Galax VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Galax, Virginia.
1. Blue Ridge Music Center
HEART OF MOUNTAIN MUSIC
The Blue Ridge Music Center celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains with its outdoor amphitheater and indoor interpretive center. Located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it features a museum highlighting the region's thriving American musical culture, a theater, and a gift shop. Visitors can enjoy live performances and learn about the traditional music that has made this area famous as a stop on Virginia's musical heritage trail.
2. Rex Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Rex Theater opened its doors in 1940 as the only movie theater in the Twin Counties and has since transformed into an iconic live performance venue. Today, this historic theater hosts a diverse array of events including bluegrass and folk music concerts, theatrical productions, and community gatherings. The Rex Theater stands as a cultural landmark in downtown Galax, preserving the city's entertainment heritage while supporting its reputation as the 'Old-Time Music Capital of the World.'
3. New River Trail State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
New River Trail State Park offers visitors a journey through nature's beauty with numerous recreational opportunities accessible from Galax. The park features gentle bike rides along the New River, surrounded by local barns and lively wildlife, making it perfect for cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels. Outdoor adventurers can enjoy this linear park's numerous activities including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking along its scenic paths.
4. Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum stands as a tribute to the rich history and cultural heritage of Galax and the surrounding region. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that document the area's development, local industries, and community life through the years. Visitors can explore the fascinating stories of Galax's past and gain insight into the people and events that shaped this Blue Ridge Mountain community.
5. Chestnut Creek School of the Arts
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts serves as a vibrant center for artistic expression and education in the heart of Galax. The school offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and programs in various art forms including traditional crafts, fine arts, music, and more. Visitors and residents alike can engage with the region's artistic traditions while developing their own creative skills in this community-focused cultural institution.
6. Galax Smokehouse
AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN BARBECUE
Galax Smokehouse serves up authentic southern barbecue that has earned it a reputation as one of the most popular dining destinations in the city. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats prepared with traditional techniques and complemented by homemade sides and sauces that showcase regional flavors. Visitors can enjoy a genuine taste of Southern cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the hospitable spirit of Galax.
7. Creek Bottom Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER AND CUISINE
Creek Bottom Brewing Company offers a distinctive craft beer experience combined with quality pub fare in its tasting room and restaurant. The brewery produces a variety of handcrafted beers that showcase both traditional brewing methods and innovative flavor profiles inspired by the region. Patrons can enjoy their brews alongside American cuisine in a relaxed setting that has become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors exploring Galax.
8. Briar Patch Marketplace & Cafe
LOCAL SHOPPING AND DINING
Briar Patch Marketplace & Cafe combines retail therapy with culinary delights in a charming venue that showcases local products and flavors. The marketplace features a curated selection of gifts, crafts, and specialty items made by regional artisans and producers. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs and then relax at the cafe, which serves fresh, homestyle food that reflects the culinary traditions of the Blue Ridge region.
9. Old Cranks RV Campground
RUSTIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION
Old Cranks RV Campground provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty surrounding Galax. The campground offers well-maintained sites for recreational vehicles along with amenities designed to make stays comfortable and enjoyable. Its convenient location makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's attractions, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, music venues, and outdoor recreation areas.
10. Barr's Fiddle Shop
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DESTINATION
Barr's Fiddle Shop stands as a living testament to Galax's deep-rooted musical heritage as the 'Old-Time Music Capital of the World.' The shop specializes in stringed instruments, particularly those central to old-time and bluegrass music, offering sales, repairs, and expert advice to musicians of all levels. Visitors can often encounter impromptu jam sessions or discussions about musical traditions that continue to thrive in this iconic establishment that connects the past and present of Appalachian music culture.
11. Matthews State Forest
WOODLAND RECREATION AREA
Matthews State Forest offers a tranquil natural escape with over 566 acres of woodland beauty near Galax. The forest features a network of hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and peaceful contemplation. Visitors can experience the changing seasons of the Blue Ridge Mountains in this managed forest that balances recreation with conservation and sustainable forestry practices.
12. Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail
VIRGINIA'S MUSICAL HIGHWAY
The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail highlights Galax as a key destination on this 300-mile route celebrating Southwestern Virginia's musical legacy. The trail connects major heritage music venues, museums, and cultural sites that preserve and promote the region's distinctive old-time, bluegrass, and traditional music forms. Visitors following the Crooked Road through Galax can experience authentic performances, learn about influential musicians, and understand how geography and culture shaped these enduring musical traditions.
13. Downtown Galax
HISTORIC MAIN STREET EXPERIENCE
Downtown Galax invites visitors to stroll through its charming streets lined with historic buildings housing quaint shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The walkable downtown area serves as the heart of community life, hosting festivals, concerts, and gatherings that showcase the city's welcoming spirit and rich traditions. Shoppers can discover unique treasures in locally-owned businesses while experiencing the authentic small-town atmosphere that has made Galax a beloved destination in Virginia's Blue Ridge Highlands.
14. Chestnut Creek Cabins
RUSTIC RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Chestnut Creek Cabins offers a scenic getaway with comfortable accommodations nestled along the picturesque waterway that gives them their name. These rustic yet well-appointed cabins provide visitors with a peaceful base for exploring Galax and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain region. Guests can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water and easy access to outdoor activities while experiencing the natural beauty that characterizes this part of Virginia.
15. Old Fiddler's Convention
WORLD'S OLDEST MUSIC GATHERING
The Old Fiddler's Convention stands as the world's oldest and largest gathering dedicated to old-time and bluegrass music, held annually in Galax since 1935. This legendary event attracts thousands of musicians and music lovers from across the globe who come to compete, perform, and celebrate traditional Appalachian musical forms. The convention not only showcases instrumental virtuosity and authentic playing styles but also serves as a living repository for musical traditions that have been passed down through generations in the Blue Ridge region.