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Smith Mountain Lakers Follow "The Crooked Road"

By
Real Estate Agent with Prudential Waterfront Properties

Starting as an idea in January of 2003, "The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail" quickly became an amazing and well-received over 300-mile trail accentuating the extraordinary vitality of the region's musical heritage. Due to the tremendous response from counties, cities, towns, state agencies tourism organizations and music venues, a steering committee with representatives from these organizations and places meets every month to guide the direction this is going, make decisions and even implement policies. Many of the events take place near Smith Mountain Lake, making it convenient for residents to take the "crooked road" to fun.

If you are a music lover, you don't want to miss out on this incredible chance to experience the history of this region's music in such a distinctive way. Keeping in mind that the focus of "The Crooked Road" is the musical heritage, do not just dismiss experiencing this unique opportunity because you are not necessarily a music enthusiast. There are plenty of other things included on the trail such as museums, crafts, historic and cultural programs and even outdoor recreational activities.

As mentioned above, the trail includes so many different venues-over 300 miles worth. In Franklin County alone, there are at least a dozen places included in the trail. For instance, on Mondays 7pm - 9pm, 77 Restaurant would be a great place to go. Thursdays can be fun-filled days beginning at Dairy Queen on Franklin Street (weekly Sept-May) from 9am-10am. Then, on the 3rd Thursday of the month, head on over to Franklin County Department of Aging on Tanyard Road from 11am-Noon. Also, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, Waidsboro Ruritan Building on Ruritan Road is the place to be from 7pm-9:30pm.

Maybe you'd prefer a weekend musical treat; in Franklin County, Rocky Mount Community and Hospitality Center is part of the trail on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 6pm-9pm. There is a small admission of $5 per person, but is a great time for all. If you'd rather experience part of the trail on a Friday for free, on the 2nd Friday of the month, go to Crossroads Ruritan Building on Dry Hill Road from 7pm-9pm (except December).

Franklin County even has weekly Saturday events as part of the trail. If you want something earlier in the day, go to Sheriff Shively's Storehouse from 11am-4:30pm (weekly through Nov 7th). But if you would enjoy something a little later in the evening, the place to be is Redwood Ruritan Building on Old Franklin Turnpike beginning at 7pm. There are plenty more Franklin County participants in the trail and whatever your schedule preference, it is well worth your while to experience "The Crooked Road" and see first-hand where the unique musical heritage has led Virginia throughout history.

For more information about events in your area, click on The Crooked Road Interactive Map. For assistance in buying lakefront property, contact Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience selling waterfront homes in Smith Mountain Lake and am a long-time resident of the area.

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