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.
The Perfect Acoustic: How Venue Design Enhances Musical Performance
Discover Wayfarer Appalachia on historic Main Street in Tazewell, VA—Appalachian-inspired food, local beef, live music, cocktails, shopping, catering and more.
38th Annual Burkes Garden Festival Brings Music to Virginia's Garden Spot
Some places in Southwest Virginia don't need much introduction. Burkes Garden is one of them.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the 38th Annual Burkes Garden Festival returns for another day celebrating the people, traditions, crafts, food, and mountain culture that make this remarkable corner of Tazewell County unlike anywhere else.
And this year, Wayfarer Appalachia is proud to sponsor the festival's live 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EmiSunshine Live at Wayfarer Appalachia!
EmiSunshine is not your average performer. She is a powerhouse of talent, a seasoned vocalist, and a gifted songwriter who has been commanding stages for years. Her journey is nothing short of remarkable. By the age of 20, she had already released 10 albums, each showcasing her evolving artistry and deep connection to her musical roots.
ShamRock'N for a Cause: Run, Party, and Support Our Community!
Best of all, your participation makes a real difference. Every step you take and every ticket you purchase directly supports The Billy Wagner Park. This is more than just a fundraiser; it's a community effort to build and improve a special local project that benefits everyone.
Wayfarer Appalachia Welcomes Tazewell County’s Makenzie Phipps (2nd Show Added)
Prepare to be captivated by Makenzie Phipps' soulful vocals and authentic storytelling. Her music is a reflection of her roots, filled with the heart and resilience that define Appalachia. This performance promises to be an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and incredible live music.
House Sessions: An Evening with Sean Blackwell
Tommy Cox, a proud Tazewell County native, has been a staple in the blues music scene since the early 1990s. Starting his career with the blues trio Tommy C and The Blue Hounds, Cox quickly made a name for himself with his authentic sound and masterful guitar skills. Over the years, he has toured across the Southeastern U.S., captivating audiences with his electric and acoustic blues performances.