Cloverdale, VA sits at the edge of transition, where a modest population of approximately 3,597 shapes a community built atop nearly two centuries of ironworks heritage. In its earliest days around 1787, Robert Harvey planted the seeds of what became Cloverdale Furnace, relying on charcoal forged from surrounding forests. Metallurgists from the Anderson family later introduced more advanced furnace technology by the 1840s, producing high-grade gun metal sent to Richmond's Tredegar Works. Timber depletion and the Union cavalry’s destruction of the facility in June 1864 ended that industrial era. The retaining walls and raceways remain visible beside U.S. 11, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Civil War history.

Contemporary Cloverdale operates on a quieter beat, where small, distinctive businesses are foundational. Bargain Barn remains a popular local thrift store, offering an ever-changing selection of vintage furniture, home goods, electronics, books, and collectibles that attract regular bargain hunters. Lawrence Companies, founded in 1932, specializes in freight transportation, professional moving services, logistics solutions, equipment rental, truck repairs, and work truck customization.

Cloverdale doesn’t advertise traditional tourist attractions, but its historical markers are worth exploring. The site of the old iron furnace includes the original furnace stack base, water channels, and signage explaining the site's rise and fall. A few miles away, the Old Carolina Road marker sits along the path that was once part of the Great Wagon Road, trodden by Scotch-Irish settlers heading south from Pennsylvania. These understated landmarks make up a heritage trail of sorts, offering insight into early American migration and industry.

Outdoor activity is modest but accessible. Read Mountain Preserve is a short drive from town, offering a moderately challenging hike to Buzzard Rock, where hikers are rewarded with views of the Roanoke Valley. The preserve also includes several less strenuous paths through hardwood forests, appealing to casual walkers and birdwatchers. Cloverdale’s own green spaces are more limited, though neighborhood parks and fields around Read Mountain Middle School serve as gathering spots for informal recreation and weekend sports.

Annual events within Cloverdale are minimal, but the rhythms of the surrounding county bring a seasonal flow of activities. The Botetourt County Fair in nearby Fincastle features livestock exhibitions, garden competitions, and tractor parades. It serves as both entertainment and a reminder of the agricultural skills that still define parts of the region.

Eating in Cloverdale means stepping just slightly beyond its borders, but not far. Nakhon Thai Cuisine offers standout pad Thai, red curry with bamboo shoots, and spicy basil stir fry that keep locals returning regularly. The menu leans into rich sauces and traditional preparations that have earned it strong word-of-mouth praise. Don Ho’s Restaurant & Lounge serves classic American pub fare—hand-breaded chicken tenders, bacon cheeseburgers, and fried pickles—in a setting more akin to a local gathering spot than a sports bar.

While Cloverdale does not have art galleries in the traditional sense, creative expression finds its way into churches and storefronts. Stained glass windows in the Church of the Brethren were crafted by regional artisans, and community rooms inside the former mill occasionally host small exhibits or educational displays.

Just as Cloverdale's historic buildings reflect careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, your home deserves the same thoughtful care beneath the surface. Contact Star City Crawl Space today to ensure your crawl space remains functional, dry, and protected from hidden problems.