Roanoke, Virginia, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Crooked Road is a 330-mile heritage music trail in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia, connecting small towns and celebrating unique musical traditions. Kicking off in Roanoke, the trail leads through towns like Floyd and Bristol, and features venues that host live performances and community events. The trail preserves the area’s rich musical history, including bluegrass, old-time tunes, and the famed Bristol Sessions that contributed to commercial country music.
Roanoke, Virginia – The Crooked Road is a 330-mile heritage music trail in southwest Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, showcasing the region’s rich musical history. This trail connects a network of rural small towns through ten major music hubs and over 60 affiliated venues, celebrating various music styles, including bluegrass and old-time tunes.
The journey along the Crooked Road begins in Roanoke and features several quaint towns, including Floyd, known for its artistic community and pottery studios. Floyd, with a population of 449, is particularly notable for its historic Floyd Country Store, established in 1910. The store was revived in 2014 and serves as a local hub for live performances, community dances, and a café. A major highlight of the store is the Friday Night Jamboree, a beloved tradition that has brought the community together since the early 1980s.
The preservation of Appalachian music traditions is attributed to the area’s isolation and the lack of transportation routes through the mountains. The music has been shaped by various influences, including fiddling traditions from Scottish and Irish settlers, English ballads, and the banjo’s roots in African heritage. Master banjo picker Jared Boyd offers lessons on crucial techniques such as clawhammer, further enriching the local music landscape.
Along the Crooked Road, visitors can also explore the Blue Ridge Music Center, a scenic amphitheater and museum located near Galax. This venue hosts concerts and exhibits that celebrate the region’s musical legacy, emphasizing both historical and contemporary aspects of local music. Moving east, Bristol famously holds the title of the birthplace of commercial country music, credited largely to the Bristol Sessions in 1927, which captured the careers of pioneering artists of the genre.
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol presents the history of country music through interactive exhibits and regular jam sessions, making it a destination for music enthusiasts. Additionally, the Carter Family Fold, which honors the legacy of country music pioneers A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter, continues to draw significant crowds for its Saturday night music gatherings.
A unique aspect of the Crooked Road is how community life regularly incorporates gatherings such as dances and jam sessions, fostering a vibrant cultural environment. The trail culminates at the Tri-Cities Airport in Bristol, easily accessible by major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and United.
Virginia’s musical history is intertwined with its cultural heritage, showcasing the evolution of genres through local traditions and family legacies. Festivals and weekly jam sessions are prevalent along the Crooked Road and symbolize the region’s lively culture. This trail serves as a living testament to the deep roots of American music, bringing locals and tourists together to celebrate shared history and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Crooked Road?
The Crooked Road is a 330-mile heritage music trail in southwest Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains that connects a network of rural small towns through ten major music hubs and over 60 affiliated venues.
What types of music does the Crooked Road celebrate?
The trail celebrates various music styles, including bluegrass and old-time tunes.
Where does the journey along the Crooked Road begin?
The journey begins in Roanoke, Virginia.
What is special about Floyd, Virginia?
Floyd is known for its artistic community and pottery studios, with a population of 449. It features the historic Floyd Country Store, which hosts live performances and community events.
What is the significance of the Bristol Sessions?
Bristol is recognized as the birthplace of commercial country music, with the Bristol Sessions in 1927 capturing key early artists.
What role do community gatherings play in the Crooked Road?
Gatherings like dances and jam sessions are a regular part of community life, representing the region’s vibrant cultural environment.
How can visitors reach the Crooked Road?
The Crooked Road ends at the Tri-Cities Airport in Bristol, which is accessible from major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and United.
Key Features of the Crooked Road
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 330 miles |
| Location | Southwest Virginia, Appalachian Mountains |
| Music Styles | Bluegrass and old-time tunes |
| Major Towns | Roanoke, Floyd, Galax, Bristol |
| Venues | Over 60 affiliated venues |
| Community Events | Friday Night Jamboree, Saturday night music gatherings |
| Airport Access | Tri-Cities Airport in Bristol |
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Additional Resources
- The Roanoker: Appalachian Music Jam
- Wikipedia: The Crooked Road
- StyleBlueprint: Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail
- Google Search: The Crooked Road
- New York Times: On Virginia’s Crooked Road
- Google Scholar: The Crooked Road
- USA Today: Crooked Road Virginia Heritage Music Trail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Crooked Road
- National Geographic: Why Southwest Virginia is the Birthplace of Country Music
- Google News: The Crooked Road
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
