Bucolic living in Bland, 89 miles from Roanoke
Bland, 89 miles from Roanoke, offers a pastoral Virginia location in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. Most residents don’t have a daily commute outside the region and work in the Bland school system, at the Bland Correctional Facility or at Hitachi Energy, a Swiss sustainable energy company. For shopping, dining and entertainment, residents can easily travel to nearby locations using Interstates 77 and 81. Bland is becoming a weekend getaway due to its mountain views and undeveloped countryside. While some expansion may come, county officials are determined to keep the area's character. “The priority is to keep our backroads very rural so our children can grow up the same way we did,” says Cameron Burton, administrator for Bland County. “The priority is to develop the interstate corridor to generate revenue that keeps the county running, so that we can keep the backroads rural.”
Parks and recreation on the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a big feature -- and draw -- for the community. “The Appalachian Trail does run 40-plus miles through Bland County, so that helps us as these travelers drop into our towns," says Burton. "They spend money, which is tax revenue that allows us to take care of our infrastructure and schools and library.” Besides the Appalachian Trail, the mountains and hills of Bland have many other trails, campsites and forests for those looking to explore the region. The Kimberling Creek Wilderness is on the Hogback Ridge and spans over 6,000 acres. The forest is one of the oldest wilderness areas in Virginia and has a network of trails and railroad lines surrounded by creeks, oak trees, birch trees and native wildlife. Hunting Camp Creek Wilderness is another nature preserve with over 17,000 acres and part of the Jefferson National Forest. The Appalachian Trail and the Old Appalachian Trail are the only trails in the preserve and span a total of 12.5 miles. Fishing and hunting are also popular pastimes. Trout fishing is especially popular as many homes and natural areas are near creeks. Proximity to creeks may lead to flooding during heavy rainfall. For bikers, the Federico Morini Signature Road Cycling Trail is a network of four trails for beginner to advanced cyclists.
Shopping and dining in Bland
On Main Street, Dough Boys Restaurant is set to open in summer 2025. The eatery will serve sandwiches, fries, smoothies and other American food. Grant’s IGA Supermarket is also along Main Street for groceries. Near the supermarket, Bland County Farmers Market runs every Saturday from the second Saturday in May until the end of October. “Family farms are big here. Most of these farms have been in people’s families for years, so there’s a lot of history and roots,” says Burton. There are several popular farms in the area, such as Blankenship Farms, which has a sculpture and pottery studio that offers classes. The farm also makes homemade vanilla and honey. On Big Walker Mountain, Head of Walker Farm sells products including meats, preserves, plants, produce and tinctures.
Big Walker Lookout Tower & County Store is 8 miles from Main Street on Big Walker Mountain. The 75-year-old store sells hand-dipped ice cream, jams, soaps, collectibles and decor. Behind the rustic shop, a 100-foot lookout tower offers expansive views for those who pay $8 to climb to the top. Residents can travel 13 miles to Wytheville for more shopping, including a Walmart, and chain restaurants.
Single-family homes in the Appalachians
Bland’s mountainous terrain creates green valleys patchworked with farmland. Most homes have a view of the Appalachians or are near the base of a mountain. They are spaced far apart on large lots or farmland. Houses are primarily single-family in the minimal traditional, split-level and ranch-styles. They range from $115,000 to $270,000. Internet service is limited in Bland, but the county aims to bring fiber internet to all homes in the area by the end of 2025.
Travelers have access to Interstates 77 and 81
The West Virginia towns of Princeton and Bluefield are less than 30 miles north along I-77, which takes just over 30 minutes. I-77 south passes through the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel, which is over 4,000 feet long. Roanoke, Blacksburg and Christiansburg, are 60 to 90 minutes north on I-81. The Wythe County Community Hospital in Wytheville is 16 miles south on I-77 for medical emergencies. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is 87 miles north along I-81. Bland Circuit United Methodist Church and Bland Bible Methodist Church line Main Street for religious events. Other houses of worship in the Bland area include Central Church, Salem United Methodist Church, Shady Grove Community Church and others.
Students attend Bland County schools
Bland County Public Schools, which gets a B-minus from Niche, serves the area. Children may attend Bland County Elementary School, which also gets a B-minus. Students continue to Bland County High School, which gets a B and serves seventh through 12th grade. The school district recently partnered with Hitachi Energy to create a technology program for middle schoolers.
Events in Bland County
The Bland County Library on Main Street hosts senior activities and storytimes year-round. In late August, the Bland County Fair & Horse Show hosts events like cantering and trail walking at the Bland County Fairgrounds. The fair also has a livestock show, carnival rides and vendors with a fireworks show on opening night.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
