By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County has a new event destination to experience the outdoors and its beautiful countryside.
The Preserve at Crooked Run is an event venue located on the grounds of the old Camp Fincastle off of Breckinridge Mill Road, Fincastle. The venue will host numerous events, including corporate events, family retreats, and weddings.
The Grand Lodge can host up to 150 guests. The venue includes a public meeting place, a private meeting area separated by sliding barn doors, and multiple flat screens, and an audio system.
Lodging is available on the grounds, including multiple cabins to fit guests’ needs. Whether it’s a planned stay or a last-minute decision, The Preserve meets the needs of their guests with proper accommodations. There are also camping (or “glamping”) options if guests want to experience an evening under the stars.
Recreational options across the venue’s 475 acres will soon become available to guests, including a clay and five-stand shooting course, disc golf, on-site trout and bass fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
The Preserve includes numerous amenities. A pavilion overlooks the venue and consists of an infinity pool, multiple fireplaces and fire pits, and biking or hiking trails. The business center provides wireless broadband that services the entire complex. There is also a spacious bathhouse and laundry room available to guests.
There is an opportunity for The Preserve to include a “bed and breakfast” option, but right now, owner Joe Thompson wants to focus more on events. He wants The Preserve’s recreational options to be the top priority during The Preserve’s opening season.
“Incorporating outdoor activities within an event venue is something that hasn’t really been done around here,” Thompson said. “There are places that do it, but they’re not in conjunction with other things except when you go all the way to The Homestead or a place like that. We can offer a place to stay or offer a reception after the activities—that’s a little different than a lot of the local venues. I think that’s important to provide a good day outing.”
The Preserve is hosting its first event as a part of the Farm to Fork Fitness Adventure, taking place from May 15-17.
For more information about The Preserve, visit the website at www.preservevirginia.com.
