Stories from Southwest Virginia

Today I had the chance to speak with Alicia Phelps, Executive Director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. We at Southwest Virginia work closely with our neighbors in Northeast Tennessee as we see no borders or state lines. Alicia has been doing some great work with Northeast Tennessee tourism for a while now and we wanted to chat with her about some amazing things to see and do in their neck of the woods. 

Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association has been around since the 1970s and over the past 40 years have done a lot to promote the wonderful features of the region. 

Everything from lakes and the great outdoors, to wonderful foods and small-town charm, Northeast Tennessee has it all. In today's episode, Alicia shares with us a few points of interest you may want to visit. We also talk about some of our favorite spots in both Northeast Tennessee as well as Southwest Virginia.

If you would like to learn more about Northeast Tennessee and see what Alicia has been up to, you can visit their website at: https://northeasttennessee.org/

If you would like to learn more about Southwest Virginia and our Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, you can visit our website at:

https://visitswva.org/

On today's episode, I had the chance to speak with Assistant Director of Tourism, Amanda Livingston about some great things going on in Abingdon, Virginia.

Like many areas in Southwest Virginia and all across the nation Abingdon has suffered from the COVID19 pandemic. As a thriving tourist town, this small community hasn't let current day struggles interrupt their stride. Creative and innovative are just two terms to describe how this community has come together to keep businesses open and the economy going.

One such creative feat is the use of the old Moonlite Drive-in theatre as a stage to perform live shows from the Barter Theatre. Since social distance is practically impossible inside the actual Barter Theatre, creative-minded members came together for the one-of-a-kind idea. Build a stage outdoors, have space for cars to park, and perform live under the stars! Not only does this allow for guests to continue being able to enjoy Barter Theatre performances, but also to once again re-live childhood memories in front of the silver screen once again. 

Abingdon's local eateries were also steadfast in coming up with plans to keep their doors open and provide their wonderful meals to the town. From outdoor dining, to take out, and even some offering delivery. Some local restaurants are even taking part in the Barter Theatre event in a "Play with your food" event the town is holding. The idea is to enjoy a nice meal from a local restaurant and then go see one of the Barter plays at the Moonlite. Guests can go grab their meal and eat it while enjoying the play, sounds like a great plan! Dinner Theatre if you will!

Even though things have been limited, the spirit of the town is still alive and well. 

Abingdon has so many fun things to offer from outdoor recreation, downtown shopping, and dining, entertainment, and even self-guided tours! Rather you have never been to Abingdon before, or you're looking to go back and visit again, there's never a dull time to go. 

If you want to find out more about Abingdon, please visit their website and Facebook page for more information! 

If you would like to find out more about Southwest Virginia, you can visit our website at VisitSWVA or if you want to hear more from the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, you can visit our page to find out about more episodes! 

The Pakalachian Food truck has become a staple of the Southwest Virginia food scene. The truck in conjunction with its name makes food options that combine traditional Appalachian dishes with that of Pakistani meals. The Pakalachian is a beautiful story of love, food, and culture, between truck owners Katlin and Moshin. At first, they were not sure what big adventure they wanted to embark on. One day while driving through Rural Retreat, Virginia, the idea of The Pakalchain Food truck was born.

Katlin's background in education and Moshin's background in conservation make for a unique blend of culture, awareness, family, and love. They both strive to give back to the local economy by purchasing fresh products and ingredients for their truck locally at farmers' markets. They also believe in maintaining conservation efforts by providing biodegradable supplies and never purchasing more than what they need. Their idea of always purchasing just enough, but never too much is something we could all live by.

In today's podcast episode, we talk about all things Pakalachian from the name to the artwork, and of course those delicious dishes you can order!

To keep up to date with the Pakalachian, please visit their website at:

https://www.thepakalachian.com/

Here you can stay up to date with upcoming events, their story, the menu, and more.

You can also follow the Pakalachian on social media at:

https://www.facebook.com/ThePakalachian/

https://www.instagram.com/thepakalachian/

If you would like to find out more about Southwest Virginia and our podcast, you can visit our website here:

https://visitswva.org/stories-from-southwest-virginia/

Today's episode we take a delicious dive into the story behind Greeko's Grill and Cafe in Abingdon, Virginia. I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner and chef Mustafa about how Greeko's got its start in Abingdon. Mustafa was a pleasure to speak with and you can tell he truly has a love and passion for what he does. 

Greeko's features a full Greek menu complete with items such as salads, soups, pasta, pitas, and gyros. 

Mustafa tells us about his cooking adventures from all over the world in places like Egypt, New York City, London, and finally finding a permanent home in Abingdon. The recipes at Greeko's are a collection of meals from Mustafa's Greek grandmother, with some modifications from his learnings around the world. Mustafa believes in a passion for what he does and ensures there is love in every bite of his food.

Greeko's is located in the historic downtown district of Abingdon, Virginia. They currently offer both dine-in and carry out with a convenient drive-through window. On Greeko's website, you can find a complete menu, online ordering as well as history and more information about Mustafa, Greeko's, and fresh ingredients. 

To find out more about Greeko's or place an order today, please visit their website at:

https://greekosabingdon.com/

To find out more about the stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, you can visit our podcast page on our website at:

https://visitswva.org/stories-from-southwest-virginia/

In today's episode, I am joined by Beth Ford and Julie Steel representing the Reynolds Homestead in Patrick County, Virginia. The Reynolds Homestead is an Outreach Campus Center of Virginia Tech housing both a community outreach center and a forestry research center. The homestead is the birthplace of both R.J. and A.D. Reynold. 

This year, the homestead is celebrating it's 50th year anniversary, although festivities have been moved to the 2021 season due the current pandemic. 

Join me in talking with Beth Ford as we dive into the history and origins of the homestead as well as how she keeps the history alive through online videos, living history events, historical markers, and other learning. 

I also speak with Julie Steel about current events, plans, and some of the offerings the Reynolds Homestead currently showcases to the community.

For more information on the Reynolds Homestead, be sure to visit their website and stay up to date with their Facebook page.

Reynolds Homestead Website

Reynolds Homestead Facebook

To find out more about the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast or how to be on the podcast, please visit our website link at:

Stories from Southwest Virginia

In today's episode, we wrap up our current music series with The Crooked Road Executive Director, Carrie Beck. The Crooked Road is Southwest Virginia's Musical Heritage Trail and it covers over 300 miles of music, history, community, and heritage. Carrie talks to us about things The Crooked Road has done and has in store for music in SWVA. We also cover various stories, talk about venues, and other initiatives centric around music in the region.

To find out more about The Crooked Road, Please visit their website at: https://thecrookedroad.org/

To find out more information about Southwest Virginia and our podcast please visit our website at: https://visitswva.org/

If you would like to leave us a voice message for future podcast episodes please visit us on anchor: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva

Finally, if you would like to be on an episode of Stories from Southwest Virginia, please send an email to: [email protected]

Today we're taking a look into Floyd County, Virginia and how it has helped shape and establish the music and heritage of Southwest Virginia. Floyd County is home to the Floyd Country Store, the Handmade music school, and County Sales. Listen in as current owner Dylan Locke tells us about these three places of interest along The Crooked Road and learn some more about Southwest Virginia musical history and heritage!

Music from today's podcast is by The Twin Creeks Stringband called "Lee Highway Blues". Twin Creeks Stringband is from Franklin County Virginia and frequently performs at the Floyd Country Store.

To find out more about The Twin Creeks Stringband and their upcoming CD including the song "Lee Highway Blues" please visit the following:

Twin Creek's on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Twincreeksoldtime/

County Sales: http://www.countysales.com

Floyd Country Store: https://www.floydcountrystore.com/

Handmande Music School: https://handmademusicschool.com/

Southwest Virginia: http://www.visitswva.org

On this episode we talk with Musician and Educator Tyler Hughes about the music and dance in SWVA. We take a dive into Big Stone Gap, Virginia and learn about the history, culture, and story telling aspects of SWVA music.

To find out more about Tyler and his music, please visit: https://www.tylerhughesmusic.com/

To find out more about SWVA and plan a future visit, please visit: https://visitswva.org/