Artisans, musicians, craftsmen and storytellers create a destination like no other
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–FEBRUARY 2024–Pottery studios, art galleries, luthiers and leather craftsmen . . . and so much more. When visiting Southwest Virginia, it quickly becomes apparent that this region was built on skilled workmanship, creativity and a deep appreciation of its land and resources. The result is generations of commitment to continuing the Appalachian customs that make this destination authentic and distinctive. It is steeped in tradition yet so very alive through the work and lives of those who live here, work here and welcome visitors here.
These traditions are giving today’s travelers real connections to Southwest Virginia’s history and values, as well as to today’s artists, musicians, shopkeepers and entrepreneurs. From lodging options and specialty markets to music venues and annual events, there are a multitude of ways to connect, experience and enjoy all that makes this region so special.
The stories are told and experiences shared all across this 19-county region which includes four cities and more than 50 towns and communities. Throughout the Blue Ridge Highlands, the New River Valley and beyond, Southwest Virginia’s past is a vibrant part of its captivating character today.
The region’s rich cultural story is introduced at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace (One Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-492-2400) through displays of the work of regional artisans, interpretive displays of Southwest Virginia’s history, heritage, outdoor recreation and scenic beauty and live musical performances from local artists. The work of more than 180 artisans from Southwest Virginia who have been juried by fellow artisans, from traditional pottery and quilting to modern paintings and glasswork, is on display and for sale.
Throughout the region, it’s clear to see the degree to which these traditional trades and talents are a part of today’s lifestyle here. At Thee Draper Village (3054 Greenbriar Road, Draper, Virginia 24324; 540-994-5659), a historic town center is now a hub for a classic Southwest Virginia lifestyle. This mercantile, restaurant and gathering place carries on traditions in a fresh, friendly atmosphere. The same can be said about the Floyd Country Store (206 S Locust Street, Floyd, Virginia 24091; 540-745-4563). In addition to being a restaurant and music venue, the store is filled with arts, crafts, preserves, soaps, lotions, music and books made by folks in Floyd and the surrounding areas. This is also home to The Handmade Music School, dedicated to teaching old time, bluegrass and traditional music and dances from throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are a host of venues where art and crafts are on display and even where visitors can see artists at work. The Holston Mountain Artisans (214 Park Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-7721) is home to more than 100 of the area’s most talented artisans. The non-profit co-op offers a wide selection of unique art and craftwork and hosts classes, as well. Nearby, The Arts Depot (314 Depot Square, Abingdon Virginia 24210; 276-628-9091) houses studios and gallery exhibits and provides educational opportunities for the community. The depot is a historic freight station that now has three galleries and seven resident artists who invite visitors to interact with them in their working studios. Folk art, clay, textiles, portraiture, jewelry, oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media painting and more are on display.
Appalachian Arts Center (112 River Road, Cedar Bluff, Virginia 24609; 276-596-9188) was established to create a space where the unique mountain culture of the region is celebrated, preserved and promoted. The center’s displays include crafts, fine art, music, dance, storytelling and writing and it serves as a cultural hub where members of the community gather for rotating exhibitions, presentations, workshops and performances.
The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts (203 North Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-706-4010) is named for the world-renowned guitar instrumentalist and luthier and is fulfilling a mission to preserve, promote and provide learning experiences rooted in the culture and heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Letterpress, painting, pottery classes and many others range from beginner lessons for four or more to once-in-a-lifetime workshops with instruction from Henderson himself.
An array of businesses of all kinds, new and old, make the region’s heritage an essential part of their operations. One example is the Patrick County restaurant, Pickle & Ash (21559 Jeb Stuart Highway, Stuart, Virginia 24171; 276-694-4405), where the mission includes not only producing amazing meals, but also supporting local growers, artists and musicians. This is a casual restaurant serving handmade meals from scratch using as many local ingredients as possible. It is also a venue for local art and music with the aim of being a comfortable gathering place for patrons to connect. The work of members of the Bull Mountain Arts group is often on display. There’s also Mabry Mill (266 Mabry Mill Road SE, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120; 276-952-2947), one of the most iconic and photographed structures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The gristmill and sawmill have been restored and are joined by a restaurant featuring an Appalachian-inspired menu and a gift shop filled with goods from local artisans and farmers.
The region’s musical legacy is always on display along the 330-mile Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. The sounds of old time, bluegrass, folk and more can be heard at venues all along the trail, which connects 10 major venues and more than 40 affiliated venues and festivals for visitors to enjoy. And Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast puts a spotlight on even more unique settings, interesting characters and memorable soundtracks that make Southwest Virginia a place like no other.
If you go
There are a variety of annual events celebrating the culture and arts of Southwest Virginia. Here are a few highlights:
Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival, McClure in May–This festival is an old-time bluegrass music tradition started by Dr. Ralph Stanley and continuing today in his honor. It brings the sound of banjos, mandolins and voices ringing high on top of some of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
Clinch River Days, St. Paul in June–This is a weekend of fun in the mountains, celebrating river and railroad history and lore, along the scenic river that is home to rare and endangered fresh-water mussels, more varieties of fish than any river in Virginia, and miles of free-flowing canoeing.
Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon in July–Celebrated for more than seven decades, this event has grown into a cultural experience unparalleled in the region. It has become a destination for visitors and a beloved regional cultural resource for the arts, history and culture of Southwest Virginia.
Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition, Mouth of Wilson in June–This unique festival features some of the region’s best traditional musicians. The highlight of the event, which funds a scholarship to “aid young, local, traditional musicians in continuing their music exploration and education,” is a guitar competition which award the winner a coveted handmade Henderson guitar.
Galax Old Fiddlers Convention, Galax in August–This is known as the world’s oldest and largest old time fiddlers’ convention. The week-long event celebrates the deep-rooted musical heritage of the region.
Blue Highway Fest, Big Stone Gap in October–Here, festivalgoers enjoy fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Trail of the Lonesome Pine and celebrate the region’s rich heritage of Bluegrass and Roots music, food and culture.
Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Ferrum in October–This is the largest regional event of its kind in Virginia, featuring performers, artisans, foods and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals. Moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs and more gather for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.