Thee Draper Village

Written by B.Shue at www.casago.com

About

Add Thee Draper Village to your vacation itinerary for authentic Virginia High Country rich with nostalgia, historical buildings, and a picturesque setting, 

This renovated 1800s village has maintained much of its original charm, attracting history buffs, vacationers, and the curious. 

Imagine walking amidst the well-preserved buildings that echo with stories like that of the village's founder, Josiah Draper. He envisioned creating a community that harmonized with nature. Whether this is true or folklore, there's no denying that Thee Draper Village naturally blends with the Blue Ridge mountains.

This attraction is surrounded by lush gardens with winding pathways leading to stunning views. It is also home to ten shops like The Market, with local flavors and spices, and The Curious Quill, with clothing and accessories. 

And with its proximity to Spinning Jenny Vineyard, combining multiple attractions in a day is easy.

Be sure to add this iconic village for an immersive Virginia vacation experience. 

Thee Draper Village: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Okay, when you first read the name, did you think it was a typo? We sure did, but they chose the Old English "Thee" to coincide with the village's antiquity. Put another way, the planners wanted to communicate a sense of "being and belonging" for all who visit.

Another cool feature about Thee Draper Village is the restaurants available. The Draper Merc Cafe serves breakfast and lunch and offers American and comfort food, while the Village Coffee Shoppe and The Conery will appeal to caffeine and sweet tooth fans, respectively. 

Some fun places to explore are the Historic Draper Mill, which showcases period artifacts, and the Village Green, a perfect spot for picnics and outdoor events.

If you enjoy hiking and cycling, explore the 57-mile New River Trail, which connects to the New River Trail State Park. The pathway is part of Virginia's Rails to Trails program, so most of the route is flat. It is ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and offers many beautiful views, including river bridges, tunnels, and more.

A visit to Thee Draper Village is filled with history, nature, shops, and restaurants, making it a must-do on any Blue Ridge Parkway vacation.

Getting There

Below are driving directions from Hillsville to Thee Draper Village. The drive takes about 30 minutes and has scenic views.

  • Head west on US-58 W toward VA-100 N for approximately 12.5 miles.
  • Merge onto I-77 N and continue for about 7 miles.
  • Take Exit 24 for VA-100 N toward Dublin/Pearisburg and turn left onto VA-100 N.
  • Continue on VA-100 N for about 7 miles.
  • As you near Draper, turn right onto Main Street.
  • The destination will be on your left.
  • 123 Main Street Draper, VA 24324

Cost

Visiting Thee Draper Village is free! 

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

Local Tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the gardens and trails.
  • Visit the Artisan Market for fresh handmade goods.
  • Check the event schedules for music and events.
  • Summers can be warm, so stay hydrated.

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