By: Abby Price / Note: This article was originally published for Lynchburg Living magazine.
In the heart of southwest Virginia, a small town brimming with adventurous spirit awaits. Despite its modest size, the community is strong, with locals and businesses coming together to showcase why St. Paul is a must-visit destination. Steeped in history, the central area of St. Paul features just a handful of restaurants and a few lodging options, including the charming Western Front Hotel.
St. Paul is gaining popularity, thanks to local businesses and organizations working to boost the economy by reviving some of their historical sites and buildings. The town and its residents are slowly revitalizing the area, making it an appealing destination for travelers passionate about history and also looking for outdoor adventures.
Old-School Lodging With Modern Amenities
If you’re anything like me, your heart belongs to the mountains. There’s something special about the breathtaking views and endless adventures the mountains offer, and St. Paul is no exception. The Western Front Hotel understands that the mountains and outdoor excursions are one of the main reasons people travel to southwest Virginia, and they excel at promoting this.
The Western Front Hotel is perfect for a laid-back mountain destination but is also ideal as a home base for ATVing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and more. Bordered by the Appalachian Mountains and the Clinch River, it’s the perfect spot for both land and water activities.
For those after a relaxing experience, the hotel ensures the rooms are comfortable and cozy while preserving historic charm with original touches maintained alongside modern amenities. You’ll find reclaimed wood headboards, nightstands crafted from old doors and other scrap wood from the building’s former apartments, retro fridges, and other charming nods to the town’s history and the building’s past. This is complemented by modern luxuries such as plush bedding, fantastic showers, and ample storage for your hiking gear. They’ve also created plenty of outdoor spaces, including two beautiful terraces with views of the mountains and town, a large grassy area for live music, and a gorgeous firepit for roasting s’mores.
In addition to the outdoor areas, the hotel goes the extra mile with conveniences and fostering a sense of community. There is a game room for children and adults featuring a pool table, darts, and more. Comfortable seating areas are scattered throughout the lobby and various corners of the hotel, making them perfect for those who want to relax indoors without retreating to their rooms. These spaces are also ideal for mingling with other travelers, enhancing the sense of community.
Another unique touch is the breakfast pails, honoring the town’s mining past. Guests fill out their breakfast cards, drop them in a bucket, and leave them outside their door at night. In the morning, the hotel staff fills it with the requested items and leaves it outside the door, providing a convenient and symbolic nod to the town’s history.
Though the town of St. Paul is quaint, the surrounding mountains offer countless experiences. Just outside the Western Front’s doors lies a world of possibilities, where visitors can enjoy hiking trails like the Sugar Hill Loop Trail, fishing in local lakes or the Clinch River, kayaking, cycling, and my personal favorite, ATV riding.
Unbelievable ATV Adventures
Spearhead Trails, spanning 400 miles and seven unique trail systems, are easily accessible from downtown St. Paul. There are trail routes for every skill level, where riders can enjoy breathtaking scenery ranging from lovely canyons to dramatic ridge views.
Beyond the ease of access, the trails are numerous and well-maintained. The clear signage and trail markings ensure riders can navigate confidently and, with so many trail options spanning thousands of acres, it’s easy to feel like you have the entire area to yourself.
When we did encounter fellow riders, my husband and I were amazed by the variety of people we saw. Young couples, families, solo riders, older couples, and even a few dogs were along for the ride. It is clear that the trail organizers and maintainers work hard to make everyone feel welcome, which was the cherry on top.
The Lyric Theater Where Nostalgia Meets Contemporary
I’m all about discovering unique historical lessons, especially about my home state of Virginia, and St. Paul has loads of fascinating sights and historical facts to uncover.
One of the most remarkable landmarks is the Lyric Theatre, which opened in the 1950s. It was the town’s hub for local gatherings and fun outings. After undergoing various ownership changes and reopening a few times, a non-profit organization took over ownership nearly 15 years ago. They raised money through local events and government grants to restore and revive the theater. After nearly a decade of hard work, the theater is now open and hosts many exciting events.
They have preserved numerous original features at the Lyric Theatre, such as the sign resembling its 1950s version with large yellow letters against a bright red background, and the original gray marble at the entrance. Inside, you’ll find the red and yellow hues that are inspired by the theater’s original 1950s design. Some stunning details that caught my attention included the bright red curtains at the theater entrance, the original box office still in use where moviegoers bought tickets in the past, and the light fixtures throughout the theater that closely resemble the originals.
Though the theater has been slightly remodeled, it retains many original touches, giving it a nostalgic feel. It’s a special spot that transports you back in time. Check the event schedule in advance and plan your visit during one of their live music events.
Author: VisitVirginia
