The Crooked Road

Franklin County serves as the Eastern Gateway to The Crooked Road - Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.

Franklin County contributes to the authentic soundtrack of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains with its hometown festivals, the charm of casual venues like the Harvester Performance Center, and talented local musicians.

The music of The Crooked Road can be felt through sentimental country songs, fiddle and banjo tunes, crisp bluegrass harmonies, and soulful gospel singing. Get a sample of the sounds of The Crooked Road by listening to our Spotify playlist.

Whether it's a jam session at a local restaurant, performance at a community center, or celebration at a festival, music is a special part of the culture in Franklin County and Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum

Learn more about the region's special connection to its bluegrass roots by visiting the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum at Ferrum College, which is recognized as Virginia's Center for Blue Ridge Folklore.

It's home to the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and is the first of eight major venues located along The Crooked Road.

Floyd Country Store

The second major venue is the Floyd Country Store in the charming town of Floyd. The store is renowned for its Appalachian music, classic cafe, flatfoot dancers and cloggers, and incredible collection of musicians.

During your visit to Virginia's Blue Ridge, don't miss out on the Floyd Country Store's one-of-a-kind Friday Night Jamboree, a weekly celebration of music and good times that has become one of the region's most popular traditions.

The store is also a great spot for finding unique crafts, Virginia-made products and the fun items you can expect to find at a traditional country store.

Additional Places of Interest on The Crooked Road

Wayside Exhibits

The wayside exhibits along The Crooked Road serve as instructional audio guides that provide information about the musicians and musical heritage of each particular location.

Each exhibit features a panel of information about that area's musical and cultural significance, as well as an audio recording that can be found on an FM radio station, which is noted at each exhibit. 

Three of the 26 Wayside Exhibits of The Crooked Road are located in Virginia's Blue Ridge:

• Town of Rocky Mount - Wayside Information
  - Located in Downtown Rocky Mount beside the caboose and the N&W Depot on Franklin Street.
• Blue Ridge Institute & Museum - Wayside Information
  - Located in front of the institute, which is on the campus of Ferrum College.
• Town of Floyd - Wayside Information
  - Located in the Town of Floyd on Locust Street across from Dogtown Roadhouse and the Floyd Country Store.

Accommodations near The Crooked Road

• Bella La Vita Inn - Floyd
• Chantilly Farm Campground - Floyd
• Comfort Inn - Rocky Mount
• Early Inn at The Grove - Rocky Mount
• Holiday Inn Express - Rocky Mount
• Hotel Floyd - Floyd
• Mountain Song Inn - Willis

The Crooked Road is one of the many ways you can experience the diverse music scene of Virginia's Blue Ridge. Learn more about other places you can enjoy during your visit by checking out our Music section. You can also learn more about The Crooked Road by visiting its website.