Abingdon & Heartwood
A must-stop on the Crooked Road of Southwest Virginia is the Heartwood in Abingdon. This new building was designed to present the music, crafts, and food of the area. There are four galleries that display and sell the works of the artisans from the Round the Mountain Artisan Network. You get to meet the artisans as well as see or purchase their work. They are experts in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, natural material, two-dimensional art, and wood.
Another room is set aside for the Crooked Road Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Hear the musicians play and meet them to discuss your questions about old-time music. Southwest Virginia, the home of bluegrass music, is well represented with a large number of CDs and DVDs to listen to and enjoy. Live concerts and jam sessions are held in the special events space every Thursday night. Bring your instrument and join in during the jam sessions. Gospel music is performed every Sunday from 11 A. M. to 2 P. M. Many of the old-time instruments made by local craftsmen are on display.
Food is another attraction at Heartwood. There are two different places to eat. The Coffee/Wine Bar serves coffee and wine from the many wineries in the area. Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine and relax in this wonderful setting. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner using local recipes and produces from the local farmers.
Want to visit Damascus?
Why choose the Damascus Inn for your Appalachian or Creeper Trail lodging? Known as “Trail Town, USA,” Damascus is traversed by several trails, including the famous Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail, the Crooked Road Musical Heritage, the Trans-America National Bicycle, the Iron Mountain, and the Daniel Boone Heritage Trails. Damascus, Virginia is one of only a few towns where can you walk through the center of town and say you hiked the Appalachian Trail!