Where Appalachian history meets dynamic small-town life
The peaks of the Appalachian Mountains come to a rumbling halt at Big Stone Gap, a small, rural community folded into southern Virginia at the footsteps of Appalachia. A population of about 5,000 residents calls this town home, scattered throughout the farmlands and bucolic landscape. Still, Big Stone Gap boasts a lively town center, brimming with Appalachian history and charm. “Big Stone Gap is a little more laid-back than Norton and Wise,” says local Brett Tiller, an associate with Re/Max Cavaliers. “Downtown is very vibrant, and there’s a strong music scene, with entertainment and bands.” He says the town offers more of a lively vibe because of its diverse attractions that draw in late-night crowds from surrounding areas. While dynamic establishments and community events keep residents connected to each other, the town’s natural beauty and countryside keep them connected to nature, providing abundant outdoor recreation.
Mountain views and acreage attract homebuyers to the valley
Scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains are a selling factor for homebuyers relocating to Big Stone Gap, Tiller says. “Homes have more mountain views and more acreage down in the valley,” he notes. “Homes generally have lots of windows.” Ranch-style houses are most prominent among single-family homes, though mountain retreats like cabins, log homes and A-frame styles are also common. Contemporary houses and a few newer builds round out the inventory. Land is also available, providing opportunities for new construction. Home prices typically range between $28,000 and $350,000, though outliers include expansive homes on several acres fetching up to $900,000.
Strong public schools and higher education programs
Students in Big Stone Gap are part of Wise County Public Schools, a district that maintains an A-minus overall score from Niche. Kids may begin at Union Primary School, rated an A-minus, for prekindergarten through fourth grade before advancing to the B-rated Union Middle School. Union High School earns a B-minus and gets high marks for its athletic program, which includes basketball, soccer and more.
Mountain Empire Community College is in Big Stone Gap, and the University of Virginia College at Wise is about 16 miles north. Known for its strong liberal arts education, UVA Wise also offers a Year in Wise program, guaranteeing admission to UVA’s main campus in Charlottesville, Virginia, upon successful completion of one year at the college.
Pizza joints, cafés and a brewery anchor the downtown scene
While properties here are spaced throughout the tranquil landscape, Big Stone Gap’s town center is clustered with dynamic local establishments. Wood Avenue anchors the downtown area, lined with businesses, restaurants and unique shops that include cafés, gift shops and more. Eateries brim with Appalachian character and emanate Southern charm, like Country Kitchen, a local chain serving American comfort fare. Other favorites include Curklin’s, 404 Café and Creamery, and pizza joints like Moon Dog Brick Oven Pizza and Good Times Coal-Fired Pizza. Additional spots include Big Cherry Brewing Company, which Tiller says is especially popular among locals.
Downtown nightlife thrives with concerts and community events
Many of the restaurants and establishments downtown host regular live music, helping to foster the town’s creative late-night vibe. An abundance of events, including music festivals, keeps the high energy going. Blue Highway Fest has been a stalwart celebration of all things music since its beginning in 2022. The five-day fest features a full lineup of local and regional musical performances, complete with food, craft and drink vendors. The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical Park hosts Lunch on the Lawn, a summer music series, as well as other seasonal performances. The town is also dotted with various historic attractions and entertainment options, including the Coal Museum, the John Fox Jr. Museum, and the Trail of the Lonesome Pine, an outdoor theater that hosts drama productions. The venue is part of the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, which connects prominent music venues throughout Southwest Virginia.
Lakes, parks and trails connect residents to the outdoors
Set along the Powell River and Appalachian Mountains, Big Stone Gap has no shortage of outdoor recreation, complete with picturesque vistas and natural spaces. In town, Bullitt Park serves as a central hub for recreation, with a splash pad, playground, and a trail that leads to Frog Level Park and the Big Stone Gap Dog Park. A.K. Fraley Park, also known as Duck Park, is popular for its many feathered visitors and disc golf course. Along the South Fork Powell River, Carnes Park is home to the Big Stone Gap Parks and Recreation Department, which features outdoor fitness courts and the Green Belt, a 3.5-mile trail that offers scenic river views. Big Cherry Reservoir is a 250-acre lake that serves as a destination for trout fishing, kayaking and hiking. Residents also enjoy proximity to the private Lonesome Pine Country Club and natural wonders like the Devil’s Bathtub and Fairy Stone Falls.
Highway 58 connects Big Stone Gap to nearby routes and towns
U.S. 58 Alternate Highway is the main route that bisects Big Stone Gap and connects locals to Highway 23. While the downtown area is walkable, residents still depend on cars for transportation. The closest airport is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Blountville, Tennessee, about 56 miles south. The nearest full-service medical facility is the Norton Community Hospital, approximately 12 miles northwest.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
