Facility Overview
Situated along the primary commercial artery of North Tazewell, the Old Ramey's Lot at 2330 Fincastle Turnpike represents one of the region's most versatile and expansive open-air surface parking facilities. Originally developed as an automotive dealership lot (formerly Ramey Automotive and McCann Motors), this expansive parcel was acquired by municipal authorities and transitioned into an indispensable public gathering, staging, and parking site. The facility consists of a wide, level asphalt surface with generous drive lanes and open turnarounds, designed from the ground up to accommodate continuous vehicle maneuvers.
Because it operates entirely as an open-air surface lot without height barriers or parking deck overhangs, the lot provides infinite vertical clearance. This makes it uniquely accommodating across an extensive spectrum of vehicle profiles—from compact commuter sedans and station wagons to lifted heavy-duty pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, high-top passenger vans, campers, and utility trailers. The perimeter layout offers easy curbside flow and ample room for staging during local community events, farmers markets, and town parades.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
The Old Ramey's Lot occupies a prominent position in Tazewell County, strategically placed between commercial conveniences and historic downtown highlights:
- Tazewell Farmers Market: Hosted directly on-site at 2330 Fincastle Turnpike, drawing local agricultural producers, bakers, food artisans, and shoppers on seasonal mornings and afternoons.
- Historic Main Street & Altizer Stage: Located approximately 1.5 miles south (a 3-minute drive or brisk cruise), offering charming independent boutiques, local diners, craft coffee, and live open-air concerts during Fourth Friday and Main Street Moments celebrations.
- Tazewell Middle School & Athletic Fields: Situated nearby along Fincastle Turnpike, making this facility a recognized overflow parking area for municipal fireworks displays, youth sports, and regional school functions.
- Lincolnshire Park & Lake: Located just under 3 miles southwest, home to scenic trails, fishing lakes, splash zones, and community sports facilities.
- Back of the Dragon (Route 16): Tazewell serves as the northern trailhead for Virginia's premier motorcycle and sports car driving route, spanning 32 miles of mountain switchbacks toward Marion, VA.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Accessing the Old Ramey's Lot is straightforward for regional commuters and out-of-town visitors alike. Ingress and egress points connect directly onto Fincastle Turnpike (US Route 19 Business), just moments from the primary US-19 / US-460 expressway interchange (Exit 1) and the regional intersection commonly known as the Four-Way. These wide curb cuts ensure that traffic disperses rapidly even during peak community events and festival departures.
For regional public transit, Tazewell County is served by Four County Transit, which provides on-demand and deviated fixed-route services throughout North Tazewell, Richlands, and Bluefield. Long-distance road travelers benefit from direct east-west links via US-460 connecting to Princeton, WV, and Bluefield, or southwest down US-19 toward Abingdon and Bristol.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Level asphalt pavement with unrestricted vertical headroom, easily accommodating oversize vehicles, dual-wheel trucks, and tow vehicles.
- Community Event Staging: Well-known staging ground for classic car events, including the annual Jackie Adkins Memorial Cruise-In and holiday parades.
- Wide Entry Aprons: Generous curb radii on Fincastle Turnpike for easy deceleration and hassle-free turning angles.
- Direct Roadway Visibility: High-profile frontage on Fincastle Turnpike, providing immediate visual confirmation and stress-free navigation.
- Free Public Access: Open community parking without automated barrier gates or meter payment kiosks for typical day-to-day use.
Ideal For
- Farmers Market Shoppers: Direct door-to-stall parking for shoppers visiting the Tazewell Farmers Market and seasonal pop-up markets.
- Cruise-In & Car Show Participants: The traditional staging and lineup ground for regional automobile clubs and Cruise-In parades heading into downtown Tazewell.
- Local Commuters & Carpoolers: Convenient rendezvous spot near the US-19/US-460 junction for daily carpool meets across Tazewell County and Mercer County.
- Back of the Dragon Drivers: Staging and parking area for touring vehicles, sports car rallies, and trailers preparing to navigate Virginia's mountain corridors.
- Holiday & Community Eventgoers: Overflow and designated vehicle viewing location for Town of Tazewell Fourth of July fireworks and civic celebrations.
Visitor & Driver Tips
When attending special events such as market pop-ups, holiday staging, or the Jackie Adkins Cruise-In, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes ahead of scheduled lineup times, as the entrance along Fincastle Turnpike experiences a concentrated influx of vehicles. Drivers operating low-clearance sports cars or classic automobiles will appreciate the level apron, though watching for typical seasonal surface grit near the edges is recommended. If visiting on non-event days, parking is open and self-regulated; simply park within organized rows to maintain clear two-way traffic lanes for fellow drivers and municipal service vehicles.