Located amidst Southwest Virginia’s serene green mountains, Dublin is a small town that’s set within Pulaski County. Close to major manufacturing and agricultural hubs, Dublin makes for a superb base while still having a welcoming small-town vibe. Thanks to its deep roots, Dublin embodies classical Southern history and culture in its historical landmarks, its lifestyle and food. Said to have been named after New Dublin Presbyterian Church, along with its historic past, the city also boasts abundant natural beauty. Claytor Lake is the top highlight, with its blue waters and numerous exciting outdoor adventures. Read on to see what the different things to do in Dublin, Virginia are, to explore and experience the charms of the town.
1. Learn about the region's history at Wilderness Road Regional Museum
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.