Covington, Virginia is a city in southwest Virginia, is full of interesting places to EXPLORE. The city was named in honor of General Leonard Covington, who was a friend of Presidents James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. He was a hero from the War of 1812. There’s so much history and places to venture in this only 6 square mile city that I will need to tell you about them with installments.

Covington, part 1.

First as you enter town, there is a small community called Wrightsville.  It was established by a former slave in 1867. Only 10 families remain in this area, but at one point there were over 42 families.  The community was founded by a former slave, Archie Wright, and his wife Mary.  After Mr. Wright was set free from his owner, a farmer, He began to purchase and sell land until Wrightsville was born.  Over time families moved away and the area deteriorated.  But thanks to a  $1.4M grant  awarded in 2019 Wrightsville will be restored.  A small museum and church remain the focal point of the community. Call before to go to the museum to see if it is open.

In the heart of town, you will find one of two LOVE signs.  This one depicts all the things Covington has to offer.  There is also Engine 701.  It was built in 1911 by the American Locomotion Company.  Locals nickname the engine the “Merry Widow.”  Its darker historic name is “Tojo” because it transported Japanese POWs to the hot springs.  The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad purchased the engine in 1930.  Now, with the Jackson River running next to Main Street Park and Engine 701, they provide wonderful picture opportunities.

The town also has an extensive quilt shop (Sew Many Quilts) that I will highlight in a future post.  But I will hint this place is a ROAD TRIP, for all my quilt enthusiasts. 

My fondness for exploring covered bridges is the main reason I travelled to Covington, VA. Humpback Bridge should be on every “pontist” (look it up, I just learned it and tell me if I am using it correctly) list.  Built in 1857, the bridge claims to be one of the oldest bridges in Virginia.

It crosses the Dunlap Creek, which is named after the first white settler to this region, Alexander Dunlap.  The bridge was originally built in 1820.  However, it flooded twice and was rebuilt.  In the park next to the bridge you will find another LOVE sign.  Take a second look before you think the “V” in love is missing. It took me a moment.  

The Dunlap Creek running by the park makes an excellent place for a picnic. We picked up a pizza from Cucci Pizzeria, the local shop everyone raved about, and brought it with us to the park.  The pizza did live up to its reputation.

If you have spelunking on your Bucket List, a good place to start is Island Ford Cave.  It was just enough cave exploring for my 60 year old body. It’s also wheelchair accessible, and there is not a lot of walking. Parking is on a small section on the side of the road.  

The cave was discovered in 1930 when US Route 60 was being built.  It’s not very big but inside you will feel like you are part of an Indiana Jones movie. So bring some props (especially the hat) for photos that will amaze your friends.There is an upper and lower level in the cave. The lower level has a stream.  Don’t forget to pack a flashlight.  It gets pretty dark inside.  

One of my favorite places I enjoyed in Covington, VA,  (remember there is more to explore in future posts) is Falling Spring Falls. It’s an 80 foot waterfall on route 220, on a very winding road up the mountain.  I think, if you were at the pool of the fall looking up, you could imagine you were in Africa. This waterfall is magnificent.  I couldn’t stop staring at it. In the summertime, adventurers travel down to the bottom of the falls and swim in its pool, but it is not recommended. Just standing from the top looking down at the fall provides wonderful photos. If you go at dusk it’s quite romantic. 

That’s enough for now. I will have more for you to explore in Covington, VA, in a future post.  So subscribe and go EXPLORE.