Virginia's 'Old Time Music Capital' Is A Blue Ridge Mountain Gem And Art Hub With Scenic Trails

Many charming towns across the United States lay claim to punchy titles. For instance, Nashville in Tennessee is considered America's country music capital, while the small town of Bristol in Virginia is known as "the birthplace of country music." Then there's Galax, another quaint Virginia hamlet. Situated along the route of The Crooked Road, considered "America's ultimate country music highway," Galax has been dubbed "the world's capital of old-time mountain music" by locals and visitors alike. You'll find this cozy town hugging the Blue Ridge foothills of the Appalachian range, conveniently on the doorstep of the Blue Ridge Parkway, called "America's favorite drive." With a thriving music and arts scene plus easy access to the delights of nature, memories of a trip to Galax will stick with you long after you've left.

In a town boasting such a rich musical heritage, a live performance isn't hard to find. Galax is famous for being the backdrop of the Old Fiddler's Convention, a weeklong bluegrass and Appalachian folk jam session hosted every August, which has been a cherished tradition for 90 years. Meanwhile, the Rex Theater downtown regularly hosts local and national bands who fill the halls with the beats of southern rock, blues, and good old country music.

For the keen hikers, head onto the New River Trail from the convenient trailhead along Chestnut Creek, just north of Galax's downtown. Following along the banks of both the Chestnut Creek and the New River, which skirts the west edge of town, you could spend all day amidst the picturesque woodlands, splashing in the refreshing waters, or even mountain biking through the meandering trails. Boasting endless diversions and being just under two hours by car from Charlotte, North Carolina, this delightful Virginia town should be on everyone's travel itinerary.

A melding of Appalachian pioneer heritage and old-time music is what makes Galax such a special town. For the diehard folk music aficionados, don't miss a visit to the Blue Ridge Music Center just a short drive outside town, where you can wander the museum exhibits, take a picnic amidst the mountain vistas, and enjoy the ambience of local musicians fiddling away. History buffs (and perhaps even animal lovers) will certainly enjoy the Matthews Living History Farm Museum, a working farm dedicated to preserving the early 20th-century traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Meet the adorable oxen, feed the sheep, and pet the piglets while you're there.

To really experience the community spirit of Galax, plan your visit around one of the town's many annual festivals. There's the Old Fiddler's Convention, of course, taking place during the first week of August, when you can sit in on the nightly competitions and enthusiastic performances by a roster of incredibly talented bluegrass musicians. If you're partial to a good southern barbecue, head to Galax at the end of July for the Smoke on the Mountain barbecue competition. Eager pitmasters descend upon Galax from all around to fire up their grills and smoke flavorful haunches of meat. It's guaranteed to be a weekend of endless thrills, from mouthwatering aromas and live music to friendly hospitality.

For a change of atmosphere, visit Galax in the winter months, when the approaching festive season heralds the High Country Lights, a display of over 100,000 dazzling bulbs twinkling in time to music. The festive cheer culminates in the Old Time Appalachian Christmas Festival at the start of December. Browse the gift stalls for unique handicrafts, meet Santa, and take a wagon ride for the most unforgettable Christmas celebration.

A painted fiddle monument and a red train caboose mark the access point of the New River Trail State Park near downtown Galax. From there, you could wander up the Chestnut Creek until it joins the New River, possibly spending days exploring different sections of the trail. At the Park Cliff View access point, you'll find a playground children can enjoy while adults swim in the river, or bring a tube and take the whole family floating downstream. A little further north at the Gambetta access point, bouncy rapids cascading over flat boulders are a scenic backdrop to woodland hikes. You could walk all the way up to Fries Junction, where a trestle bridge crosses the convergence of the Chestnut Creek with the New River.

Head back to Galax after the day's adventures to fill up on scrumptious grub. From cozy coffee shops to classic diners, Galax can satisfy any craving. Make your way to the Galax Smokehouse for all manner of briskets, pulled pork, and ribs amidst a relaxed atmosphere. Don't forget their famous banana pudding, which will have you coming back for seconds. Just down the street is the Briar Patch Marketplace & Café, a stylish coffee shop and antique market rolled into one. Browse their shelves to find a unique treasure, then sit down for a delicious breakfast platter or healthy salad, washed down with your choice of hot apple cider, hot chocolate, or frozen coffee. And for a touch of Americana, head to the Dairy Bar, where the milkshakes and onion rings will be the cherry on top of your unforgettable vacation in this spellbinding Virginia mountain town.