Attractions » Historic Homes
John Fox, Jr. Museum - More Info
118 Shawnee Avenue East
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Website: www.bigstonegap.org
Phone: (276) 523-2747
The museum was the home of John Fox, Jr., a famous mountain author of many novels and short stories. Most well known are "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come". "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" became the nation's first million copy selling novel and was later made into a movie. An outdoor drama based on this novel is staged in the town of Big Stone Gap and has been designated as Virginia's Official Outdoor Drama. Fox, Jr. was not only an author, but he was an avid outdoorsman who served with Teddy Roosevelt as a rough rider. The present museum is the family home that is still filled with original furnishings from the turn of the century. The natural cedar shingled house is rustic in design with large screened porches off both stories.
June Tolliver House & Folkart Center - More Info
522 Clinton Ave East
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Website: www.junetolliverhouse.org
Phone: (276) 523-4707
Location adjacent to amphitheatre that stages the musical adaptation of John Fox Jr.'s novel, "Trail of the Lonesome Pine". At the turn of the century, the house was owned by the Duff family who also owned a hotel across the street. Legend has it that Fox's novel was based on actual people living in the town. Free tours of June Tolliver house are offered. The first floor has antiques from the turn of the century. Throughout the house are paintings that were donated by local artists. The majority of the paintings are of actors and actresses who have previously starred in the drama over the past three decades. The house is a National and Virginia Historic Landmark. The house also serves as a craft/gift shop with items featured from local artists.
Southwest Virginia Museum - More Info
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sou.shtml
Phone: (276) 523-1322
E-mail: swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov
Dedicated in 1948, the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap chronicles the exploration and development of the region. The museum houses a collection of items from the region. The collection was started by C. B. Slemp, who served in Congress from 1907 to 1923 and was President Coolidge’s personal secretary. A lovely Victorian parlor in the four-story mansion is available to rent for meetings and other small gatherings. The gift shop features many one-of-akind items. The quaint Poplar Hill Cottage is available for overnight accommodations. Special events include A Stitch in Time: Quilt Show in April through May 31, the Fall Antique Appraisal, and the Festival of Trees in mid-November through Dec. 31. You’ll find it at (Alt. Route 58), just off Route 23 in Big Stone Gap.
Big Stone Gap - More Info
619 Gilley Ave
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Website: www.bigstonegap.org
Phone: (276) 523-2060
Big Stone Gap is a little town with a big story! The inspiration for the novel, Big Stone Gap, by Adriana Trigiani, shows that good. old-fashioned southern hospitality and a warm sense of humor aren't simply works of fiction in this lovely, Victorian-era town. Many of the town's attractions are featured in Trigiani's books, Big Stone Gap, Big Cherry Holler and Milk Glass Moon. Stop by the Tourist Info Center and pick up your free map to the novel's setting when you come to town!
Sanders House Center - More Info
200 Sanders Lane
Bluefield, VA 24605
Website: www.virginia.org
Phone: (276) 326-6680
The Sanders House Center includes a late 19th century home which was once the centerpiece of a 3,000 acre farm. Built in 1896, it has gorgeous solid oak woodwork, original wood floors, hand-painted imported mural and many of the orginal furnishings. There are nine fireplaces. The grounds include a granary, a smokehouse that houses a railroad museum and children's library. Also, the "Rosie Trigg Cottage" that houses The Tazewell County Visitor Center. The Sanders House is a historical treasure, preserving aspects of past and contemporary grace. Tours of the Sanders House are available April 15th through October 15th. A nominal fee is charged. Groups of ten will be discounted. House and grounds are available for meetings, weddings, and all other celebratory occasions. Call for more information.
Tazewell, Historic Town of - More Info
Tazewell County Historical Society
Tazewell, VA 24651
Website: www.tazewellhistory.org
Phone: (276) 988-4069
This town, dating from the 1800's, contains historic homes including the residences of former Governor George C. Peery, and the Wynns Home (National Register Listed), a rail station and quaint shops. Guided walking tours available by appointment. Contact the Tazewell County Historical Society at 276-988-4069.
