Visiting the Major Attractions Along the Crooked Road

The Crooked Road is a driving trail through Southwest Virginia that takes you through one of the most scenic and culturally unique regions of the United States. Along more than 300 miles you'll find over 60 cultural music venues across 19 counties, four independent cities, and more than 50 towns.
 

What is the Crooked Road? 

Many of the venues and institutions that make up the Crooked Road experience have been in existence for years; however, the Crooked Road initiative was launched in 2003 as an effort to link these opportunities together into a more coordinated tourism experience for the traveling public. The Crooked Road helps a traveler recognize a variety of activities, from shopping to outdoor recreation to cultural and historic attractions. Experience first-hand for yourself with the following suggestions when you visit.

Dance to Live Music at the Carter Family Fold

The Carter Family Fold and Music Center is a rustic, 1,000-seat music shed offering traditional music every Saturday night. The Carter Family was discovered in 1927 by Victor Recording Studio in Bristol which recorded 300 songs between 1927 and 1942. Playing traditional Appalachian music, the family has often been credited as forerunners of modern-day country music. Today, A.P. Carter's old general store acts as a museum, which includes a reconstruction of the original A.P. Carter Homeplace.

Tour the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum celebrates the influence of the 1927 Bristol Sessions on today's music and features exhibition space spread over two floors including traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian. Discover a performance auditorium, radio station, and an interactive multimedia experience charged with making history come alive.

After your tour, consider an overnight stay at the Sessions Hotel, a music-themed hotel just steps from the museum. 

More Things to Do in Bristol

• Walk along State Street between Virginia and Tennessee and snag a pic under the iconic sign. 
• Take on the Burger Bar challenge at the iconic diner — a massive burger and a pile of fries in 30 minutes. You on? 
• Enjoy a show or try your luck at the games at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol.

Keep exploring Bristol with our complete city guide. 

Shop Artisan Goods at the SWVA Cultural Center

Stop into the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace to get a personal welcome to Southwest Virginia's heritage, craft, music, outdoor recreation, and scenic beauty at the gateway to Southwest Virginia craft, music, food, and local culture. Shop crafts by local artisans, juried to be the best of the best, and the most complete collection of Crooked Road old time, bluegrass, and gospel music. Meet artisans and musicians at live events and in interactive exhibits.

More Things to Do in Abingdon

• Catch a show at the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia.
• Stay and get pampered at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa.
• For an outdoor adventure, cruise along the Virginia Creeper Trail, a mostly downhill rail-to-trail that's a casual cyclist's dream.

Find more Abingdon spots to add to your itinerary. 

Explore the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts

The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts is named for a world-renowned guitar instrumentalist and luthier from nearby Rugby, Virginia. Henderson has become an international ambassador for the music, heritage, and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Check out the “Henderson Happenings” to see upcoming events and get more details on when to visit this notable music heritage destination. 

More Things to Do in Marion

• Eat where the locals do — at The Wooden Pickle.
• Experience live music at The Lincoln Theatre, home of the nationally-syndicated “Song of the Mountains” bluegrass concert television series.
• Stay overnight at the elegant General Francis Marion Hotel.

Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center & Rex Theater

The Blue Ridge Music Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility built to preserve and promote the historic music of Virginia and the Blue Ridge, celebrating the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each spring, summer, and fall, the Galax destination welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy some of the region’s finest traditional music, including bluegrass, old-time, folk, Americana, country blues, and gospel. 

Every summer, the Blue Ridge Music Center hosts a concert series in the outdoor amphitheater, with concerts on Saturday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tickets to these incredible outdoor shows can be purchased in advance or at the gates, and season passes are also available.

After touring the Blue Ridge Music Center, head to Galax and stop by The Rex Theater. This historic theater hosts a live radio show every Friday evening featuring stage performers of bluegrass and old-time bands.

Flat Foot with Local Music Lovers at the Floyd Country Store

There are few music experiences in the country as captivating as flat footing to live music at The Floyd Country Store, an authentic country store with popular Friday Night Jamboree and Sunday gospel sessions. Peruse locally made goods, grab a bite to eat at the store's southern-style restaurant, and top it all off with freshly-churned ice cream before hitting the dance floor and learning how to flat-foot with the locals! 

More Things to Do in Floyd

• Enjoy a brew at Buffalo Mountain Brewery and a slice at Dogtown Pizza.
• Stay at the boutique Hotel Floyd.
• Spend an afternoon at OuterSpace, an open-air food truck court with plenty of eats and great vibes. 

Our weekend guide to Floyd has more local picks. 
 

These are just a few of the incredible music experiences found along the Crooked Road. Plan a road trip to this Appalachian music heritage region to learn all about country music's history and visit more noteworthy destinations along the trail!