MUSIC a THEATRE

Virginia’s Great Southwest is home to the finest pedigree of music. Generations of the area’s old-time and country music royalty keep the tradition alive and well to this day.

The Carter Family Fold, home of A.P., Sara and Mother Maybelle, honors the family legacy with weekly shows in Hiltons. Tour the restored cabin and birthplace of A.P. Carter and comb through the artifacts of the family legacy at the Carter Family Memorial Music Center

Just a hop, skip and a bit of flat footin’ down the road, make plans to visit the Allen Hicks Jam in Nickelsville. In addition to the Fold, this is one of several venues along the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail . Jam sessions here began with local musicians eagerly waiting to try Allen’s handmade mandolins. Over time, it has drawn a slew of prestigious pickers. You never know who you might see.

As you travel along the Crooked Road, stop by its longestrunning site for traditional music – Country Cabin, built around 1937. Constructed approximately 65 years later, Country Cabin II in Norton offers more room for line-dancing, clogging, and that old-time favorite – flat-footing. Speaking of folk dancing, the Historic Lay’s Hardware in Coeburn is another ideal location for foot-stomping fun. A replica of Jim and Jesse McReynolds’ mother’s front porch, the Lay’s Hardware stage has seen many of the region’s favorite musical acts. Don’t forget to check out the walls of the arts center for a host of incredible artwork, all paying homage to the area’s music heritage.

Eclectic venues, such as Axe Handle Distilling in Pennington Gap, attract local and regional musicians. With an outdoor stage and featured weekly food trucks, Axe Handle combines the best of country comfort and sound with a wrap-around porch and rocking chairs, as well as a wide variety of song and spirit.

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.

Today many theatres have been restored, including the Lee Theatre in Pennington Gap, the Lyric Theatre in St. Paul, and the Russell Theater in Lebanon. With a wide array of musical and theatrical shows announced regularly, these historic venues offer the best of the area’s entertainment wrapped in nostalgic southern charm. Notably, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama brings local history to life at the June Tolliver Playhouse in Big Stone Gap. As the official outdoor stage drama of Virginia, its tale of feuding families, long lost love, and music make it a must-see experience.

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. 

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.

Across the array of craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, 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

AXE HANDLE DISTILLING

Pennington Gap, VA @AxeHandleDistilling

COALTOWN TAPS

Richlands, VA @CoaltownTaps

MOUNTAINROSE VINEYARDS

Norton, VA @MountainRoseVineyard

VINCENT’S VINEYARD

Lebanon, VA @Vincents-Vineyard

PLUM CREEK

Tazewell, VA @PlumCreekVA

BIG CHERRY BREWING

Big Stone Gap, VA @BigCherryBrewingCompany