Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this charming community offers a variety of outdoor recreation, cultural activities, heritage music & crafts, and local cuisine that are sure to please any traveler. With over 30 places to eat, visitors will never go hungry in Big Stone Gap.

One of the most popular destinations in Big Stone Gap is the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park. Housed in a restored 1890s mansion, the museum features exhibit on the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on local mining and forestry industries. Visitors can also explore the museum’s gardens and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Powell River offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The trailhead for the Powell River Trail is located just outside of Big Stone Gap, and the trail offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. Big Cherry Lake sitting up on the mountains overlooking Big Stone Gap offer a variety of fishing, kayaking, and trails for the adventurous with some of the best natural views on the east coast! We even have an 18 hole golf course, 2 Disc Golf Courses and a putt putt course!

In addition to outdoor recreation and cultural activities, Big Stone Gap is also home to a thriving culinary scene. With over 30 places to eat, visitors can sample a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Southern fare and heritage local dishes to international cuisine and locally brewed beer and wine.

The town is also home to several annual events that draw visitors from near and far. From Saturday night Block parties with local bands to HUGE 4th of July Celebrations with 8000+ in attendance, you will have the time of your life. Big Stone Gap is also pleased to be home to the Blue Highway Fest! A multi day Blue Grass Festival that bring people in nationwide as well as international. Other events, include Car Shows, Grilling competition, Singer Songwriters competitions and races galore! Every Holiday is a big deal in Big Stone Gap! There is literally something for everyone here!

In conclusion, Big Stone Gap, Virginia is a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and delicious cuisine. With all the food and music and a variety of attractions and events, visitors will never run out of things to do in this charming Appalachian town. So pack your bags and head to Big Stone Gap for a truly unforgettable travel experience!

Find out about all the exciting events, places to eat, and music in Big Stone Gap by heading over to www.bigstonegap.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitbigstonegap

The post Big Stone Gap Virginia – Small Town With a Big Heart appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Tucked between the hustle and bustle of Houston, and the sandy beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast, lies Alvin. Conveniently located, Alvin offers visitors big city attractions with small-town hospitality. Less than an hour’s drive from Space Center Houston, downtown Houston and Galveston, Alvin is the perfect place for your next stay.

Step back in time and learn about the city’s history by visiting the museums and historical sites. One historical site is the Slover – Rogers Cottage, built in 1909. A restored Victorian cottage featuring original furniture pieces, the Slover-Rogers Cottage is revered as a “must see.” The cottage was crafted over an eight-year period by a Civil War veteran to show his skills in Victorian construction, with gingerbread, two turrets, massive pocket doors, and a bow knot fence. It is a place of remembrance for old, as well as a place of discovery for the young.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Alvin offers a variety of activities for family and friends to enjoy out in the sun. One of the most popular attractions here in Alvin is Froberg’s Farms. Throughout the year, visitors to the farm can enjoy homegrown fruits and vegetables as well as homemade pies, jellies, preserves, and many other sweets found in the farm store. Froberg’s Farms also offers pick your own berries during their strawberry and blackberry seasons, as well as pick your own sunflowers and zinnias. It’s offers the perfect place for family photos and fun.

Another attraction in this area is Bayou Wildlife Zoo. The zoo is about 80 acres, and they have knowledgeable guides who enjoy educating guests about animals from all over the world. Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers a guided tour on a safari tram that allows visitors to see everything the zoo has to offer without trekking through the vast premises on foot. Each ride lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes, and you will see many types of deer, antelopes, buffalos, camels, zebras, and other exotic animals. Visitors can also tour Addie Lou’s barnyard to learn about the unique animals that have been rescued or nursed by the zoo. Guests can also feed the animals as well as check out the petting zoo to get a chance to love on some cute critters.

For those that are more active and have some time to enjoy a free round of disc golf can check out Bob Briscoe Park and Disc Golf Course. Bob Briscoe Park spreads across a large area of 42 acres and is immersed in nature. There are 18 holes with a par of 58 on the disc golf course. This intermediate-level course is the only night lit disc golf course with its own dedicated lighting for the course.

If you consider yourself a foodie you can go to VisitAlvin.com to learn about the Alvin Foodie Trail, and what restaurants are currently participating. Everyone loves delicious food, good drinks, and a fun atmosphere so we make sure that every restaurant on the Alvin Foodie offers all three. If you are interested in a good drink, then you need to check out Persedo Spirits Gentle Ben Tasting room. Persedo Spirits offers a spirit tasting experience that you can’t find anywhere else with Persedo’s C.R.A.F.T. system. With a technique unlike any other, Persedo delivers the highest quality spirits by removing inferior alcohols and creating desired esters without the loss of volume from ever-extended barrel time. Guests can stop by their tasting room, Gentle Ben, to experience the one–on–one comparison tasting of how Persedo Spirits system works.

Go to www.VisitAlvin.com to learn about everything Alvin has to offer.

The post Big City Attractions, With Small-Town Hospitality in Alvin, Texas appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.