Heart of Appalachia

Heart of Appalachia Winding roads, waterfalls, wine, music, mountains, and more! Welcome to Virginia’s Great Southwest! Canoe the Clinch, the most biodiverse river in North America.

Our region offers a once in a lifetime travel experience focused on outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and mountain music. Ride your ATVs on one of our five trail systems created by Spearhead Trails, test your limits and enjoy the view. Hike our birding and wildlife trails to explore the native flora and fauna unique to our mountains. Dance and sing along with the music of the mountains at the Cart

er Fold. Catch a show at the Lee Theatre. Grab a bite to eat at Cuz's. Have a nightcap at MountainRose Vineyard. Take a trip to the Breaks, the "Grand Canyon of the South". And enjoy the Appalachians the way Appalachians do! The Heart of Appalachia was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1993 as the regional authority on travel information for the seven counties of far southwest Virginia and the city of Norton.

08/20/2024
08/20/2024

Need your coffee fix when staying with us? The Coffee Station is a 10/10!

08/20/2024
08/20/2024
08/20/2024

The 21st Annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Fest is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to come out and celebrate the life and legacy of Southwest Virginia's Papa Joe Smiddy.
Featuring Fiddlin' Red and the Bluegrass Harvesters, Dan Carty's Basement Band, ESTU Twin Taters Bluegrass Band, Empty Bottle String Band, and Dr. Joe Smiddy & Reedy Creek.
https://www.explorescottcountyva.org/uncategorized/21st-annual-papa-joe-smiddy-mountain-musisfest-sept-1/

🕰️✨ Step back in time at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park in Tazewell, VA! Dive into the rich history o...
08/20/2024

🕰️✨ Step back in time at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park in Tazewell, VA! Dive into the rich history of Appalachia with fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities. Perfect for history buffs and curious minds alike! Don’t miss the chance to explore this treasure trove of stories and artifacts.

08/20/2024

🎼"Catch A Wave and Your Sitting On Top of The World! 🎣🌊🧘🪩🏄🏖📻🎼🎹🥁🪘🪇🎷🎺☀️🕶😎🤟👙🩱🩴🩳🐙🦐🦀🐠🐋🐳🐟
This Saturday, August 24th is the Town of Lebanon Virginia Annual End of the Summer Beach Party. The Band Of Oz will be returning to give us those great beach tunes we all know and love. Beach Waves Radio will also be broadcasting live, and we will have plenty of Food Trucks, Vendors, & Great Times. As always this is a FREE EVENT, the pool will open 4pm to 8pm (FREE), the splash pad as well. We sure hope you will join us! Town of Lebanon Parks and Recreation Department

08/20/2024
08/20/2024

🦅 A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who joined us today for the launch of our 20th Anniversary Wine, Eagle White, featuring our own angel Brandi on the label! 😇
Folks were very pleased with this light and fruity, DELICIOUS Chardonel delight! Stop by anytime for your own tasting experience of our latest semi-sweet wine. 🥂🍾💯

Celebrating 20 Years of Mines to Fine Wines! 🍷

Spirits of the Clinch

08/20/2024

Join members of the Scott County Bounty Trail at the 2024 Harvest Moon Celebration.
Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

08/20/2024

Be sure to get your tickets for the September 7th Song of The Mountains performance at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia featuring Alison Brown with Zoe and Cloyd!

"Song of the Mountains incorporates both traditional and contemporary performance styles in featuring old-time and bluegrass music from the region's brightest stars. It showcases talented musicians, musical heritage, and culture of the Southern Appalachians."

Show starts at 7:00 PM, and you don't want to miss it!

For more information and tickets, visit here: https://www.thelincoln.org/upcoming-performances 🎟🎻🪕

Visit Smyth County

08/20/2024

St*****rs Run, named after the coal miners of the region, offers a scenic route along the Appalachian Backroads. Starting from Wise, Virginia, you can enjoy a day trip filled with picturesque views and local attractions.

- Begin with lunch at a local eatery in Wise like Piggy Went A SmokinBbq , then head towards Pound.
- Visit the North Fork of the Pound Reservoir for a refreshing break.
- Capture stunning photos at the overlooks in Jenkins (Combs) and Whitesburg (Hogg), Kentucky.
- Drive through the lush Jefferson National Forest as you make your way back to Pound.
- End your journey with a relaxing stroll at MountainRose Vineyard in Wise.

It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring the beauty of the region! Let us know if you’ve ever taken this ride! 🏍️

08/20/2024
08/16/2024
08/16/2024

We are excited to bring something new to the Fall Fling this year!!! This will be a great way to advertise your business, tell people about your organization, or just spread a little joy!!! Please contact Natasha Proulex - [email protected] for your light pole assignment! We can't wait to see how beautiful town looks like all these decorations!!!

08/16/2024

New generator ✅
New tires ✅
Setting up at Hillbilly Grow Co. in downtown Norton tomorrow (Friday, August 16th) from 11 am to 5 pm? ✅✅✅✅✅✅

A different kind of ocean 🌫️🏞️ Loving these foggy mountain vibes from the overlook between Norton and Big Stone Gap! 📸 A...
08/16/2024

A different kind of ocean 🌫️🏞️ Loving these foggy mountain vibes from the overlook between Norton and Big Stone Gap!
📸 Arabella Tolley Photography

08/16/2024

FRIDAY and Killer Beaz Comedy is coming, have you got your tickets? That’s right this Friday at 8:00pm we will have top comedian Killer Beaz at The Russell Theatre. Just a reminder to those that purchased MVP seats, we will have a meet and greet on the stage before the show! Still have some MVP Seats left if you want to meet Killer. It’s going to be an awesome time. Get you tickets at www.therusselltheatre.com 😀🥃🐝🤣

Such awesome shots of our area!
08/16/2024

Such awesome shots of our area!

08/15/2024

🗺️ Discover endless trails and breathtaking nature scenes the next time you visit Southwest Virginia!

📍 Norton, VA

08/15/2024
08/15/2024

Please join us for the quarterly Agritourism Subcommittee Meeting on August 22nd, 2024 at 5:30 PM at Pat's Kountry Diner.

For more information on subcommittees contact us at: [email protected]

08/15/2024
08/15/2024

🏟️ Get Ready for the Ultimate Trade Night!🏟️

Ladies and gentlemen, card collectors of all ages, mark your calendars because Saturday, August 17th is about to be a slam dunk! 🏀 From 5-8 PM, the spotlight will be on Lab 20 Sports Cards for a night of trades, treasures, and top-tier talent!

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, this is the event you can’t afford to miss. Picture it now: the thrill of the chase, the rush of the trade, and the satisfaction of landing that coveted card. It’s all happening right here, and you need to be in the game!

So lace up those sneakers, grab your favorite cards, and join us for an evening of wheeling and dealing. Who knows? You might just walk away with the crown jewel of your collection! 🎉

📍 Where: Lab 20 Sports Cards
🕔 When: Saturday, August 17th, 5-8 PM

Be there, or miss out on the trade of a lifetime! 💥

08/15/2024

Natural Tunnel State Park
Summer Wagon Ride
Friday, August 16
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Picnic Area

Autumn is not the only season that is perfect to take a wagon ride. Take a relaxing ride through the park and campground, experiencing the sounds of summertime. Pre-registration is required; the cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. For more information and to register please call the park office at 276-940-2674. Meet at the Picnic Area.
Natural Tunnel State Park

08/15/2024

Address

3028 4th Avenue Market Square
Saint Paul, VA
24283

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12767620011

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🌅 Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. — Henry David Thoreau • • • Discover the ✨ magic of the place where the Powell River flows... the space between Powell and Little Stone mountains. 🌄 Blue skies or dark, clear or cloudy – this breathtaking overlook simply can't be passed up. • • • Virginia is for Lovers Visit Wise County, Virginia #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #virginiaisforlovers #loveva #visitvirginia #southwestvirginia #swva #visitwisecountyva #visitwisecounty

Join the Carter Family Fold for its first performance of the season on March 2. Carson Peters & Iron Mountain will kick off the Fold's 50th year with that old-time, traditional bluegrass we all know and love. Get your tickets now before they're all gone! • • Virginia Love Scott County Tourism #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #virginiaisforlovers #loveva #visitvirginia #virginiaisformusiclovers #crookedroad #mountainmusic #southwestvirginia #swva #explorescottcountyva #explorescott

It's 🥐 National Croissant Day! The Pastry Cottage in Big Stone Gap is one of our favorite places to pick up a warm, buttery croissant – the perfect treat on cold days (or anytime of year)! Bon appetit! • #iheartappy #heartofappalachia #virginiaisforlovers #loveva #visitvirginia #virginiaisforfoodlovers #southwestvirginia #swva #VisitWiseCounty #visitwisecountyva #nationalcroissantday

We've got a lot of LOVE in the Heart of Appalachia... Look no further than the Town of Appalachia! • • At the center of our mountain heritage, the town named for the mountain range in which it's located was once known as the Magic City. Remnants of the coal boom can still be found in and around Appalachia, which was a central hub for eight coal camps in its day. Referred to as "Mayberry in a Norman Rockwell Painting," its historic downtown is remarkable. A glimpse inside its post office and you'll see what we mean... • • Today, the town is home to the Appalachia Cultural Arts building, one of the shortest railroad tunnels in the world, and Powell River Trail. With a combination of cultural heritage and outdoor adventure, we're certain you'll fall head over heels. • • Virginia is for Lovers Visit Wise County, Virginia #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #virginiaisforlovers #loveva #visitvirginia #VisitWiseCounty #southwestvirginia #swva

We love a good cat pic. And these adorable 🐈 cats might just be the cutest thing we've ever seen. 🐈‍⬛ Here in Virginia's Great Southwest, we've got quite a few 🐈‍⬛ barn cats, like these captured in Russell County by local photographer Chris Griffith. 🐈 Think your Appalachian kitty is cuter? Post your fave with #iheartappycat and tag us! We'll choose our favorites and share them in a reel here on Instagram! 🐾 Experience Russell County, VA #appalachia #cat #catsofinstagram #virginiaisforcatlovers

Already planning your summer escape? We've got just the thing for the whole family! UTV Therapy will kick those winter blues. • Get your mud mask and all the good vibrations 💆‍♀️ those aching muscles need at 📍Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure. Enjoy thousands of acres of trail-riding fun at Coal Canyon – a multi-use Spearhead Trail with town access, 🦌wildlife🐾, and everything in-between. • (Ever heard an elk bugle? We recommend the twilight hours in early September through October for your best chances to hear our local bulls showing off.) • See Spearhead - Southwest Regional Recreation Authority for your trail permit and to learn more about ten other unique trails you won't want to miss! • Virginia is for Lovers Embrace the Wild - Buchanan County, VA #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #virginiaisforlovers #loveva #visitvirginia #spearheadtrails #VirginiaIsForOutdoorLovers #vaoutdoors #southwestvirginia #swva #wildbuchanan

What's your favorite wintertime activity? Ours is ✨ stargazing! High Knob Observation Tower is one of our favorite places to explore 🌌 the night sky. Whether you're rockin' the telescope 🔭 (be it novice or pro skill-style) or simply looking up, the vastness of space doesn't require anything more than the naked eye to appreciate. Before heading up the mountain, swing by 📍Lincoln Road Coffee Lounge. With lows in the 🥶 20s & 30s this week, you'll want a piping beverage ☕ to keep you warm! 📷 Credit: James Deel Photography Virginia Love #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #virginiaisforlovers #loveva #visitvirginia #explorenortonva #getoutsidenortonva #vaoutdoors #southwestvirginia #swva #stargazing #darksky

Now that you've gotten your New Year's celebrations out of the way, it's Ginuary time! 🍸 That's right! We're celebrating all things gin this month with our friends at 📍Axe Handle Distilling! From the history & crafting process, to drink recipes & your new favorite Axe Handle concoctions... we're all about that gin, baby! Do you have a favorite gin 🍸cocktail? Tell us in the comments!👇 #ginuary #gin #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #axehandle #visitva #loveva #virginiaisforlovers Virginia Love Spirits of the Clinch I love Lee

A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! Thank you for treasuring the Heart of Appalachia as much as we do.

Virginia is for Bluegrass Music & Flatfootin’ Fun!

This year, don't get Dad another tie. Spend Father's Day making memories that will last a lifetime. Share your love of Dad this weekend in the Heart of Appalachia! Need ideas? Hit the water! Float, paddle, drop a line, or get your motor runnin' on the water in Virginia's Great Southwest! Immerse yourself at: 📍 Norton Reservoir 📍 Bark Camp Lake 📍 Cavitt's Creek (Lake Witten) 📍 Flannagan Reservoir 📍 Laurel Lake 📍 Big Cedar Creek 📍 Bear Creek Reservoir 📍 Keokee Lake 📍 Clinch River #heartofappalachia #iheartappy #swva #virginiaisforlovers #fathersdayweekend #fathersday #loveva @visitvirginia

Music Tour of Heart of Appalachia
Music Tour of Heart of Appalachia

As we approach the holiday season, we at Heart of Appalachia are feeling nostalgic about the rich musical heritage of the region. Join us for a video tour that celebrates true mountain music, those who created it, and those who carry it forward today 🎶🎵 For more information on the venues, please visit https://bit.ly/3WtFFnq #virginiaisformusiclovers #streamsandstrings #mountainmusic Carter Family Fold Scott County Tourism Lays Hardware Center for the Arts Friends of Country Cabin II The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail Virginia is for Lovers Ralph Stanley Museum Lodging Dickenson County Tourism Song of the Mountains

Blue Highway Fest is underway in Big Stone Gap!

Heart of Appalachia, along with The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, and Virginia is for Lovers was pleased to have Hillary Klug perform on our stage at IBMA in Raleigh, NC last week. Amazing! Thank you Hillary! #worldofbluegrass #IBMAWOB2022 #swva #southwestvirginia

Starlett & Big John on the Virginia stage at IBMA

Donna Ulisse on the Virginia Stage at IBMA

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Welcome to the Heart

Local Clintwood, Va resident, Brad Deel, took this winter landscape photo last winter on High K**b near Norton Va. Don’t let winter keep you from enjoying the spectalur views found in the Heart of Appalachia Region in Virginia’s Central Appalachian Mountain Range. This region offers a once in a lifetime travel experience focused on outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and mountain music. Do you enjoy outdoor recreation and fun? We can help plan your trip. www.heartofappalachia.com Rent or bring your own ATVs to ride one of the five Off-Road trail systems created by Spearhead Trails, test your limits and enjoy the view. Plenty of places for Dirt Bikes and friendly towns at the 5 trailheads. Rev up your Motorcycle or Sports Car on Appalachian Backroads’ crooked mountain rides with 14 different routes covering 1,500 miles up to 4,300 ft. elevation. Adjust Your Altitude by hiking to the top of the mountain peaks and exploring the Channels, Pinnacles, High K**b, Birch K**b, or Sand Caves trails. Enjoy crisp cool waterfalls at Tank Falls in Cleveland or Little Stony Falls new Dungannon and Coeburn. Plan you March Fly Fishing Trip at many of the mountain rivers just teaming with trout. Start booking your rooms at boutique hotels, cabins, cottages or campground for your next Kayak or Tubing trip. Plan an weekend this spring or summer at Breaks Interstate Park where the new Zip Line is sure to get your heart pumping. Dance and sing along with the music of the mountains at the Carter Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. Have a nightcap on the Spirits of the Clinch trail where wineries, breweries and moonshine is waiting for you to warm your bones. Beat that Cabin Fevers.....come explore the Virginia’s high country by Adjusting Your Altitude Free brochure at [email protected] or call us at 276-762-0011.

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