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.
A Favorite Returns to the Crossroads Saloon Stage
The Tennessee Sheiks are not the kind of band you tuck neatly into one box. Wayfarer describes them as Knoxville's own ensemble of veteran musicians, and their sound pulls from jazz, swing, blues, bluegrass, and country, with nods to Django Reinhardt's timeless style.
Bring Wayfarer to Your Table: Catering for Weddings, Celebrations, and Gatherings Worth Remembering.
Explore our curated menus designed to elevate any occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.
Chosen Road Brings Mountain Harmony and a Message of Hope to Wayfarer Appalachia
Founded in the hills of West Virginia, Chosen Road was shaped by front porches, country churches, and the kind of close harmonies that only come from standing near enough to hear each other breathe. Their sound is rooted in traditional bluegrass, but it reaches beyond any one label. You hear country, gospel, and Americana in the music, all tied together by something that feels steady, honest, and true.
That is what makes this upcoming night at Wayfarer Appalachia feel like such a natural fit.
Arvel Bird: Where Celtic Fire Meets Appalachian Soul
Classically trained as a violinist, Arvel Bird has spent a lifetime shaping a sound that brings together Celtic music, bluegrass, Appalachian roots, and his own Native American folk and Celtic rock orchestrations. The result is something rare — music that feels both refined and deeply grounded, technical and emotional, worldly and close to home.
Rick Ferrell Brings Timeless American Songwriting to the Velvet Room
Some songwriters write hits. Others write songs that stay with people for years because they feel lived in, honest, and true.
Rick Ferrell brings that kind of music to the Velvet Room for a night shaped by story, craft, and the kind of sound that still means something.
Appalachian Soul Man Aristotle Jones Brings Soul to Wayfarer
There is something special about an artist who does more than perform songs. Aristotle Jones brings context, spirit, and lived connection to the stage. His music is influenced by the rural soundscapes of Appalachia as much as it is by the work of Johnny Johnson and Bill Withers, two West Virginia legends whose influence still runs strong through American music.
The Church Sisters Are Coming to Wayfarer Appalachia
Experience Nashville-caliber live music on Main Street, Tazewell, VA. Wayfarer Appalachia—restaurant, bar, and live music venue with three stages—serves Southern-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and nightly performances that celebrate Appalachian heritage. Join us for great food, bigger tunes, and a playful hometown vibe.
Small Bites, Sweet Treats & the Perfect Cup: Appetizers, Desserts, and Coffee at Wayfarer Appalachia
At Wayfarer Appalachia, the experience isn't just about dinner—it's about the moments that surround it. The laughter shared over appetizers before the meal arrives, the sweet indulgence of dessert after a satisfying dinner, and the comfort of a warm cup of coffee while music fills the room. These are the moments that turn an ordinary night out into something memorable.
Spring House Sessions in the Velvet Room
Spring has a way of waking everything up in the mountains. The light lingers a little longer, Main Street feels alive again, and the music lands a little deeper. At Wayfarer Appalachia, that is exactly what our Spring House Sessions are made for: good songs, good food, and the kind of evenings that remind you why live music still matters.
Appalachian Pig Pickin' Luau Coming to Historic Main Street, Tazewell. March 21
This special event brings together the laid-back spirit of a Hawaiian luau with the rich traditions of Appalachian hospitality. Set in the heart of Historic Main Street in Tazewell, Virginia, the evening promises delicious food, local culture, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the best of our region.
Coming Home to the Sound of Tazewell County
There are some places that never really leave you. No matter how far life carries you, they stay tucked somewhere deep inside you, like the first verse of an old song you have not heard in years but still know by heart.
The Mercantile at Wayfarer Appalachia
There's something special happening on Main Street in Tazewell. If you've ever stepped inside Wayfarer Appalachia, you already know it's a gathering place, a crossroads of stories, songs, travelers, and neighbors.
Where Taste Meets Tradition and Flavor Sings
In the heart of historic downtown Tazewell, Wayfarer Appalachia is a place where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and Appalachian culture is celebrated through food, drink, and music. Rooted in the mountains we call home, Wayfarer blends tradition with a modern approach, offering hearty comfort dishes, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and alive.
Sip, Savor, and Stay Awhile: Specialty Cocktails, Beer & Wine at Wayfarer Appalachia
At Wayfarer Appalachia, every pour tells a story. Whether you're joining us for a laid-back evening with friends or settling in for one of our unforgettable Jazz Nights, our bar program is designed to elevate the experience, one glass at a time. From handcrafted specialty cocktails to carefully selected beers and wines, here's a taste of what's waiting for you.
Live Bluegrass: Carson Peters and Iron Mountain
We are thrilled to welcome Carson Peters & Iron Mountain to our Crossroads Saloon, Tazewell, VA, for a night of authentic, high-energy bluegrass. Experience energetic, traditional bluegrass from one of the hottest bands in the business.
Man in Black, Comes to Main Street: JC Cole & Folsom '68 Live at Wayfarer Appalachia.
We're thrilled to welcome JC Cole and Folsom 68 to the Crossroads Saloon at Wayfarer Appalachia for an unforgettable Johnny Cash tribute show.
From the deep boom-chicka-boom rhythms to the raw storytelling that made Cash a legend, JC Cole and Folsom 68 deliver a powerful, respectful, and high-energy tribute to the Man in Black.
February 2026 House Sessions at Wayfarer Appalachia is heating Old Man Winter
Our Southwest, Virginia House Sessions series continues with a lineup of incredible songwriters and performers. February at Wayfarer Appalachia is shaping up to be a special month. This House Sessions month is for you.
Southern Legacy, with Don Rigsby Experience Authentic Bluegrass at Wayfarer Appalachia.
Are you ready for an unforgettable night of authentic Appalachian music? On Friday, February 6, 2026, Wayfarer Appalachia is proud to host Southern Legacy featuring the legendary Don Rigsby. This exceptional live performance will take place in the intimate and rustic setting of our own Crossroads Saloon, offering a genuine taste of mountain culture and masterful bluegrass musicianship.
Fly Me to the Moon: A Sinatra Valentine in Appalachia
Valentine's Day calls for grand gestures, but it's often the unique celebrations that linger in our memories for years to come. This year, step away from the ordinary and join us for a night where romance feels truly alive—where the spark of old Hollywood meets Appalachian warmth. Far from your "typical" dinner date, we're inviting you into an evening of timeless sophistication, mountain magic, and musical nostalgia.
Thomas Taylor Brings Conway Twitty to Life at Wayfarer Appalachia
Are you ready for an evening of pure country nostalgia? Wayfarer Appalachia is thrilled to announce an exceptional live performance that will time travel you back to the golden age of country music.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, join us for "Red Necking Love Making Night," an unforgettable event featuring the incredible Thomas Taylor and his tribute to the legendary Conway Twitty.
A heartfelt journey through the music that defined a generation.