Stories

Storytelling – an Appalachian tradition

23 Dec, 2024
Southwest Virginia Stages Shine Bright with Holiday MagicFriends Marketing
The holiday season in Southwest Virginia comes alive with a spectacular lineup of theatrical and musical performances that make this
23 Dec, 2024
Dazzling Holiday Light Displays to Brighten Your Season in Southwest VirginiaFriends Marketing
The holiday season has arrived, and Southwest Virginia is aglow with magical ways to celebrate! From twinkling light shows to
23 Dec, 2024
Holiday Magic for the Whole Family: Must-Visit Christmas Adventures in Southwest VirginiaFriends Marketing
Spending time with your family is one of the many things that make the holidays so very special. In Southwest
23 Dec, 2024
Savor the Season: Festive Holiday Experiences and Culinary Delights in Southwest VirginiaFriends Marketing
Whether it’s homemade Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, a breakfast buffet, or a winter wonderland-inspired dinner, you can experience an
23 Dec, 2024
Small Town Charm: Christmas Parades in Southwest Virginia 🎄✨Friends Marketing
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Across Southwest Virginia, towns and cities are decking the halls, tuning their
23 Dec, 2024
Hurricane Helene: Travel Impact and Updates for Southwest VirginiaFriends Marketing
Hurricane Helene Travel Impact and Updates for SWVA   MESSAGE FROM FRIENDS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA Our thoughts and prayers are
23 Dec, 2024
Experience the holidays and celebrate the New Year at Mountain Lake LodgeFriends Marketing
Experience the magic of the holidays and the fascination of the start of a New Year with Mountain Lake Lodge.
23 Dec, 2024
Creative Places You Should Check Off Your List in Southwest VirginiaFriends Marketing
There are many wonderful places to visit in Southwest Virginia, particularly if you love handmade works of art or want
Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County has more than 500 miles of shoreline and is Virginia's second-largest freshwater lake.
23 Dec, 2024
Take The Plunge: Can’t-Miss Southwest Virginia Water DestinationsFriends Marketing
Take the Plunge: Can’t Miss Southwest Virginia Water Destinations   It’s summer, the temps are climbing, and the water is
The Crooked Road Logo
23 Dec, 2024
Top Stops Along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music TrailFriends Marketing
Top Stops Along The Crooked Road  The musical heritage of Southwest Virginia is a celebration of one of the richest
23 Dec, 2024
Explore one of Southwest Virginia’s 55 MuseumsFriends Marketing
Celebrate International Museum Day in Southwest Virginia Extraordinary and beautiful Southwest Virginia features an abundance of culture, heritage, and history.
23 Dec, 2024
Top Don’t-Miss Outdoor Adventures in Smyth CountyChad Thompson
If you’re looking for your next big outdoor adventure, Smyth County, Virginia is full of thrills, scenic beauty, and the
23 Dec, 2024
Top Memorable Family Fun Adventures in Smyth CountyChad Thompson
Planning a great family getaway has never been easier! We’ve composed the top family fun adventures in Smyth County just
23 Dec, 2024
Experience Smyth County’s Roadside AttractionsChad Thompson
If you’re seeking a quirky roadside attraction tour, Smyth County has some well-known locations you cannot miss! During this two-day
23 Dec, 2024
Travel to the Moonshine Capital – Franklin County VirginiaChad Thompson
If you’re looking to explore an area of Southwest Virginia that is immersed in beauty, history, and moonshine, Franklin County
23 Dec, 2024
LOVEly Ideas for Couples in SWVAChad Thompson
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re putting together a list of LOVEly ideas for couples this year. Rather
23 Dec, 2024
The Harvest Table: A Farm to Table Dining ExperienceChad Thompson
Southwest Virginia, Home away from home If there is one thing about Southwest Virginia to love, it’s the rural countryside.
23 Dec, 2024
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
Small Town Charm Nothing beats a friendly face in a small Southwest Virginia town. On these main streets, you’ll find
23 Dec, 2024
How to Take Better Fall PhotosChad Thompson
Fall is here and so is the opportunity for some beautiful photography! Perhaps you are looking to head out on
23 Dec, 2024
8 Southwest Virginia Fall Sightseeing LocationsChad Thompson
Fall is here and perhaps you are looking for the perfect sightseeing locations for the changing leaves. While there are
23 Dec, 2024
Fall Weekend Getaways in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
No matter what type of trip you’re looking for, Southwest Virginia has a lot of great options for a short
23 Dec, 2024
A Calm Day at Grayson Highlands State ParkChad Thompson
I’ve spent my entire life living in Southwest Virginia. I have traveled to other states and even other countries, but
23 Dec, 2024
Fall Fun for Couples in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
“Fall” in LOVE in Southwest Virginia Fall in Southwest Virginia is a very special time of year. It’s a time
23 Dec, 2024
Planning a Fall Road Trip Southwest Virginia StyleChad Thompson
Autumn is a special and magical time of year. The air begins to cool, the days become shorter, and the
23 Dec, 2024
How a Pandemic Shapes a Society in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
A Summer without Children The year is 1950 and all is seemingly well. You spend your weekend shopping downtown, enjoy
Floyd Country Store
23 Dec, 2024
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip to Floyd and Stuart VirginiaChad Thompson
This Summer and Fall, it’s WanderLOVE in Southwest Virginia! We are making lists of fun road trip ideas for you
23 Dec, 2024
Southwest Virginia Road Trip – Back of the DragonChad Thompson
As a part of our Summer and Fall WanderLOVE series, we have come up with 6 Road Trip ideas you’re
23 Dec, 2024
Southwest Virginia Wilderness Road TripChad Thompson
As a part of our Summer and Fall WanderLOVE series, we have come up with 6 Road Trip ideas you’re
23 Dec, 2024
Exploring the Outdoors in Galax VirginiaChad Thompson
With #WanderLOVE fully underway, we want to showcase as many road trip ideas and outdoor adventures as we can. Our
23 Dec, 2024
Plan Your Camping Adventure in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
WanderLOVE is the plan and Southwest Virginia is the destination! This Summer and Fall we are helping you plan your
23 Dec, 2024
Exploring WanderLOVE Destination, Marion VirginiaChad Thompson
Adventure is the destination. WanderLove is about reconnecting with what you love: the quaint small towns, the calming waterside views,
23 Dec, 2024
Exploring Damascus Virginia a WanderLOVE AdventureChad Thompson
It’s WanderLOVE in Virginia and we’re sharing fun and exciting road trip ideas all across Southwest Virginia! Today, we want
23 Dec, 2024
Norton Virginia Road Trip & WanderLOVE DestinationChad Thompson
Adventure is the destination. WanderLove is about reconnecting with what you love: the world-renowned wineries, the rolling countryside, and the
23 Dec, 2024
SWVA Cultural Center Quilt ShowChad Thompson
The Hands that Sewed SWVA: Quilt Show Beautiful handmade quilts now on display at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and
23 Dec, 2024
A Weekend Excursion to St. Paul and Norton Part 1Chad Thompson
When looking for fun things to do, you don’t have to look far in Southwest Virginia. When I was searching
23 Dec, 2024
Along I-81: Glade Spring, Abingdon, & DamascusChad Thompson
If you’re traveling into Southwest Virginia, chances are you’ll be coming into the region via Interstate 81. I-81 runs from
23 Dec, 2024
Southwest Virginia Summer Couple’s RetreatsChad Thompson
If you’re looking for the perfect couple’s ideas, we’re here to help! We’ve comprised the list with things to do,
23 Dec, 2024
Southwest Virginia’s Scenic Blue Ridge ParkwayChad Thompson
Southwest Virginia is full of natural beauty, no matter where you choose to look. We offer everything from camping, hiking,
Couple in Hammock
23 Dec, 2024
Outdoor Recreation in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
No matter if you have never been to Southwest Virginia or you plan to come by, Outdoor Recreation is our
23 Dec, 2024
10 Camping Spots worth Visiting in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
Summertime is finally here and camping is going full swing! Rather you enjoying roughnecking it in a tent, planning your
Lady Hiking
23 Dec, 2024
10 Fun things to Do in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
We know Southwest Virginia is a fun place to visit. We have a lot to offer from shopping, dining, and
SWVA Brewery
23 Dec, 2024
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit a SWVA BreweryChad Thompson
Much like our traditional artisans in Southwest Virginia, our brewers are passionate about their craft. Rather you are a local
23 Dec, 2024
SWVA A Unique Shopping ExperienceChad Thompson
Southwest Virginia is a unique place, full of artisans, crafters, farmers, and just about any other walk of life. With
23 Dec, 2024
Marion Virginia’s Lincoln TheatreChad Thompson
The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia is a non-profit organization specializing in theatrical arts, live music, and is home to
23 Dec, 2024
John CraigieHunter Blevins
John Craigie Music has always been close at the heart of Southwest Virginia. Country music can trace its roots right
23 Dec, 2024
Molasses a Story from Grayson HighlandsHunter Blevins
Molasses  There are as many reasons to love Southwest Virginia as there are flowers in its mountains or fish in
23 Dec, 2024
Hungry Mother State Park Virtual VisitChad Thompson
Today’s virtual visit takes us to Hungry Mother State Park in “America’s Coolest Hometown” Marion, Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park
Floyd Country Store
23 Dec, 2024
The Floyd Country Store, Handmade Music School, and County Sales with Dylan LockeChad Thompson
Today we’re taking a look into Floyd County, Virginia, and how it has helped shape and establish the music and
Blue Ridge Parkway Crooked Road
23 Dec, 2024
Scenic Drives in Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
We know you’re itching to explore Southwest Virginia and have some fun! We have taken some time and crafted an
23 Dec, 2024
Growing Economic Asset In Virginia’s Smallest CityBlake Salyer
Mountain biking has the power to be a major economic driver for a small city like Norton, Virginia. With the
23 Dec, 2024
The HillHunter Blevins
 We all know how special the hills of Southwest Virginia and everything within them are. If you’re reading this, you’re
23 Dec, 2024
Main Street MarionHunter Blevins
 One of the defining features of Southwest Virginia is its many main street communities. Marion Virginia is a perfect representation
23 Dec, 2024
WythevilleHunter Blevins
Some time ago, someone remarked to me that Wytheville is one of the most delightful towns in Southwest Virginia to
23 Dec, 2024
Hungry Mother State ParkHunter Blevins
 Southwest Virginia is dotted with hidden gems but perhaps its worst kept secret is Hungry Mother State Park just outside
23 Dec, 2024
Local Artists and SellersHunter Blevins
I’ve heard Wytheville described as an old town with a new heart. A blossoming scene of business and culture in
23 Dec, 2024
Top 5 Places To Climb/Boulder in SWVABlake Salyer
1. Grayson Highlands Bouldering has grades from V0-V12. Great for climbing in the summer when temps stay a little more
23 Dec, 2024
Grayson Highlands State Park: A SWVA GemChad Thompson
Grayson Highlands State Park in Grayson County, Virginia is one of my favorite parks to visit. Grayson Highlands has everything
23 Dec, 2024
Hike to Cascade Falls in Pembroke, VirginiaChad Thompson
Located in the Jefferson National Forest in Giles Co. Virginia, Cascade Falls is a wonderful destination for friends and family.
23 Dec, 2024
SWVA & Bristol Rhythm and RootsChad Thompson
Bristol Rhythm and Roots is home to some of the best acts in music and one of our largest music
23 Dec, 2024
30 Things To Do In The Fall In SWVAChad Thompson
There’s always something fun to do in Southwest Virginia, which is why we have put together this list of 30
23 Dec, 2024
Afternoon Drives in SWVAChad Thompson
As a Southwest, Virginia Native, I really know and enjoy the area. Possibly one of my favorite pastimes is to
23 Dec, 2024
Rural Retreat LakeHunter Blevins
“You don’t see too many people out here this time of year. I like the peace”   It was a
23 Dec, 2024
Snow Days are the Best Days in SWVAChad Thompson
Snow days are some of the best days in Southwest Virginia! Although we have not had the most snow this
23 Dec, 2024
Shopping A Downtown in SWVABlake Salyer
The Mercantile on Main in Wise, Virginia started as one business owner’s idea to maximize their Main St office space.
23 Dec, 2024
Twisted ApplesHunter Blevins
When I was a child, my favorite treat was a fresh apple. You know the feeling. You wake up on
23 Dec, 2024
Artistic KindlingHunter Blevins
They say all art tells a story but you would be hard-pressed to find any kind of art that tells
23 Dec, 2024
African American History in SWVAHunter Blevins
A Stroll Through Time  The history in Southwest Virginia is multidimensional. It is not lacking. Virginia perhaps more than any
salt of the earth feature image
23 Dec, 2024
Salt of the Earth Spa Retreat in Abingdon VirginiaChad Thompson
Abingdon, Virginia is home to many great things to do. Some of these adventures may lead you to the Barter
SWVA Brewery
23 Dec, 2024
Meet the New Brew Guys on the BlockBilly Bowling
Lonesome Pine Brewing Co. August 24th, 2019. A date that a dream ten years in the making had led up
23 Dec, 2024
Holiday Shopping in SWVAChad Thompson
Holiday season is a wonderful season of friends, family, and hospitality in SWVA. SWVA is known for its cultural heritage,
23 Dec, 2024
An Abingdon ChristmasHunter Blevins
An Abingdon Christmas    Christmas can be a truly magical time of year but that is especially true when you’re

Stories from Virginia is for Lovers

  • Vibrant Virginia Cities and Towns You’ll Want to Visit Again & Again
    May 7-13, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual tradition celebrating the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, and creating quality job opportunities. To celebrate Virginia’s tourism industry and its vital role in the quality of life for locals and […] The post Vibrant Virginia Cities and Towns You’ll Want to Visit Again & Again appeared first on Virginia's Travel Blog....