Chilhowie, Virginia
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Region
Southwest Virginia
Type
Town in Smyth County
Known for
Appalachian history and apple-growing heritage
Visitor information
H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center
Set in the Holston Valley in Southwest Virginia, Chilhowie makes a useful small-town stop for travelers interested in local history and mountain scenery. The H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center offers visitor information for Chilhowie and neighboring Smyth County communities, including maps and guidance on nearby attractions, lodging, and restaurants.[1]
The town’s story connects early settlement and railroad-era growth with farming and apple production. Visitors can explore local landmarks, stroll the riverfront recreation area, or use Chilhowie as a base for trips to nearby mountain destinations. Check with the town or attraction before setting out for current visitor information and schedules.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Chilhowie
Why visit Chilhowie?
Chilhowie offers a quieter, history-minded introduction to Smyth County. The town’s past is visible in its settlement story, surviving historic buildings, and connection to farming and the railroad. Its location also puts visitors within reach of regional outdoor destinations, including Hungry Mother State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.[4]
For trip planning, start at the H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center. It is listed as a visitor center and provides information about attractions and services in Chilhowie, Marion, and Saltville.[5]
What to see and do
H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center
Make this your first stop for local maps and visitor information. The center is housed in the historic home of Hezekiah Love Bonham, whose family was associated with Chilhowie’s apple industry. Confirm current access before visiting.[6][7]
Historic Chilhowie
Explore the town’s history through its early settlement landmarks and historic buildings. A local heritage guide describes the Bonham House, the former National Bank of Chilhowie, and other sites in and around town; check access arrangements before treating any historic property as open to visitors.[8]
Town Park and river walk
Stretch your legs along the Middle Fork of the Holston River at the town’s recreation area. The regional tourism guide describes a nearby river walk that passes close to the visitor center; check local information for route conditions and current access.[9][10]
Chilhowie Community Apple Festival
Apple growing shaped the town’s local identity, and the community festival grew from that agricultural heritage. The town says the event has been celebrated in September since 1953; confirm the current year’s dates and program with organizers before planning around it.[11]
Chilhowie Farmers Market
When in season, the farmers market is a place to look for locally grown produce and baked goods. Dates, hours, and offerings can change, so check the Town of Chilhowie’s current announcements before making a special trip.[12]
History and character
The town’s historical account traces settlement in the area to the mid-18th century and describes an early log building known as the Town House. The community later became known as Greever’s Switch, reflecting the railroad siding, before the name Chilhowie was adopted in the late 1850s. The town was incorporated in 1913.[13]
Rail connections and agriculture shaped Chilhowie’s growth. The town history identifies apple orchards as a major part of the local economy and links the community’s apple festival to that heritage. It also records the town’s experience of severe flooding in 1977, after which a largely Black neighborhood was relocated and the area became a recreation space; the historic First Baptist Church remains there.[14]
Planning a visit
The H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center is a practical place to begin for regional maps and visitor information. Since visitor-center access, event schedules, and seasonal activities may change, confirm details with the center or town before traveling.[15]
Allow time to combine a short town visit with a regional outing. Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County, while Grayson Highlands State Park and the Appalachian Trail in Virginia are among the mountain destinations promoted by regional tourism sources. Check park and trail information for current conditions, facilities, and access before departure.[16]
Nearby places and attractions
Marion, Virginia
The Smyth County seat and another useful stop for exploring local history and services.
Saltville, Virginia
A neighboring Smyth County town with its own local history and visitor attractions.
Hungry Mother State Park
A nearby state park with outdoor recreation in a mountain setting; check current park information before visiting.
Grayson Highlands State Park
A regional mountain destination associated with scenic hikes and access toward Mount Rogers.
Abingdon, Virginia
A Southwest Virginia town to consider adding to a broader regional itinerary.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town History, Town of Chilhowie, Town of Chilhowie. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ The Fascinating History of Chilhowie, Virginia, Visit Smyth County, Visit Smyth County. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Welcome to Smyth County, Smyth County, Virginia, Smyth County. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Apple Festival Open House at the HL Bonham Tourism Center, Town of Chilhowie, Town of Chilhowie. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ The Fascinating History of Chilhowie, Virginia, Visit Smyth County, Visit Smyth County. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Top Don’t-Miss Outdoor Adventures in Smyth County, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town History, Town of Chilhowie, Town of Chilhowie. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town History, Town of Chilhowie, Town of Chilhowie. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Chilhowie Farmer’s Market, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town History, Town of Chilhowie, Town of Chilhowie. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Town History, Town of Chilhowie, Town of Chilhowie. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Top Don’t-Miss Outdoor Adventures in Smyth County, Visit Southwest Virginia, Friends of Southwest Virginia. Retrieved October 23, 2026.