By Debi Lander
The call of the Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” is hard to ignore. I recently followed that call into the heart of Southwest Virginia. The road is limited-access, billboard-free and designed for leisurely travel rather than high-speed driving.
I found scenic overlooks with layered ridgelines of misty blue and uncovered a string of small towns: Rocky Mount, Stuart and Floyd. Each one a gem in its own right, welcomed me with music, stories and now, memories that linger.
My trip began near Rocky Mount, a friendly spot with deep agricultural roots and the proud title of “Moonshine Capital of the World.” That evening, I sipped a moonshine cocktail and tapped my foot to the beat of old-time mountain music at Twin Creeks Distillery. Think banjo picking, fast fiddling, guitar and upright bass—the soundtrack of Appalachia.
Just outside town, I found the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum in Ferrum. As Virginia’s official state center for folklore, it maintains a farmstead and exhibits on Appalachian traditions. I meandered through preserved 19th-century buildings, photographing rustic barns, weathered tools and heritage breeds of livestock.
Farther south along the Parkway, I pulled over at the Rocky Knob Recreation Area, where I found opportunities for hiking, biking and camping. But I couldn’t resist stopping at the Saddle Overlook. It offered the opposite of Florida’s landscape—mighty mountain ridges rolling across the horizon. I loved it.
A bit farther on, I reached one of the Parkway’s most photographed landmarks: Mabry Mill. The weathered wooden gristmill, reflected in the still water, created a timeless scene. On weekends, local musicians gather there, adding an Appalachian soundtrack through the trees. Visitors can also watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing, sawmilling and sorghum-making.
I then made my way to Stuart for a stop at Fairy Stone State Park. Legend says the park’s cross-shaped stones were formed from the tears of mourning fairies. While I didn’t find any fairy stones, I discovered plenty of magic in the park’s peaceful woodland.
But the real soul of this trip revealed itself in Floyd. Just a few miles off the Parkway, Floyd is a place where art, music and mountain spirit mingle on every corner. My visit coincided with the Thursday Night Jam, nearly as lively as the legendary Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. Locals and visitors pack the space, clapping and dancing. Joy abounds. I adored watching the fiddlers, twirling dancers and grinning elders tapping their toes.
By day, the Floyd Artisan Trail led me to tucked-away galleries and studios brimming with pottery, paintings and fine woodworking. The Hotel Floyd made an ideal overnight rest stop.
My final Parkway stop, near the North Carolina border, brought me to the Blue Ridge Music Center. Managed by the National Park Service, the museum tells the story of mountain music’s deep roots. Out back, a shaded amphitheater hosts musicians who keep those tunes alive—melodies that rise from the hills.
October brings the most visitors to the Parkway, thanks to its explosion of fall color. Last year, I detoured there (while visiting Natural Bridge) just to catch the autumn display. All I can say is wow! Make your reservations soon.
My journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway reminded me that travel isn’t always about ticking off landmarks; it’s about pausing, observing and connecting. In Southwest Virginia, I found a place where the past is preserved with pride, the music never fades and the beauty begs to be relished. For anyone seeking an authentic slice of Appalachian culture, this route delivers.
Photos by Debi Lander
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
