Photo courtesy Visit Wytheville
Beautiful back roads are top on the list of favorite discoveries for travelers who enjoy taking adventures on two wheels. An area as rich in heritage and authentic experiences as Galax, Virginia, is sure to be a rider’s paradise.
Looping through the Blue Ridge Mountain range in Southwest Virginia, the Claw of the Dragon is becoming one of the most popular destinations in the South for motorcycle enthusiasts. Totaling over 350 miles and passing through seven Virginia counties, the motorcycle driving trail includes the City of Galax and the many interesting attractions nearby. U.S. Routes 52, 58 and 94 take riders through beautiful small communities surrounding Galax including areas that are still rich in agriculture with large acreages of orchards and tree farms.
At the backdoor of the nationally known Blue Ridge Parkway, riders can spend multiple days driving and evenings discovering the abundance of music that put Galax on the map. Here’s one example of a venue that offers authentic music in a historic atmosphere. Every Friday night, 100,000 watts of heritage in the form of old-time and bluegrass music is broadcasted live from the historic stage of the Rex Theater. As a cooperative effort of the City of Galax and local radio station, WBRF 98.1 FM, “Blue Ridge Back Roads” is streamed live via the Internet to a worldwide audience. The best seat those in in the live audience as every Friday a host of old-time and bluegrass musicians take the stage and give a glimpse into the musical legacy that is Galax, Virginia.
Be sure to visit one of the local eateries before you relax at the show and enjoy a plate of comfort food at one of the area’s home style cooking restaurants or a delicious serving of barbecue. Home of the Virginia official state barbecue competition, Smoke on the Mountain, you might say that barbecue is Galax’s official food. You don’t have to wait for the annual event though. You can enjoy the award-winning food at The Galax Smokehouse year around. The locally owned restaurant offers an extensive selection of smoked meats in sandwich and entrée form with Texas-size portions and five different special sauces to add special flavor to the barbecue entrees. A variety of sides complete the meal with the opportunity to top it off with homemade banana pudding.
This is just a sampling of what riders can experience when they make the Claw of the Dragon and Galax, Virginia, their touring destination.
For more information about all you can enjoy in Galax, Virginia, call 276-238-8130 or visit www.VisitGalax.com.