Daytripping in Floyd, A Family Affair

From diner breakfast to a jazzy dinner, a travelogue documenting a full day in our favorite one-stoplight town.

One Saturday morning, my Mom and I spent the day in the rustic, one-stoplight town of Floyd. Here's what we found along the gentle curves and rolling hills of Route 8.

photography by Christina O'Connor

10:30 a.m. The Blue Ridge Restaurant, 113 East Main Street. We loved this quaint, country diner's simple furniture and fare. Invited to seat ourselves, we had hot, fresh coffee in no time. When our biscuits and gravy arrived, we realized that we should have shared! Food isn't the only thing that comes in large portions at The Blue Ridge Restaurant: we were served with gracious hospitality as well.

11:15 a.m. New Mountain Mercantile, 114A South Locust St. Open for 18 years, this quirky shop offers eclectic artwork and crafts from over 80 local and regional artists. Beautiful pottery teapots and cups line natural wood shelves. Fetching glass work adorns the front windows, too.

11:40 a.m. The Town Office. Town Manager Mike Maslaney was proud to discuss all the renovations and improvements that are under way. Floyd has received grants for facade fixes and much-needed new public parking. These projects should be finished by May. "We will be working on a public park later this year, one thing at a time; you know," Maslaney said. Sidewalks and road signs will get a facelift too by the end of 2009.

12:00 p.m. Hotel Floyd, 120 Wilson Street. This "green" hotel opened in October 2005, offering unique and eco-friendly rooms and suites. An amphitheater lit with solar lights hosts live performances on the hotel grounds.

12:20 p.m. Finders Keepers, 219 East Main St. This fabulous antique and collectibles shop features an amazing outdoor statuary boutique. Mom found some beautiful linens for her guest room.

1:15 p.m. Winter Sun, 302 South Locust St. This women's clothing boutique features outfits, separates, and jewelry with some fun and functional home decor thrown in. Look for classic forms with lots of funky embellishments. I'm going back soon to shop for summer dresses.

2:00 p.m. Cafe Del Sol, 302 South Locust St. Just across the hall from Winter Sun, this sweet little cafe greeted us with aromas of fresh coffee and apple walnut cake. The oat fudge bar earned raves from Mom, along with a mug of dark Italian roast. I indulged in a Greek veggie wrap w/ hummus and pasta salad. We were charmed by our picturesque little table, topped with fresh astromeria, a primitive lantern, and ceramic owl salt and pepper shakers. Too cute!

2:30 p.m. Notebooks and Black Water Loft, 117 South Locust St. Books downstairs and coffee upstairs, this shop features live music on Friday nights, a young actors' co-op, and performances by local/ regional authors, musicians, and artists. The cozy, slightly bohemian loft is perfect for curling up with a new book and a cup of tea.

3:00 p.m. Blue Ridge Primitives, 177 Webbs Mill Rd. This gift shop offers great finds in the traditional American primitive style. Lots of folk art!

4:30 p.m. The Bell Gallery and Garden, 173 Weddle Ln. The nicest little shop.... we got happily lost amidst the landscape photography, fine arts and crafts, garden art and exquisite gifts. This shop features artisans from all over the country.

5:15 p.m. Chic's Antiques, 125 West Main St. We explored three floors of hidden treasures: stacks of vintage vinyl, glass ware, china, old hats, rustic tools and lots more. I picked up a gold inlaid Fire King baking dish, and when Daddy met up with us, he found himself a carpentry adze and miner's pick.

6:20 p.m. Oddfella's Cantina, 110 North Locust St. My grandparents joined me and my folks for dinner at this unique eatery. We were wowed by flatiron steaks, orange tamarind tuna, fried oysters, and homemade chimichangas, and finished with triple chocolate cake and coffee. Our meal was accompanied by the Floyd/ Montgomery Jazz Project: with tunes like "Ain't Misbehavin'" played in a slow jazz style and a jitterbug set, our dining experience couldn't have been better. This intimate setting is perfect for discerning ears and palates alike.

That's not all you can find in Floyd. Don't miss the Floyd Country Store's Friday Night Jamboree for live music and dancing! Part of the historical Crooked Road bluegrass trail, this venue has been serving the community since the early 1900's.

Try a meal or a nightcap down Rt. 221 at Ray's, a restaurant and bar with lots of character. Great food, terrific service and a down home atmosphere make this a destination spot!