Scotland

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a familiar melody can conjure up the memories of a generation. Heritage music festivals offer travelers as much of a glimpse of our nation’s history as monuments and museums. Listen as a folk singer strums on a handmade mandolin and traces the journey of settlers across the plains. A mournful bluegrass tune recounts the trials and tribulations of people whose time has come and gone. These musical experiences can be had all over our nation, from large-scale festivals to small nightly concerts on a village green, there is something to suit every kind of traveler. Don’t forget to book a stay at a local bed and breakfast to make your historical experience complete. Take a look at these intriguing options.

Music and Dance in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle

A wise songwriter once extolled West Virginia as, “almost Heaven.” A trip to idyllic Shepherdstown and the Thomas Shepherd Inn offers the history and ambiance bed and breakfast travelers crave. Music lovers need walk no further than O’Hare’s General Store to watch local musicians celebrate their heritage of dulcimer music. Concerts and theater are available throughout the year, and don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes. The Shepherdstown Music and Dance is famous for its contra and Morris dancing events.

Enjoy the Sounds of the South North Carolina-Style

An Arts & Crafts style National Historic Register treasure in Asheville, NC, the 1900 Inn on Montford brings the music to their guests so that they never have to leave the elegant surroundings. Local musicians with banjos, guitars, and harmonica play on the expansive porch every Thursday and Saturday night during the evening social hour. The town of Asheville provides diversions with shopping for locally-made fine crafts and art, fine and casual dining, and of course, the Biltmore Estate, only two miles away. The Inn is furnished luxuriously with King beds, fireplaces, and whirlpools.

Celebration of Southern Music in the Smoky Mountains

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Hilton’s Bluff Inn, is just a few miles from all the musical attractions of nearby Pigeon Forge. Dolly Parton’s world famous theme park, Dollywood, is nearby and offers an array of arts and crafts as well as musical performances from country, bluegrass, gospel, and of course local heritage artists. The Smith Family Theater is another local hotspot where guests can enjoy concerts featuring a wide variety of musical styles. After a day of singing along, relax on the inn’s deck or porch and enjoy the cozy, country surroundings.

West Virginia Festival Features Heritage Music

Guests at The Ponderosa Lodge are just a few miles from a myriad of mountain music and local crafts. The Tamarack Arts Center offers live music at its Governor Hulett C. Smith Theater as well as music festivals, workshops and plenty of unique shopping. The Lodge also is near to Camp Washington-Carver, home to the famous Appalachian String Band Festival, one of the largest heritage music venues in the country. Back at the inn, you’ll find gleaming wood floors topped with braided rugs, quilt-topped beds, scenic grounds with walking trails and nights filled with starry skies.

Music and Theater in Granbury, North Texas

Guests at the American Heritage House Bed & Breakfast can enjoy a variety of music and theater which carry on the heritage musical traditions. Granbury Live has ‘Branson-style’ music shows and the Brazos River Music Fest offers bluegrass and country music in the spring. Newly built in the Federal style and furnished with elegant antiques, this B&B offers true Southern hospitality and charm – and a gourmet multi-course breakfast – to make you feel welcome in this popular destination area.