Stories from Southwest Virginia

Today, we are chatting with Wythevillve Downtown Executive Director Todd Wolford about the exciting downtown of Wytheville and some upcoming events in 2021. Wytheville in a central hub destination in Southwest Virginia off I-81. If you're looking to travel to West Virginia, North Carolina, Northern Virginia, or Southwest Virginia, chances are, you'll be passing through Wytheville.

Coming out of the pandemic, Todd and the team at Wytheville want to give back to the local community by showcasing a large-scale celebration on July 3rd. Packed with music, food, and downtown charm, this family fun event will be one to not miss!

To find out more about Wytheville and upcoming events, be sure to visit:

Downtown Wytheville

Visit Wytheville

To find out more about Southwest Virginia and all the fun things to see and do, be sure to visit:

Visit Southwest Virginia

In today's episode, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Tourism Director David Rotenizer, Hammer & Forge Brewing owner Caleb Williamson, Chaos Mountain Brewing owner Joseph Hallock. We talked about all things brewing including start-ups, passion projects, innovation, and more. I had the chance to visit both of these breweries back in April of this year and enjoyed both. I went back to Franklin County in May to attend the Chaos Mountain seven-year anniversary party which was an absolute jam!

Both breweries offer beer lovers something different from the environment, to the beers and activities.

To learn more about both of these breweries, be sure to visit their websites.

Chaos Mountain Brewing

Hammer & Forge Brewing

To learn more about all the happenings and fun things in Franklin County, be sure to visit their website.

Franklin County

And finally, to learn more about all the fun and exciting things Southwest Virginia has to offer, be sure to visit our website!

Southwest Virginia

In today's episode, I took some time to talk to 'Round the Mountain Artisan and professional metalworker, Isaac Hylton about his artistic metal and woodwork. Isaac has been working with metal and welding since he was ten years old. Today, he is sharing his crafts in metal and wood with his eleven-year-old daughter. Passing down the skills and knowledge taught to him by his father all those years ago.

If you would like to see some of Isaac's work, be sure to visit the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace in Abingdon, Virginia.

You can also check out Isaac's Facebook page for more information on him and his work.

In today's episode of the podcast, I am joined by 'Round the Mountain Artisan Henri de Hahn to talk about his life of traveling, settling in the region, and his hand-carved, hand-painted snakes. Henri was such a fun quest to speak with on the interpretations of art, various mediums, and how the materials often determine the art.

If you would like to learn more about Henri and his work, be sure to view his website here.

If you would like to see Henri's work, be sure to stop by the SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace in Abingdon, Virginia.

Today's episode continues the Franklin County Moonshine Heritage month episodes. Today we chat with Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer, Bethany Worley Director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, and Karen Dillion Editor of the Franklin News-Post.

In this episode, we talk about what events visitors can expect to participate in during Moonshine Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of moonshine heritage in Franklin County. Two larger events of interest include a themed car show around bootlegging and a running event called Chug for the Jug.

To learn more about Franklin County's Moonshine Heritage month, be sure to visit their pages below:

Franklin County Moonshine Heritage Facebook Page

Franklin County Facebook Page

To learn more about the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, please visit their website:

http://www.ferrum.edu/blueridgeinstitute/

To find out more about the Franklin News-Post be sure to visit their website below:

https://thefranklinnewspost.com/

In today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, I take the show to the Moonshine Capital of Franklin County, Virginia. I am joined by Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer, Twin Creeks Distillery, and Laws Choice. This special edition episode takes a deep dive into SWVA Moonshine's history with stories of the past. Sit back as we talk about the days of prohibition, bootlegging, and homemade moonshine production.

We also take a look at the changing of times and how these third-generation moonshiners are able to operate legal businesses thanks to changing laws over the years. Today's episode is the real deal stories of a dark past and an inspirational future.

To learn more about Franklin County's Moonshine Heritage Month, be sure to visit their links listed below:

Franklin County Moonshine Heritage Facebook Page

Franklin County Facebook Page

To learn more about Twin Creeks Distillery and Law's Choice be sure to visit their links below:

Twin Creeks Distillery

Law's Choice

In today's episode, I sat down with Next Level VR founders Luke and Dylan. The guys and I had a great chat about starting businesses, video games, and living in Southwest Virginia. Both of these guys are taking the region by storm with their forward-thinking and strong sense of business. Their idea is "if it doesn't exist, then build it", and that's exactly what they did with their VR center in Pulaski, Virginia. 

Next Level VR is a great place for people of all ages to come together, socialize, and find entertainment. 

To find out more about Next Level VR be sure to check out their website and Facebook page. 

In today's special edition episode, we dive into the history of Holston Mountain Artisans located in Abingdon, Virginia. Formed in 1971, Holston Mountain Artisans has spent the last 50 years helping artisans within a 75-mile radius of Abingdon, Virginia. Originally located at the Cave House Craft Shop on main street, Holston Mountain is now located in the old Washington County Jail on Park Street.

Today I was joined by Kathy, Eric, Rees, and Sara

To learn more about Holston Mountain Artisans and support what they do, please visit their website or Facebook page for more information. 

This week on the podcast, I spoke with Micah Davidson of Midwood Entertainment about music and events in Southwest Virginia. Micah and I went into detail about his role at events at the Harvester (A Crooked Road Venue) and his involvement with the annual Bristol Rythm and Roots Reunion. We shared stories of music and our childhood, the history of music and SWVA, and laughs about our graying hair.

To learn more about Micah and his organization, Midwood Entertainment, be sure to check out their website.

In today's episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Helen at Wolf Hills Coffee in Abingdon, Virginia. A great little local coffee shop, unlike any other out there. Aside from enjoying the traditional offerings like coffee and cafe items, you can also find great local tea and hard cider. Wolf Hills Coffee shares space with Tumbling Creek Cider and Appalachian Teas and Botanicals.

This wonderful little shop is also a great spot to do some remote work, homework for college students, or just find some time to relax and unwind.

Be sure that the next time you're in Abingdon, go pay the folks of Wolf Hills Coffee a visit!