Roadlore
Welcome to the home of the RoadLore blog, the living journal of Wayfarer Appalachia. Here on Main Street in Tazewell, the mountains lean close and the air carries both music and memory. Within our walls, two spirits guide the journey — the Velvet Room, soft and hushed, where storytellers and songwriters bare their truths, and the Crossroads Stage, bold and untamed, where bands and wanderers thunder through.
Each plate from our kitchen is steeped in local flavor, each cocktail stirred with a touch of kinship, and every note of music a reminder that the road is alive with story. This space is where we share those tales — the triumphs, the stumbles, the gatherings by firelight — all the wayfarings and whispers that make us who we are. Walk with us, and together we’ll keep the flame burning bright in the heart of Appalachia.
Virginia's Musical Migration: When Mountain Songs Met Music City
From the 1927 Bristol Sessions and the Carter Family to the Grand Ole Opry, discover how the music of Southwest Virginia traveled from Appalachian communities to Nashville—and helped shape country music.
Matt Deal Brings His Beautifully Weird Appalachian Songbook to the Velvet Room
West Virginia singer-songwriter Matt Deal brings his genre-bending Appalachian music, humor, loop pedal and deep catalog to the Velvet Room at Wayfarer Appalachia in Tazewell, VA on August 20, 2026.
Stanley Jordan the Guitar Legend
Stanley Jordan didn't simply develop a distinctive guitar style. He changed people's understanding of what one guitarist could do. Jordan became internationally known for his revolutionary two-handed touch technique, an advanced approach in which both hands work directly on the fretboard rather than relying primarily on conventional picking and strumming.
Travis Elliott Live in the Velvet Room at Wayfarer Appalachia
An Intimate Night of Alternative Rock, Americana, and Songwriting
On Saturday, August 15, the Velvet Room at Wayfarer Appalachia welcomes Virginia singer, songwriter, and guitarist Travis Elliott for an intimate evening of live music in downtown Tazewell.
Wayfarer Presents the 2nd Annual Mountain Flavors Music & Food Festival
On November 6 and 7, 2026, Mountain Flavors returns for its second year.
This two-day celebration will once again bring together accomplished chefs, talented musicians, regional flavors, and the unmistakable hospitality of the Appalachian Mountains. Friday evening will offer an intimate five-course culinary and musical experience, while Saturday will transform The Wayfarer into a lively food, drink, and music festival.
Mama's Black Sheep, Sweet Leda & Colleen Clark Live at Wayfarer on August 7
Wayfarer welcomes Mama's Black Sheep, Sweet Leda, and Colleen Clark for an evening that will travel through country, rock, soul, blues, funk, and everything in between. These artists bring more than exceptional talent to the stage. They bring stories, energy, honesty, and the kind of chemistry that can turn a live performance into a shared experience.
Strings of Green Brings Award-Winning Bluegrass to the Crossroads Saloon
On July 31, 2026, Wayfarer Appalachia welcomes Strings of Green to the Crossroads Saloon for a night of live bluegrass music rooted in family, tradition, talent, and the unmistakable sound of Appalachia.
Main Street Moments Festival Brings Food, Music, and Main Street Magic to Tazewell, Virginia
On July 25th, Main Street Tazewell will come alive with Main Street Moments, festival activity, local vendors, food, entertainment, and community celebration. The mountains feel a little closer. The storefronts feel a little brighter. Neighbors slow down long enough to wave, visitors discover something unexpected, and the heart of town begins to beat with music, food, laughter, and community.
Farro & Friends Bring Two Nights of Pure Musical Magic to Wayfarer Appalachia
On July 17th and July 18th, Wayfarer Appalachia will welcome Farro & Friends for two unforgettable nights of music in the heart of historic Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia. The weekend begins with an intimate evening in The Velvet Room on July 17th, followed by a Saturday night gathering in the Crossroads Saloon on July 18th that promises the kind of musical magic Wayfarer is quickly becoming known for.
Wayfarer Appalachia Celebrates One Incredible Year in Tazewell, Virginia
A year ago, the doors of Wayfarer Appalachia opened on Historic Main Street in Tazewell with a big vision and a great deal of hope. We did not simply want to open another restaurant. We wanted to create an iconic destination. On Sunday, June 28, 2026, we will celebrate Wayfarer Appalachia's first anniversary, and we would love for the entire community to celebrate with us.
Where Appalachia Comes Together
There are places you visit for dinner. Places you go to hear live music. Places you meet friends for a drink, celebrate an important occasion, or find something meaningful to take home. At Wayfarer Appalachia, all of those experiences come together under one roof.
Jonah Carden Brings 25 Years of Soul, Songwriting and Appalachian Sound to Wayfarer
For more than 25 years, Jonah Carden has built a respected following throughout the Appalachian region as a one-man acoustic performer. His rich baritone voice carries both strength and vulnerability, while his diverse guitar style moves naturally between blues, rock, Americana and acoustic roots music.
RT16 Rally & Music Festival Celebrates Music, Motorsports, and Appalachian Community
This festival was never just about one weekend. It was about building something that can grow, bring people back, fill our streets, and help all of Main Street win.
Live Music Heats Historic Main Street at Wayfarer Appalachia This June
Wayfarer has always been about more than a meal. It is a place to slow down, settle in, meet friends, and enjoy the character of Appalachia in a setting that feels both familiar and fresh. This summer, that spirit comes through loud and clear with a June lineup built for long evenings, great sounds, and Historic Main Street energy.
The Many Sounds of Main Street: Live Music at Wayfarer Appalachia
From bluegrass and country to jazz, soul, blues, Celtic roots, reggae, and songwriter nights, Wayfarer brings live music to Historic Main Street in Tazewell. There is something powerful about hearing music rise from an old Main Street building.
Dalton Lee Brings Southwest Virginia Roots to the Crossroads Saloon
Get ready for an electrifying night of music. The Moran Tripp Band, one of Maryland's most exciting up-and-coming rock acts, is bringing its signature sound to the stage for a performance you won't want to miss. This is your chance to see a band on the rise, fresh off a series of significant successes that have set the music scene buzzing.
Bike Night at Wayfarer Appalachia: Ride In, Gather Up, and Stay Awhile.
Join Wayfarer Appalachia and Uncharted Adventures for Bike Night on Friday, May 29, from 6 to 9 PM in Tazewell, Virginia, with live music, cold drinks, and Appalachian road culture.
A Garden Party at The Litz Mansion: An Afternoon Made for Historic Tazewell
On Saturday, May 16, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Wayfarer Appalachia is honored to collaborate with The Litz Mansion, celebrity Chef Kev D., and a wonderful lineup of local vendors for an afternoon built around beauty, conversation, food, and the simple joy of gathering well.
Mother's Day Brunch at Wayfarer Appalachia
Celebrate Mother's Day at Wayfarer Appalachia with a Southern-inspired brunch buffet, live music in the Velvet Room, Starlight Porch seating, and a mimosa bar in Tazewell, Virginia.
RT16 Rally & Music Festival Rolls Into Tazewell, Virginia
Join Wayfarer Appalachia in Tazewell, Virginia for RT16 Rally & Music Festival, June 5-7, 2026, with live music, motorsports, food, fellowship, and Back of the Dragon.