Learn how Franklin County became known as The Moonshine Capital of the World.
With the region’s rich history in liquor production, a visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge should certainly include a stop at a local distillery.
Franklin County in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” and bootleg whiskey production was a major part of the local economy for families during the prohibition era.
Transporting moonshine from Franklin County across the border to North Carolina while evading police was part of what led to the creation of stock-car racing and Nascar. Franklin County’s moonshine history was also showcased on the silver screen in the film Lawless, starring Tom Hardy, Shia Labeouf and Jessica Chastain.
Locals and visitors who want to learn more about that history can visit two distilleries in Franklin County - Franklin County Distilleries in Boones Mill and Twin Creeks Distillery in Rocky Mount. Both locations specialize in locally-made liquor, including rye and corn whiskey. The liquor can be sampled through tastings or mixed in with delicious, hand-crafted cocktails.
Learn more about how Franklin County became The Moonshine Capital >
Don’t forget to check the calendar to see if there are special events, such as live music or guided tastings, taking place during your visit.
The distilleries are part of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail, the craft beverage trail that showcases our breweries, wineries, and craft spirits. The Cheers Trail Passport Program is a mobile guide that features exclusive special offers and information to help you enjoy great drinks during your visit.
There’s also the opportunity to check in to various spots and receive prizes! After you check in at 5 different locations with your passport, we'll mail you a free Cheers Trail t-shirt!
Text 'Cheers' to (540) 253-4311 to receive simple instructions on how to download the passport to your mobile device. Learn more >
Don't forget to use the #VBRcheers hashtag on your social media posts that feature the fun places where you're enjoying craft spirits in Virginia's Blue Ridge!
Learn how Franklin County became known as The Moonshine Capital of the World.
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that welcomes and celebrates the unique backgrounds, abilities, passions, and perspectives of our vibrant community. As our region’s only destination marketing organization, we have a responsibility to showcase the best the Roanoke Region has to offer, and those assets and strengths come in varied forms. We embrace differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, language, visible and invisible disabilities, and all the intersecting identities that make Virginians and visitors alike so unique. We believe our differences make us stronger– and better.