Author: Chad Thompson

Summertime is finally here and camping is going full swing! Rather you enjoying roughnecking it in a tent, planning your stay in a luxurious cabin, or taking an RV, Southwest Virginia has a lot of options for you. We have comprised a list of "10 Camping Spots worth Visiting in Southwest Virginia" to help you pick. Please be aware of possible changes due to COVID19 pandemic. Please check with local parks for information before visiting. 1. Beartree Beartree...

In today's episode, I am joined by Beth Ford and Julie Steel representing the Reynolds Homestead in Patrick County, Virginia. The Reynolds Homestead is an Outreach Campus Center of Virginia Tech housing both a community outreach center and a forestry research center. The homestead is also the birthplace of both R.J. and A.D. Reynold. This year, the homestead is celebrating it's 50th year anniversary, although festivities have been moved to the 2021 season due to the...

The Virginia Creeper Trail is no stranger to visitors of Southwest Virginia. The trail is 34.3 miles long, ranging from Abingdon to White Top. The Creeper Trail opened 30 years ago as a part of the Rails to Trails initiative. This initiative focused on turning old railways into hiking and biking trails. As a result, The Creeper Trail was inducted into the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame in 2014. In other words, The Creeper...

Nestled away in small-town, Glade Spring Virginia is a small yet historic walking & biking trail known as "The Salt Trail". The Salt Trail is roughly 8.7 miles from end to end and connects communities Glade Spring and Saltville. While now used as a walking trail, The Salt Trail used to be a part of the Norfolk & Western rail spur. Previously being used to bring assets from Saltville to Glade Spring. The trail was established...

We know Southwest Virginia is a fun place to visit. We have a lot to offer from shopping, dining, and enjoying the great outdoors. Today, we wanted to share with you some great trip ideas you may not have thought of! Here's our list of 10 fun things to do in Southwest Virginia! 1. Sugar Hollow Park, Bristol Virginia Sugar Hollow is a nice little park and recreation area located just off I-81 in Bristol, Virginia. This...

Join us in Exploring The Crooked Road with Carrie Beck In today's episode, we wrap up our current music series with The Crooked Road Executive Director, Carrie Beck. The Crooked Road is Southwest Virginia's Musical Heritage Trail and it covers over 300 miles of music, history, community, and heritage. Carrie talks to us about things The Crooked Road has done and has in store for music in SWVA. We also cover various stories, talk about venues,...

Much like our traditional artisans in Southwest Virginia, our brewers are passionate about their craft. Rather you are a local brewery fanatic or looking to see what it is all about, here are 10 Reasons why you should visit a SWVA Brewery. 1. Warm and welcoming environments. Each brewery is locally and family-owned, which gives you that down-home kind of feel. Unlike many stigmas against bars, these breweries and taprooms are fun, safe, and enjoyable for...

Southwest Virginia is a unique place, full of artisans, crafters, farmers, and just about any other walk of life. With these talented and unique individuals comes some of the best shopping experiences one can imagine. Farm fresh foods, handcrafted works, locally influenced art, and culturally diverse music are among a few things you will find. Rather you are looking for that perfect keepsake for yourself or the special gift for a friend or loved one, you...

The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia is a non-profit organization specializing in theatrical arts, live music, and is home to The Song of the Mountains televised show, which showcases music and cultural heritage of Southwest, Virginia. The Lincoln Theatre was built by Charles Lincoln Sr. in the 1920s. At the time, Lincoln was the wealthiest man in Marion, Virginia and already owned a successful furniture store and hotel. Lincoln wanted to bring movies to Marion,...

Today's virtual visit takes us to Hungry Mother State Park in "America's Coolest Hometown" Marion, Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park is a fantastic Virginia State Park located just fifteen minutes off I-81 in Marion, Virginia. Hungry Mother offers a wide variety of outdoor fun from camping, biking, hiking, picnics, boating, a beach, and much more. That park is also located right along with The Back of the Dragon roadway leading over to Tazewell, Virginia. Hungry Mother History...