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Posted in Virginia Nature, Parks & Gardens March 25, 2017 by Beth

The Place In Virginia That Makes You Feel Like You’ve Stepped Through A Magical Wardrobe

Many of us are familiar with the beloved story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Who could forget the magic of stepping through a portal and arriving in a different world altogether? While this may sound entirely fantastical, there’s a hidden gem of Virginia that will make you feel as though you’ve pulled this very maneuver. Often referred to as “God’s Thumbprint,” Burke’s Garden is a valley located atop a mountain. With its lush meadows and abundant wildlife, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a fairytale:

Residing at 3,000 feet, a world of lush green hills, mountainous overlooks and secret forests await you in Virginia’s very own Narnia.

This unique pocket of land is located in southwestern Virginia, atop Garden Mountain in Tazewell County.

The crater-like pocket of land formed millions of years ago when caverns collapsed into an ancient seabed.

Upon arrival, you'll immediately notice the magical effects that time and altitude have had on the landscape.

Rather than stepping through a wardrobe, you'll access Burke's Garden by means of this winding, tree-lined road.

Aside from the abundantly fertile farmland, Burke's Garden remains completely undeveloped.

For this reason, it's not difficult to imagine yourself in a different world altogether as you survey the land...

...marvel at the never-ending rolling hills...

...and peer out into the mountains of this Narnia-like paradise.

And while you may not see any fantastical talking beasts...

...don't be surprised if you run into a few friendly farm animals!

After you've descended from the mountaintop valley, you'll find yourself in equally enchanted by Tazewell County.

Have you explored Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences there! For more enchanted places in Virginia, be sure to read about The Secret Garden Hike In Virginia That Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Stepped Into A Fairy Tale.

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Beth

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.