Appalachian heritage is strong in Galax
Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina border, Galax celebrates its Appalachian heritage. The community is known as a hub for bluegrass and old-time musicians, who arrive each August for the popular Old Fiddlers’ Convention and come throughout the year to play downtown at The Rex Theater. Even the city’s name reflects its environment and heritage: Galax is an evergreen plant that’s a common decoration in Appalachian homes during the holidays. “Being in the mountains with the beauty, the scenery and the climate — on top of the mountain here it's usually 10 degrees cooler than when you get off the mountain toward Mount Airy — it’s just a good area to live. I’ve lived here all my life,” says Stacy Sikes, a broker and Realtor with Kyle Realty who’s sold homes here since 2016. Galax was originally a hub for furniture and textile manufacturing, but today the city is seeing a growing tourism industry fueled by its natural beauty, outdoor activities and Appalachian culture.
A wide variety of homes in town and the countryside
Queen Anne and Craftsman homes surround the town’s center, where they sit close to narrow streets that are sometimes lined with sidewalks. Farther from town, ranch-style, split-level and Cape Cod homes are more common, often sitting on spacious, hilly lots shaded by mature trees. Outside of the city limits, ranch-style homes, farmhouses and manufactured houses sit far apart among rolling pastures and winding country roads. Homes typically cost between $110,000 and $330,000, though properties with more than 5 acres can cost between $410,000 and $580,000. Properties near Chestnut Creek and the New River may be at risk of flooding. Homeowners should check flood maps to assess their risk.
Bluegrass and old-time music at the Old Fiddlers’ Convention
Each August, the weeklong Old Fiddlers’ Convention has brought crowds to Galax since 1935 to celebrate bluegrass and Appalachian old-time music. The festival began as a competition for fiddlers, and today it also includes competitions for guitar, dulcimer and flatfoot dancing. “People from all over the world come,” Sikes says. “The first night is youth night, and they have different bands throughout the week. The last couple of nights are the overall band competitions. Felts Park fills up with campers, and people have jams throughout.” The festival also has crafts and food vendors. Other popular summer events include the Smoke on the Mountain barbecue competition and the Galax Fireman’s Carnival.
Kids attend schools in the city or the county
Kids within Galax’s city limits attend Galax City Public Schools, while those in rural areas can go to Grayson County Public Schools; both districts earn a B from Niche. They might start at the B-minus-rated Galax Elementary and then go to the B-rated Galax Middle. At the B-rated Galax High, students can join state championship-winning sports teams; the Maroon Tide soccer team won the championship in 2024, and the football team won in 2023. Wytheville Community College at The Crossroads Institute offers classes in nursing and construction technologies.
Hiking, fishing, art classes and year-round music
The New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile trail that stretches from Galax to Pulaski. Located on a former railroad, the trail follows Chestnut Creek and the New River, and it’s a popular spot for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The New River has opportunities for fishing, boating and tubing. The 28-acre Felts Park has tennis courts, sports fields and a public outdoor pool, and the Galax Recreation Center offers classes and programs at its indoor pool and fitness center. More classes are available at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, which teaches topics like music, pottery and woodworking to adults and kids. Throughout the year, the Rex Theater hosts live performances of bluegrass and old-time music.
Locally owned businesses along Main Street
The walkable Galax Commercial Historic District is along Main Street, featuring brick storefronts and locally owned businesses. The Briar Patch Marketplace and Café is an antique store and a coffee shop that serves breakfast and lunch. The Galax Smokehouse is known for its barbecue and makes its sauces in-house. Macado’s is another popular hangout with a nostalgic feel and classic pub fare. Each Thursday and Saturday from April through October, the Galax Downtown Farmers Market offers locally grown produce and handmade goods. National retailers like Walmart and Hobby Lobby are on U.S. Route 58, and grocery stores here include Main Street Produce, Food City and Grants Supermarket.
A mostly car-reliant area with local bus service
Route 58 is the main road through Galax, leading about 11 miles to Interstate 77 and 13 miles to Hillsville. Interstate 77 leads about 28 miles to Interstate 81, a major corridor through western Virginia. Mountain Lynx Transit has bus routes throughout the city. Houses of worship here include Galax Presbyterian Church and Cornerstone Community Church. Twin County Regional Healthcare is in the city’s north, and Piedmont Triad International Airport is 83 miles away in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Written By
Annie Franklin
