Ararat: History, Trails, and Music

Ararat brings together sites connected to Civil War history, walking trails, music, and seasonal rural experiences. Laurel Hill is the birthplace of Major General J.E.B. Stuart; nearby, trails wind through Dan River Park, and sunflowers shape the landscape at Doe Run Farm, depending on the season. When searching for a vacation rental in Ararat, you might first consider whether history, nature, events, or a seasonal visit will be the main focus of your trip.

Laurel Hill and the Dinky Railroad

Laurel Hill was added to both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. The site is connected to the region’s history as the birthplace of Major General J.E.B. Stuart of the American Civil War. A reconstructed, 24-foot-long section of the “Dinky” railroad is a particular highlight; an original rail excavated nearby is also on display. Comparing the reconstructed section with the original rail illustrates the railroad here in different ways.

Laurel Hill is open for self-guided tours from sunrise to sunset. Paved walking trails and information panels throughout the grounds make it easy to explore the site and find your way around. The Hollow History Center offers another way to discover regional history: the historic site includes four log cabins and a picnic shelter. A section of the “Dinky” railroad is also on display there. Visitors interested in this topic can include two distinct historic sites in Ararat in their travel plans.

Walking Trails, a Creek, and a View

The Ararat area has trails in Dan River Park, including a paved walking trail. The park is located in Ararat and is backed by mountains where the Dan River and the Ararat River originate. This brings together a specific walking trail and a distinctive connection to the surrounding landscape in one place. Clarks Creek adds another nature-focused option: the creek in Ararat is stocked with brook trout, making it a destination in its own right for fishing enthusiasts.

Nearby, Angel Overlook is located on Squirrel Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan. It offers views of Ararat and North Carolina. Squirrel Spur itself is a 10-mile loop with numerous curves, climbs, and descents. Its route is therefore quite different in character from a park walking trail.

Seasonal Experiences and Music

Doe Run Farm has offered a sunflower maze every fall since 2006. The farm also offers carriage rides and a pick-your-own sunflower field; these activities are seasonal and may vary depending on operating hours. If a visit to the farm is the reason for your trip, check the current dates and availability in advance. These seasonal offerings give your plans a different rhythm from the year-round historic exploration of Laurel Hill.

Regular events are also part of what Ararat has to offer. Open Jam takes place every Friday evening at the Willis Gap Community Center, and Golden Oldies is held there on the last Tuesday of each month. Music played at the center includes Old Time, bluegrass, country, and gospel. If you want to plan your trip around a particular date, check the event dates in advance. That way, you can decide whether to plan your trip around a specific evening, a seasonal farm visit, or a visit to historic sites.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

The planned focus of your vacation days can be a useful first filter when choosing a vacation rental in Ararat. Laurel Hill and the Hollow History Center are ideal for historic discoveries; trails, a creek, and viewpoints offer a different focus. Seasonal offerings at Doe Run Farm and regular events at the Willis Gap Community Center open up further possibilities for planning your trip. Consider which of these interests appeals to you most, and use it to guide your accommodation search.

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