Music Detours: Virginia’s Crooked Road

Music Detours – The Crooked Road VA

In this edition of Music Detours we’re traversing the winding Blue Ridge backroads of Virginia’s Crooked Trail – where you can explore the birthplace of country music.

Exploring The Crooked Road is a must-do for any music fan…this heritage trail follows the rich tapestry of musical tradition in Southwestern Virginia from old-time string bands, bluegrass, a cappella soul, blues ,300-year old ballads and toe-tapping country music.

Meander through the ambling byways from Bristol to Marion and in between stopping at world-class music venues, music museums, hole-in-the-wall jam sessions and bluegrass hoedowns and eclectic festivals…The Crooked Road allows you to discover the history of roots music.

Background:

The Crooked Road was conceived as an idea in January 2003 to unite the music, history, scenery and vibrant of communities of Southwestern Virginia together. Since then communities, musicians, music venues and tourism organizations have rallied behind The Crooked Road. 

The Crooked Road now includes nineteen counties, four cities, over 50 towns, five regional planning districts, two tourism organizations and dozens of music venues.

Virginia’s mountains have long been a favorite haunt of mine, but I wasn’t aware of The Crooked Road, until I attended The IBMA World of Bluegrass event in Raleigh NC in 2018. Virginia’s Tourism Office had a booth set up to share the news about ‘The Crooked Road.’ I took the tourism guide and instantly was enchanted with combining my love of music with a road trip to Virginia. 

The Crooked Road is unique in that you can return time and again. It is a zigzagging set destinations, each unique that perfectly blend together. Most travelers to The Crooked Road don’t try to visit every destination in one trip, but instead focus on a few destinations and take time to real savor the music and culture with each stop.

The Crooked Road weaves through the beautiful scenery of Appalachia from The Blue Ridge Mountains and rolling meadows – combining the best of scenery, culture and of course great music.

Plan your own Crooked Road adventure on their official travel website

I’ve included a few of my favorite Crooked Road spots below:

Bristol, VA/TN – The Birthplace of Country Music

Start your Crooked Road journey in Bristol, a town straddles the TN and VA line. Bristol is considered the birthplace of country music…In the summer of 1927, history was made when record producer Ralph Peer of the Victor Talking Machine Company conducted recording sessions using the new Western Electric electronic microphone. During these Bristol Sessions, 19 performers (or groups of performers) recorded 76 songs. These sessions included the first recordings by The Father of Country Music Jimmie Rodgers as well as The First Family of Country Music, The Carter Family, featuring A.P., Sara and Maybelle.

These ‘Bristol Sessions’ were known as the ‘Big Bang’ of modern country music; Johnny Cash said of The Bristol Sessions: “(They) The most important event in the history of country music.”

The 1927 Bristol Sessions not only initiated the careers of these superstar performers, but initiated the broad commercialization of country music.  Many of the songs and stylings of those sessions still resonate and influence the music of today.   For these reasons, in 1998 the United States Congress officially designated Bristol TN/VA as the “Birthplace of Country Music.”

Today you can travel back in time to experience the history of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and learn about the legacy of country music at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum. 

It is fun to visit Bristol anytime of the year, but especially when The Birthplace of Country Music Museum hosts Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion on third weekend in September. Over 45,000 music fans make the pilgrimage to Bristol for the best in Country, Roots and Bluegrass Music. It was named as one of Rolling Stone’s ‘Top 20 Tours and Festivals’

Plan your visit:

• Birthplace of Country Music Museum
• Where to Stay: Bristol has lots of great hotels and inns, but music lovers will be drawn to The Sessions Hotel that has live music and food onsite.
• Soundtrack: Radio Bristol (run by the Birthplace of Country Music Museum) plays the best in traditional music…stream here

Carter Family Fold Music Venue, Hiltons VA (west of Bristol)

The Carter Fold is a rustic, 800 plus seat music shed offering traditional music every Saturday night. Museum opens an hour prior to the show. The Carter Family (A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and his sister-in-law Maybelle) were discovered in 1927 by Victor Recording Studio in Bristol and recorded 300 songs between 1927 and 1942. Playing traditional Appalachian music, the family is often credited as forerunners of modern-day country music. Today, A.P. Carter’s old general store acts as a museum. Recent additions include the newly moved and reconstructed original A.P. Carter Homeplace. (credit: Crooked Road)

Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, Abingdon VA

One of the major Crooked Road venues, this is a fun stop where you can explore a marketplace with local artisans, live music and delicious food.

Abingdon is a wonderful arts and cultural hub in the region – it is home to one of the oldest community theatres in the US – The Barter Theater…

Treat yourself to a night or two at the historic Martha Washington Inn

Ralph Stanley Museum, Clintwood VA

What a treasure – a chance to learn about the life and times of the musical genius of country music and bluegrass pioneer Ralph Stanley. I had a chance to see him in high school and it left an indelible mark and deepened my love of traditional music.

“The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center features the life and music of the legendary music performer. Dr. Stanley donated an extensive collection of memorabilia – ranging from vintage instruments to countless musical awards – to the museum. Located in a historic four-story Victorian house, the collection includes exhibits on Ralph and Carter Stanley, the region’s musical roots, and on popular successors like Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless. The facility is a resource center for students and music fans to learn more about traditional American and Appalachian music” (source – Crooked Road)

Lodging: The museum has lodging on site (learn more here); They also have several chain hotels and VRBO/Air BNB options.

• Nearby check out the gorgeous Breaks Interstate Park – where you’ll see one of the largest gorges east of The Mississippi. The state park also offers great lodging options if your want a true mountain experience.

Soundtrack for this journey: The Very Best of Ralph Stanley (Spotify); Key tracks: Man of Constant Sorrow, I’ve Just Seen The Rock of Ages

Floyd County/Town of Floyd

Deep in the hear of The Blue Ridge Mountains with ready access to The Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd County is an epicenter of music, arts and the outdoors = the perfect weekend rendezvous.

Stepping into the town of Floyd, you’ll fall in love with the well-kept historic streets that feel like Mayberry: friendly, old-time charm combined modern eclectic vibes that appeal to any adventurer. 

The Floyd Country Store is a major venue along The Crooked Road and with good cause – Floyd Country Store has become a pilgrimage spot for traditional music lover and bluegrass aficionados. Their world-famous Friday Night Jamboree is a beacon for toe-tapping Appalachian music. In addition to the Jamboree, Floyd Country Store hosts musical events each weekend including special concerts, jam sessions, dances and workshops.

The store is a mecca for handmade Virginia goods as well as fine collection of vinyl, CDs (yes for those of us that still have a CD player), etc..

And when it comes to good down home eats nothing beats The Floyd Country Store with its farm to table food and old time ice cream bar.

To play your Floyd Country Store adventure click here.

Another great music and arts venue in town is The Floyd Center For The Arts, where arts, crafts, music and theater come together…a must stop in Floyd!

Floyd is home to several top music and arts festivals including the annual Floyd Fest, which is definitely a must-stop for festival lovers. They always have a top line-up of major and indie and emerging acts from numerous genres. Learn more here.

For a complete list of Floyd Music and Arts Venues, as well as fun trip ideas in the area, check out their official tourism website...Visit Floyd

Blue Ridge Music Center:

Located right off The Blue Ridge Parkway, near Galax Virginia and not far from the NC line, The Blue Ridge Music Center offers a magical experience where during the summer/fall months you can enjoy the best in bluegrass and traditional music while gazing on the rolling hill country of Southwestern Virginia. Check out their summer schedule here.

Marion Virginia:

One of my favorite haunts in Virginia is the artsy and historic town of Marion…Marion is home to one of the most gorgeous historic theaters in the southeast – The Lincoln Theatre, where you can catch a taping of Virginia PBS show Song of The Mountains…

The theatre is an artistic jewel – built in 1929 as a cinema – it is one of the last remaining Mayan Revival Style Theaters in the world. I features gorgeous murals by Lola Poston (bio) telling stories of Virginia history combined with Mayan elements. 

Learn more about The Lincoln’s unique history and check out their upcoming schedule here.

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay in Marion, look no further than the historic and charming General Francis Marion Hotel…it exudes elegance and character…click here to book your stay

• Marion is home to the gorgeous Hungry Mother State Park – the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your guitar strumming your own mountain tune or going for a hike…

The Crooked Road is the best winding musical adventure you can take – mountains + music = the perfect combination. 

For your complete trip planner I recommend diving into the official Crooked Road website here

Till next time…Happy Trails…and happy music detours

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Written by American Nomad, Adele Lassiter