At Virginia's westernmost tip, the Heart of Appalachia region is one of rugged beauty in its landscapes, culture and people.

From the Cherokees to the coal miners to modern-day celebrities, the folks here will astound you.

Music is celebrated along "The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail," which takes you to mountain-music venues for some serious flat-footin', fast fiddle and banjo tunes and lonesome tenor echo's. One of the most famous celebrities of this region is Dr. Ralph Stanley, who is host at his own event every spring. Some of the Saturday night events include:

• Carter Fold Music Gathering in Hiltons
• Family Bluegrass Barn in Hansonville
• The Virginia-Kentucky Opry in Norton

The history and heritage of the region can be explored at:

• Harry W. Meador Coal Museum 
• Historic Crab Orchard & Pioneer Park 
• Pocahontas Exhibition Mine & Museum 
• Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park 
• Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama - summer months only

The rugged beauty of the region can be explored at:

• Burke's Garden - a crater-like valley atop a mountain; dubbed "God's Thumbprint"
• Cumberland Gap National Park 
• Natural Tunnel State Park - take a chairlift ride!
• Breaks Interstate Park 

If you enjoy adventure, this region is loaded with places to canoe and kayak, camp and see wildlife.

Enjoy the Heart of Appalachia, where the heartbeat of the region continues to reverberate through the people that travel here and witness its many charms.