Need to Know

HISTORY a CULTURE

The history of the Heart of Appalachia region begins well before coal miners and westward-bound pioneers. The first inhabitants – Native Americans – date back to the Woodland Period, as far back as 1,200 BC.

What little is known about these earliest settlers can be explored at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell. Hands-on exhibits and historical replicas allow you to gain

an understanding of the Appalachian people, from Native Americans to west-moving settlers to the working class of the Industrial Revolution, even Daniel Boone.

At the Daniel Boone Interpretive Center in Duffield, visitors can get to know the renowned frontiersman who blazed the trail westward and led early pioneers through the Cumberland Gap in 1775. Be drawn in by the hardships and triumphs of early frontier peoples traveling Boone's trail, the Wilderness Road.

The discovery of coal and the onset of the Industrial Revolution marked a period of change in the region. The area's Pocahontas Exhibition Mine was first mined in 1882. Over the course of 75 years, more than 44 million tons of coal came from this mine. Today, this mine is a National Historic Landmark and is open for guided tours.

Coal mining brought vast numbers and ethnicities of immigrants to the Heart of Appalachia. Many who moved to the coalfields were recruited directly from Ellis Island. These cultures soon merged, creating what has become the Appalachian way of life.

Explore the heritage and history of the region at museums and cultural attractions. Get to know the people, stories and evolution of the Heart of Appalachia. 

MUSIC a THEATRE

Virginia's Great Southwest, the Heart of Appalachia region, is home to the finest pedigree of music. The homeplaces of the Stanley Brothers, the Carter Family and Ralph Stanley II keep the traditions of mountain music alive and well to this day.

The Carter Family Fold, home of A.P., Sara and Mother Maybelle, celebrates the family's music with weekly shows on their stage in Hiltons. The Carters were one of two groups to record in the Bristol Sessions in 1927, giving birth to country music.

Musical stages across the Heart of Appalachia celebrate the music of the region, including Country Cabin II in Norton, Lay’s Hardware in Coeburn and Countiss Family Stage, an eclectic music venue at Big Stone Gap General Store & Café, which attracts local and regional musicians.

Theatre also has early roots in the Heart of Appalachia. As far back as the 1890s, coal companies brought in shows from Broadway to entertain families in the coal camps. Theatres were soon built, becoming the focal point for social lives.

Today, many theatres have been restored, including the Lee Theatre in Pennington Gap and the Lyric Theatre in St. Paul. Notably, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which brings the history of the region to life at the June Tolliver Playhouse in Big Stone Gap, is the official outdoor stage drama of Virginia.

Nearly every weekend you'll find regional venues alive with the music, dance and pageantry of Southwest Virginia. We look forward to seeing you in the audience. 

SPIRITS o THE CLINCH

It's been said that the Clinch River is haunted by the spirits of yesteryear. Legends linger in the Appalachian Mountains, quietly whispering Prohibition Era tales of busted moonshine stills and revenuers claiming victory over bootleggers in the scenic hills across the Heart of Appalachia.

Moonshiners set up illegal operations all along the winding Clinch River, using the crystal-clear river water to create

their personal brands of outlawed alcoholic spirits. Today you can experience the Spirits of the Clinch, in a legal, yet authentic manner.

Sample hand-crafted beers, wines, hard ciders and liquors made with water from the Clinch River. From Coaltown Taps, a craft beer taproom in Richlands, to Vincent’s Vineyard in Lebanon to Axe Handle Distilling, a familyowned distillery in Pennington Gap, follow the flow of the Clinch as you make your way to nearly a dozen regional spirit producers.

Across the array of craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, even a cidery, you will uncover a tangible reflection of the biodiversity of the Clinch River itself through the stories, character and flavors of these spirits in the Heart of Appalachia.

We invite you to experience the Spirits of the Clinch. For a complete listing, or to request a map, visit spiritsoftheclinch.com. 

TASTES o THE CLINCH

The Clinch River Valley, home to one of the most biodiverse river systems in North America, is wellregarded for its wide range of authentic local dining experiences. From regional flavors to farm-to-fork to tried-and-true comfort food, we have what you're craving right here in the Heart of Appalachia.

The Clinch River and its tributaries flow from Tazewell to where the state meets Tennessee (and beyond). You'll

find nearly 60 locally-owned restaurants, diners, cafés and drive-ins along or near its banks.

Dining options range from iconic hamburger stands, like the Hob-Nob Drive-In in Gate City, to uniquely flavorful Appalachian cuisine, like The Farmer's Table in Honaker. Food choices may vary, but one thing remains the same. That's the warm and welcoming Appalachian tradition of feeding people before they go on their way.

Whether you are looking for a great cup of joe, a posthike snack or a full meal for the entire family, we have you covered. At heartofappalachia.com, click the "Eat & Drink" tab for a searchable menu of dining options across the region. 

WEDDING VENUES

The perfect wedding begins with the perfect venue. We want to help you create and experience the wedding of your dreams, which starts with any one of our unique celebratory venues.

In the Heart of Appalachia, you'll find stunning natural backdrops with breathtaking views for miles across the rugged Appalachian Mountains. Make your celebration unforgettable among wine grapes at MountainRose Vineyard in Wise or in a pastoral setting at Spring Branch Farm in Haysi.

If you prefer to walk down the aisle in a historic treasure, we've got you covered. The Inn at Wise is a historic landmark that captivates with romantic elegance, while the Sanders House in Bluefield was the centerpiece of a 3,000-acre farm.

For outdoor enthusiasts, book an adventurous wedding package with Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure in Grundy, which could include kayaking on the scenic Levisa Fork. You can even recite your vows at one of our state parks, including Natural Tunnel State Park and Breaks Interstate Park.

We want you to begin your forever in the Heart of Appalachia, and we are here to help make your dreams come true. For a complete listing of our venues, along with their descriptions, visit heartofappalachia.com. 