Big Stone Gap, well we finally made the map! Below find the link to our very own Big Stone Gap Movie trailer!
Our small coal mine town was centered around this industry for much of its development. With a population of 5,254 in the 2020 census, our Wise County town is a step back in time for those looking for a small retreat and some relaxation. I could come up with a million reasons to visit, but of course then again, I live here. Big Stone Gap shares rich history with new flourishing growth. I will give you my top 5 reasons to be here at different times during the year. These are the “real gems” of living here. These are not just the places you can visit but the real hometown feel of Big Stone Gap. Let’s just say it’s personal.
Ready, set, go It’s Big stone gap!
1. Fourth of July- People say “well it’s just one day.” But here it’s not just one day and it’s actually about the community coming together to celebrate and honor the birth of our country. This is a day to show pride in being an American and appreciate our freedoms that so many paid with their own lives. In “My Town” this is a week-long celebration. From car shows, pet shows, derby car races, concerts and karaoke to luau’s in the street and some of the best fireworks and music you can find, not to mention the people.
2. Blue Highway Festival- So here is that fantastic link for all things Blue Highway Fest. Blue Highway Fest
This festival has brought so much extra joy and new people to our area. While we walk the green belt it is amazing to see our little baseball fields taken over with RV’s and vans of travelers coming from all over the world to take part in this festival. Our greenbelt provides the travelers a safe short walk to Bullitt Park where this festival is hosted. The life that is brought to this town with travel has really opened our region up to new growth. If you haven’t visited our little town this is one of the perfect times! So crank that ole van or RV up and come on down!
3. Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park- This four-story mansion (or museum) sits comfortably nestled on Poplar Hill at the end of our town. This museum houses a collection of more than 25,000 historical items from our region and was dedicated in 1948. It hosts many special events throughout the year including The Quilt Show May 31st and our absolute favorite The Festival of Trees beginning mid-November through Dec 31st.
The four levels of mansion are decorated with gorgeous Christmas trees each assembled and decorated by a different company/family/group. Walking the halls of this mansion will give you the “Old Timey” Christmas feel. The stairwells are ornamented with handmade garland, while the hand carved interior wood takes you to another time, past time. Finish off your tour with the gift shop with local handmade items as well as some museum mementos. As an added bonus this mansion boasts a cottage that is available for overnight guests! Make yourself at home and stay with us a night or two!
101 Historic Train car- The train car with a view! Overlooking Big Stone Gap and Bullitt Park this 19th century train car is open for viewing with most of its original fixtures intact. Great idea for a day trip viewing along with the SWVA Museum as they are located side by side. (I would not take a day trip just for this site, I would include 2 items on my agenda for the day.)
4. Christmas Greenbelt in Lights/Town– Okay, so let’s start with we probably walk 600 miles a year on this thing (at least) we enjoy the greenbelt in Big Stone Gap year round, you can enjoy a preview of this view below:
However at Christmas it brings this walk to life. We have the “Greenbelt In Lights” and your entire 3 mile walk will be lit up with lights of all varieties! They offer a shuttle ride for several weeks prior to Christmas that leaves from our Big Stone Visitor Center. So this item on the agenda is perfect for that toddler who beams with the site of Christmas lights, the couple who want a peaceful stroll or for those who just love the Christmas town feel!
The 3 mile walk circles around to its beginning so you can park and walk back around to your car! Honestly, it’s perfect! And while we are on this let’s go ahead and include Miner’s Park in the display of lights. We take our son each year to Miner’s Park to play in the houses that are set up like a North Pole Village and see the town Christmas tree that is lit up! He would stay for hours!
As a bonus a reindeer sleigh sits back next to the stage for a wonderful photo prop! The tree lighting in Miners Park takes place around the first week of December along with the Christmas Parade through town where vendors are set up with the perfect hot beverages and donuts! Our parade screams Halloween candy as much as the actual night of Halloween does. Be sure and take you a bag to fill with goodies to take home! I promise you will need it!
Christmas is when our town shines. My husband and I have said this for years. We love spending time in our little town during the holiday season. So many things to enjoy year-round but during Christmas the step back in time takes on a new meaning for us, especially with that first snowfall.
5. Home Craft Days– So let’s start with the link because honestly you can’t know too much about this event Home Craft Days Fall in the mountains brings its own excitement with the leaves and weather but adding this gem into the mix well it’s just one of those things I look forward to every year. Celebrating 52 years of this event speaks volumes. It has everything from music, crafts and food to good times with friends and family. This blends everything wonderful about fall into a weekend!
Let’s set the scene. Music filling these Southwest Virginia mountains, the smell of warm apple butter and southern snacks in the air along with food vendors for that taste of the mountains. Strolling and walking the parking lots of MECC viewing all of the local talents and antiques all while taking in the breathtaking view of these mountains we call home.
Shuttle is offered from 6 different locations in Big Stone Gap including Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground, Comfort Inn and Union High School. All rides are a whopping $1 per boarding (so for $2) shuttle your way to the craft fair and back to your car without the park/walk. For shuttle service you can call (276) 523-7468.
Accommodations:
Enjoy lodging through Airbnb with apartments above Big Cherry Brewing and some historic homes downtown. Also, Natural Tunnel State Park Cabins (about 15-minute drive to Big Stone Gap), Jessie Lea RV Park in downtown Big Stone Gap as well as Country Inn and Quality Inn.
What’s for Dinner?
Well just about anything you want from down home country cooking to pizza! Enjoy Big Stone Gap’s link to our unique restaurant choices! Where to Eat – Big Stone Gap
Nightly music entertainment has become a new favorite to our community with some great local talent! CODY MABE
unwind here, you’re on mountain time!
If you have been thinking of visiting, the mountains are perfect for a few days or for a week’s stay. If you want to honestly get away and relax, this is your place. Hospitality takes front and center here so in our minds there is no better place for you! Unwind here, you’re on mountain time.
Ya’ll I can’t thank you enough for spending time with this little blog of mine, talking about the things I love and the life we live! We are pretty lucky to live in these mountains. They have given me my lifetime of memories. My years spent frolicking and roaming these grounds, well they’re pretty special to me. Our boy now takes front and center on frolicking these mountains and I’m learning to do the same all over again. Life takes us many places but those roads always bring us back home.
This is the beautiful place where I grew up in Crackers Neck! That vine that creeps up the house is the only thing I’ve ever planted that has survived. The handprints on the front walkway are mine, my favorite dog is buried under the chestnut tree and my childhood memories are forever settled into this place I called home. I’ve lost a big piece of this life this past December and as I type this I have tears streaming down my face. My Dad put his heart and soul into his family and three girls as well as this little piece of land. I will be forever grateful for this life I’ve lived growing up in these mountains.
Please enjoy my February newsletter: New to be posted soon!
