Virginia's 'Old Time Music Capital Of The World' Is An Artsy City With Mountain Adventures

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves mountain views, small town charm, and live music then you should be planning a trip to Galax. It's one of the best US destinations for music lovers, and is worth adding to your bucket list. Nestled within the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, it looks like any other small Virginia town at first. If you didn't know any better, you might be tempted to pass it by. The simple brick buildings and tree-lined sidewalks look unassuming, but if you wander down Main Street on a summer day, you're likely to hear the sounds of fiddle music wafting through the air.

It's a bold claim for a town with a population of under 7,000 people to call itself the "World Capital" of anything — but the "Old Time Music Capital of the World" is an accurate nickname for Galax, Virginia. The town has a rich musical heritage that dates back to the 1700's. When European immigrants settled in the hills and hollers of Virginia, they brought the sounds of their homeland with them. Over the years, iconic musicians cut their teeth in the small town, and today music is still the beating heart of Galax.

During your trip, you can relax in cozy cabins and enjoy beautiful forest views. You can listen to the sounds of live music and dine on traditional southern cuisine painstakingly made from scratch. When you're feeling adventurous, you can escape to the mountains for hiking and biking. Whether you're passionate about outdoor recreation, music, or arts and culture —  you'll surely fall in love with Galax.

If you're traveling to Galax from outside the US, you'll likely arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte Douglas is the largest international airport in proximity, and it's just under two hours from Galax by car. The average car rental cost is around $65 per day in Charlotte. The best way to visit Galax is via the Crooked Road, which is also known as Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. The unique mountain road trip is a music lover's dream. It stretches for over 300 miles between the town of Rocky Mount and Bristol. You can begin from either end — Galax is near the middle of the route.

When it comes to accommodations, you'll have several options to choose from. Galax is a small town, so there aren't many large hotels. The Hampton Inn is one of the few chain hotels in the area. Rooms start at around $120 per night.There's also a Knights Inn Motel if you're looking for something budget-friendly. 

For a more intimate experience, opt to stay in a rustic cabin. There are several cabin rental companies in town. Fiddlers Roost Cabins has some of the most romantic cabin rentals for couples looking to relax in nature. They're traditional log cabins, and each has a private hot tub where you can soak your bones after a night of dancing to mountain music. An optional breakfast can be purchased for an additional fee, and they come equipped with a kitchen if you'd prefer to cook for yourself. Prices start at $160 per night.The cabins are right next to the Blue Ridge Amphitheater, so they're a great choice if you're hoping to catch live music or attend a workshop. 

It would be a crime to visit Galax without catching live music while you're in town. Music is deeply rooted in the local culture, and has been for decades. If you're looking for a toe-tapping good time, try to visit during the Old Fiddler's Convention. Founded in 1935, the festival just celebrated its 89th year. Blue Ridge Music Center is another excellent place to catch live performances, or attend a workshop. The non-profit is committed to supporting the creative and performing arts, and there are a variety of events and jam sessions throughout the year. 

The Rex Theater, located on Main Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Galax, is the place to go if you want to catch nationally touring acts. On any day of the week you might stumble upon "jam sessions" at the local cafes, bars, and farmers markets — and if you have an instrument you're welcome to join in. You should also take time to wander the streets and enjoy the public art displays while you're in town. 

When you've had your fill of live music and art, enjoy the great outdoors. A paddling trip with New River Outdoor Adventures is a must on a summer day. You can choose to kayak, canoe, or tube and there are trip options for every skill level. Prices start at $20 per person. Galax also has great hiking trails nearby. New River Trail State Park is a linear journey that stretches for 57 miles along the river. You can walk or bike on the wide path. There is a $7 parking fee. Mathews State Forest is also located nearby, and has over 500 acres of forests to explore.