Winner of Valley Conservation Council’s “Best Downtown Initiative Award”
Winner of the Roanoke Times’ Botetourt View “Best Place to Take Relatives from Out of Town” Award
Experience more than two hundred years of history in the making.
Buchanan invites you and your family to start your journey in the heart of our community, downtown Buchanan. Escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy the slower pace of small town America.
Main Street is the thread that ties our community together. From here you can explore historic buildings dating from the early 1800’s through the 1950’s, if your timing is right, you might stumble upon a parade or other community celebration. From Main Street you can view the James River as it carves its way through the valley. Access to the acclaimed Upper James River Blueway is right off of Main Street at the Town Park at 485 Lowe Street.
Paddle the Upper James River Water Trail as it runs perpendicular to Main Street. Along this path you will discover remnants of the historic James River & Kanawha Canal which was surveyed by George Washington, and see wildlife as you paddle along our section of the James River which was recently designated as a “Scenic River.” Did you know Travel & Leisure Magazine designated the Upper James River Trail as one of the best, easy outdoor adventures in the world. Check out their mention of Buchanan, VA!
Why not spend a night or two at a local B&B, Inn or, vacation rental home. In addition to our own historic downtown and river trail we encourage you to explore local landmarks such as the Roanoke City Market, the Bedford D Day Memorial, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the U.S. Bicentennial Bicycle Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the new State Park, Natural Bridge which is just 15 minutes away via US Route 11.
You and your family are invited to explore Buchanan where treasures from the past and present await your discovery. Step back in time as you stroll along Buchanan’s historic Main Street. Discover locally owned shops offering goods, personal services and great food.
Main Street’s quaint atmosphere encourages a leisurely pace. Enjoy brightly colored flowers cascading from planters welcoming shoppers. Old fashioned storefronts, gleaming hardwood floors and soaring ceilings dressed in ornate pressed metal tiles delight shoppers and stand as a testimony to earlier days.
Merchants fill their shops and galleries with treasures for your home. A sampling of Buchanan businesses include antiques, art, furniture, textiles, carpets, collectibles, primitives, and during spring plants for your garden, canoeing & river supplies, hunting supplies and more.
Locally owned restaurants offer Burgers & Fries, pizza, fresh salads, blue plate specials and good old-fashioned southern cooking.
We look forward to meeting you and showing you what small town America is all about. Remember, we encourage you to shop, dine, play and live local.
The Town of Buchanan, Virginia was designated by Fodor’s Travel Guide as one of the “Top Ten Best Antiquing Towns in the U.S.” 10 Best Antiquing Towns in the U.S.
The Buchanan Town Park was established in 1903 by a dedicated group of volunteers known as the Village Improvement Society. The organization acquired all of the property and laid out a park consisting of playground equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts and other amenities then donated the park to the Town.
Today the Buchanan Town Park consists of 7 acres offering opportunities for passive and active recreation. Features include an outdoor basketball court, children’s playground equipment, a boat ramp maintained by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), a greenway along the James River where residents and visitors love to walk, interpretive kiosks for historic elements as well as beautiful structures including the Buchanan Bicentennial Gazebo, picnic pavilions and concession stands.
The Buchanan Town Park also provides the backdrop for several community events including the Buchanan Community Carnival, the Buchanan Garden Festival, the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend, Reggae By the River, the Buchanan Tri Run, Ride, River Race, Pork By the James and Mountain Magic In Fall.
The site is a popular starting point and ending point for canoeing and kayaking on the Upper James River Blueway as well as fishing from its banks. Travel & Leisure Magazine designated the Upper James River Trail as one of the best, easy outdoor adventures in the world. Check out their mention of Buchanan, VA!
The Picnic Pavilions are available for use on a first come, first serve basis, or, may be reserved by contacting the Buchanan Town Hall at (540) 254-1212. If you wish to reserve a pavilion, please contact the Buchanan Town Hall to verify the availability of pavilions then use the following form Town of Buchanan Picnic Shelter CONTRACT REVISED MARCH 24