Chilhowie offers several distinct points of interest for a visit: historic houses and a small business district, a community arts center with year-round classes and exhibitions, and the annual Chilhowie Community Apple Festival. There is also the seasonal Town of Chilhowie Splash Pad. When planning, it is worth keeping these themes separate: architecture and local history sit alongside arts offerings and events whose visiting times depend on the season or event dates. This lets you choose a focus based on whether a particular date, architectural history, or the arts program matters most to you.
Historic Houses and Architectural Styles
The H. L. Bonham House was completed in 1911 in the Colonial Revival style. The A. C. Beatie House was built in 1891 and features elements of the Queen Anne style. The two houses can therefore be distinguished by their dates and styles: the Bonham House’s completion in 1911 is associated with Colonial Revival, while the Beatie House’s construction in 1891 is accompanied by Queen Anne style elements. This combination gives you a concrete starting point if you are interested in Chilhowie’s architectural history.
The Chilhowie Methodist Episcopal Church adds further details. It was completed in 1894 in the Gothic Revival style, using locally made golden-brown pressed brick. Compared with the two houses, the church stands out not only for its date and style but also for its material. The three buildings thus present different combinations of year, style, and material.
Business District and Regional Connections
The Downtown Chilhowie Historic District is a small business district along the Interstate 81 corridor. It complements the individual houses and the church with the scale of a commercially oriented area. As of July 21, 2024, the property of the H. L. Bonham House served the region as the H.L. Bonham Regional Development and Tourism Center. This regional connection differs both from the architecture of individual buildings and from the business character of the Historic District.
Arts, Festival, and Seasonal Planning
The Chilhowie Community Apple Festival has been an annual tradition for decades. It began when Chilhowie was considered the apple capital of Virginia. This historical context gives the festival a clear connection to local history. Dates and programming vary; if the festival is a reason for your trip, check the specific event dates and program for your preferred travel period.
The Art Place is a community arts center and fine art gallery. It offers classes and exhibitions year-round. Since programs and exhibitions may change, check the current schedule before your visit. Unlike the festival, the arts offerings run throughout the year; the current schedule will help you choose the right time to visit.
The Town of Chilhowie Splash Pad is located at 807 Chilhowie Street, next to the Chilhowie Public Library. It operates seasonally; for the 2026 season, check the hours before your visit. This sets the Splash Pad apart from the year-round arts offerings and the annual festival: its use is limited to the season.
Discover more destinations: Marion.
For the broader travel overview: Smyth.
