Touring the World of Appalachian Arts and Crafts

Start your journey in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, where you can experience a cosmopolitan core surrounded by rolling, green mountains. Fly into Charlotte International Airport, hop in the car and head west for your first stop in the city – the terracotta-tiled Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Inside, find mid-20th-century modern standouts, including works from the School of Paris post-World War II. Around the block, stop in the Mint Museum Uptown where you can marvel at collections like Craft + Design, featuring glass, fiber, metal, wood and clay decorative pieces by contemporary international artists. Grab a bite to eat at the museum’s local favorite restaurant before heading to the McColl Center for Art + Innovation, located in a historic Neo-Gothic Church. Here, Open Studio Saturdays and regular exhibits introduce visitors to artists-in-residence. Take time to appreciate their unique perspectives before diving deeper into the region’s art scene.

A breezy drive north takes you to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a scenic city known as a hub for arts and innovation. In Old Salem, you’ll find an authentically restored Moravian settlement town that was founded in 1766. Catch a demonstration of tinsmithing and clay-working at the Single Brothers' House & Garden. When it’s time for a midday snack, stop in to the iconic Winkler Bakery for their popular old-world sugar cakes. Just down the road from the bakery is the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, which includes a vast collection of antique furnishings, silver and needlework. Wind the day down with a walk between the West End Historic District and the Downtown Arts District where inspiring restaurants abound. If you time your travel right, you can attend a First Friday Gallery Hop, where galleries and studios stay open late into the evening and live entertainment dots the streets. Wake up refreshed and ready to uncover a different kind of craft in Virginia.

Continue your journey north into the forested city of Galax, Virginia, a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is also a cultural center for traditional Bluegrass music. Follow along the Blue Ridge Parkway and The Crooked Road (Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail) to experience it. Sounds of banjo and fiddle greet you at the Blue Ridge Music Center, which is open May through October with daily performances. While there, stroll through the Roots of American Music exhibit to discover the history and sounds of mountain music. In downtown Galax, family-run Barr's Fiddle Shop is a real treat – find walls lined with traditional handcrafted instruments. Outside the shop, stroll the downtown area, where historic buildings sit alongside charming boutiques and inspiring restaurants. Stop in for a bite to eat before walking over to the Rex Theater. You’ll need to arrive as early as 6:30 on a Friday night to be part of their popular Blue Ridge Backroads live radio broadcast. You’ll be humming the lively tunes all the way to your next stop.

Surrounded by ethereal views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the valley city of Roanoke is infused with culture. Roanoke’s railway past is celebrated at the O. Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Museum of Transportation, full of fantastic rail cars and antique automobiles. Sample fresh produce and pick up a gift at the City Market. Dating back to 1882, this year-round farmers’ market features dozens of local vendors. Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke is a cultural hub. Inside, you’ll find the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, the History Museum of Western Virginia, Mill Mountain Theatre and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Play a few rounds of pinball at the Roanoke Pinball Museum while you’re there. Need a breath of fresh air? Hike to McAfee Knob on the storied Appalachian Trail, go for a leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore nearly 50 kilometers of bike paths on the Roanoke Valley Greenways. Don’t miss the photo op from the Roanoke Star, the world’s largest illuminated man-made star boasting views of the city and surrounding areas.

Your next scenic stop is Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia. Arrange a stay at the McKeever Lodge on the edge of the scenic Bluestone River Gorge, or catch a ride on the 1,100-meter aerial tramway to the Mountain Creek Lodge. Leave the car keys at your room and explore the nearby gorge on horseback, foot or mountain bike. All options are easily arranged within the park. Play a round of golf on one of two challenging and beautifully manicured courses overlooking the Bluestone Canyon. In the evening, enjoy a theatrical performance or some live Bluegrass music at the outdoor amphitheater nestled in the gorge. Before you head out of town, check out the Mountain Artisan Shop for souvenir shopping. Find West Virginia handcrafted items, furniture, quilts and other unique gifts. A relaxing stay in Pipestem will have you refreshed and ready to hit the road for your next destination.