Dozen Distinctive Destinations
The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail
Year Listed: 2010
Celebrating and preserving the Appalachian region's cultural heritage, The Crooked Road encourages visitors to experience authentic mountain music in the region where it was born. Nineteen towns dot the 253-mile route and offer historic and cultural programs, artisan crafts, museums and outdoor recreational activities.
Traveling the Trail
Those wishing to explore the history of Appalachian music can choose to make the scenic journey through the winding roads of Virginia's foothills, or stop and spend time at one of the celebrated venues along the way. Frequent highway pull-offs are marked by informational kiosks with brochures and panels describing the significance of each location and FM radio transmitters featuring musical excerpts and engaging narration about scenic attractions and cultural offerings in the area are available as well.
The Birth of Mountain Music
The eight music venues along the trail will provide visitors with an authentic taste of the traditional mountain music that has characterized the region for generations and produced some of the most notable names in country music. The Carter Family Fold serves as the homestead of the Grand Ole Opry's Carter Family and the Rex Theater & Old Fiddler's Convention brings artists back to the region annually. Friday nights are lively at the Floyd Country Store's Friday Night Jamboree, featuring local Old Time, Bluegrass and Gospel music.
Don't Miss:
Plan your visit and learn more about The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by trace at: March 3, 2010
This area is not only great to visit, but is one of the best places in our country to live. We have sure enjoyed the last eight years which are a highlight of our life.
Submitted by Andy at: February 28, 2010
A beautiful country with many special things like country music from the heart, & nature at its best
Submitted by fy fy at: February 28, 2010
Country at its' best
Submitted by starwomanspirit at: February 21, 2010
Floydfest is a fabulous vacation for the entire family with lots of music from this region and around the world. The restaurants in the town of Floyd are fabulous, especially if you like fresh local produce. Note: Reservations are needed for Friday/Saturday nights at Oddfella's Cantina. Lots of great shops filled with the works of local artists.
Submitted by Bob at: February 18, 2010
There are many other events near the Crooked Road. One of which is the Blue Ridge Music Center at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 213 near Galax. Check out the web site. http://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/blueridgeparkway.aspx
Submitted by kaky at: February 17, 2010
Driving Rt. 58 is a treat enjoying the mountains and beautiful scenery. Our Virginia is a great place to visit.
Submitted by Nan at: February 16, 2010
moved to this area four years ago, love the music and attend every music presentation I can, I had never had any interest in this type of music before coming to this area but the passion I feel from the musicians is so infectuous, it just draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. LOVE IT
Submitted by Patrick at: February 16, 2010
Take your bike to Damascus - great little place to get around and spend a day or weekend!
Submitted by bette at: February 14, 2010
travel that road a lot and love it.
Submitted by Betty at: February 11, 2010
My husband and I have enjoyed many happy days hiking the Crooked Roads of Virginia
Submitted by Muleman at: February 10, 2010
It's awesome!
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 10, 2010
The name itself describes our heritage throughout the mountains. You will find NO BETTER music than here in Virginia from the old masters. Come visit, and you will see....
Submitted by shirl and ainsworth at: February 9, 2010
I grew up in Grayson County in the mountains of Virginia and there is no place in the world that can come close to matching the beauty of the landscape or the love of the natives who live there.God bless America and God bless Grayson County!!!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 9, 2010
Visit us on the Crooked Road. You are always welcome.
Submitted by ryanville at: February 9, 2010
We love Virginia!
Submitted by music mamma at: February 8, 2010
My children are involved in the preservation of bluegrass music. It has been a wonderful experience traveling with them in this part of the country! It is beautiful and always a pleasure to meet new folks from the area! The best place to live in the world! Come to the oldest fiddlers convention in Galax Va. You will have a toe tappin' fun time!
Submitted by msggie at: February 8, 2010
this is a great place to hear old-timey bluegrass music and see the area that gave birth to this unique American style of music
Submitted by Danny at: February 8, 2010
Best music and atmosphere in the world.
Submitted by Mary at: February 8, 2010
My husband and I chose to move back to his home place in Grayson County when we got married so that we could raise our children in "God's Country." Gorgeous mountains, the New River, lush pastures, wonderful people and music. I have never regretted our choice and I am glad the Crooked Road has been developed so that the rest of the nation now has a map to share in our splendor. Hope to see you floating the New River, hiking in Grayson Highlands, or just strolling through Grayson County!
Submitted by MO at: February 7, 2010
We love the Crooked Road of Virginia. It is exciting to see real people play the music of our ancestors.