The Scenic Drive To The Swinging Bridge Restaurant In Virginia Almost As Fantastic As The Food

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Paint Bank is a must-visit destination for many reasons. For one, the food, atmosphere, and the fact that there's an actual swinging bridge indoors make this restaurant equally popular among residents and visitors. However, even getting to the restaurant is a unique adventure. We'd recommend taking Route 311, a scenic mountain route that meanders through some of the region's most charming towns.

Virginia's Route 311 is a scenic byway that will take you through unforgettable mountain scenery.

For an all-day adventure, you could start in Salem and continue towards the top of Catawba Mountain and eventually, Dragon's Tooth.

This beautiful trail is one of the most scenic stretches of Virginia's Appalachian Trail. It's a great place to stretch your legs and work up an appetite before arriving for lunch at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant. For more on hiking Dragon's Tooth, click here.

After passing through the scenic town of New Castle, you'll eventually arrive at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant, easily one of the most unique eateries in the state.

Not only does this restaurant serve incredible home-cooked meals, but it also features an entire general store inside.

It's here that you can shop for local goodies, such as their famous buffalo meat. Of course, you won't want to miss the chance to walk across their indoor swinging bridge, either.

On the menu, you'll find all kinds of delicious offerings. If you've never tried a bison burger, now's your chance!

Perhaps even more famous are the made-from-scratch biscuits you'll find here. These alone are worth the drive from just about any corner of the state.

Have you visited the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Virginia lately? What was your experience there like? Tell us all about it in the comments below -- we'd love to hear about your dining adventures! Is there another restaurant you think we should feature? If you'd like, you can nominate a business for the chance to see it featured in our future stories!

For more information, visit the Swinging Bridge Restaurant online. You can also follow the Swinging Bridge Restaurant on Facebook for updates and more.