Heartwood: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Gateway Open to Public

ABINGDON, Va., June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartwood, located in Abingdon, Va., serves as a tourism destination for travelers to explore the rich natural resources and cultural, musical and artisan heritage distinctive to the 19 county, four city Southwest Virginia region. An economic development initiative seven years in the making, the 30,000-square-foot facility is the physical symbol of the region's new creative economy.  

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"Southwest Virginia is authentic, distinctive and alive," said Todd Christensen, executive director, Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission. "Heartwood is the epitome of the region's creative culture."

Heartwood comprises the region's best craft, music and food. In regard to craft, the offices of 'Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network are located at the facility. Visitors to Heartwood have the opportunity to learn about local artisans, shop for local crafts and plan trips on the Southwest Virginia Artisan Trails.

For music, the offices of The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail are located at Heartwood. Visitors have the opportunity to listen to and interact with musicians during concerts and jams in the facility's performance space. The Crooked Road Store at Heartwood features instruments handmade by local luthiers and offers a vast collection of regional, old-time bluegrass and gospel music CDs and DVDs, as well as merchandise and apparel. Lastly, Heartwood is the perfect stop for visitors to plan trips along The Crooked Road.

Visitors can get a taste of Southwest Virginia's regional food and wine through Heartwood's restaurant, wine and coffee bar, and gift shop. The Heartwood restaurant chefs have traveled the region to find the best recipes. The Heartwood wine and coffee bar allows visitors to sit and relax with a cup of locally roasted coffee or a glass of wine from one of Southwest Virginia's many wineries. Visitors may purchase regional coffees, wines, jams, jellies and more in the Heartwood gift shop.

"This is an important economic development initiative for all of Southwest Virginia. Heartwood is expected to draw more than 270,000 visitors annually and generate more than $28 million in revenue for the region," Christensen said. "We are very excited for members of the public to experience all that Heartwood has to offer."

Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, visit heartwoodvirginia.org or call 276-492-2400.

SOURCE Heartwood