Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Bluefield, VA

  • Published 2022/09/21

People have always known Virginia for its beautiful scenery and natural beauty.

Every place in this state screams tourist destination.

From the Appalachian Mountains to the Shenandoah Valley, there is so much to see and do in Virginia that it can be hard to decide where to go first.

Bluefield is a town on the extreme southern tip of West Virginia.

It is one of the best places to visit if you want breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and attractions.

This town is at the base of East River Mountain and offers some of the most amazing views of the mountains and valleys you will ever see.

Known as “Nature’s Air-Conditioned City,” Bluefield is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a cooler climate in the summertime.

There are countless things to do in town, but here is a list of the 15 best things to do in Bluefield, Virginia.

Watch a Baseball Game at Bowen Field

Baseball game at Bowen Field

Omarcheeseboro, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a baseball fan looking to see the local baseball scene in Bluefields, Bowen Field at Peters Park is the premier destination to see all the action.

Various teams play at Bowen Field during the season, and baseball fans can get a chance to see some of the best up-and-coming talents in town.

The overall atmosphere of this baseball field is pretty laid-back.

There’s only a minimal amount of music during games, and there aren’t any sound effects.

Instead, the stadium sells orange and grown blow horns to get fans pumped up.

Hence, the baseball played at Bowen Fields differs from the games in bigger cities.

The small-town baseball scene might take a bit of getting used to.

However, when it comes to some baseball action, you won’t see any shortage of it at Bowen Field.

Check Out the Lotito City Park

The Lotito City Park has become the main attraction in Bluefields for years, providing families and outdoor lovers with a beautiful place for fun and games.

Located in the middle of town, the park serves as the central place where locals and visitors meet to enjoy the outdoors.

Also known as Bluefield City Park, the park features a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic pavilions, walking trails, and a duck pond.

In the summer, the park comes alive with concerts and other events, so check the schedule before you visit.

The best time to visit Lotito City Park is during the annual Holiday of Lights celebration.

This event happens every December and features over 60,000 lights and beautiful holiday displays.

There are also special events held at the park every weekend, including a live nativity scene, music, and a scenic evening walk through the park.

No matter when you visit, Lotito City Park will surely give you a memorable experience and a welcome greeting to beautiful Bluefields.

Ride the Ridge Runner Train

Lotito City Park is a wide open space with many amenities and trails.

Riding the Ridge Runner Train is one of the best ways to explore this park.

This local attraction within Lotito City Park is a replica of an old coal-fired train.

The train winds its way through the park, providing riders with stunning views of the entire complex featuring tall trees and green grass.

Likewise, the Ridge Runner Train ride is a great activity for kids and adults alike, and it’s one of the best ways to see all the park has to offer.

Another great spot within Lotito City Park is the Yakkity Yak Playground.

This playground suits kids of all ages and features various amenities, including slides, swings, and a castle.

Adults can head to the tennis and basketball courts, picnic tables, horse rings, walking and biking trails, and much more!

Learn about Bluefield and Mercer County at the Bluefield Branch Library

The visitor center isn’t the only place where you can learn about Bluefield and Mercer County.

You can also head to the Bluefield Branch Library and check their local history section.

The library is at 108 Huffard Drive, a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for a quiet activity.

In addition to the local history section, the library also has an excellent selection of books, magazines, and DVDs.

If you need help finding a particular book or resource, the friendly staff is always happy to help.

The Bluefield Branch Library has extensive resources about the town, its rich history, and everything you need to know about it.

So, if you’re looking for a place to learn more about Bluefield and its surrounding area, the Bluefield Branch Library is a great place to start.

Shop for All-Natural Soap at the Blue Mountain Apothecary

Have you ever wondered how people make soap?

If you visit the Blue Mountain Apothecary on Virginia Avenue, you might find the answer to that question.

The Blue Mountain Apothecary is a local business that produces all-natural soap.

This soap is special because it uses ingredients sourced from local farms.

Moreover, the store makes the soap in small batches, hand-cutting each bar.

You can choose from various scents with unique smells and benefits.

Check out how the store makes soaps!

The Blue Mountain Apothecary offers tours of their facilities, so you can see firsthand how they produce the soap.

Blue Mountain Apothecary also sells other products like all-natural lotion, deodorants, and other skin-care items.

Stop by for souvenirs to bring home.

Make a Splash at Harmony Acres Pool

Even though the summertime doesn’t get as hot in Bluefield as in other parts of the country, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a dip in a pool to cool off.

Harmony Acres Pool is the perfect place to take a dip, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Located on Crescent Street, this swimming pool has served the Bluefields community for over 65 years.

Harmony Acres Pool features a main pool with a diving board and a separate kiddie pool for the little ones.

Something about their pool makes you want to jump and take a dip the moment you lay your eyes on it.

The clean, crystal-clear blue waters make it look so inviting.

To ensure the safety of swimmers, the pool employs certified lifeguards at all times.

So, you can relax and enjoy your swim, knowing that your safety is their top priority.

Harmony Acres Pool is the perfect place to dip and cool off on a hot summer day.

Drop by for a dip during your Bluefield visit.

Tee Off at Fincastle

No trip is complete without a game of golf.

In Bluefield, you can meet and play with some of the best golfers at Fincastle.

This country club, located three miles south of downtown Bluefield, is the premier golfing destination in the area.

It features an 18-hole course that’s perfect for players of all levels.

The amazing backdrop featuring the beautiful Appalachian Mountains is also great for playing golf here.

If you’re not into golf, you can still enjoy the scenic views by walking around the course.

Likewise, if you ever get hungry, you can dine at the on-site restaurant or grab a drink at the bar.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or not, Fincastle is worth visiting for its stunning views and great amenities.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Despite being a small town, Bluefields has a ton of attractions and activities that will keep you busy during your visit.

However, you can also explore the areas outside of town and see the best of Virginia.

Visit the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum

Exterior view of Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum

Brian M. Powell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Virginia has a long and rich underground coal mining industry history.

The Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum will give you a glimpse of what life was like for coal miners back in the day.

Located in nearby Pocahontas, Virginia—17 minutes from Bluefield—this former underground coal mine has become a museum where you can take a tour and learn about the history of coal mining in Virginia.

You can also try your hand at mining coal in a simulated underground environment.

It’s a great activity for the whole family and a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

So, if you want to learn more about Virginia’s coal mining history, add the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum to your itinerary.

Visit the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau

If you’re completely new to the area and are unsure where to start, visiting the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great way to get you up and running with your Bluefield tour.

Located on Bland Street in downtown Bluefield, West Virginia, this tourist information center can provide a wealth of information about the area.

You’ll get a county map, brochures about local attractions, and discount coupons for some of the best activities in town.

The staff is incredibly friendly and happy to answer any of your questions about the area.

They can also help you plan your trip to make the most of your time in Bluefield.

Stop by the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau the next time you’re in town!

You’ll find this place seven minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Appreciate Local Art at Gary Bowling’s House of Art

Bluefield is home to some of the most skilled and talented Appalachian artists, and one of the best places to see their work is Gary Bowling’s House of Art.

Located in Bluefield, West Virginia, this art gallery on Ramsay Street is an important institution that helps make art more accessible to the community.

You can see an entire showcase of local art, from paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewelry.

The artists at Gary Bowling’s House of Art come from the Appalachian region, so you’re bound to see various styles and mediums.

You can also meet and talk to some local artists and get to know them and their work better.

Gary Bowling’s House of Art is more than just an art gallery.

It’s a place where you can appreciate and learn about the rich art scene in Bluefield.

If you’re feeling inspired, you can enroll in art classes and workshops to learn how to make some art yourself.

Take painting, drawing, and pottery classes, and learn something new at this house of art, seven minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Enjoy the Views at the East River Mountain Scenic Overlook

Speaking of majestic views, the East River Mountain Scenic Overlook is one of the best places to enjoy Bluefield, West Virginia scenery.

This observation deck along the East River Mountain Road is the perfect spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Bluefield.

You can see as far as Virginia and Tennessee on a clear day.

Countless photo opportunities await you at the scenic overlook, with a beautiful backdrop of nature that will make your picture-taking experience more worthwhile.

The East River Mountain Scenic Overlook is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change color.

Drop by this spot and enjoy the breathtaking views; it’s also ten minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Explore the Pocahontas Trail System with Crazy Mountain Cycles

The Pocahontas Trail System is a network of trails located in the Jefferson National Forest.

It’s an hour-long trip from downtown Bluefield and will require you to have an ATV to access the trails.

But if you don’t have one, not to worry.

You can always rent an ATV from Crazy Mountain Cycles.

This ATV rental service and outfitter in Bluefield, West Virginia, has a wide selection of ATVs perfect for exploring the Pocahontas Trail System.

Founded in 2017, Crazy Mountain Cycles has quickly become the premier ATV rental service in Bluefield.

They also offer various other services, such as guided tours, camping gear rentals, and shuttle services.

They also offer lodging at their base camp if you’re looking for a place to stay in Bluefield.

Crazy Mountain Cycles is the perfect partner to ignite your trailblazing spirit if you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation.

You can find them in Bluefield, West Virginia, 11 minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Enjoy the Ultimate Bowling Experience at the Mountaineer Bowling Lanes

Spending time playing a game of bowling with your friends and family is always fun.

You can do just that at the Mountaineer Bowling Lanes on East Cumberland Road.

Mountaineer Bowling Lanes has served locals and visitors for over 60 years, showing no signs of slowing down.

This 28-lane bowling alley is the perfect place to have fun and unwind after a long day.

Their bowling lanes come equipped with automatic scoring, so you won’t have to keep track of your score.

They also have a snack bar where you can buy food and drinks to keep you fueled while you bowl the night away.

If you ever tire of bowling, you can switch to billiards or arcade games.

This bowling alley is in Bluefield, West Virginia, nine minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Go Shopping at the Mercer Mall

The nearby Mercer Mall in Bluefield, West Virginia, will solve all your shopping needs if you’re up for some shopping.

This two-level indoor mall is home to various stores, such as Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

You can also find a food court on the lower level, where you can take a break from shopping and refuel with a quick bite.

If you want to catch a movie, you can head to AMC CLASSIC Bluefield, the Mercer Mall complex’s local theater.

If you’re itching for a shopping spree, add the Mercer Mall to your list of places to visit, only 14 minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Watch a High School Football Game at Mitchell Stadium

Bluefield’s high school football scene is quite competitive, with many good teams going head-to-head during the season.

If you love high school football, you can’t miss out on the chance to watch a game at Mitchell Stadium.

Known as the best high school football stadium in Virginia, Mitchell Stadium offers the best experience during game day.

This stadium is home to several high school football teams, including the Bluefield Middle School Buccaneers, the Bluefield High School Beavers, and the Graham Middle School and High School G-Men.

The stadium holds up to 10,000 people, so you can be sure of a regular good crowd during games.

This number can even balloon to 12,000, especially when it’s a rivalry game between the Beavers and the G-Men.

A high school football game in a small town may not seem much of an activity, but the passion of the local fans in supporting their respective schools will make you feel the hype.

Find the Bluefield, West Virginia stadium six minutes from Bluefield, Virginia.

Final Thoughts

Bluefield is the very definition of a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of Virginia.

This small town has a lot to offer, from outdoor activities to shopping—even experiencing the arts and sports culture in town is an absolute delight.

Start planning your trip now and experience the best things to do in Bluefield, Virginia!

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