St. Paul Virginia Summer WanderLOVE Destination

St. Paul is a wonderful location you should visit as a part of our WanderLOVE campaign. This town is full of fun and exciting things to do like: hiking, biking, tubing/kayaking, ATV rides, and so much more.
To learn more about some of the exciting things to do and places to go, please visit our St. Paul blog post on our website:
visitswva.org/...
Some places mentioned in this video:
Town of St. Paul: www.stpaulva.org/
Clinch Life Outfitters: www.clinchlife...
Western Front Hotel: www.westernfro...
ina+forbes: www.westernfro...
Sugar Hill Brewing: www.sugarhillb...
To learn more about WanderLOVE and Virginia Tourism:
www.virginia.org/

[@tphipps7665]

I have to go back to work on the 27th and have been thinking about taking a short trip to SW VA but I am wondering about the COVID-19 impact on the area. I don't see anyone with masks in these videos. Were they filmed before COVID? Are most of the hotels and restaurants open down there? I would probably stay in Marion and then go to different locations in that SW region. All of my ancestors from my grandparents back to the 1700s were from SW VA and NW NC, so I am somewhat familiar with the area. But I am worrying about traveling due to COVID. Can you update on this? Thanks so much. I love your videos. I really want to do the tubing!

[@SouthwestVirginia]

Thank you for the comment and concern about the COVID situation. To answer your question as best I can, here is my experience with masks, safety, and COVID. I myself and the staff at SWVA wear masks in any public space when around others. In the video, you will see myself (Chad) and my fiance in some cases without masks. We do take ours off when we are not in close proximity to others, like outdoor settings. Sometimes, I'll just take my mask off prior to filming a scene or speaking on camera, but I only do this when I'm not around others, which is also why you don't always see a lot of people in these recent videos.
SWVA and its businesses are highly encouraged to wear masks and many places (including our Cultural Center in Abingdon) it is required for staff and visitors.
When it comes to dining, masks are required when entering an eatery, but you are able to take it off when eating. Many places have social distancing in place so you're not within 6 feet of another table. In this particular video, we were in an enclosed booth, which helped distance us from other patrons. Our servers were wearing masks as well. Most locations are offering curbside pickup and takeout options so you don't have to dine in. Marion is doing a great job with that.
One thing we are trying to focus on is the emphasis of outdoor recreation where you can safely social distance yourself from others, but also be able to enjoy a good time.
Hope that helps you out! Feel free to reach out to me if you need some more insight!
All the best,
Chad