Explore Blue Ridge: Top 5 Art & Culture Spots

The Blue Ridge region, a place that’s known for its natural splendor, is just brimming with opportunities to absorb yourself in inspiring art and soak up its interesting traditions, too. It’s a retreat for people wanting more than scenery; it is that space to connect and be filled up with storytelling and handcrafted masterpieces. So, if you’re considering escaping into the Blue Ridge Mountains for a little bit of learning and inspiration, I have curated five spots you’ll actually remember.

1. Asheville, North Carolina: A Hot Spot for Artistic Flair

Asheville, North Carolina, quite often regarded as the “Paris of the South,” it tends to act a bit like a beacon for creatives and those appreciative of various creations, actually. This unique city is, in some ways, drowning in galleries, art studios, and performance venues, you know? The River Arts District, particularly, is something you might like, too. It’s where old factory buildings now serve as awesome places for artists working in many, many kinds of mediums. It feels very free around there, sort of. And there are so many arts festivals that keep it feeling vibrant.

Check out the Asheville Art Museum, it’s got a great selection of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art with local connections and national reach. Another great idea: visit during one of Asheville’s many art festivals for special exhibits. Find one that tickles you a bit, maybe? If music’s more your style, explore The Orange Peel; it is that kind of live music spot that almost everyone seems to love around Asheville. Experience what everyone talks about and enjoy Asheville’s art scene in ways you may not be thinking about!

Read our full review: Asheville Art and Culture Full Review and Details

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2. Floyd, Virginia: Rooted in Tradition, Blooming with Art

Floyd, Virginia, something of a treasure trove situated right on the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, yet. So, it’s kinda deeply connected to mountain music and bluegrass traditions, usually, but there’s also something of an evolving arts scene. Floyd, you know, blends traditional crafts with newer artistic efforts very successfully. You may get a bit of a welcoming feeling from the town, that kind of vibe.

Visit the Floyd Country Store for the Friday Night Jamboree; it’s kind of a staple for musicians from all over, actually, or just check out the local galleries dotted all over downtown. It’s so fun to just find things and little cool places, just maybe explore a bit! The iconic FloydFest is another spot you just may love. That festival, too, presents a mix of popular musicians, craft vendors, and all sorts of cool artistic installations to walk through; many really seem to find something of a connection with each other and themselves out there, too!

Read our full review: Floyd Virginia Art and Music Full Review and Details

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3. Berea, Kentucky: The Folk Arts and Crafts Capital

Berea, Kentucky, something you might recognize; that would be thanks to it being called the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky.” Maybe. This unique town, really, is focused quite intensely on its Appalachian legacy with quite a collection of craft workshops and places with fine art, so too it’s almost the place to be for unique artisan shopping, yeah? A trip to Berea could include something special to almost everyone. It feels very communal around there.

You might see the Kentucky Artisan Center, it’s sort of a statewide gallery, it could offer a ton of work by Kentucky artists. Visit the studios of local woodworkers, potters, jewelers, and fiber artists to experience hands-on what it means to create. If you find yourself fascinated with historic arts, you just may wanna watch a demonstration; they’re usually really informative and neat. Every opportunity presents an inspiring moment around Berea.

Read our full review: Berea Kentucky Folk Arts Full Review and Details

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4. Blowing Rock, North Carolina: The Peak of Artsy Escapes

Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is that perfect scenic destination; but, don’t forget, it provides something kind of charming when it comes to art and society. What you get here is some really wonderful views from all the galleries to various locations putting on all types of shows, just sort of tucked away for folks to actually find. So it seems there’s almost a lot around here for folks that may like to see more local artistry and interesting cultural spaces to explore.

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum has several regional displays so, really, give them a peek, but actually try to visit during one of its outdoor craft fairs, you might just find something unexpected or something totally just right for you or that art space. Make sure that when the weather isn’t terrible that you’re enjoying it out on their scenic parkway; very, very awesome. Just think about making a quiet trip and getting an inspiring getaway while visiting somewhere that feels fresh!

Read our full review: Blowing Rock Art and History Full Review and Details

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5. Abingdon, Virginia: A Stage for History and Art

Abingdon, Virginia, just a quaint spot that also happens to have an enormous level of cultural importance for that place and those who visit it too, yeah? Mostly known as the house for the Barter Theatre; It does actually offer performances all year round and it is, for some, almost an interesting historical attraction for visitors who like the dramatic arts at least, usually. You may just fall for Abingdon. The story here is all about the arts and society as much as whatever shows the Barter Theater has to share that weekend.

Pay a trip to the Arts Depot; it houses different craft galleries and hosts events. Take a walk in downtown Abingdon. Very lovely. It may feature a bunch of historical places and local shops, and if you don’t, I wouldn’t say that’s weird either. Take the time to try some of their local cuisine too. Just check them out! If you love theater or old-time stories, come have a visit.

Read our full review: Abingdon Virginia Art and Theater Full Review and Details

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