CITY OF GALAX

You’ve got to go. But you can’t just pass through. You must linger to truly savor the flavor of Galax, named for the heart shaped waxy leaf that still grows in the rich mountain soil. Located just north of the North Carolina/Virginia state line, Galax is ten miles from Interstate 77.

The Blue Ridge Mountains themselves are reason enough to go. The rolling land is beautiful and serene with the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway nearby. But the landscape is only the beginning. The true treasure lies in the enchanting experience of this authentic mountain culture and musical heritage.

Yes, there are golf courses as well as canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing in the area’s trout streams and the very old New River. True, the 57-mile New River Trail State Park starts in Galax and is one of the top ten mountain bike trails in the USA. The quaint shops of Main Street do offer antiques, crafts and the like, but the heart and soul of this western Virginia town lies in its exceptional musical heritage.

Aptly dubbed the “World Capitol of Old Time Mountain Music” by the Virginia legislature, Galax embraces its traditional music with a passion. Every Friday night throughout the year the renovated Rex Theater in downtown Galax hosts "Blue Ridge Backroads Live," a unique weekly radio show featuring Old Time & Bluegrass bands from throughout the region. The shows are attended by local residents as well as visitors from around the globe. Tour buses are always welcome.

To immerse yourself in the music and culture, attend the annual Old Fiddler’s Convention held in August every year. You won’t hear any contemporary music here since all music played at the Convention must be old enough to be in the public domain. The concept of fiddling contests dates back to the mid-seventeen hundreds and offers musicians valuable learning experiences. For the visitor, the stage competitions, concessions and vendors are only part of the evening’s events. The special treat comes when you wander behind the stage to the campsites of the musicians. Seize this opportunity to chat with the musicians. You will find everything from the lone picker to informal gatherings of more than 20 string musicians. When these talented folks gather in a circle to play, there is a spontaneous combustion of joyful rhythm and soulful ballads.

The Annual Downtown Fest takes place in Historic Downtown Galax during the Old Fiddler's Convention. Grayson Street is filled with crafts, food, music and dance on Friday and Saturday.

Galax also hosts the annual Leaf and String Festival held the second weekend in June. This festival offers a condensed showcase of the local talent. Three street stages, the Rex Theater and other localities host free performances of Old Time and Bluegrass Music.

The Blue Ridge Music Center, located about 12 miles southeast of Galax at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, was designed to preserve and promote an awareness and understanding of the area’s special musical heritage and its contributions to American music. Concerts run from early June through late September at the amphitheater. For more information about the schedule of events, visit the Blue Ridge Music Center or call (276) 236-5309.

Galax, Virginia represents a special slice of Americana where the musical heritage is preserved by passing lyrics and tunes on to subsequent generations. This profound desire to be a part of the music is reflected in the “feel” of the music. An amazing number of American musical forms have origins in these mountains. Come and see for yourself. Listen. Blend with the locals for a while. Absorb their passion for the music. You will leave enriched and forever changed, with a soft place in your heart for this region, the people and the music.

For more information, contact:
City of Galax Tourism Department
111 East Grayson Street
Galax, Virginia 24333
Email: Chuck Riedhammer
Website: www.visitgalax.com