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Your next group tour adventure awaits you in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the rich history and scenic views to the quaint downtown shops and hiking trails, Galax, VA is a city that everyone will enjoy. Conveniently located a short distance from Interstates 77 and 81, this charming town is the perfect place to start a new adventure and make lasting memories. Hey, they don’t call us The Best Pick in Virginia for nothing!

Welcome to Galax Home of the Largest Old Time Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention!

ITINERARIES:

Day One:

Your journey begins at our Visitors Center, located in historic downtown Galax, where you will be welcomed to the place that we love to call home. While here, you will find information about the area and get a glimpse into the exciting adventures that await you when you hit the road with your step-on guide. Just step foot outside the Galax Visitors Center and your Historic Downtown Walking Tour is underway. While walking amongst the 62 historic buildings located in downtown Galax, be sure to take a trip back in time at one of the many antique stores, dive into a book by a local author at Chapter’s bookstore and swing by Barr’s Fiddle Shop, where you just might catch an impromptu bluegrass jam session in progress. Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the many mouthwatering dining options downtown.

The next stop along our historic journey will be at Old Cranks Motorcar Museum and Ice Cream Shop. Browse the eclectic array of vintage automobiles, including a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 and a 1912 IHC Auto Wagon, then cool off with a sweet treat.

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts is just a stone’s throw away and our next destination. You can view artwork by local artisans and visit the gift shop where arts and crafts, as well as Galax souvenirs and memorabilia, can be purchased. Also, be sure to participate in one of the classes being offered at the time of your visit.

Award-winning Memphis style BBQ is the specialty at The Galax Smokehouse, which just happens to be located across from Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. While enjoying your dinner there, be sure to browse through the vast collection of old photographs of Galax and the surrounding areas.

Last, but certainly not least, you can take a trip back in time while catching a show at the historic Rex Theater. A Crooked Road Major Venue, The Rex plays host to live Bluegrass and Old Time music radio shows every Friday night and is constantly in demand for special events. Be sure to rest up, tomorrow is another fun-filled day!

Day Two: After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to head to the neighboring town of Hillsville for a guided tour of the 1873 Courthouse, home of the infamous “1912 Courthouse Tragedy”. There, you will learn about the heritage of Carroll County in the museum located within the courthouse.

The next stop happens to be located next door at the Hale-Wilkinson-Carter Home. The oldest structure in town, the home was originally built in 1845 by Captain Fielden Lewis Hale. It was later purchased by James Wilkinson

in 1864 and then by George L. Carter, who added the top three floors and the wrap-around porches in the 1920s.

Lunch can be enjoyed at The Hardware Bar & Grill, where the menu is themed after an actual hardware store. You can sink your teeth into the Sledge Hammer (house ground beef burger with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon), or perhaps a Tool B(e)LT (a hickory smoked BLT with an herb aioli) is more your style?

Located in Harmon’s Western Wear is a true local landmark, Harmon’s Museum, and it just happens to be where we are headed next. Inside, you will find an impressive collection of relics that date back to the indigenous peoples of North America, the Revolutionary War, Civil War and World War II.

Next door, you will find the Heritage Shoppe which is home to well known old time musicians Bobby Patterson and Willard Gayheart. While visiting, you will also be able to view Willard’s Gallery and enjoy the unique pencil drawings of local artists and scenery.

Then your group will travel back to Galax for dinner where dining options range from down-home, country cooking to steaks and seafood.

Day Three: The first stop is at the Blue Ridge Music Center located at milepost 213 on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. You can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, all while listening in as talented local musicians perform on the breezeway. The Roots of America Music Museum is also located at the Blue Ridge Music Center and features an award-winning interactive exhibition honoring the living musical history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Then, you’ll be headed to Mt. Vale Vineyards, nestled in the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside. There, your group will enjoy a “Create Your Own Picnic” lunch, which can be eaten on one of the porches or in one of the gazebos overlooking the spectacular winery grounds. Afterwards, your group can take part in a wine tour and tasting, where they will be welcomed with warm hospitality and terrific, handcrafted wines.

Next, your group will head back into downtown Galax for a meal at one of our local downtown eateries.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and this would be that time. The next morning, it is time to travel home. However, you will always have the memories you made in Galax to share with your family and friends!

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