Back of the Dragon and the Tazewell Historic District give a stay in Tazewell two clear focal points: a winding mountain road and a townscape shaped by history. The town lies on the upper Clinch River; hills and the Clinch River Valley are also part of the landscape. When choosing a place to stay, you can first consider whether the route or the town’s history and river scenery will play a bigger role in your travel plans.
Back of the Dragon as a Travel Anchor
Back of the Dragon is a 32-mile section of Virginia Route 16. It runs between Tazewell and Marion through the Appalachians and includes more than 400 curves. Tazewell is the northern starting point and the main hub for drivers on the route. If you are traveling to Tazewell primarily for the route, you can keep the town’s role in mind when choosing a place to stay. Road conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
Historic Sites and Downtown
The Tazewell Historic District includes residential, commercial, and government buildings dating predominantly from around 1880 to 1930. The district contains 145 buildings, 77 percent of which contribute to its historic character. This means the focus is not just on a single building, but on an entire collection featuring different types of buildings from a clearly defined period.
Tazewell was initially called Jeffersonville in 1800; the name honored Thomas Jefferson. Stras Memorial Episcopal Church was built in 1886 and is now the community’s oldest church. In Pioneer Park, 14 log and stone buildings illustrate 19th-century frontier life. The Red Barn in the park also houses a Ford Model T. The historic themes thus range from the origins of the town’s name and the church to buildings that show an earlier way of life and a specific vehicle exhibit.
The Tazewell Train Station offers a gift shop, free tourism brochures, and informational exhibits on the region’s history. It is one of two preserved depots along the Clinch Valley Line. Main Street also combines a historic setting with local businesses: it features specialty shops and restaurants in a well-preserved historic downtown district. Individual businesses’ offerings may change. The Tazewell County Historical Society also offers a walking tour of the town; it is best to confirm availability before your visit.
River Scenery and Outdoor Activities
The Clinch River Pavilion & River Walk improves access to the Clinch River and opened in 2026. Seasonal festivals and community programs are planned for the site. Tazewell’s landscape also includes hills whose colors change with the seasons, as well as the Clinch River Valley.
Lincolnshire Park includes walking trails, a swimming pool, a splash pad, and the Kidzown playground; operating schedules for seasonal facilities may vary. Fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are available at Lincolnshire Lake. This offers a choice of different activities: trails and park facilities on the one hand, and things to do on the water on the other.
Seasonal Events
The event calendar also offers reasons to visit at different times of the year. Main Street Moments takes place every year on the fourth Friday and Saturday in July; check the specific dates before your trip. Music on Main & Cruise In takes place during the summer months. Oktobrewfest is held annually in October, and the Main Street Winter Market is a recurring event in December. The specific dates of these three events may vary from year to year. If a particular festival is important to your trip, confirm the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Tannersville, Pounding Mill, Cedar Bluff
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