Ivanhoe, VA

Ivanhoe is a small, peaceful community in southwest Virginia, tucked along the banks of the New River near the Wythe and Carroll county border. Home to around 500 residents, the town originally grew during the region's mining boom, when limestone quarries and iron works brought storefronts, hotels, and an active riverfront to the valley. Those early industrial days have quieted down, leaving behind a relaxed rural enclave surrounded by rolling hills and dense mountain greenery.

ATTRIdawriter / CC BY-SA 3.0

Today, everyday life in Ivanhoe centers on the outdoors and the natural rhythm of the river. The New River Trail State Park runs straight through the community along a converted railway line, giving residents immediate access to miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The historic Ivanhoe trestle bridge provides incredible views over the water, and local launch points make weekend kayaking and fishing simple. For anyone looking for wide-open space, rich local heritage, and an easygoing riverside lifestyle, Ivanhoe offers a quiet retreat in the Blue Ridge foothills.