Heart of Appalachia

09/11/2026

Bigfoot season hits Norton, VA later this month when The Woodbooger Festival returns on September 25-26, bringing with it mountain mystery, folklore and a whole lot of fun to the Heart of Appalachia!

Speakers & storytellers will take a deep dive into sightings, legends and the wild tales that keep the Woodbooger roaming through the imagination. Films, vendors, live music, crafts, a 5K, food and family fun last throughout the day. And, don't forget the scavenger hunts and the night hike! For the full schedule, check out the Woodbooger page.

09/10/2026

Looking for some fun family activities this weekend? Check out the Town of Grundy SpiritFest, Saturday, September 12! The fun starts at 11 AM with vendors and FREE carnival rides opening and will close at 7 p.m.

Additional activities on tap include Princess Meet & Greets; music including Cody Hagerman & Still Pickin at 12:30 PM; Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys at 2:30 PM; and From the Edge at 5 p.m.

Vendor booths include crafts and shopping: woodworks, handmade crafts and local artisan booths ... and don't forget the “Dolly” Look-Alike Contest at 4 PM. See the SpiritFest FB page for more info! Admission is free and the event is rain or shine!

09/09/2026

We hope you enjoyed the Labor Day holiday yesterday! It was a a day to honor the workers who keep our communities strong, not only here, but throughout the U.S. We hope you took a moment or two to rest, recharge and celebrate! And, if you want to rest and recharge a little more, might we suggest you plan your trip this fall to see the Best of Virginia's West?! Request a free copy of our adventure guide, or view it online at https://heartofappalachia.com/travel-guide/

09/08/2026

Want to see something amazing? Jellyfish 🪼 live in the Heart of Appalachia. Yes that is correct, jellyfish! This species loves the clean,clear, cold waters of Pound Reservoir in Wise County, VA. They are totally harmless and do not sting. The “nickle size” translucent bodies are beautiful in the clear waters. These are not native to Virginia, but are native to China. A Google search says they are dispersed by birds. Grab your kayak or canoe and head out for an excursion to beautiful Pound Reservoir. Note Pound Reservoir is an Army Corp of engineers flood control lake, completely surrounded by beautiful forest lands! Thanks to our avid outdoorsman/angler, and contributor Nick Goodman for the photo contributions and story.🪼🛶

09/06/2026

🎶 We hope you'll join us this Sunday for the annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival.

This beloved celebration honors Dr. Joseph C. “Papa Joe” Smiddy: educator, entertainer and treasured old‑time musician.

🎶 Lineup
5 p.m. The Virginia Boys
5:45 p.m. The Boys From Bristol
6:45 p.m. Dr. Joe Smiddy and Reedy Creek
7:45 p.m. Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Band

📅 Sunday, Sept. 6, 5 p.m.
✨ Free admission
🚗 $5 Natural Tunnel State Park parking fee applies
🎸 Expect the same incredible performances you know and love, plus vendors and kids’ activities.
🍧 Please note: Concessions and vendor sales are cash only.

Bring your family, bring your friends and bring a blanket. Let’s enjoy an unforgettable night of mountain music together! 🌄

Learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-08-12-13-06-33-336678-gpi

The Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival is presented by the Cove Ridge Foundation & Advisory Board and sponsored by UVA at Wise, American Electric Power, Tele-Optics, Axe Handle Distilling, Old Virginia Hand Hewn Log Homes and Wise Kiwanis.

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Elk Fest is coming! Make your plans now to be in the Heart of Appalachia at Breaks Park Southern Gap for Elk Fest 2026, October 22-24! Live music, hayrides, local vendors, food trucks, elk tours and more are on tap. Book your cabin or camping now and be sure to get your tickets for the traditionally sold out wild game dinner which is set for October 22 at 6:30 p.m. Limited tickets are available through the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce by calling (276) 935-4147 or (276) 870-7306 or emailing [email protected].

09/04/2026

Congratulations to the Town of Haysi on the opening of the Russell Fork Trail Center in Haysi! The ribbon was cut today on the 6,800-square-foot building which will serve as a center for outdoor adventure tourism and as a multi-purpose space for the local community.

The trail center will host live music, farmer’s markets and cultural events. A new catering kitchen and flexible audio/visual infrastructure will enable banquets and events to be held on the upper level. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BqvKa2DrH/

09/03/2026

"Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Virginia's Breaks Interstate Park as you take part in the Grand Canyon of the South Ultras, an extraordinary trail running experience that celebrates the grandeur of one of America’s most captivating natural landscapes. Nestled on the Virginia side of this picturesque park, runners will traverse a diverse and challenging terrain known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, expansive overlooks, dense forests, and miles of singletrack trails.

The event offers four distinct race distances from 10K to 50K. Register now at worldracecalendar.comand make your plans to stay at the park or at one of the other lodging options in the area!