Discover rich traditions, breathtaking landscapes and timeless adventures
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–JUNE 2024–The 19 counties of Southwest Virginia comprise a region rich in culture and natural resources. Within a day’s drive of more than half of the United States population, this is a popular destination for those looking for a getaway filled with authentic experiences that showcase the diversity of character, traditions and outdoor adventures that makes Southwest Virginia unique.
The past is a vibrant and powerful part of the present here. Regional traditions have shaped the culture and economy of the communities throughout this diverse landscape and many of today’s attractions hold stories of days gone by and earlier ways of life.
Visitors can experience America’s first “Old West” amid the mountain splendor and along trails used by the Cherokee, Shawnee and other Native American tribes. At Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park (3663 Crab Orchard Road, Tazewell, Virginia 24651; 276-988-6755) exhibits depicting pioneer life of Western settlers are on display with 14 log cabins from the 1800s, horse-drawn carriages, farm equipment and more showing what daily life was like. There are also exhibits recounting military conflicts and the 500-year-old Native American Village discovered on site.
Franklin County is known as the Moonshine Capital of the World. Here commerce thrived during prohibition, built on the railroad line and the work of moonshiners and bootleggers. Today the stories live on and liquor flows freely, with distilleries holding their own place in today’s economy and regional experience. Franklin County Distilleries (25156 Highway 220, Franklin County, Virginia 24065; 540-334-1610) became the first legal distillery to open after prohibition. Today, visitors can enjoy its family restaurant as well as the tasting room where “White Label Corn Whiskey” is still a favorite. It is just one of the thriving distilleries with stories to tell and tasty products to sell. The list includes Laws Choice Distillery, operated by three generations of the Law family and made famous on the Discovery Channel hit show, “Moonshiners.”
Southwest Virginia’s coal mining towns have stories tell, too, and along the miles of scenic byways known as the Virginia Coal Heritage Trail they are still a part of this diverse region. On a drive through seven counties travelers can see working mines and museums and learn of the industry and culture of mining. Pocahontas was Virginia’s first coal boom town and converted buildings, including the old power house and company store, chronicle its mining history. The Exhibition Mine & Museum (215 Shop Hollow Road, Pocahontas, Virginia 24635; 276-945-9522) is the only one of its kind in Virginia, offering tours of the original Pocahontas #3 Coal Seam Mine. Visitors can see how coal was cut, blasted and loaded into mine cars. To the west is Dante, which was once the headquarters of the Clinchfield Coal Corporation. The last mine was closed in 1959, but Dante Coal Mining and Railroad Museum (30 Streight Hollow Road, Dante, Virginia 24237; 276-495-1903) and Dante Coal Miner’s Memorial (506 Bunch Town Road, Dante, Virginia 24237; 276-495-1903) offer an opportunity to explore the town’s history. Nearby, Appalachia is a largely intact turn-of-the-century town with coal camps, mining equipment and railroad buildings still in their original locations. It’s also home to the famous Bee Rock Tunnel, the shortest railroad tunnel in the world according to Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
It’s clear to see, and easy to appreciate, the beauty and diversity of the scenic Southwest Virginia landscape, which sits among the majestic Appalachian Mountains, features thousands of acres of public land and boasts a total of 11 state parks. It’s no wonder world class outdoor activities are popular throughout this region.
- The state has more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other and one of the most scenic and accessible sections runs through the heart of Southwest Virginia.
- The variety of hiking and biking trails in Southwest Virginia is unmatched and is best known by cyclists for the Hall of Fame Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) a premier Rails to Trails route offering stunning views along 34 miles of multi-use trail.
- The Clinch River is known as the world’s most bio-diverse river. It travels 135 miles and is home to about 50 species of mussels (which is more than any other river in the world) and more than 100 species of non-game fish.
- Breaks Interstate Park (627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413, ext. 3201) is home to the Breaks Canyon, one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River, known as the Grand Canyon of the South. There are miles of hiking trails through rugged cliffs, roaring rivers and dense forests. Mountain biking, rock climbing and bouldering, as well as fishing, paddling and boating are also popular activities.
- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (3714 VA-16, Marion, Virginia 24354; 800-628-7202) offers approximately 200,000 acres and spans what’s known as the Crest Zone, with elevations of over 4,000 feet. The variety here is unmatched, with large rock formations and mountain balds as well as forest lands. The 68-mile Virginia Highlands Horse Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail each traverse these lands.
- Mount Rogers Scenic Byway offers 50 miles of views through the recreation area and, of course the famed Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite for those who want to take in the scenic beauty of the Southwest Virginia region.
And, of course, there is the music the region is known for. Bristol is known as the Birthplace of Country Music and music is a big part of life throughout Southwest Virginia. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum (101 Country Music Way, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 423-573-1927) is the perfect place to start a musical journey. Follow that with a trip down The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail to get the full experience of how the diverse musical heritage is woven into the tapestry of the region’s rich history and unique culture. This 330-mile driving trail connects 10 major venues and more than 40 affiliated venues and festivals for visitors to enjoy.