Discover Boyce: History, Nature, and Special Trails

Boyce combines a vivid local history with spacious grounds and a variety of ways to spend a day outdoors. In the Boyce Historic District, many properties are visible from public rights-of-way. Architecture enthusiasts can discover Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, Classical Revival, and Craftsman styles, as well as regional vernacular forms. The town’s history dates back to 1880: Boyce developed at the intersection of the newly constructed Shenandoah Valley Railroad and the Winchester-Berry’s Ferry Turnpike.

Architecture and History in Boyce

The Historic District is particularly well suited to an independent walking tour through the town’s visible history. Rather than viewing just one building, visitors can take in the diversity of architectural styles. The different forms of construction give the walk a clear cultural focus and make Boyce appealing to travelers who do not want to spend their entire stay exclusively on nature activities.

Another historic destination is Long Branch Historic House and Farm. The historic house, built in 1811, is located on a 400-acre property in Boyce. The grounds are open to the public free of charge every day from dawn to dusk. Visitors can hike or cycle on the property. The Long Branch mansion, built in 1811, is also open daily for public tours. This makes it possible to combine the landscape, physical activity, and an insight into the history of the house.

Trails Through the Arboretum and Landscape

For a more active outing, the State Arboretum of Virginia offers several different experiences. It is located on the central 172 acres of Blandy Experimental Farm and surrounds the historic Quarters building. The Bridle Trail passes through cultivated fields and mature woodlands and runs along the edge of a small wetland. At approximately 7 miles long, it is a considerably more extensive way to explore the landscape.

A shorter, playfully designed alternative is the Virginia Ecology Geocaching Adventure. This self-guided tour forms an approximately 3-mile loop through the arboretum and includes 10 geocaching stations. Along the way, it leads through different areas of the arboretum. Those who enjoy combining specific tasks with changing stations along the way will find a different experience here than on the longer Bridle Trail.

Get to Know Wildlife Up Close

The Wildlife Walk at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center runs along the enclosures of the wildlife in its care. Visitors can see the animals up close and learn their stories. This visit complements the historic and scenic destinations with a nature-focused experience centered clearly on wildlife under professional care.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Stay

When looking for a vacation rental in Boyce, it is worth using your preferred daily rhythm as a guide. Travelers interested in culture can include the Historic District and Long Branch in their plans, while the State Arboretum, with its approximately 7-mile Bridle Trail, geocaching loop, and changing landscapes, offers a different focus. For a stay involving several interests, Boyce therefore offers a choice of architecture, local history, guided house tours, self-guided exploration, and outdoor activity. This allows you to look for accommodation that suits your planned mix of relaxed sightseeing, active trails, and special nature experiences.

For the overarching travel overview: Clarke County.