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BW Craft Corner: Angel Afghans
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout introduces "Country Store Craft Corner" with a warm welcome to local artisan Linda Hoagland and her Angel Afghans. Linda's afghans have an angel design crocheted into each one. Choose from the different designs and colors she has created. Afghans will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local artisan, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store.
Meet the Author: Linda Hudson Hoagland
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Linda Hudson Hoagland. Linda is a retired school employee from Tazewell, VA. She writes fiction, nonfiction, essay, short stories, and poetry. She is an award winning novelist who writes mysteries and about her life and lives of others. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout is pleased to have Iris Pruett, one of the local artisans, here to do an individual craft show. Come on up and browse her selection of blankets, aprons, towels, and other hand sewn items, ask questions, and learn a little about the craft. Selections of her craft works are available for purchase. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction: Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store is celebrating over 70 years in business. It has been owned and operated by the same family and features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Meet the Author: Cyrus Alderwood
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Cyrus Alderwood. Born in Ft. Lauderdale and raised in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, Alderwood brings a unique and creative style to his work. Often referred to as unconventional, he writes across multiple genres that include horror and comedy. In his work Tales From the Sunset Pub you’ll see that range in the various stories that are based on a group of savages from Cincinnati that he calls friends. Alderwood prides himself on being an avid reader, not holding allegiance to any specific genre. Many of his favorite authors, and those that influence him, are John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Jack Kerouac, Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, and countless independent and self-published authors like himself. You can also follow Cyrus on Facebook and Twitter @CyrusAlderwood. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store.
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Tom Fugate and his spy novels! Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Let's Jam! Preserving Tomatoes
Highlands Hemp Farms
453 Farmland Drive
Lebanon, VA 24266 Map
The practice of canning, or preserving foods, has been around for millenia. Our ancestors were quick to realize that they had to come up with ways to extend the life of their foods, especially through the harsh winters. In the past 200-300 years, canning became increasingly popular (and needed) in “the South”. People were blessed with bountiful harvests throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall months, and due to poverty and poor living conditions, they would preserve their extra meats/fruits/vegetables so that they and their families would have access to ”fresh” food throughout the year. It seems, however, that this once needed practice has fallen to the wayside, thanks to a better economy and numerous advances in food preservation technology (ie. refrigerators and freezers). The SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace is ready to help canning make a comeback! We will be offering hands-on classes this Summer, showing you recipes, techniques, and tips, in all things food preservation! Each class will be a different theme, and the best part?...You get to take home what you made that day! Join us in helping bring back this (delicious) southern tradition. Now, “Let’s Jam!” $15 per class, plus tax. Schedule is as follows: April 18th – Strawberry Salsa (postponed) June 27th – Blueberry Jam August 29th – Preserving Tomatoes October 10th – Apple Butter December 12th - Sauerkraut
Cooking Along The Crooked Road: "Southern Breakfast Staples"
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
“Grits, Gravy, and other Southern Breakfast Staples” - Chef Ben Phillips will be showing us how he makes his delicious grits, sausage gravy, and other breakfast foods. The wildly popular "Cooking Along The Crooked Road" series is back, this time at the SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace. This cooking class series puts you directly into the kitchen to do hands-on cooking with Southwest Virginia Chefs to learn their recipes, tips, and techniques! Classes take place on the first Monday of each month from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Each class has a different theme and the Chef/Cook builds a custom experience around each theme. All classes are $35 per student.
Learning Lunch {E-commerce / Online Sales for Artists & Makers}
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
Join friends, members and partners in Southwest Virginia for an all new event series titled "Learning Lunch." These free workshops are held every 1st Wednesday from April - November in 2020 at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Grab lunch at the SWVA Cafe & Mountain Brew Bar, located inside the SWVA Cultural Center and come downstairs for information. We will cover a variety of topics this year and hope to see you for any, if not all of the below! April 1 - SWVA Website Training & General Public Relations May 6 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop June 3 - Marketing Investment Program Training July 1 - Social Media for Arts & Tourism August 5 - How to Leverage The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail / Music in SWVA September 2 - E-commerce and Online Sales for Artists & Makers October 7 - Starting Your Small Business November 4 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop
Country Store Craft Corner: Paul Lambert
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout introduces "Country Store Craft Corner" with a warm welcome to local artisan Paul Lambert and his handmade wooden furniture. Items will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local artisan, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands.
Country Store Craft Corner: Josey's Crafts
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout introduces "Country Store Craft Corner" with a warm welcome to local artisan Shirley Bandy and Josey's Crafts. She has a wide variety of jewelry and other handmade items. Items will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local artisan, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands.
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Bill Tabor. Bill has written 3 novels about the lives of coal miners and their families. Here is one review: "Ok folks. I just finished reading a very very good book titled Pickin’ Bone in the Bible Belt. Written by our very own local author Bill Tabor. This is his third book. His first was Tipple Holler and the second was Bamboo Sally. Bill has a unique writing style that enables his readers to actually feel like they are living the experience that are reading. Not only are the stories of top quality in content but in the case of his most recent book, I really felt that I was there observing the story line unfold. And after all isn’t that what all good writers seek? Myself as a kid, I grew up in coal country and my Grand dad, my dad as well as my uncles from both sides of my family worked in the coal mines. So I’ve heard many stories about the early struggles of men who worked in the mine for very little money. My grand dad once told me he got paid 0.50 a day. That’s fifty cents a day. Without giving anything away I’ll just say that Bills latest book deals with the hardships and struggles of miners in Boissevain,VA. and the rough lives they lived just prior to coal being organized by labor unions. Picking Bone in the Bible Belt is a great read and I highly recommend it especially if you now have or ever have had someone in your family that worked in a coal mine. Thank you Bill Tabor for another excellent book. Great work, I truly did feel I was there with those folks. And being from Pocahontas area I can respect even more just how hard life was for these folks." - Keith Jennings. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store.
Meet the Author: Sheryl Greynolds
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Big Walker Lookout continues the 2018 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Sheryl Greynolds. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
MountainRose Vineyards
10439 N Reservoir Rd
Wise, VA 24293 Map
Fall in love with Harvest Time and join us for our treasured annual celebration! See how wine is made, have a wine tasting, enjoy a glass of your favorite wine and explore our collection! Enter our Annual Grape Stomp contest and have your photo on a wine bottle! (General Admission w/o lunch $5.00~Hayrides weather permitting) Event Schedule Winery Tours- 11am-1pm Luncheon- Noon-1:30 ($16 Adults/ $5 Kids) Face Painting/Tattoos- 2-3pm Vineyard Hayride Tours- 2pm & 4pm Grape Stomp Contest- 3pm ($25 entry fee) Wine and Grape Tastings All Day Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Caramel Apples for purchase! PLEASE CALL AHEAD IN SEPTEMBER FOR LUNCH RESERVATIONS! Lunch Menu! Adults $16- Soup Beans, Fried Potatoes, Cornbread, Sauerkraut, Mac/Cheese, Apple cobbler a-la mode Kids $5- Hot dogs, Chips, Mac/Cheese, ice cream/cobbler (Luncheon Menu subject to changes)
History Comes Alive: Apple Butter Cooking
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
BW Country Store is making APPLE BUTTER! Yum!!!! Come on up and watch as we make a big pot of apple butter. Take a turn stirring the pot. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction: Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store is celebrating over 70 years in business. It has been owned and operated by the same family and features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Cooking Along The Crooked Road: "Homemade Soups"
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
“Homemade Soups” - Chef Charles Parker has won many awards for his soups in the Great Annual Winter Soup Cookoff Series, and he will be demonstrating two of those winning recipes) The wildly popular "Cooking Along The Crooked Road" series is back, this time at the SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace. This cooking class series puts you directly into the kitchen to do hands-on cooking with Southwest Virginia Chefs to learn their recipes, tips, and techniques! Classes take place on the first Monday of each month from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Each class has a different theme and the Chef/Cook builds a custom experience around each theme. All classes are $35 per student.
Learning Lunch {Starting Your Small Business}
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
Join friends, members and partners in Southwest Virginia for an all new event series titled "Learning Lunch." These free workshops are held every 1st Wednesday from April - November in 2020 at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Grab lunch at the SWVA Cafe & Mountain Brew Bar, located inside the SWVA Cultural Center and come downstairs for information. We will cover a variety of topics this year and hope to see you for any, if not all of the below! April 1 - SWVA Website Training & General Public Relations May 6 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop June 3 - Marketing Investment Program Training July 1 - Social Media for Arts & Tourism August 5 - How to Leverage The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail / Music in SWVA September 2 - E-commerce and Online Sales for Artists & Makers October 7 - Starting Your Small Business November 4 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
The practice of canning, or preserving foods, has been around for millenia. Our ancestors were quick to realize that they had to come up with ways to extend the life of their foods, especially through the harsh winters. In the past 200-300 years, canning became increasingly popular (and needed) in “the South”. People were blessed with bountiful harvests throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall months, and due to poverty and poor living conditions, they would preserve their extra meats/fruits/vegetables so that they and their families would have access to ”fresh” food throughout the year. It seems, however, that this once needed practice has fallen to the wayside, thanks to a better economy and numerous advances in food preservation technology (ie. refrigerators and freezers). The SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace is ready to help canning make a comeback! We will be offering hands-on classes this Summer, showing you recipes, techniques, and tips, in all things food preservation! Each class will be a different theme, and the best part?...You get to take home what you made that day! Join us in helping bring back this (delicious) southern tradition. Now, “Let’s Jam!” $15 per class, plus tax. Schedule is as follows: April 18th – Strawberry Salsa June 20th – Blueberry Jam August 22nd – Preserving Tomatoes October 10th – Apple Butter December 12th - Sauerkraut
Fall Jury: Apply to be a 'Round the Mountain juried artisan!
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
All members of 'Round the Mountain are eligible to submit their work for the jury. Interested in becoming a member? You can learn more information at http://JoinRTM.org. To date, more than 300 members have successfully passed the jury process. Juried members are able to have their work for sale at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace in Abingdon, VA, demonstrate at the Center and regional events, participate in special shows, exhibitions, and other opportunities as they arise. `Round the Mountain serves the 19 counties and four cities of Southwest Virginia. Email info@roundthemountain.org for more information. Fall Jury Dates: Drop-off at the SWVA Cultural Center - October 16 - 31, 2020 Artisan Notifications - November 15, 2020
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Kim Headlee and her Celtic novels. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Meet the Author: Connie Wohlford
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Connie Wohlford. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner!
MountainRose Vineyards
10439 N Reservoir Rd
Wise, VA 24293 Map
Join us for a delicious dinner & death! Help us investigate one of our hilarious murder mysteries or play along as one of our suspects! Dress in your favorite Halloween attire and 'Enter 2 Win' our Annual Costume Contest! Costumes encouraged, but not required! Tickets for Dinner & Show on sale Oct. 1st. $40 includes tax & gratuity. Gift Certificates available! Menu: TBA but guaranteed delicious & will included a glass of wine!
Learning Lunch {Outdoor Recreation Workshop}
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
Join friends, members and partners in Southwest Virginia for an all new event series titled "Learning Lunch." These free workshops are held every 1st Wednesday from April - November in 2020 at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Grab lunch at the SWVA Cafe & Mountain Brew Bar, located inside the SWVA Cultural Center and come downstairs for information. We will cover a variety of topics this year and hope to see you for any, if not all of the below! April 1 - SWVA Website Training & General Public Relations May 6 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop June 3 - Marketing Investment Program Training July 1 - Social Media for Arts & Tourism August 5 - How to Leverage The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail / Music in SWVA September 2 - E-commerce and Online Sales for Artists & Makers October 7 - Starting Your Small Business November 4 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop
Southwest Virginia Holiday Market
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
Join Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network and the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace on Small Business Saturday for our Annual Holiday Market! Children's activities, local food, live artisan demonstrations, and fun for the whole family!
Meet the Author: Bonnie Turner
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout continues the 2020 "Meet the Author" series with a warm welcome to local author Bonnie Turner and her "Eyes of Freya" series! Come one up and chat with her and pick up a book or two. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands. Books will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local author, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event.
Country Store Craft Corner: Awe Shucks
Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Rd N37º 2.7641', W081º 13.6846'
Wytheville, VA 24382 Map
Big Walker Lookout welcomes "Country Store Craft Corner" local artisan Bonnie Turner of Awe Shucks with her wonderful corn husk creations. Come up and chat with her and take home a one of a kind wreath or angel. Items will be available for purchase on site. Come out and meet this terrific local artisan, and enjoy this fun event with us!! Hot dogs, snacks, drinks, & delicious ice cream are available for purchase at Big Walker Lookout in the BW Country Store. This is a free event. Virginia's oldest privately owned scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout & BW Country Store has been owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years. It features more than 25 local artisans, crafters, and musicians that demonstrate their talents each weekend from May through October. Local authors do book signings and have books for sale all summer long. Big Walker Lookout, a Crooked Road venue, will host this Summer's Mountain Top Music featuring local musicians, some returning favorites as well as fresh new groups & bands.
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
1 Heartwood Cir
Abingdon, VA 24210 Map
The practice of canning, or preserving foods, has been around for millenia. Our ancestors were quick to realize that they had to come up with ways to extend the life of their foods, especially through the harsh winters. In the past 200-300 years, canning became increasingly popular (and needed) in “the South”. People were blessed with bountiful harvests throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall months, and due to poverty and poor living conditions, they would preserve their extra meats/fruits/vegetables so that they and their families would have access to ”fresh” food throughout the year. It seems, however, that this once needed practice has fallen to the wayside, thanks to a better economy and numerous advances in food preservation technology (ie. refrigerators and freezers). The SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace is ready to help canning make a comeback! We will be offering hands-on classes this Summer, showing you recipes, techniques, and tips, in all things food preservation! Each class will be a different theme, and the best part?...You get to take home what you made that day! Join us in helping bring back this (delicious) southern tradition. Now, “Let’s Jam!” $15 per class, plus tax. Schedule is as follows: April 18th – Strawberry Salsa June 20th – Blueberry Jam August 22nd – Preserving Tomatoes October 10th – Apple Butter December 12th - Sauerkraut