group of people with tubes near water
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Wet WanderLove on the New

The New River Water Trail connects you with public and private access points to enjoy a variety of floats as summer winds down. Fishing, floating, or fun times are to be found along this 37 mile stretch through Giles County, Virginia.

Photo by Aspire for Giles Tourism

Floating

Peaceful, yet dramatic the New River has scenic floats for you! The most popular float trip for kayakers, canoes, and rafts tends to the Eggleston to Pembroke section. You can scope out the best section for you based on length, activity, or location. Giles County has public access approximately every 5-7 miles. If you don’t have your own gear- don’t worry, visit any one of our outfitters for rentals!

man fishing in river
Photo by Jonathan Roberts.

Fishing

The New River has long been known as an excellent fishery. Beyond the banks of the New the many mountain tributaries also offer fishermen and women something extraordinary. From the bank, from a boat, or with a guide, the New River is a fishing destination.

As with all natural resources, care is given to support this ecosystem. ReNew the New is a community of volunteers with the support of many local organizations that remove trash from the river twice a year. Fishermen will also find used fishing line receptacles at all public boat landings.  

Bringing the whole family to enjoy the fishing in Giles? If so, then you may enjoy the trek off the beaten path to the Glen Alton Farm along Big Stoney Creek. The youth fishing ponds are just one fun feature to find on this USFS Day Use property.

Paddle on the fifth oldest river in the world with Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke. The river, lined with cliffs, rock outcrops and train tracks, is truly stunning! The occasional beaches allow for great picnic and camping spots. Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Where to Stay

If we head back to the New River you can find many public and private campgrounds along the waterfront to enjoy a multi-day float. But if you’re hoping to get water frontage, but don’t want to camp, consider any one of our beautiful cabin properties.

Food

Because every good adventure has food! If you’re hoping to pack a lunch and head out on the water, you would enjoy the boxed lunches from Tangent Outfitters & Cascade Café. Also in Pembroke, following your Eggleston to Pembroke float you can enjoy Bluegrass BBQ, Scoops for great ice cream, or Solo’s. All easy access options in the area.

Venturing a little father away to find local joints with pizza, burgers, salads, and more. The drive to our destination dining options is another excuse to take in all the adventure in Giles!

Not playing in the water? Not a problem… Still a lot of fun!

Foot Traffic

Maybe you want to experience the New River, but from close proximity… Wrapping up your adventure in Giles. Enjoy a walk in our river front parks. Whitt-Riverbend Park in Pearisburg, Camp Success in Narrows, and Glen Lyn Town Park in Glen Lyn all offer riverside walking trails and parking to enjoy the water year round, while being outside.

Safety

As with all adventure activities users should be aware of the dangers that could arise. We want everyone to find their adventure in Giles, but do so safely. If you are heading out on the New River remember we are greatly affected by the weather systems to our south. River levels can change quickly due to factors relating upstream (in North Caroline). It’s best to check the river status before you head out and if ever concerned, call a local guide or outfitter for expert advice.

Same concept applies to hiking or nature walking along the riverbank. Travel with a buddy, let people know where you are going, and be aware of your surroundings- just a few tips to keep in mind.

Conclusion

Some days you just need a playday… Find yours in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. As part of our Wanderlove series we hope you enjoy these ideas and tips for a wet and wild adventure in Giles County, VA! We’ll see you soon…

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Giles County Scavenger Hunt Back By Popular Demand

Giles County Scavenger Hunt Back By Popular Demand

 

Giles County, VA- Chances are you’ve hiked and taken a picture at Cascade Falls in Pembroke, Virginia. Many of you have also enjoyed a meal at The Palisades Restaurant in the Village of Eggleston. The entire month of July you are encouraged to ‘Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard’ and to participate in the Giles County-wide Scavenger Hunt that begins on Monday, July 2nd and continues through Friday, August 3rd. The Narrows Farmers Market is helping to host the Scavenger Hunt this year! All proceeds from participation in the Hunt will benefit the Giles County Access to Community College Education (A.C.C.E.) Fund.

 

To participate you can either visit the Town of Narrows Town Hall during their business hours (9am-5pm), get the hunt list, and pay the $2 registration or, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm or Saturday 9am to 1pm you can visit the Giles County Visitors Center, located with the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Marketing Office at 203 N. Main St, Pearisburg. Upon registering each user will receive the hunt list that includes 50 different tasks to complete and their official entry wrist band. Each photo must have the wristband visible for it to count. There are three levels of tasks that make it easy for a youth or family adventure, or you can try to conquer them all!

 

Scavenging and finding the items may be hard enough for some, but to qualify participants may also need to take a picture at the location and share to social media. Follow along on the journey by watching #GilesHunt on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All entries should be returned, including all items needed according to the list, to the Narrows Farmers Market on Friday, August 3rd. You are invited to attend their special market events that night including a food truck, produce vendors, community vendors and more from 5-8pm. There will be a trophy ceremony at 7pm at the Narrows Farmers Market. If participants are unable or finish early, their lists and items can be returned to the Giles County Visitor Center during the work week.

 

Prizes will be given and an overall winner will win the official, custom made Giles County Scavenger Hunt trophy that will stay on display at the Visitors Center, and the bragging rights. How well do you know Virginia’s Mountain Playground™? Are you up for the Hunt?

 

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079.

Wind Rock Sunset June 2016 Billy Bowling
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Adventure Tourism Entrepreneur Workshop Coming To The New River Valley

Adventure Tourism Entrepreneur Workshop Coming To The New River Valley

 

Giles County, VA – The Friends of Southwest Virginia, in partnership with Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Community Capital, Spearhead Trails, and Small Business Development Centers, are hosting adventure tourism workshops to highlight regional initiatives, opportunities, best practices, and expert advice for starting an adventure tourism business in Southwest Virginia.

 

 

Southwest Virginia includes 19 counties and four independent cities located near the southern and western border of Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, takes the lead in developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia. In 2011, the Commission became the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, a self-sustaining community development organization with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through a supporting non-profit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, businesses and individuals help artists, crafts people, localities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed.

 

 

With multiple outdoor adventures and opportunities throughout the New River Valley, residents and visitors alike are starting to discover the outdoor recreation assets that our region has to offer.  However, more adventure tourism businesses are needed to aid in the discovery of the “Adventurous Side of Virginia,” the tagline of the organization.

 

 

The workshops are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required with space limited to 30 attendees. The New River Valley will host a regional workshop on December 13th from 9am until noon at the 19th Hole at Castle Rock, located at 900 Castle Rock Drive, Pembroke, VA. You may also find more information and register online at the Giles County, VA Facebook Event page.

 

 

The collaboration among the aforementioned partners, as well as the localities hosting the workshops aid in the development of our communities and assist the Friends of Southwest Virginia in promoting outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia to the world. The Friends of Southwest Virginia would like to thank the hosts for the workshops and for their partnership.

flyer details for Dec. Tourism Workship##

 

For more information, please contact Emily Mayo (276-492-2412).

 

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About Southwest Virginia

 

Tucked in the mountains of Southwest Virginia is a vibrant culture of music, craft and stunning natural beauty. It’s a region of spectacular views and rich natural resources. Time spent in the region adds up to something much more than a simple getaway. A different side of Virginia. And a great place to visit for a week’s vacation – or to make a home for a lifetime. Authentic. Distinctive. Alive.

 

 

Follow SWVA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Snapchat: southwestva

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Narrows Completes RALLY Southwest Virginia Project

Narrows Completes RALLY Southwest Virginia Project

 

Giles County, VA- RALLY Southwest Virginia is building community leadership capacity and reinforcing collaborative communities across the region of Southwest Virginia. The region consisting of 19 counties from Giles to the far southwest counties in Virginia, has embraced this program and others to find creative outlets for suppressed economies and the revitalization for downtown areas.

 

The Town of Narrows is the first community in the New River Valley to participate in this new mini-grant program, facilitated by Opportunity SWVA. The mini-grant program provides a $3,000 award to communities to implement a community development project through a team structure. The team in Narrows is comprised of citizens, small business owners, town staff, and county representatives. The group gathered for the initial meeting early in 2017 to discuss the potential of the RALLY program and begin brainstorming how this mini-grant could be utilized to support ongoing development efforts in Narrows.

 

Opportunity SWVA logo

 

Since March of this year a group of local leaders have planned and implemented multiple mini-projects that will soon complete their RALLY Project. The final presentation will happen at the Narrows Fall Festival on October 28. The festival will run from noon until 8:00pm, with a special RALLY presentation at 1:45pm. The presentation will unveil a new downtown sign directing residents and visitors to the multiple community and outdoor assets in the community that is cohesive with the Giles and New River Water Trail signage for familiarity and to continue to foster collaboration.

Narrows Metal Sign RALLY project 2017

 

The sign is housed in a new kiosk designed and built as part of a local young man’s Eagle Scout project. In addition to the kiosk at the Duck Pond, the RALLY group identified buildings throughout downtown to install large pictures highlighting the recreational opportunities within the nearby area. The pictures were provided by local citizens and the Town orchestrated a photo contest to add to the collection.

 

The pictures are installed throughout downtown in an attempt to also highlight the space available for future business locations. The local group worked with building owners to share that part of this process was to communicate availability of space for business. In addition the New River Valley Regional Commission assisted with pulling together resources and information that potential businesses would need through their startup or expansion process. This printed packet will be available at the Narrows Town Hall as well as downloadable on their website. On October 28 to draw attention to the RALLY components and provide an activity for guests at the Fall Festival, the RALLY group has facilitated a Scavenger Hunt with prizes to be awarded.

 

Local committee hanging signs in Narrows 2017

 

The sign, the pictures, and the kiosk combined to complete the Narrows RALLY project. The local RALLY group identified that these actions would help draw attention to the community for positive development and usage of the surrounding natural resources. In addition to the RALLY presentation the Narrows Fall Festival will feature knockerball, kids games, a bouncy house, face painting, a corn hole tournament, and disc golf tournament at Camp Success along the New River. The festival goers will enjoy live music all day with performances by 90 Proof, Destiny Quartet, Melanie Vaught, Chad Robertson & Corey Lowe, Giles County School of Dance, and Dance Motion. Street and food vendors along Main Street from noon until 8pm. To round out the evening there will be a Street Dance beginning at 6pm featuring The Cadillac Ranch Band. The Narrows Fall Festival is presented in partnership by the Narrows Recreation Department and FNBP-Narrows. More information can be found on their Facebook event page.

 

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For more information or to schedule an interview prior to or the day of the Narrows Fall Festival, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. For additional information on RALLY Southwest Virginia please feel free to contact Robyn Lee at 276-376-3453 or rlee@uvawise.edu.

 

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079. For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs. For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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Register Today for the Muddy ACCE Race on the banks of the NRWT

Sept 16 | Register Today for the Muddy ACCE Race

 

The 2017 Muddy ACCE Race is drawing near! The event promises something for everyone, from family fun to the fiercest competitors. Register as a team or an individual participant today for the September 16th event at www.muddyaccerace.com.

The Glen Lyn Town Park in Giles County, Virginia will be transformed into a 5K mud run obstacle course, promising muddy mayhem and fun to all those who are brave enough to conquer the course or cheer from the sidelines. There will be 28 obstacles to master by running, climbing, and crawling along the banks of the New River Water Trail. Some of the obstacles to master will be Claustrophobia, Salmon Run, Floating Bridges, and a Rope Swing to finish off the course with a splash into the New River to help wash off all the mud.

 

Our event is great for the toughest, truest mud run veterans or rookies just wanting to try out a mud run. We have hardcore heats beginning at 10 a.m. for runners who want to tackle the course as best and as quick as they can. Law enforcement officers, fire department members, and emergency medical personnel teams can sign up for these first heats if they want to compete against other departments from across the region. After 11 a.m., runners can run or walk as much of the course as they please, and they can bypass any obstacles they want to skip. Participants will indicate which start hour they want to run when completing registration.

The Warp Wall is one of the first obstacles to overcome at the MAR, it then leads directly into the freezing Ice Bath! Join us on Sept 16th along the New River for the 2nd annual Muddy ACCE Race.

The Glen Lyn Town Park in Glen Lyn, Virginia is located less than 20 minutes from Exit 9 on Interstate 77 at Princeton, WV by taking 460 East just over the state line. The muddy fun is happening less than 40 minutes from Virginia Tech’s campus, and less than one hour from Radford University’s campus.

 

Registration is online and live at www.muddyaccerace.com! Registration is only $50 per person, and you can register as a team or an individual. If you have a child age 10 and under, don’t forget to register them for the Youth Mud Pit for only $10 for all day access.

We strive to make the Muddy ACCE Race a destination event that promotes friendly competition, camaraderie, and teamwork, but most of all, we want everyone to come have fun in the mud!

 

All proceeds from the Muddy ACCE Race go to the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) Program. ACCE is a Giles County and New River Community College partnership that makes college available to graduates from Giles County by covering the cost of tuition for two years at New River Community College.

 

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079.

For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs leading up to the September 16 event.

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Local Mud Run Boasts Family Friendly Atmosphere

Local Mud Run Boasts Family Friendly Atmosphere

When people think of a mud run, they may not typically think of a family outing. The Muddy ACCE Race is a fun, exciting event for the entire family to enjoy! Families can run the race together, split up so the children can run in our Youth Mud Pit, cheer on their loved ones, and so much more!

The Muddy ACCE Race is a 5k obstacle mud run event to raise funds for the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program. The ACCE Program is a Giles County and New River Community College partnership that makes college available, tuition-free, to graduates from Giles County by covering the cost of tuition for two years at New River Community College. ACCE supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available for the program. The Muddy ACCE Race event is a premier fundraiser for the ACCE program.

 

Held along the banks of the New River Water Trail in Giles County, this mud filled race will delight, challenge, and test our runners to the limits. The race is open to individuals and teams, and is comprised of the Main Course with over 25 obstacles with differing levels of difficulty so you can choose your limits as you run, and a Youth Mud Pit to make it an adventure for either the truest and toughest or the whole family. This year’s event will be held on September 16, 2017, beginning at 10am. The first heats of the day, between 10-11am, are for the hardcore runner wanting to test themselves and for the competitions between first responders and firefighters. After noon, teams, families, and individuals can run/walk the course and be as competitive as they want.

You’ve always told your child to never make messes, well at the Muddy ACCE Race we specialize in dirt and mud. We want children to get in on the muddy fun with our Youth Mud Pit area, with specially designed obstacles for the youngsters to tackle. It is $10 for all day access for children 10 and under with an adult supervising their fun. Don’t worry though, when the fun is over, a hose off station is provided before everyone heads back home.

 

If getting muddy isn’t your child’s favorite thing, they can also watch and cheer on the young-at-heart as they run, climb, and get muddy by spectating the 5k course. Parts of the course are visible from the Vendor Village sidelines. For the parts of the course that aren’t visible, Facebook Live streams will be running in our spectator tents for our young spectators to watch their favorite runners for the entire race!

 

Vendors of varying types will also be in our Vendor Village, where food is available as well as interactive demonstrations.

 

We strive to make the Muddy ACCE Race a destination event people of all ages can enjoy!

 

Ready to get your mud on? You can register online or check out muddyaccerace.com/ for more details. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. See you at the starting line.

 

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079.

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Camp, Fish, Float, Ride: Enjoy the Two Virginias!

Kairos Resort Opening July 1, 2017

 

Photo by Sam Dean from Kairos Wilderness Resort.

Giles County, VA – Mercer County, WV – The newest tourism destination in the two Virginias is opening to guests on July 1, 2017.

 

Kairos Wilderness Resort, is a 1,500 acre mountain-top property located in both Giles County, Virginia and Mercer County, West Virginia, just west of Glyn Lyn.

 

Kairos offers ATV/UTV/dual sport & dirt bike trails, yurt rentals, RV & primitive campgrounds, the New River Water Trail, world-class fishing, hiking trails, and scenic mountain and river views.

 

This July Fourth weekend, don’t miss your chance to be among the first guests to experience Kairos Resort and over 40 miles of trails on 1,515 acres in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Bring the entire family, and don’t forget your pets; even if they have hooves. Kairos trails are open to horseback riders as well as hikers.

 

If you’re an ATV/UTV/dual sport or dirt bike rider, Kairos has designated trails for motorized riders as well.

 

Book your reservations online at www.kairosresort.com or email info@kairosresort.com.

 

Included in your stay is exclusive access to the network of trails on the expansive property and camping onsite. Full hookups in the RV and camper campground area or primitive camping sites are available in addition to the bathhouse and Ed’s Place, a gathering indoor area near the campsites for socializing or to utilize for meals. Kairos has access to the New River Water Trail, so bring your kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Equipment rental and shuttle service is also available by Kairos, partnering with Tangent Outfitters.

 

Kairos is also available for groups, weddings, and events. To plan your special event, contact Logan Tyler at logan@kairosresort.com.

 

Join us on July 1 to camp, fish, float, ride, and enjoy the two Virginias!

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For more information about planning your visit to Kairos or about activities and events, please visit www.kairosresort.com or contact us at info@kairosresort.com.

 

Ballads - Mtn. Lake
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The Crooked Road & Mountains of Music Homecoming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mountains of Music

May 22, 2017

Contact: Jack Hinshelwood, Executive Director
The Crooked Road & Mountains of Music Homecoming
(276) 492-2402 O, (540) 239-2110 M
jhinshelwood@thecrookedroad.org

Karen Tessier
Mountains of Music Homecoming Public Relations
(828) 398-5250 O, (828) 231-6268 M
ktessier@mktconnections.com
 

Scotland’s Archie Fisher Joins Crooked Road Artists in Ballad Event at Mountain Lake Lodge for Crooked Road’s 2017 Mountains of Music Homecoming

 

Abingdon, VA: Renowned Scottish folk and ballad singer Archie Fisher will join Kay Justice, Rich Kirby and Carol Elizabeth Jones on the Gazebo Lawn at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke on Monday, June 12 at 7:00 PM.  This special concert is part of the 2017 Mountains of Music Homecoming.  In the event of rain the concert will move indoors to Mary’s Barn.

 

Archie Fisher, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, grew up in a musical family. In the 1960s and 1970s, Fisher performed regularly with his younger sister Ray on television in Scotland.  He recorded his first album in 1968, and thereafter appeared as a backing musician (on guitar) and arranger for the legenday Irish artists Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy.  In the 1970s, Fisher recorded his acclaimed albums, The Man With A Rhyme and Will Ye Gang, Love.  In 1996, Fisher’s next album, Sunsets I’ve Galloped Into, was spotlighted on National Public Radio.  Following the success of that release, Archie toured throughout North America with British guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch.  Fisher has released two subsequent albums, Windward Away (2008) and A Silent Song (2015), combining performances of his own compositions with those of traditional Scottish songs.  Fisher is a consummate guitarist whose intricate playing creates the perfect backdrop for his warm, almost hypnotic baritone singing voice.

 

For several decades Scott County native Rich Kirby has been committed to uplifting old-time mountain music in multiple roles – as performer, researcher, radio host, record producer, and workshop leader.  During the 1970s, he performed with John McCutcheon and Tom Bledsoe as the trio known as Wry Straw, and he recorded three albums for the June Appal label, including an acclaimed album of coal mining songs recorded with folklorist Michael Kline.  In 1978, Kirby produced an album of his grandmother’s ballads, Been A Long Time Traveling, and in 2015 he produced the compilation album, The Very Day I’m Gone: The Songs of Addie Graham, featuring performances of his grandmother’s repertoire by a range of talented roots musicians, including Kirby himself.   Kirby carries on the ballad tradition with many of his grandmother’s songs as well as being an accomplished performer on banjo, guitar, and fiddle.

 

Kay Justice, a respected folk and old-time singer, lives in Wytheville, Virginia.  She has a rich repertoire of traditional songs and ballads. She has recorded three critically acclaimed albums as a duo with Ginny Hawker – Signs & Wonders, Come All You Tenderhearted, and Bristol: A Tribute to the Music of the Original Carter Family.  Justice has been a master artist with the Apprenticeship Program of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

 

The evening will be rounded out with Carol Elizabeth Jones, a songwriter and acclaimed traditional singer with many albums to her credit.  These include two as part of the folk duo Jones and Leva, two of country and bluegrass duets with Laurel Bliss, an album with Hazel Dickens and Ginny Hawker, and a solo album entitled Cataloochee.  A regular on Garrison Keillor’s, A Prairie Home Companion, she has performed with several groups and toured Africa and Southeast Asia as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Information Agency.  Her ballad singing will be showcased on a compilation of Appalachian balladry to be released by the Great Smoky Mountains Association in 2017.

 

Tickets to this very special concert event are available online at www.mtnsofmusic.com and at the Giles County Visitors Center (540) 921-2079. You can also call the Chamber of Commerce at (540) 921-5000.

 

Attendees to this concert can also visit “From These Woods,” an exhibit of works by highly skilled Appalachian artisans at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech, one of over 130 cultural events that are part of the Homecoming.

 

The Mountains of Music Homecoming is an extraordinary nine-day music and cultural showcase event that stretches across the 330 miles of The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. With 25 featured concerts and 130 cultural events, the Mountains of Music Homecoming invites travelers to follow the music through the heart of the scenic, culturally rich Crooked Road region. The theme for the 2017 Mountains of Music Homecoming is The Year We Sang.

 

The Crooked Road’s 76-page Official Guide to the 2017 Mountains of Music Homecoming is free and available at all Virginia Welcome Centers, at Southwest Virginia public library branches, and at Southwest Virginia branches of New Peoples Bank, the Bank of Marion, and Union Bank & Trust. In Giles County, guide books are available at the Visitors Center.

 

The Crooked Road is grateful for the generous support of the Virginia Department of Housing and Economic Development, David and Judie Reemsnyder, Blue Ridge Beverage, Mountain Lake Lodge, Union Bank & Trust, WDBJ-7, and Chantilly Farm for helping to make the 2017 Homecoming possible.  For tickets, schedules and more information about all Mountains of Music Homecoming concerts and cultural events, visit www.mtnsofmusic.com.

 

For hi-res images and more info, click here.

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Extended Giles County Scavenger Hunt Until July

Extended Giles County Scavenger Hunt Until July

Giles County, VA- The excitement has been building for the second annual Giles County Scavenger Hunt and now there’s more news to share. Participants can still register and attempt to complete as much or as little of the 50+ items until the 4th of July festivities in the Town of Narrows! If you are a resident of Giles, chances are good that you’ve hiked and taken a picture at Cascade Falls in Pembroke, Virginia. Many of you have also enjoyed a meal at The Palisades Restaurant in the Village of Eggleston. Right Turn, Clyde Brewing Company (RTC) in Narrows is sponsoring the Hunt and all proceeds will benefit the Giles County Access to Community College Education (A.C.C.E.) Fund.

 

 

To participate you can either visit RTC during their evening business hours, get the hunt list, and pay the $2 registration or, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm you can visit the Narrows Town Hall or the Giles County Visitors Center, located with the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Marketing Office at 203 N. Main St, Pearisburg. Upon registering each user will receive the hunt list that includes 51 different tasks to complete and their official entry wrist band. Each photo must have the wristband visible for it to count. There are three levels of tasks that make it easy for a youth or family adventure, or you can try to conquer them all!

 

Scavenging and finding the items may be hard enough for some, but to qualify participants may also need to take a picture at the location and share to social media or with us with photos. Follow along on the journey by watching #GilesHunt on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All entries should be returned, including all items needed according to the list, to the Narrows Homecoming Celebration at the Narrows Town Park on July 4th. You should stop in and see the RTC folks in the Beer Garden! If participants are unable or finish early, their lists and items can be returned to the Giles County Visitor Center in Pearisburg during the work week.

 

Prizes will be given and an overall winner will win the official, custom made Giles County Scavenger Hunt trophy that will stay on display at RTC, and the bragging rights. How well do you know Virginia’s Mountain Playground™? Are you up for the Hunt?

 

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

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May 12-14 Kairos Motorsport Weekend

Kairos to Host Motorsport Weekend May 12-14

 

Giles County, VA- The newest tourism destination property in Giles County, is hosting their first Motorsport Weekend, May 12-14. Kairos Wilderness Resort, home to the recent New River 500, is a 1,500 acre mountain top property in the western part of Giles County and eastern part of Mercer County, West Virginia. A more than 1,500 acre haven situated adjacent to the beautiful New River, just west of Glyn Lyn, in Giles County, Virginia; the vision of Kairos is to create an atmosphere where people of all ages can experience positive, memorable moments. Kairos provides a picturesque setting where there are numerous breathtaking views, as well as beautifully wooded serene areas. Kairos offers camping in wilderness settings or in the RV campground. There are 40+ miles of trails and roads for hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, or guided motorcycle trips. These services are coming available June 1 when the property opens officially. For now, guests are encouraged to participate in any one of their special events.

 

 

The Kairos Motorsport Weekend happens May 12-14, 2017. Included in registration is exclusive access to the network of trails on the expansive property and camping onsite. Full hookups in the RV and camper campground area or primitive camping sites are available in addition to the bathhouse and Ed’s Place, a gathering indoor area near the campsites for socializing or to utilize for meals. Full hookups camping is $130 per rider and an additional $10 for passengers. Primitive camping sites for the weekend are $50 per rider and also $10 for a passengers. Passengers must be on the same vehicle. This additional item can be added on during registration.

 

Photo credit Sam Dean for Kairos Wilderness Resort

 

All participants for the Motorsport Weekend must pre-register and can do that via Facebook or Eventbrite until May 10th at 5pm. The event kicks off after 6pm on May 12th when guests are welcomed to the property to set camp. Riders and their passengers can then explore the miles of trails on both Saturday and Sunday. For this event no food service is provided but local options and grocery stores have everything you will need. Dual sport, dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs are welcome to experience the 40+ miles of trails on this expansive, premier property that will soon feature bookable event space, a wedding venue, cabins, and more.

 

Future events and bookings will be available for all of the Kairos services through their newly launched website, KairosResort.com. With an official opening day of June 1 for the renting of campsites and access to other guided services, this May Motorsport Weekend is the perfect opportunity to get in before the crowd and experience first-hand the heightened experience at Kairos. Stay up-to-date with event announcements by following the event on Facebook, by searching ‘Kairos Open Trail Day’ or visiting GilesCounty.org. Tickets are now available online at https://kairosmotorsportweekend.eventbrite.com.

 

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For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.