In today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, we explore the early art and history of Southwest Virginia settlers. Morgan gives us a lot of great examples and a clear view into what early life was like. From quilting to potato sacks, the means to live in the region were not as easy as we have it today.  It's important to explore our history and keep a record of the traditions we still see to this day. Quilting for example was used as a means of repurposing old clothing in order to make blankets to stay warm. Today, we often view quilting more as an art decor form rather than a need.  The passing down of traditions such as art and music are something that we here in Southwest Virginia hold very special to us. It's about preserving who we are and where we came from. It's about family and sharing our history with one another. In Southwest Virginia, we are a community and bring our traditions together is how we have succeeded throughout the years. To learn more about Southwest Virginia and all the amazing things we have to offer, please visit our website at: www.visitswva.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

In today's podcast episode, we take a look into the history behind Marion, Virginia's historic General Francis Marion Hotel. This boutique hotel located in downtown Marion is full of rich history and stories from many years past.   We had the chance to go and visit the hotel, view all of the amenities, and learn about its history.  If you would like to book a stay at the hotel, or even just take some time to visit, you will find a lot of great historical pieces such as newspaper clippings, original architecture, as well as the well-managed renovations which preserve the hotel's historic significance.  If you would like to learn more about the General Francis Marion Hotel or book a stay, be sure to visit their website at: https://www.gfmhotel.com/ To learn more about Southwest Virginia and all we have to offer, please visit our website at: www.visitswva.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

In today's episode, we speak with Stephanie, a licensed LPC who owns Anchoring Hope Counseling in Wise, County, Virginia. Stephanie and I had a great talk on mental health, anxiety, and stress. It was an interesting look into these topics coming from two different perspectives of both a counselor and a client.  Mental health is an area we all have to deal with from time to time and showcasing where and how help is available is important to all of us. Southwest Virginians are all about helping one another and this topic area is no different. In the episode, we give some personal examples from our own lives of traumatic experiences, the types of symptoms we have faced, and how we worked to overcome them. My hope in this episode is that we can reach others out there who may be or have struggled with anxiety, stress, or depression. With all the events going on in our local communities and the world at large, mental health is an important topic to be discussing.  Stephanie started her practice during the middle of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. A time of uncertainty for all of us. Our hearts and thoughts go out to everyone who is experiencing tough times and we hope today's episode will help put minds at ease, show that you're not alone, and offer up suggestions to aid you through your journey. To find out more about Anchoring Hope, please visit their website. To learn more about Southwest Virginia and all the things we have to offer, especially outdoor recreation and other getaway ideas, please visit our website.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

In today's episode of Stories from Southwest Virginia, we got to sit down and speak with Debbie, Sarah, and Megan of Appalachian Sustainable Development, or ASD for short.  ASD has been working since 1995 to aid and support the Appalachian region in the agricultural economy "by supporting local agriculture, exploring new economic opportunities, and connecting people to healthy food." "In the beginning, ASD focused exclusively on 15 counties in northeast TN and southwest VA. Today our work has expanded to include partners in WV, eastern KY, and southeast OH." In this episode, we discuss a broad overview of ASD as well as dive deep into their Groundwork initiative and their late bloomers program. We get to hear from these working professionals about various aspects of the organization such as sustainability within the region, building relationships, education, and more. If you would like to learn more about ASD and all the things they offer, be sure to visit their website at: www.asdevelop.org For more information about all things Southwest Virginia, please visit our website at: www.visitswva.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

In today's episode, we talk with The Lost Pearl Gallery's Nancy Brooks and Pawnee Jewel about art, The Lost Pearl, and Tazewell, Virginia. Located on Main Street in Tazewell, The Lost Pearl features wonderful handmade pieces of art from various artisans utilizing a variety of mediums such as fiber, wood, metal, painting, and more. To learn more about the gallery and the art, please visit their website at: https://thelostpearlgallery.com/ To learn more about the many things Southwest Virginia has to offer, please visit our website at: http://www.visitswva.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

In today's episode, we talk with Justin from White Blaze Outdoors about his educational hiking tours around Southwest Virginia. These tours consist of short 2 hour hikes, half-day, and overnight adventures. Justin is a graduate of Emory and Henry College with studies in Biology. His expertise on hiking, backpacking, and wildlife make for a great experience learning more about the Southwest Virginia outdoors.  Justin's tours are great for individuals, couples, families, kids, and other groups.  To learn more about Justin and White Blaze Outdoors, be sure to visit his website and find the perfect tour for you here. To learn more about all things Southwest Virginia-related, be sure to visit our website and plan your next trip here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

In today's episode, we spoke about all things Front Porch Fest with founders Chris and Sarah. We learn about Front Porch Fest, its origins, how it gives back, who all is performing, and what it's like to attend.  Front Porch Fest is a music festival located in beautiful Patrick County, Virginia, and takes place on Spirithaven Farm in Stuart. During the festival, you will experience various genres of music, performers, food, beer, and the great outdoors. Not only is the festival looking out for the fun and entertainment of their guests, but also their local community: "Proceeds from the festival are donated to Patrick County Community Food Bank and Caring Hearts Free Clinic. We think it’s imperative to give back to the community and Front Porch Fest is our way of making a difference in our little area of the planet." To learn more about Front Porch Fest, how you can attend, and how you can get involved, please visit their website here. To learn more about all things Southwest Virginia, you can explore our website here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromswva/message