is the right time to undertake this project to match the changing nature of the area. Stuart Mountain is being widened to four lanes as part of U.S. 58, offering stunning new vistas that are sure to attract more visitors. Cockram Mill is being reinvented as a brewery and restaurant, and a Japanese garden is being imagined and built at the top of the mountain. Mabry Mill has secured a new operator for the restaurant, which is expected to reopen in 2027. Established businesses such as Poor Farmers, Nancy’s Candy, Chateau Morrisette, and Villa Appalaccia have long been staples in this area, but new ideas and people keep finding their way to this small mountain town. Meadows of Dan is a sister to Floyd and continues to grow and adapt to the realities of rural life. People from cities want to explore and reconnect with nature, while locals want places to gather. There is plenty to do here. Visitors can follow the Crooked Road to hear authentic bluegrass, enjoy one of the many hikes

Fall/Winter 2026

along the Parkway, or experience the joy of biking, by motorcycle or on a pedal bike. A day could include the farmers’ market in Floyd in the morning and the evening market in Meadows of Dan, both of which encourage people to consider locally made, holistic products. Visitors may stop at one of the local restaurants serving meat and produce from the area. They may catch a glimpse of the gentle nature of the Amish as they move into the area and travel by horse and buggy, or the thrilling sight of a black bear crossing the Parkway at sunset. Others may come to attend a nearby event such as FloydFest, a show at the Blue Ridge Music Center, a race at Martinsville, the Hillsville Flea Market, or the Fiddlers’ Convention. The people of Floyd, Patrick, and Carroll know these beautiful places and events. What they continue to find are new ways to live and adapt in this fast-changing world while still holding on to the beautiful serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The new owners hope the inn will serve all these reasons to visit Southwest Virginia and experience its wildlife, music, food, and people.

540-745-5382

2167 Webbs Mill RD • Floyd, VA Mon, Wed, & Sat 9-5 • Tue, Thu, & Fri 9-6 • Closed Sun

Blue Ridge Mountain Inn • Anita and James Watts 2295 Jeb Stuart Hwy, Meadows of Dan, VA www.BlueRidgeMountainInn.com • 276-952-2244

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 53

Jeff Ridgon, John Rigdon, and John “Thorstyg” Newton

This Fall, the Vikings are Coming to Floyd! This October, the rolling hills of Copper Hill, Virginia, will become a gateway into the dark world of Norse mythology. “Night of the Draugrs,” the first major public event at Vikingland, will take visitors on an outdoor journey through the nine realms of the universe as the Vikings understood them. The seasonal attraction will run on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October, blending local living history with mythical monsters, atmospheric lighting, and a distinctly Viking take on Halloween. The roughly 20-minute walking tour begins in Midgard, the mortal realm. As travelers move deeper along the trail, wights and draugrs rise from the shadows, disturbed by the presence of the living. In Old Norse folklore, a draugr is an undead creature—literally a “walking dead” warrior. Unlike modern cinematic ghosts or mindless zombies, draugrs retained their superhuman strength, earthly intelligence, and fierce desire to guard their treasures and territories from the living. The journey grows more dramatic as visitors move through the 54 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

remaining realms and encounter legendary figures from Norse mythology. Brave guests will come face-to-face with Garmr, the blood-stained guard dog of Helheim; Surtr, the fierce fire giant of Muspelheim; Nidhogg, the malicious dragon that gnaws at the roots of the world tree in Niflheim; and the towering Frost Giants of Jotunheim. Because of its intense imagery, mythical monsters, and dark atmosphere, “Night of the Draugrs” carries a PG-13 rating. Guests of all ages are welcome with adult supervision, but parents should be aware that younger children may find parts of the experience frightening. The attraction takes place entirely outdoors. Its creators are working to make the trail as ADA-accessible as possible, though the natural hills of Southwest Virginia and unpredictable autumn weather may create occasional obstacles. The event is more than a Halloween attraction. It is also the public’s first major introduction to Vikingland, a developing cultural destination created by the family behind the Vikings of the Valley.

Fall/Winter 2026

Proceeds from “Night of the Draugrs” will support the continued construction and development of the site. Each ticket will help the organizers expand exhibits, improve the grounds, and bring future attractions closer to completion. For nearly two decades, the Vikings of the Valley have been a striking, axe-wielding fixture in the Roanoke community. Founded by Jeff “Ragnar” Rigdon, the organization grew from a deep passion for celebrating and preserving Nordic heritage and culture. Long before Vikingland had a permanent home, the group was bringing living history to festivals, parades, schools, and community events throughout the region. The Vikings of the Valley first burst onto the local scene at the Local Colors festival, an annual event celebrating more than 80 nationalities. They quickly became a crowd favorite with their original longship parade float—a converted kayak—along with stockades and displays of real weapons, armor, and shields. Children and adults were encouraged to hold the objects, wear the armor, and pose for photographs. That hands-on approach has always been central to Jeff Rigdon’s philosophy. “Children are constantly being told to look, but not touch—to be seen, but not heard,” Jeff says. “We teach hands-on. If a child wants to wear a helmet and heavy mail armor and hold a real sword, we let them—just no swinging it around other people.” Since then, the group has made a habit of “invading” local parades and festivals, including the Downtown Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade—a fitting appearance given the Viking

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 55

influence woven into Irish history—the Grandin Holiday Parade, The 45-foot longship is expected to become one of the site’s Dickens of a Christmas, and numerous Roanoke County Parks signature attractions, giving children and adults the chance to and Recreation events. learn how Vikings rowed and navigated the vessels that carried The group has also participated in the annual Medieval them across the seas. Festival, Celtic Festival, and Highland Games. “Vikingland is a portal to step away from the digital noise of Beyond the spectacle and roaring cheers, education has always modern life and travel back to a simpler, more heroic time,” John been at the heart of the organization’s mission. says. “The Viking spirit of relentless adventure, survival, and bold The Rigdons have partnered with nearly every elementary, innovation actually mirrors the American spirit perfectly.” middle, and high school in the He points to Viking explorer Roanoke area, as well as Roanoke Leif Erikson, who reached North College and Hollins University. America centuries before ChrisThey have also brought their topher Columbus set sail. brand of living history to afterFor the Rigdon family, school programs and the Virginia however, Vikingland is not Museum of Natural History. simply about celebrating “Children and adults alike always dramatic voyages or legendary tell us we’re the most interwarriors. It is about encouraging esting and exciting educational curiosity, creating memorable program they’ve experienced,” experiences, and bringing people the founders say. together. They attribute that connection The family has received to what they describe as support from friends, relatives, distinctly Viking traits: passion, fellow Vikings, and members a love of life, and a desire to live of the community. John specificompletely in the moment. cally credits Ron Sachs, a retired A few years ago, John Rigdon Hollywood set and prop artist was scrolling through Facebook who is helping build exhibits, as Marketplace when he came well as John “Thorstyg” Newton, Maddie Rigdon and John Rigdon across a listing that most people Tai Mayes, Kelly Graham, Beau would never expect to see: a 45-foot replica Viking longship. Brieger, Matthew “Split” Melling, and the many other volunteers Most people would have kept scrolling. John saw it as a sign. who regularly support the group’s events. He traveled to Pennsylvania with fellow Viking John “Thorstyg” At its core, Vikingland is guided by a simple philosophy: Newton and purchased the massive vessel. The decision, John embrace adventure, pursue new experiences, and refuse to let life says, made him committed to a dream that had been developing become mundane. for decades. This October, “Night of the Draugrs” will give the public That unexpected purchase helped anchor the vision for its first chance to experience that vision firsthand. For tickets, Vikingland. Located in Copper Hill, Vikingland is being seasonal hours, and accessibility questions, visitors are developed as a permanent home for the Vikings of the Valley encouraged to contact the Vikingland staff before traveling to the and their educational programs. The long-term goal is to create park. an immersive, all-ages destination that combines history, storytelling, food, craftsmanship, and entertainment. Vikingland Park • John Rigdon and Jeff Rigdon Future plans include Viking-themed food and drink, battle and www.VikingLandPark.com • vikinglandpark@gmail.com raid reenactments, axe throwing, blacksmithing demonstrations, 879 Stuart Rd SE, Copper Hill, VA interactive exhibits, family attractions, and educational field trips. 56 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 57

One American Farm Family

How a Handshake, a Dairy Farm, and a Dream Grew into One of Virginia’s Favorite Fall Traditions By Jeff Douglas

In the early morning hours of January 1, 1980, twenty-twoyear-old newlyweds Henry and Susan Sink had been dairy farmers for only a few hours when someone pounded on their front door. Startled awake, they opened it to find a Montgomery County Sheriff ’s deputy standing on the porch. Pointing toward the highway, he delivered words they would never forget. “I think you’re looking for these.” Their entire dairy herd was walking down the road. Whether a gate had accidentally been left open or someone had opened it intentionally, they never knew. But as Susan recalls with a smile, “That was our first indication that the road ahead wasn’t going to be straight and narrow.” It was an unforgettable beginning to what would become one of Southwest Virginia’s most remarkable agricultural stories. Only hours earlier, retiring dairyman Edwin Keith had completed his final milking after decades of farming. His children had chosen other careers, and like many farm 58 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

families, he faced a difficult decision. He wanted his farm to remain a farm. Over time, he came to know Henry and Susan, two recent college graduates who shared the same passion for agriculture. Henry had earned a degree in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech. Susan graduated from Radford University with a degree in Business. Together, they dreamed of building a life centered around farming, family, and hard work. Believing in that dream, Edwin Keith did something extraordinary. He financed the purchase himself. Henry and Susan bought not only 125 acres, but the dairy facilities, livestock, machinery, corn still stored in the silos— everything, as Susan says, “lock, stock, and barrel.” More importantly, they inherited a responsibility. They promised to keep the farm a farm. For years, the dairy sustained their family, but dairy farming has never been easy. “Dairy farming is not kind to the heart, the body, or the Fall/Winter 2026

Schoolhouse Fabrics Located on Route 8 in the town of Floyd.

A Sewing Paradise

The old school building converted into three floors of almost all types of fabrics available, and craft supplies! PLUS! An additional building of upholstery fabrics and supplies!

613 E Main St, Floyd, VA

540-745-2977

Fall/Winter 2026

540-745-4561

220 North Locust St. Floyd, VA facebook.com/schoolhouse.fabrics

www.FloydMagazine.com 59

Susan Sink

pocketbook,” Susan says with a laugh. While Henry devoted himself to the dairy, Susan worked in university administration and nonprofit leadership, helping support the family while every extra dollar went back into the farm. Then one autumn afternoon, they visited a fall festival in another Virginia county. The parking lot was full. Families had come simply to ride a hay wagon, visit farm animals, and pick pumpkins. Driving home, Henry and Susan looked at each other and reached the same conclusion. “We can do this.” The following year, Sinkland Farms held its first Pumpkin Festival. It was simple. A hayride. A pumpkin patch. A barn filled with farm animals. Their church served food, keeping the proceeds to help build a new sanctuary. No one imagined what that modest beginning would become. Over the next thirty-five years, the Pumpkin Festival grew into one of Virginia’s favorite fall traditions. Families returned year after year, bringing children, then grandchildren. School groups came to learn where food comes from. Local musicians, artists, craftspeople, and food vendors became part of the celebration. Today, thousands of visitors each fall experience something that feels increasingly rare—time together. This year, that tradition carries even greater meaning. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Sinkland Farms celebrates the 35th anniversary of its Pumpkin Festival with the theme America’s Harvest Celebration. “For 250 years, American farmers have helped feed this country and strengthen their communities,” Susan says. “It seemed only natural to celebrate America’s birthday by honoring farming and family.” She hopes every child who visits leaves with a greater appreciation for agriculture and a better understanding that food begins not at the grocery store, but in the soil, cared for by generations of farm families. Yet among all the awards and recognition Sinkland Farms has received over the years, one memory remains Susan’s favorite. As one family prepared to leave the farm, a little boy climbed into the car, looked at his mother, and quietly said, “Mama, this was the best day of my life.” Susan still becomes emotional when she tells that story. “That’s why we do this.” More than forty-five years after Edwin Keith entrusted his dairy farm to two young newlyweds, the promise made to him has been kept. The farm is still a farm. And every autumn, another generation of families comes to celebrate the harvest, make memories, and discover that some of life’s greatest joys are still found on a family farm. Sinkland Farms • Henry and Susan Sink 3060 Riner Rd, Christiansburg, VA 540-382-4647 • www.SinklandFarms.com

60 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2026 2026

Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 61

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A New Leaf Galley........................................33 Barnyard Sensory Gym..................................35 Beacon Chiropractic.......................................57 Beaver Creek Fencing....................................41 Bell Gallery and Garden................................36 Bethesda - House of Mercy............................25 Blacksheep Customs......................................29 Blue Ridge Florist & Gifts.............................57 Blue Ridge Institute & Museum......................2 Blue Ridge Mountain Inn.................................3 Blue Ridge Yurts............................................62 Bread Basket..................................................53 Buffalo And More..........................................24 Buffalo Mountain Ziplines.............................23 C.W. Harman & Son......................................31 Chestnut Springs Retreat................................17 Citizens..........................................................15 Cocoa Mia......................................................19 Crockett Home Improvement........................13 Crossroads Cafe.............................................19 Daniel Bishop Homes....................................63 DeHart Tile Co...............................................41 Dynasty Design..............................................48 Eagles Nest Regeneration................................7 Earth Dance Jewelry & Gems........................19 Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry................ 1, 6, & 45 Farm Credit of the Virginias..........................49 Floyd Center for the Arts..................... 33 & 35

62 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Floyd County Economic Development Authority.........................5 Floyd County Mutual Fire Insurance Co.......31 Floyd Farm Trail............................................35 Floyd Floor Co...............................................35 Franklin Pike Storage.....................................17 Freedom First.................................................25 Frontier Home and Farm Center....................21 G.J. Ingram & Son.........................................27 Go Race..........................................................24 Great Oaks Contracting..................................57 Green Acres....................................................51 Griffith Lumber Company, Inc......................27 Hello Hair Salon............................................59 Jacksonville Trading Company......................51 LCF Group........................................ 1, 6, & 37 Main Street Mechanics..................................39 McHale Arborscape.......................... 1, 6, & 53 Medical Grade Skin Care...............................61 Midway Grocery............................................33 Moonlight Manor...........................................33 Mountainside Holistic Clinic.........................15 Omnibuild......................................................24 Phillips Real Estate........................................23 Premier Seamless Gutters..............................43 Primitive Coffee Market..................................7 Red Rooster Coffee Roaster.............................4 Republic of Floyd..........................................25

Ron Campbell Art and Custom Framing.......29 Rorrer Well Drilling.......................................25 Schoolhouse Fabrics......................................59 SETEC...........................................................29 Sinkland Farms..............................................15 Slaughters’ Supermarket................................19 Southern Heritage Homes..............................37 Southwest Shine Solutions...............................7 Spencer’s Body Shop.....................................39 Sticks & Stones Construction........................48 Stonehaven Manor & Retreat.........................55 Streamline Timberframe................................59 T & E Outdoors..............................................49 The Oaks RV Resort......................................13 The Schroeder Law Firm, PC........................39 The Spice Bar.................................... 1, 6, & 47 Thomas & Wall - Jocelyn Coulston...............27 Tinbenders Inc................................................38 Treehouse Tavern...........................................57 Tri-Area Community Health..........................23 Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn............................43 United Country Real Estate...........................29 Viking Land.....................................................7 Villa Appalaccia Winery & Vineyard.............64 Wildwood Farms General Store.....................55 Willis Village Mart...........................................7 Wills Ridge Supply........................................11 WIN Care Health...........................................51

Fall/Winter 2026

Custom Stick Built, Modular, and Log Cabins! All Types of Excavation Services to Include:

• Grading • Clearing Land • Driveways • Hauling

540-239-9086

www.DanielBishopHomes.com DanielBishopHomes@gmail.com Class A Contractor Fall/Winter 2026

www.FloydMagazine.com 63

64 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine

Fall/Winter 2026