| Located in Southwest Virginia, the Crooked Road is | | | | has wide doorways, two double beds, good pathway |
| more than just a driving route. This 200-mile heritage | | | | access and a 5-foot turnaround in the bathroom. |
| music trail winds through Appalachia and connects | | | | Access features in the bathroom include a low-step |
| music venues and heritage sites that highlight the | | | | shower, a roll-under sink, grab bars in the shower and |
| traditional music of the region; the gospel, bluegrass | | | | around the toilet and a portable shower chair. A |
| and mountain music that's been passed down for | | | | commode chair is also available upon request. All this |
| generations by local families. Along the way you'll find | | | | for a very affordable $65 per night. |
| stage shows, outdoor concerts, festivals, Appalachian | | | | Continuing west, you'll pass through Galax and |
| crafts, galleries and some great scenery; however it's | | | | Abingdon before coming to Bristol. Here you'll find the |
| the locals who bring the Crooked Road to life. Be it the | | | | Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum, which |
| banjo maker in Galax or the quilter in Floyd, they all | | | | features exhibits on the roots of country music and |
| have a story to tell. And part of the whole Crooked | | | | the musicians that helped shape the genre. Access is |
| Road experience is simply taking the time to listen. | | | | excellent throughout the museum, with a level entrance |
| Technically the Crooked Road isn't just one road, but a | | | | and barrier-free access to all the exhibits. Best of all, |
| route composed of many state routes and local roads. | | | | admission is free. |
| The best starting point is the eastern terminus, Rocky | | | | There's plenty of live music to be had in Bristol too, |
| Point; which is located 25 miles south of Roanoke. Just | | | | with weekly concerts at the Birthplace of Country |
| take VA 40 west towards Ferrum and follow the | | | | Music Mural on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights |
| Crooked Road signs. Not only is this the easiest | | | | and a Thursday morning jam session at the Star |
| access point, but Ferrum makes a great first stop; as | | | | Barbershop on State Street. All of these musical |
| the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum offers a good | | | | events are free and open to the public. And as far as |
| overview on the regional heritage. | | | | access goes, there is good wheelchair-access to the |
| Located on the campus of Ferrum College, the Blue | | | | seating area at the mural and level access to the Star |
| Ridge Institute and Museum features indoor gallery | | | | Barbershop. |
| space plus an outdoor heritage farm museum. The | | | | Finally, no matter what you do on your Crooked Road |
| gallery space hosts exhibitions which highlight the | | | | adventure, save time for a visit to the Carter Family |
| people and heritage of the region. There is level | | | | Fold for a Saturday night concert. Granted some |
| access to the museum, barrier-free access throughout | | | | advance planning is required to plan a Saturday night |
| the galleries and plenty of accessible parking outside. | | | | stay near the Hiltons, but fortunately it's only about 20 |
| Across the street, take some time to look through the | | | | minutes from Bristol. |
| Farm Museum which has gravel and dirt pathways, | | | | Located on the AP and Sara Carter homestead, the |
| ramps up to the barns and a few steps up into the | | | | Carter Family Fold is actually a large theater; and in |
| farmhouse. The pathways are doable for most people | | | | keeping with tradition, only acoustic instruments are |
| in dry weather and even though you can't access | | | | allowed and no alcohol is served. That said, each |
| every display, you can still get a good feel for what | | | | week there's a different headliner, so no two shows |
| Virginia farm life was like back in 1800. | | | | are exactly alike. The energy however, is ever |
| Traveling west on the Crooked Road, you'll cross the | | | | present. |
| Blue Ridge Parkway and enter Floyd County. Here's | | | | Accessible parking is located near the theater with |
| where a little diversion is in order. Although it's not on | | | | level access to the entrance. Accessible seating (with |
| the official route, I highly recommend at least a short | | | | companion seating) is available up font and it's the only |
| drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as it's very scenic. | | | | reserved seating in the house. Indeed the front seats |
| Either way, a stop is Floyd is a must; and if you are | | | | are the ones with an up-close look at all the action, |
| looking for overnight accommodations, look no further | | | | because once the music starts, the area in front of the |
| than the Oak Haven Lodge. | | | | stage turns into a massive dance floor. But again, that's |
| Opened in 2003, this 10-room rustic lodge features | | | | all part of the show. All in all it's great place to mix with |
| ramp access to the front porch and office, with | | | | the locals and an excellent opportunity to enjoy a real |
| accessible parking available in a gravel parking area | | | | slice of Crooked Road culture. |
| next to the office. Room 1 is located downstairs and | | | | |