Top 9 Things To Do In Dublin, Virginia

1. Learn about the region's history at Wilderness Road Regional Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This small museum has been set up inside two 19th-century houses that were originally owned by one of the earliest settlers to the area, Henry Hance. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of the region and its growth over the ages as well as the role of the houses themselves. These houses are located right on Wilderness Road, a branch of the Great Wagon Road. Exhibits of interesting artifacts, documents, photographs and collectibles offer insights into how the settlers built the Wilderness Road, a major migration route, and its role in the evolution of the region. One of the houses used to be the Hance Store and today, various facets of the business can be seen in the form of original items such as ledgers and tools.

Wilderness Road Regional Museum

Address: 5240 Wilderness Rd, Dublin

Website: Wilderness Road Regional Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10.30am - 4.30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

2. Savor homemade dishes at Patty's Kitchen

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Enjoy the taste of home cooking with a meal at Patty’s Kitchen. Serving Southern-style comfort food at reasonable prices, Patty’s is an old-style restaurant that serves from a menu that changes daily depending on seasonal produce. Signature dishes to try here include country fried steak, fried chicken and their range of fresh homemade desserts. The atmosphere is cozy and family-friendly, with a welcoming staff.

Patty's Kitchen

Address: 793 Broad St, Dublin

Website: Patty’s Kitchen

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 6.30am - 3pm; Tue - Fri: 6.30am - 5pm; Sat: 7am - 8pm

3. Explore Claytor Lake State Park

Located on Claytor Lake, this state park is the ideal destination if you are looking for some outdoor recreation. The lake features a full-service marina where you can pick from a whole host of water activities like paddle boating and skiing. The freshwater beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing and there are a great many spots ideal for fishing. You can also find many walking trails around the lake that you can hike. If you want to spend more time amidst this green space, there are lakefront cabins and camping spots where you can stay to soak in the outdoors. Other amenities include picnic spots and rental pavilions. Start at the visitor center inside the historic Haven B. Howe House, which has a knowledgeable staff as well as informative exhibits on the wildlife and history of the lake.

Claytor Lake State Park

Address: 4400 State Park Road, Dublin

Website: Claytor Lake State Park

4. Appreciate Southern cuisine at Fatz Cafe

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A popular chain restaurant, Fatz is known for its quintessential southern cuisine-based food. With a wide range of choices and generous portions, the restaurant is an ideal place to enjoy the local dishes at reasonable prices. The best menu items to try here include chicken calabash, ribeye steaks and fried green tomatoes with grits. Don’t forget to check out sweet iced tea, the classical southern drink!

Fatz Southern Kitchen

Address: 4586 Alexander Farm Rd., Dublin

Website: Fatz Southern Kitchen

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

5. Stargaze at D.C. Wysor Observatory and Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located on the grounds of Dublin Elementary School, D.C. Wysor Observatory and Museum offers viewings every Friday evening (by appointment on other days), which can be a fun outing option. This facility was a gift from a Pulaski native, Davidson Charlton Wysor, who was a professional geologist as well as an amateur astronomer. The facility has a state-of-the-art telescope which comes with a database of over 65,000 celestial objects. There’s also a viewing screen onto which images can be projected so you do not have to climb all the way to the top of the dome. You can also spend some time checking out the museum’s large collection of fossils, rocks and, minerals, as well as a large custom model of the solar system.

D.C. Wysor Observatory and Museum

Address: 600 Dunlap Road, Dublin

Website: D. C. Wysor Observatory and Museum

Opening hours: Fri: 8pm - 11pm

6. Find a book to read at Charles & Ona B Free Memorial Library

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Charles & Ona B Free Memorial Library is a great place to feed your reading habit! In fact, the library is today more than about books; you can access computers, play games and participate in various community programs and events that libraries usually hold. The star attraction of Charles & Ona B Free Memorial Library is Belle the resident cat who will welcome you as you look for the resources you need.

Charles & Ona B Free Memorial Library

Address: 300 Giles Avenue, Dublin

Website: Charles & Ona B Free Memorial Library

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9am - 7pm; Wed - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

7. Spend quality time with your family at Randolph Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Randolph Park is most well-known for its water pool but it also has a host of amenities for outdoor fun. The water park is a must-visit, particularly for kids, with its numerous fun features including water slides, spray toys, water basketball and more. You will find loads of shaded spots with benches to relax as well. A large part of the park is wooded, with several easy walking trails that will allow you to enjoy the lush greenery. Other amenities include a fenced play area for kids to have fun, picnic tables, a disc golf course and sports facilities like basketball/tennis courts.

Randolph Park

Address:5100 Alexander Road, Dublin

Website: Randolph Park

Opening hours: Nov - Mar: 6.30am - 7pm (daily); Apr - Oct: 6am - 9.30pm (daily)

8. Visit Pulaski Livestock Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A livestock market may be an offbeat idea as an outing, but it can be an interesting look at one of the facets of the countryside. At Pulaski Livestock Market, regular livestock sales are held weekly, which you can attend.

Pulaski Livestock Market

Address: 5509 Banks Ave., Dublin

Website: Pulaski Livestock Market

9. Volunteer at Pulaski County Humane Society

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spend some time volunteering at Pulaski County Humane Society. This shelter for dogs, cats and rabbits is always in need of help to care for the furry animals. There are a variety of ways you can help the cause - from helping in events to providing assistance in caring for the animals or walking them. So go and do some good by offering your time to help the animals.

Pulaski County Animal Shelter

Address: 80 Dublin Park Rd., Dublin

Website: Pulaski County Animal Shelter

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Enjoy the charms of Dublin in Virginia

Apart from this cool list of things to do in Dublin, Virginia, you can always head out to neighboring cities like Pulaski, Radford and Fairlawn. Most of these towns are a short distance away and you will find several additional entertainment options here, ranging from arts and theatre centers to live music bars and quaint stores.