Blue Ridge Highlands

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: MP 116 to MP 216.9

 

Sweet notes of mountain music still ring out in the Blue Ridge Highlands. The notes of birdsong echo from soaring peaks accompanied by the symphony of a mountain stream.

Traditions are valued and preserved in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands.

Everyday life and culture of the area is on display at Blue Ridge Institute & Museum. Ancestral music is celebrated with annual events such as the Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax and the Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol, the birthplace of country music. Mountain music is preserved for future generations at Blue Ridge Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take time out to enjoy swimming or paddle-boating at Hungry Mother State Park or visit Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed sites on the parkway. As the parkway winds its way through these rugged hills, discover the State Theater of Virginia in the Commonwealth’s oldest town, Abingdon. Enjoy fine dining, art galleries, museums plus the excitement of NASCAR racing near the parkway.

Events

SPRING

  • Dining…Fit for a King – March 8, 2012, Abingdon, (276) 628-5005.WilliamKingMuseum. Dining…fit for a King is an experience in culinary excellence. Event Hosts donate their expenses, and the cost of each meal above fair market value is tax-deductible for the participants. All proceeds are used to keep the Museum programs available to the community at a low cost.
  • Booker T. Washington and His Wives and Women of His Acquaintance – March 10, 2012, Moneta, (540) 721-2094. Learn about Booker’s family life, his three wives and children as well as his relationships with other important women.
  • Silent Art Auction at the Little Gallery – March 10-17, 2012, Moneta, (540) 721-1596. Great opportunity to get the art you never dreamed you could own. The Gallery and many artists will contribute art to the auction. The minimum bid will be 50% OFF original price. Artwork will be available for viewing at The Little Gallery March 10—17 or on our website at www.thelittlegallerysml.com. You may bid in person, by phone, or email at littlegallerysml@aol.com. Bidding ends at 4 p.m. March 17. Join us the last hour for lots of fun if you can, otherwise we will call you if you won the bid. The Little Gallery will donate a portion of the proceeds to theAgapeCenter, a local Christian organization that helps the needy with material needs and council.
  • St. Patrick’s Day Road Race- Shamrock 4miler – March 16, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440, (276) 676-2282. Fantastic new St. Patty’s Day race in downtown Abingdon starting and finishing at Bonefire Smokehouse (the old Hardware Company Restaurant). Stay after the race for beer and barbeque specials at Bonefire Smokehouse and celebrate St. Patty’s Day with us!
  • Bristol Race Weekend (Spring Race) – March 16-18, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. The Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is the cornerstone event of the 2012 spring race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, and one of the most anticipated events on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. This event is the first of two 2012 Sprint Cup series stops at Thunder Valley, and officially kicks off the “short-track” portion of the circuit’s schedule. Egos are bruised and friends lost over this race. Country music sensation Kellie Pickler will be our performer in the Pepsi Pre-Race concert at Bristol Motor Speedway prior to the Food City 500 on March 18.
  • Dancing with the Stars at Higher Ed Center – March 17, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. Celebrate the totally awesome 1980s and enjoy some of the region’s most talented dancers during the 2nd Annual Dancing with the Southwest Virginia Stars sponsored by the Virginia Highlands Community College Educational Foundation at 7 p.m. at theSouthwestVirginiaHigherEducationCenter. Advance tickets are $50 and are available online. Tickets will be $60 at the door.
  • Tisket, Tasket, A Literary Basket- Washington County Library Fundraiser – March 24, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. Donors and volunteers are busily assembling the literary-themed baskets. Each basket contains a book and complementary materials. Basket themes include a wide array of diverse subjects. If a book has been written about it, it’s a candidate for inclusion. “Tisket” baskets are just in time for Easter baskets, Mother and Father’s Day gifts, graduation, wedding presents and much more. As baskets are prepared they will be displayed in the library, and a description of the baskets will be posted on the library’s website, www.wcpl.net.
  • Rotary Riverboat Fundraiser – March 31, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  
  • Flashlight Egg Hunt – April 6, 2012,Danville. Join us for an exciting NIGHT of egg and candy hunting. Children, ages 3-8, are invited to come out and see if they can find the most eggs. Prizes will be awarded to the children for the egg roll contest and egg relay. Pre-registration is required by March 30 and don’t forget your FLASHLIGHT!
  • 3rd Annual Bridge to Bridge 5k Run/Walk for the Danville Cancer Association – April 7, 2012,Danville, (434) 791-3737. The third annual Bridge to Bridge 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Danville Cancer Association will be held Saturday, April 7, 2012, on Danville’s’ scenic river walk trail. Danville Cancer Association, DCA, is a localUnited Wayorganization that provides aid to cancer patients in our area. Don’t miss this opportunity to get healthy, win great door prizes, and have lots of fun-all while supporting the Danville Cancer Association!
  • Trash to Treasures Sale – April 14, 2012,Danville. Looks like it is that time of the year to start the spring cleaning. Wait, there is no reason to just throw out that old junk, bring it over to Coates to sale at the Trash to Treasures sale. Table space is limited so pre-registration and payment is required.
  • Racin’-n-Tastin’ – April 20, 2012,Danville, (434) 793-4636. If you are from the south and love barbecue then we have the event for you! Spring brings Racin-n-Tastin! This annual fundraiser for Festival in the Park features all you can eat barbecue with all the fixin’s and a live band!
  • 15th Annual Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire – April 20-22, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. The 15th Annual Regional Garden Faire will be one of the most inclusive garden shows in the Southeast! The beautiful Garden Marketplace will feature thousands of plant varieties, an amazing array of garden accessories and nearly everything imaginable for gracious outdoor living. A wealth of inspiration and information can be obtained in the demonstrations and thru the special speakers. The Children’s Corner will offer fun and educational activities for the kids. When you are ready for a break, make your way to the Tea Garden to enjoy delicious food and beverages created by some of Abingdon’s favorite caterers.
  • Earth Day Celebration – April 21, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. The Abingdon Go Green Committee is hosting its annual Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Earth Day activities are being held at the Fields-Penn House, at the corner of Main Street and Cummings. The event will include dozens of exhibits set up by local businesses, educators and green organizations, which will share information and demonstrateEarth-Friendly technologies. There will also be food vendors, an inflatable for children to jump in, children’s games, face painting and animals to pet. A ran barrel workshop will be offered for $15. The activities will be just across Remsburg Drive from the Abingdon Farmers Market, which will be open Saturday, selling local produce and crafts. A block away at Depot Square, the town will have a drop-off site for recycling of unwanted electronic gadgets.
  • Abingdon Farmers Market Opens for Season – April 21, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  The common thread all Abingdon Farmers Market vendors share, is that they are all the producer of their product. The farmer grows it, the prepared food vendor bakes it, and the artisan makes it!
  • Earth Day Celebration – April 22-28, 2012, Martinsville. Join the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Community Partners for fun Earth Day games and activities! Discover creative ways to be green and take care of our planet the way it takes care of us! Fun for the whole family. Free admission.
  • Quilt Show – April 27-28, 2012, Danville, (336) 388-9898. White Oak Mountain Quilt Guild Quilt Show.
  • Elk Creek Auxiliary Rescue Squad Flea Market – April 28, 2012, Grayson County. Elk Creek Rescue Squad Auxiliary flea market, at the rescue squad building on US 21.
  • Rockin’ Brews & BBQ’s at Smith Mountain Lake – April 28, 2012, Moneta. Start the spring season with SMLRCC’s new event, a fun, family event with live music, several BBQ vendors and food vendors from North Carolina to Downtown Moneta. Activities will include an inflatable play area for children, balloon sculpting, a magician, Rockin’ Corn-Hole Tournament and much more! 
  • BlacksburgFork and Cork Festival – April 28, 2012, Blacksburg. The Blacksburg Partnership announces the 4th annual Blacksburg Fork andCork-a food, wine, and art festival to be held Saturday, April 28, 2012 at First and Main Shopping District. Plans are in the works for another awesome festival, with an expected 20+Virginia wineries and artists in attendance, delicious food from local restaurants, and fun bands playing smooth tunes.
  • 5th Annual VHCC Golf Tournament – April 30, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440, (276) 628-3059. The 5th Annual Virginia Highlands Community College Golf  Tournament. Starts at Noon at Glenrochie Country Club. A lunch buffet will be provided for all participants starting at 11:30 with a traditional hamburger cookout at the conclusion of the tournament. Driving range and registration table will open at 10:30 am. The cost for this event is $100 per player, or $400 for a foursome and all proceeds will benefit VHCC students.
  • HoustonFest 2012 – May 4-5, 2012, Galax. A Celebration of Song and Service in Galax.
  • Festival of the Dog – May 5, 2012, Blacksburg, (540) 961-1135. Come for a day of fun with the dogs! There will be a dog fun show, training demonstrations and dog-related vendors. All dogs must be on a leash during the festival.
  • Heartwood Youth Music Festival – May 12, 2012, Abingdon, (276) 492-2401. The Crooked Road’s 1st Annual Heartwood Youth Music Festival will be held 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Featuring Dale Jett $ Hello Stranger, The New Ballard’s Branch Bogtrotters, Loose Strings, Fifthstring & Youth music performers from throughout the region. Two stages, performances, music and dance workshops, luthier displays and MORE….
  • Dublin Fire Department Celebration – May 12, 2012, Dublin. 100th Anniversary Celebration Sat., May 12 at Randolph Park, beginning at 1pm and lasting throughout the afternoon and early evening. A wide variety of exciting activities is planned.
  • Damascus Trail Days – May 18-20, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. Events include a yard sale, pageants, eating contests, live bands, parades and more!
  • Festival in the Park – May 18-20, 2012, Danville.  Celebrate the Festival in the Park’s 38th year. The Festival is held in the City’s beautiful 97 acre historic Ballou Park, which provides a charming backdrop for this three-day event.
  • Bull a Rama – May 19, 2012, Galax. Bull a Rama at Felts Park in Galax. Sponsored by the Carroll Co. Search and Rescue Squad.
  • Fieldale Heritage Festival – May 19, 2012, Fieldale. Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society! Visit theVillage of Fieldale, established in 1917 by Marshall Field & Co. to enjoy arts and crafts, food, music, tours of historic homes, reenactments and more. Free admission.
  • Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival – May 25-27, 2012, Martinsville. Names on the BRO 100 top adventures to check out in 2012 by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Musical genres include bluegrass, roots rock, jazz and jam bands.  In addition to music there will be food, arts & crafts as well as children activities. Adult tickets range from $35-$140; children 12 & under free admission with a paying adult. On-site camping available.
  • Plumb Alley Day – May 26, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  Plumb Alley comes alive with a variety of arts, crafts, food, book sales, and much more! Entertainment abounds with live performances from bagpipes to rock’n'roll. Children will find fun activities, such as face painting, sidewalk chalk competitions, and more! The Festival is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon. All proceeds go to support charities and charitable organizations in our region. Find it all on the alley between Main and Valley Streets in Historic Abingdon, VA!

SUMMER

  • ‘The Iron Nut’ Sprint Triathlon – June 2, 2012, Abingdon, (276) 623-5279. A Sprint Triathlon that consists of a 5k Run, 1/2 Swim and a 17 mile Bike Ride. You may participate as an individual or in teams of 2 to 3 people.
  • Leaf & String Festival – June 8-9, 2012, Galax, (276) 238-8130. During the second weekend in June, the Galax Leaf & String Festival has served to highlight the best our region has to offer. Originally created as a traditional music event, the Galax Leaf & String Festival, like our community, has continued to evolve into a showcase for all the things we take pride in, our music, our art, and our region – a great place to live and work. This year, Leaf & String promises to be better than ever with more acts, more activities and more fun for everyone. Chestnut Creek School of  the Arts will be front and center promoting classes and enlightenment packages for all ages. We’ll also have a full sampling of local music, luthiers, arts, crafts and regional and national authors on hand to meet and entertain you.
  • Southwest Virginia Antique Farm Days – June 15-17, 2012, Rocky Mount, (540) 365-7328. Bluegrassmusic – Friday evening. Large Tractor Pull – Saturday. Lawnmower Tractor Pull – Sunday. Crosscut & Chainsaw Competition – Saturday. Horseshoe Tournament – Sunday. Quilting Demonstrations and Gardening Seminars. Gen. Admission: $5.00/day * Children under 12 FREE * Exhibitors FREE * NO Alcohol or Drugs.
  • Bristol Drag Races – June 15-17, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. NHRA Thunder Valley Drag Race at Bristol Dragway.
  • Vocal Arts & Music Festival – June 16-30, 2012, Blacksburg. Save the dates for the third annual Vocal Arts and Music Festival at Virginia Tech. Presented in partnership with International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler, opera’s rising stars are united with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of masterclasses and performances.
  • Black Dog Wine & Music Festival – July 14, 2012, Floyd, (540) 593-2865. Info & Bands TBA.
  • Smoke on the Mountain – July 20-21, 2012, Galax. Imagine being part of the state barbecue championship in the beautiful mountain town of Galax, Virginia! Known worldwide as the Capital of Bluegrass Music and the famous Old Time Fiddler’s Convention – now’s your chance to spill a little barbecue sauce into this music-loving community.
  • Ultimate Challenge Swim Meet at Coomes Center – June 22-24, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. Competitions in every field.
  • Blues Festival – June 23, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. Come see a wide variety of bands playing the best blues!
  • 15th Annual Garden Tour – June 23, 2012, Abingdon, (276) 676-2282, (800) 435-3440. Eight hidden gardens will be in their finest attire, and the creators of these landscapes are looking forward to sharing their efforts. Mother Nature will have plants and flowers only heard about on show for your pleasure. Come out and get ideas for your own yards and gardens.
  • Matthews Living History Farm Museum Heritage Event – July 28, 2012, Galax. Event open from 10 – 4.
  • Virginia Highlands Festival – July 28- August 12, 2012, Abingdon, (276) 623-5266. Two Full Weeks of the Best Abingdon has to offer! Antiques, Music, Arts and Crafts and Much More…
  • Old Fiddlers Convention 2012 – August 6-11, 2012, Galax. Music all week at the Fiddlers Convention!
  • Smith River Fest – August 11, 2012, Martinsville. A festival in celebration of all things associated with outdoor recreation.  Events include: river race and mud run, family float fun, free kid’s canoe rides, free bicycle rentals, climbing wall, bouncy castles, hiking, corn hole, fly fishing demos, food, vendors and much more. Free admission. On-site camping available.
  • Smith Downriver Boat Race – August 13, 2012, Martinsville, 403-5140.  This 4.5 mile long river race will take you from the South Martinsville River Access in Martinsville to the festival grounds located at the Smith River Sports Complex in Axton. Free shuttles will be provided to help you get from one river access to the other. DATE/TIME: August 13, 8-9:15am-registration, 10am-race begins. Award’s Ceremony – 1pm.
  • Wilderness Survival Class – August 21, 2012, Tensbury, 252-0701. You have seen the reality shows, now learn the techniques first hand. Discover the subtle keys to survival including risk assessment, planning, and decision making. Learn the basics of shelter, food and water that can help you survive those crucial hours in the wilderness. Practice hands on with fire making techniques such as the bow and spindle fire by friction and other innovative methods. Ages 13 and up. DATES/TIMES: Individual Classes – Aug. 21, 1-5pm. FEE: $10 per person.
  • Grayson Wine Festival – August 25, 2012, Independence, (276) 773-3711. 4pm-8pm Wine tasting, live music, crafts. Regional wineries offer their wines and local craftsmen present their wares. Live band in the gazebo. Admission $10.
  • Red, White & Bluegrass – September 8, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  Come join us at the Abingdon Market Pavilion on Remsburg Drivein Abingdon to help pay tribute to the American service people at the Red, White and Blue grass concert. Abingdon wants to recognize the service personnel, volunteers, remember our fallen & celebrate our heritage with music and tributes to the service personnel. If you enjoy bluegrass music, you will love this concert. 
  • Stories of the Stitch Quilt Show – September 8, 2012, Galax. Annually hosted by the Arts Council of the Twin Counties.
  • Bassett Heritage Festival – September 8, 2012, Bassett. Visit the home of the Bassett Furniture World Headquarters, established in 1902, to celebrate the rich heritage of this community. Festival participants will enjoy vendor booths, kids activities, live music, a parade and more! Free admission.
  • WashingtonCounty Fair – September 10-15, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  The Washington County Fairgrounds is located at 17046 Fairground Drive in Abingdon,Virginia. For six days in September, the Fairgrounds serve as the home for the Washington County Fair.
  • Rhythm and Roots Reunion (Bristol) – September 14-16, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion isn’t just a music festival. It’s an infectious, three-day music experience, bursting with creative passion, electricity, and soul. Every third weekend in September, State Street in historic Downtown Bristol, TN/VA is amped to the beat of Appalachia’s past, present, and future. It digs down deep into the roots of traditional Appalachian sound and lifts its branches to new heights–and it all happens in the heart of The Birthplace of Country Music.  It is, and isn’t, your Daddy’s country music.  It’s hardly strictly bluegrass.  It’s not a rock show, but it totally does.  And if you’ve never been, you’ll never know how much.
  • Call To Arms Celebration- OVTA – September 18-21, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  Come celebrate the beginning of the March to Kings Mountain!
  • Grayson Highlands Fall Festival – September 29-30, 2012,Wilson, (276) 233-8237. Festival at Grayson Highlands State Park sponsored by the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department.  All proceeds go towards emergency equipment and training.  All crafts must be mountain or pioneer in style and must be handmade. Application deadline is September 15.

FALL

  • Oktoberfest International Arts & Culture Festival – October 6, 2012, Martinsville. Offers two streets of vendors.  “Little Germany” offers a beer garden selling craft beer as well as traditional German foods like delicious bratwurst. Loaded with amazing crafters and talented artisans, this street fair has something for everyone. A variety of food vendors will be on site. The Big Chair stage will showcase and assortment of talent as well. Free admission.
  • Fall Foliage Bike Ride – October 20, 2012, Galax. This family event begins at the Farmers Market in Galax,Virginia. The Ride follows the New River Trail to Fries,Virginia where lunch is waiting! Take the shuttle back to Galax, or enjoy a pleasant ride back along the New River and Chestnut Creek on the New River Trail. This event package includes a T-shirt, snacks, lunch, dinner, shuttle service and a ticket to the Rex Theater for a musical performance.
  • Sleepy Hollow Event – Oct 27, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440.  Family fun for all ages, come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy candy, games and music.
  • Blue RidgeFolklife Festival – October 27, 2012, Ferrum, (540) 365-4416. For nearly 40 years on the fourth Saturday of October, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has brought together a host of musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs, and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.  Our festival participants are the real thing, sharing folk traditions that have been a part of their families and/or communities for years. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the largest event of its kind in Virginia, and there’s nothing like it in the Commonwealth.  We feature performers, artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals.  The New York Times has called the BRFF “thoroughly authentic.”
  • Mistletoe Market – November 2-4, 2012, Abingdon, (800) 435-3440. Mistletoe Market is a holiday shopping fundraising event, presented William King Museum, featuring retail merchants from across the Southeast. The season’s premier event, Mistletoe Market is held annually in November in the Grand Hall of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon (Interstate 81 at Exit 14). Choose from jewelry, books, interior & decorative items, children’s gifts, silver, gourmet foods, and much more!

 

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