Claytor Lake Area
Nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge, Mountain Kaleidoscope offers the perfect blend of rustic adventure and lakeside tranquility. Every trail, every sunset, every local bite reveals a new facet of mountain living. It also serves as a great landing spot to enjoy the campuses of Radford University and Virginia Tech.
Claytor Lake State Park Marina – 12 miles (by car)
6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084
In addition to the amenities above, the park has boat launch ramps and fuel dock for boaters. Located directly across the lack from our cove by boat.
Mountain 2 Island @ Rock House Marina – 15 miles (by car)
3776 Rock House Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301 | (540) 980-1488
In addition to being one of the locations on Claytor Lake for Mountain 2 Island boat rentals, the marina location is also home to boat sales and service, a fuel dock, and an outdoor grill/restaurant that often hosts live music. Also located at the top end of Peak Creek by boat.
Conrad Brothers Marine – 15 miles (by car)
3688 Conrad Landing Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301 | (540) 980-1575
By boat Conrad Brothers Marine is located at the end of Peak Creek. Conrad Brothers sells new & used boats, tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding supplies, and boat parts/accessories. Full-service boat repairs. Fuel dock.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The USCGA provides courtesy safety and assistance patrols on the lake most weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you need assistance, call on VHF Channel 16. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department as well as Conrad Marine can also connect you with the on duty patrol.
Chateau Morrissette Winery and Restaurant – 37 miles
287 Winery Road SW, Floyd, Virginia, 24091
Villa Appalaccia Winery – 37 miles
752 Rock Castle Gorge, Floyd, Virginia 24091
Villa Appalaccia Winery is a taste of Tuscany in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway between milepost #170 & #171, it is one of the more unique wineries in the state of Virginia. It is a Virginia farm winery, producing wine in a local vineyard established in 1989. The Italian villa that is home to the winery is straight out of a postcard from Tuscany.
The River Company Restaurant and Brewery – 13 miles
6633 Viscoe Rd, Radford, VA 24141 | 540-633-3940
Long Way Brewing – 9 miles
501 2nd St., Radford, VA 24141 | 540-838-2229
Local Favorites – These are all places that we have enjoyed many, many times and highly recommend to guests.
Macados – 11 miles
510 E Main St, Radford, VA 24141 (also in Christiansburg and Blacksburg) | 540-731-4879
Popular for its eclectic ambiance of cartoon, antique, and local nostalgic decor, as well as its wide array of hearty yet modestly-priced sandwiches, subs, and entrees.
Sharkeys Wing and Rib Joint – 10 miles
1202 East Main Street - Radford, VA 24141 | (540) 267-3434
Proudly serving the best wings, ribs, and burgers in the New River Valley since 1992! Looking for great craft beer, a spot to watch the big game, or a place to bring the whole family? Look no further!
Benny Nicola’s Pizza – 10 miles
1018 Clement St., Radford, VA 241241 | (540) 838-2088
Home of the “Virginia Slice” – taken from their 28” large Brooklyn-Italian style pizzas.
Sal's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria – 9 miles
709 W. Main Street, Radford, VA 24141 | (540) 639-9669
Sal’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria located in Central Square Shopping Plaza, has been serving up the finest Italian food for over 38 years. We offer all of your traditional Italian favorites with fresh specials, made to order entrees, spectacular pizzas, over stuffed subs, and mouth watering calzones.
Brick House Pizza - 10 miles
311 W Main St, Radford, VA 24141 | (540) 639-5793
Wood-fired artisanal pizza meets local tradition in this reimagined Radford favorite, featuring handmade dough and premium ingredients.
Other Options
There are also many chain/fast food restaurants in the Radford area (Taco Bell, McDonalds, Applebees, etc). Additionally, Blacksburg/Christiansburg are home to a greater variety of excellent local and chain restaurants.
Virginia Tech – 27 miles
Virginia Tech is the Commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and a leading research institution, offering about 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across the commonwealth. The university’s 2,600-acre main campus is located in Blacksburg, VA.
Radford University – 11 miles
Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 10,695 students serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. The university is well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 204-acre American classical campus located in Radford, VA.
Mountain Lake Lodge – 44 miles
Mountain Lake Lodge located at 115 Hotel Cir, Pembroke, VA 24136
Unique lodge that includes a mountain-top lake with outdoor activities and an on-site restaurant. This is the location where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed.
Dixie Caverns – 33 miles
5753 West Main Street, Salem, VA 24153 | 540-380-2085
Dixie Caverns is open 364 days a year for tours, camping and shopping. Enjoy the 45-50 minute guided tour, the large gift and souvenir shop and one of the finest rock and mineral shops around.
Blue Ridge Parkway – 31 miles
Nearest access: 3313 Parkway Ln S, Floyd, VA 24091
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special. The nearest entrance is just past the Town of Floyd, at Tuggle Gap.
The Town of Floyd – 25 miles
In addition to the Floyd Country Store, the Town of Floyd is home to a variety of unique restaurants, artisan craft shoppes, and food stores.
Floyd Country Store | Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail – 25 miles
Visit at 206 S Locust St., Floyd, VA 24091
Since the 1980’s, the Floyd Country Store has been known as a community gathering place built on the celebration of traditional Southern Appalachian music and dance. The Floyd Country Store is renowned as a place to experience authentic Appalachian music and is home to a group of musicians and dancers who carry on the local traditions. Whether picking on the front porch, at the Sunday jam, or dancing at the Friday Night Jamboree, traditional music continues to bring people together in Floyd.
Cascades National Recreational Trail – 48 miles
Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136
Four mile round-trip hike along a scenic mountain creek that ends at a 66 foot high waterfall with natural pool that is popular for swimming and splashing in the summer months. $3.00 per vehicle parking fee.
New River Trail – 14 miles
Nearest access point: New River Trail State Park, State Rte 658 & Holbert Ave, Draper, VA 24324
57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback.
New River Junction – 25 miles
540-639-6633
2591 Big Falls Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
A lazy, inner tube drift down a mile of the pristine New River cupped in a tree-lined mountain valley provides the perfect escape from a hot summer day. Ends with a short series of adventurous rapids. Free shuttle bus returns to the start so you can go down as many times as you’d like. Tube rental available for a fee, lifejackets available. No glass or Styrofoam coolers. Call ahead or check online to determine availability as river conditions may cause closures.
Mountain 2 Island
540-980-1488
Mountain 2 Island operates a variety of paddleboard, kayak, and boat rental services and tours from three locations on Claytor Lake.
Claytor Lake Watersports – 12 miles
6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084 (located at the marina inside the state park) | 540.731.8683
Claytor Lake Watersports offers motorized and non-motorized boat and equipment rentals inside Claytor Lake State Park.
Claytor Lake State Park – 12 miles
6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084
Claytor Lake State Park has miles of easy to moderate hiking trails with scenic views of the lake as well as a freshwater swimming beach. For boaters, there is a marina with fuel dock and boat launch ramps. Several private boat rental businesses also operate out of the marina.
The historic Howe House has interactive exhibits describing the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas. Park staff conduct nature programs during the summer months for participants of all ages. Visitors can enjoy a universally accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, a seasonal snack bar and several playgrounds.
The park has a seasonally variable entrance fee (charged per vehicle; higher in the summer months). There are additional fees for beach access.
Cabin Serenity
Sometimes the best experience is simply being present in this peaceful setting.
Morning coffee ritual: Take in the sounds of nature with a cup of coffee on the deck
Stargazing: Minimal light pollution means incredible night skies
Digital detox: Embrace the slower pace and limited cell service
Spring (March-May)
Wildflower blooms along hiking trails
Perfect temperatures for all-day outdoor activities
Fewer crowds at popular spots
Summer (June-August)
Prime lake season – warmest water temperatures
Extended daylight hours for longer adventures
Local festivals farmers markets and outdoor concerts
Fall (September-November)
Spectacular foliage, harvest festivals and apple picking
Comfortable hiking weather
Tour the campuses of Radford University and Virginia Tech or take in a football game
Winter (December-February)
Cozy cabin atmosphere
Peaceful, snow-covered landscapes
Winter festivals celebrating the holiday season
