Five Reasons to Visit Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Big Stone Gap, located in the mountains of Southwest Virginia near the Tennessee and Kentucky borders, holds many attractions that make it a perfect choice for a weekend getaway or week-long family vacation. These five selections provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the history and rich mountain culture that make Big Stone Gap a wonderful place to be.

1) The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama

The best-selling novel, authored by John Fox, Jr. in 1908, chronicles the lives of two feuding families living in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Following the families' experiences as they cope with industrialization and influence of coal mining operations entering the area, the tale centers on outsider John Hale and beautiful local June Tolliver, whose attention he has captured.

The dramatic adaptation has been performed in Big Stone Gap since 1964, and was designated as the official outdoor drama of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The play runs from the last week of June to the last week of August. Tickets are available as follows: Adults - $15, Seniors - $12, Children - $8, Special group rates available. Call 1-800-362-0149 for ticket information.

2) Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

In 1888, Virginia Attorney General Rufus Ayers began construction on the structure that now serves as the museum. Completed in 1895, it served as Ayers' home as he helped develop the coal and iron ore industry Southwest Virginia.

Congressman C. Bascom Slemp purchased the home in 1929 and during his residence amassed a collection of artifacts depicting life in the Appalachian Mountains, including turn of the century mail-order catalogs, photographs, radios, and several items from 1700's era settlers.

In 1946, the Commonwealth of Virginia purchased the residence and collection, and dedicated the Southwest Virginia Museum on May 30, 1948.

The museum is closed during the months of January and February, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children 6 and up. Children under 6 years of age are admitted for free. Call 1-276-523-1322 for more information.

3) John Fox, Jr. Museum

Built in 1888, the museum was the home of best-selling author John Fox, Jr., who penned the classic Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Tours cover several of the house's 20 rooms. Displays include beautiful antique furniture, a dining room featuring mahogany sideboards from 1600's England, and a large collection of memorabilia Fox collected during his travels as a war correspondent during the Spanish-American and Russo-Japanese wars.

The museum is open publicly during the months of June through August, but arrangements can be made for tours during any season. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, and $1 for children 6-12. For more information, call 1-276-523-4734.

4) Harry W. Meador Coal Museum

Since the 1880's, coal mining remains one of the most important parts of life in Southwest Virginia. The museum originally functioned as John Fox Jr.'s library and study. Now it features exhibits collected by local coal company executive, the late Harry Meador. Displays include early 20^th century photographs, mining equipment spanning more than a century, coal company items such as "scrip" (a monetary system developed by mining companies which could be spent at the company store), and even a dentist office used by miners in the early 1900's.

Tours are available every day except Monday and Tuesday, although special arrangements can be made on those days as well. Admission is free. For more information, call 1-276-523-9209.

5) Gathering in the Gap Music Festival

Some of the world's greatest bluegrass musicians hail from Southwest Virginia. If you are a bluegrass fan, schedule a trip to Big Stone Gap during this yearly festival. Held on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum, events include competitions and performances by local and regionally known old-time and bluegrass bands.

Vendors offer hand-made quilts and crafts, and special areas provide children with activities such as storytelling, mask making, hat making, and guitar art.

Tickets are $15 for adult, $10 if pre-purchased. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Call 1-276-523-1322 for more information.

These are just a few of the hundreds of wonderful attractions Big Stone Gap and the surrounding area has to offer. Schedule a trip to this beautiful community and you just might decide to stay.

Sources:

http://www.trailofthelonesomepine.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Trail_of_the_Lonesome_Pine_(novel)
http://www.swvamuseum.org
http://www.johnfoxjrmuseum.org
http://www.bigstonegap.org
http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrID=15206
http://www.gatheringinthegapmusicfestival.com/