The historic town of Big Stone Gap is in the Southwestern portion of the state of Virginia at the foothills of Stone Mountain and the High Knob overlooking scenic Powell Valley. The town was originally known as Three Forks and then Mineral City in 1882 before acquiring its current name in 1888. The town was an important stop along the way for early pioneers and settlers making their way west through the nearby Cumberland Gap and was known for its abundance of natural resources such as timber and minerals such as copper and coal. Today the town remains one of the prime gateways into the state of Virginia and is a convenient location from which to base exploration of areas within Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The town is within 30 minutes of the Tri-Cities and about an hour away from the Twin Cities of Bristol and the famed Bristol Motor Speedway.
Hiking, Biking and Outdoor Activities
When I first visited Big Stone Gap in 1988 I was immediately struck by how picturesque this town is with its many stately Victorian era homes, an old fashioned Main Street, as well as many modern developments that are juxtaposed against the backdrop of the lush, forested mountains. The town is an excellent place for those who enjoy hiking and biking with a Greenbelt walking trail that winds its way through the town which is both scenic and peaceful. Construction is set to begin soon in the nearby town of Appalachia to convert the abandoned railway that runs between these towns and the scenic area of Roaring Branch and connect it with the existing Greenbelt walking trail, which will make an already pleasant experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. In many areas the trail runs alongside the Powell River, which is kept stocked with trout, bluegill and bass with fishing is allowed. Additional hiking opportunities can be found in the nearby High Knob Recreation Area, Cave Springs, Natural Tunnel State Park, Wilderness Road State Park at the western end of Lee County, and the Virginia Creeper Trail in nearby Abingdon, Virginia.
When I first visited Big Stone Gap in 1988 I was immediately struck by how picturesque this town is with its many stately Victorian era homes, an old fashioned Main Street, as well as many modern developments that are juxtaposed against the backdrop of the lush, forested mountains. The town is an excellent place for those who enjoy hiking and biking with a Greenbelt walking trail that winds its way through the town which is both scenic and peaceful. Construction is set to begin soon in the nearby town of Appalachia to convert the abandoned railway that runs between these towns and the scenic area of Roaring Branch and connect it with the existing Greenbelt walking trail, which will make an already pleasant experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. In many areas the trail runs alongside the Powell River, which is kept stocked with trout, bluegill and bass with fishing is allowed. Additional hiking opportunities can be found in the nearby High Knob Recreation Area, Cave Springs, Natural Tunnel State Park, Wilderness Road State Park at the western end of Lee County, and the Virginia Creeper Trail in nearby Abingdon, Virginia.
Museums and Drama
The town is also the location for the state of Virginia's official outdoor drama, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which was based on the famous novel of the same name and written by local resident John Fox Jr. at the turn of the last century. The drama plays nightly each summer and is housed in the historic June Tolliver House. The drama is a must see stop for any visitor to the town as is the John Fox Jr. House and Museum, the Harry Meador Coal Museum, historic Clinch Haven Farms, and the Southwest Virginia Museum HistoricalState Park which is also one of the most popular museums in the state.
Festivals
In addition to the natural beauty of the town and its museums and the drama, the town also boasts several festivals throughout the year that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, including a Farmer's Market in the Summer, Home Craft Days featuring authentic Appalachian foods, Unique handmade items and more every October, a Fourth of July Celebration that grows each year and features some of the area's most stunning fireworks displays, the Celtic Festival, the Gathering in the Gap Music festival and much more.
Places to Stay and Dine
The town has many bed and breakfasts in which visitors can enjoy a rejuvinating stay, including The Poplar Hill Cottage at the Southwest VA Museum, rooms at the Ivy Inn, as well as the Comfort Inn which is a modern hotel with all of the amenities. There are two RV campgrounds also available in the town. While there are many chain restaurants in the town, some of the best kept local secrets for culinary delights include my favorites the dreamsicle cupcakes at The Bakery Around the Corner, traditional breakfasts and more at The Café in the Mutual Drug Pharmacy, fast food with a twist at Dari Delight, tea and reserved dining at the John Fox Jr. House, and the daily lunch specials of Pollo Loco, Steak Fajitas and more at Little Mexico Restaurant.
Tour Guides
With all of the cultural and outdoor activities that are available throughout the year, it is little wonder that the town has been home to several prominent authors in addition to John Fox, Jr. The popular modern day author Adriana Trigiani has even used the town for the setting of several of her most successful books including Big Stone Gap, Milk Glass Moon and Big Cherry Holler. Tour guides are available at the Visitor's Center so that fans can see the sights mentioned in her novels.
If you are looking for a charming town from which to start your adventures on The Crooked Road Music Trail or anywhere else in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, this small mountain based town with a big story and an even bigger heart is the best place from which to base your travels. If you do decide to visit you should not be surprised if you find yourself so enchanted that you are like me and decide to stay and make it your home.
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