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March 2024 by Rebecca Retos
Amazing building, clean restrooms, friendly staff, great local crafts: woodworking, pottery, quilts, paintings, metal & glasswork all by local artisans for purchase!!They also have some area jams, pickles, candies & Mill products.Plan 20-35 mins to see video & marketplace. Good for picnic
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December 2023 by Cassidy Combs
One of my favorite places! <3
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November 2023 by Donna Griffith
I love this place, having visited before. This time I took two friends with me and they were very impressed with the products on sale and the history of artists and crafts that is included in among the displays. The sales people were friendly and informative. I purchased gifts for the neighbors who were looking after my home while I was away.I will visit again when I am in the area.
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September 2023 by Vicki Connell
Fascinating display of authentic arts and crafts! Thank you for the learning experience!
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July 2023 by A. Drake Baer
Well priced galleries, helpful staff, but we’ll be glad when they re-start their cafe/restaurant.
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July 2023 by Janet Jongebloed
While heading towards Abingdon, I unexpectedly came across the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, formerly known as Heartwood during my initial visit years ago. Although it wasn't initially on my itinerary for this trip, it caught my attention as I made my way to the Abingdon Muster Grounds, so I quickly made a detour to see what had changed.Known as The Southwest Virginia Artisan Gateway, this cultural center showcases the diverse artistic talents of the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton and Radford. It brings so many of the traditions and culture of Southwest Virginia together under one roof, housed in a thoughtfully designed museum inspired by the region's agricultural and farm buildings. Within its wooden walls, multiple shops offer all sorts of handcrafted products, ranging from quilts and paintings to soap, knit crafts, and organic farm goods. The center does an amazing job of displaying the unique culture heritage of the area, including its traditions, music and crafts. It also hosts a music venue that is part of the Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail, however on that day no one was playing on its octagonal stage.One of the displays I liked the most was the map of the world with pins to stick in it, showing where everyone who visited the cultural center had come from -- there were pins stuck in from all over the world. It's really fascinating to know just how far people have traveled in order to stand where I was standing right then and there. Unfortunately, there were no more pins for me. Alas, I just had to join in spirit with the other pins that were placed on Richmond, Virginia.This was also where I learned about the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road which answered my question I always had about why the cities out in Western Virginia are so equally spaced and follow i-81 in a straight line. They were stops about a day away from each other via wagon along the road as settlers made their way into the Appalachian region. I like finally understanding that bit of trivia, especially since I've visited each of those cities this year.This visitor center also provides a wealth of information through its extensive collection of brochures, highlighting all the cities and numerous places to stop and hundreds of things to see and do and eat. Despite originally going on this vacation to cross some items off my bucket list, since it's now sitting at just under 300 spots in Virginia I want to visit, I couldn't help grabbing pamphlets by the armfuls, until the front desk guy was laughing and asking if I could carry them all. What's another couple of hundred more places to visit in this state anyway? As my favorite saying goes, "I'll add it to the list!"Once I made it outside with my souvenirs and an armful of paper pamphlets, I took one more photo of the LOVE sign and then I was off again, further into the city of Abingdon and more parts unknown.
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May 2023 by John Hudnall
Beautiful arts and crafts from local artists. Awesome venue!
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May 2023 by Judith Schell
Wonderful art in many mediums. I've truly enjoyed stopping and shopping here over the years on my travels!
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April 2023 by Jerry Jerow
The cafe is closed now. This is a very nice art center. The people who work there are so nice and helpful. It is normally not crowded and the restrooms are clean. We us it as a rest stop on out way to Pigeon Forge.
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April 2023 by Rachel Bridgman
Neat place. Lots of different arts and crafts from local artists.
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January 2023 by Amber Renee
What a fun place! It is a must see simply on the outside, but the inside is packed full of local artists and crafts people. Plus the two gentlemen working were extremely inviting and friendly. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to check this place out.
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December 2022 by Suzie Que
Loved the Santa breakfast idea! It was cute and fun for the kiddos
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October 2022 by Andy Br.
Lots of really cool items, all handmade, but very expensive on the most part.
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October 2022 by brittmoore333
Found this place randomly. It is a gem. Tons of different artists with all their treasures for purchase. Definitely check it out!
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August 2022 by Matthew Woodle
Nice place. Some nice crafts. Need to catch when they have a musical performance
