Stories

Storytelling – an Appalachian tradition

The holiday season in Southwest Virginia comes alive with a spectacular lineup of theatrical and musical performances that make this time of year truly magical. From timeless classics to enchanting concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Barter Theatre: A Holiday Tradition The iconic Barter Theatre in Abingdon, the nation’s longest-running professional theater, is a must-visit destination for holiday entertainment. This December, delight in the newest adaptation of A Christmas Carol, a cherished tale of......

December 10, 2024

The holiday season has arrived, and Southwest Virginia is aglow with magical ways to celebrate! From twinkling light shows to festive events, there’s no shortage of ways to create unforgettable memories this Christmas season. Sure, your neighborhood lights are beautiful, but if you’re ready to take your holiday spirit to the next level, Southwest Virginia’s dazzling light displays are just a short drive away and promise an experience filled with wonder and joy. High Country......

December 8, 2024

Spending time with your family is one of the many things that make the holidays so very special. In Southwest Virginia, where family gatherings are near and dear to our hearts, there are always plenty of fun activities to enjoy together at Christmas. Mountain Lake Lodge’s Magical Christmas Village and Marketplace One of the most joyful places to create holiday memories is the Magical Christmas Village and Marketplace at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke. Nestled......

December 5, 2024
16 May, 2025
December 10, 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
16 May, 2025
December 8, 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
16 May, 2025
December 5, 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
16 May, 2025
December 4, 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
16 May, 2025
December 1, 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
16 May, 2025
October 7, 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
16 May, 2025
December 18, 2023
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.
16 May, 2025
August 11, 2023
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.
16 May, 2025
July 3, 2023
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
16 May, 2025
June 14, 2023
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
16 May, 2025
May 17, 2023
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.
16 May, 2025
June 23, 2021
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
16 May, 2025
June 23, 2021
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
16 May, 2025
June 23, 2021
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
16 May, 2025
May 13, 2021
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
16 May, 2025
February 1, 2021
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
16 May, 2025
November 23, 2020
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.
16 May, 2025
November 4, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
October 21, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
October 13, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
October 5, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
September 25, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
September 18, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
September 11, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
September 4, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
September 2, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
August 21, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
August 20, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
August 17, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
August 13, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
August 4, 2020
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,
16 May, 2025
July 30, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
July 27, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
July 24, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
July 17, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
July 8, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
July 1, 2020
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,
16 May, 2025
June 26, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 18, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 12, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 5, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
June 3, 2020
John CraigieHunter Blevins
John Craigie Music has always been close at the heart of Southwest Virginia. Country music can trace its roots right
16 May, 2025
June 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
May 29, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
May 29, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
May 22, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
April 2, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 4, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 4, 2020
Main Street MarionHunter Blevins
 One of the defining features of Southwest Virginia is its many main street communities. Marion Virginia is a perfect representation
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
WythevilleHunter Blevins
Some time ago, someone remarked to me that Wytheville is one of the most delightful towns in Southwest Virginia to
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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.
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
Rural Retreat LakeHunter Blevins
“You don’t see too many people out here this time of year. I like the peace”   It was a
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
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.
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
Twisted ApplesHunter Blevins
When I was a child, my favorite treat was a fresh apple. You know the feeling. You wake up on
16 May, 2025
March 3, 2020
Artistic KindlingHunter Blevins
They say all art tells a story but you would be hard-pressed to find any kind of art that tells
16 May, 2025
February 24, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
February 3, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
January 31, 2020
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
16 May, 2025
December 10, 2019
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,
16 May, 2025
December 3, 2019
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....
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...
Published: April 18, 2023 - 5:51 am
Big Concerts Coming to Virginia in May 2023
Music festival season is coming back and many big-name musicians will be performing at festivals and venues around Virginia during the month of May. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, catch your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This...
Published: April 17, 2023 - 7:57 am
Big Concerts Coming to Virginia in April 2023
Photo credit: Sarah Ann Atkins Spring is here and many big name musicians will be coming to Virginia during the month of April 2023. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, catch your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. On April...
Published: March 27, 2023 - 12:34 pm
Explore Grayson Highlands With Acclaimed Filmmaker Trevor Frost
This article is part of “My Home Virginia”, a tribute to what makes Virginia so special. The series follows distinctive Virginian voices to the beautiful places that inspired them to put down roots, calling them to return no matter how far their travels may take them. As a photographer who...
Published: March 22, 2023 - 11:33 am
Your 2023 Guide To Virginia’s PRIDE Festivals & Events
Virginia’s PRIDE season spans most of the year  –– MARCH through NOVEMBER –– with so many pride events we’ve had to extend and expand our statewide calendar beyond June’s recognized Pride Month. We have several, large-scale festivals, week-long socials, medium-sized weekend shows and smaller, day-long get-togethers. As you make your event and...
Published: March 1, 2023 - 10:00 am
Big Concerts Coming to Virginia in March 2023
March 2023 has no shortage of live music shows coming to Virginia. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, celebrate the season with your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This is not a complete list of shows and certain...
Published: February 27, 2023 - 3:54 pm
Spend time with Fellow Travelers and the Virginia Opera
New performance recalls Queer history and experiences BRIEF HISTORY OF OPERA In Florence, Italy around the year 1600, a group of musicians, writers, and intellectuals gathered together to conduct an experiment: Could they recreate Ancient Greek drama? As it turned out, they did not recreate Greek theater, but instead, they...
Published: February 2, 2023 - 8:57 am
Big Concerts Coming to Virginia in February 2023
So many new live music shows are coming to Virginia in February 2023. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, celebrate the season with your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This is not a complete list of shows and...
Published: January 23, 2023 - 10:15 am
Save the Date: The 2023 Virginia Restaurant Weeks
There is no better time to experience Virginia’s unique culinary scene than during Restaurant Week, a foodie extravaganza when some of the best restaurants around the Commonwealth offer incredible multi-course meals for a fraction of the price. Use our restaurant week guide to mark your calendars for the annual (and...
Published: January 5, 2023 - 2:58 pm
Big Concerts Coming to Virginia in January 2023
It’s a new year and that means new live music shows coming to Virginia in January 2023. From major country acts to the biggest names in rock and pop, celebrate the season with your favorite artists and discover new ones all over the Commonwealth. NOTE: This is not a complete...
Published: January 4, 2023 - 4:32 pm
Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in January
January is a great time to visit Virginia’s winter resorts, as the conditions are suitable for making fluffy snow that allows for ideal ski, snowboard, and tubing conditions. And with the temperatures often at their lowest of the year, January is also your best chance for catching some parts of...
Published: December 27, 2022 - 12:22 pm
Sampling Wine, Cider, & Craft Beer Along Central Virginia’s Fermentation Farm Trail
The latest addition to Virginia’s craft beverage industry, the Fermentation Farm Trail winds through the pastoral landscape of Louisa County, connecting three wineries, two breweries, and a cidery in a farm-to-glass route. The trail borders Interstate 64 between Richmond and Charlottesville on the southern end and Lake Anna to the...
Published: December 5, 2022 - 2:07 pm