If you’ve read AdrianaTrigiani’s novel, Big Stone Gap, get away with a few bff’s to experience Ave Maria Mulligan and her bff’s shenanigans. If you haven’t, you’ll want to after your visit! And you won’t want to miss the movie!
Start at the quaint Poplar Hill Cottage or Carousel House B&B then head out to enjoy Virginia’s Official Outdoor Drama, Trail of the Lonesome Pine (June-August). Ave Maria once directed the drama of feuding families, a coal fueled cash economy and romantic love written by John Fox, Jr. Not in season? Make it girls night at MountainRose Vineyards for “Sip and Paint” and a tour of the vineyards, or to Central Drive In Theater for movies under the stars.
Sleep in comfort then meet up at Carmine’s Visitor Center to join your guide for a stroll to the film sites and behind the scenes spots on your way to the Book Mobile, Mutual Drugstore, and the SW Virginia Museum State Park where Ashley Judd, Jane Krakowski, Whoopi Goldberg, Jenna Elfman, Judith Ivy and Jasmin Guy brought Adriani’s book to life on the big screen. Then take an easy hike to Flag Rock Overlook and High Knob Tower above Norton or rent bikes from Iron Works Cycling to cycle Big Stone Gap’s greenbelt alongside the Powell River. If you’re looking for more adventure, kayaks and canoes are available at Iron Works or Pathfinders Outdoor Outfitters. Is shopping on your list? You’ll find many unique merchants in Big Stone and Norton. Make sure to visit Vic’s Decorating then cross the street to Home Hardware while in Norton… don’t let the names fool you, you will be surprised!
Grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries along your journey before slipping on your dancing shoes for an evening of Bluegrass and Old-time music at Carter Family Fold, an hour’s drive and a fav of Iva Lou and her beau-Lyle, or Country Cabin II, in nearby Norton. Take a clogging lesson, get some flat-footin’ tips from the locals… you’re sure to dance the night away.
After a continental breakfast, grab a bucket of ”Gospel Bird” Sunday Chicken Dinner from KFC to picnic at Natural Tunnel State Park, the Eighth Wonder of the World! Just don’t choke on a chicken bone like Elizabeth Taylor!
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