Floyd County is among the most multi-faceted of America’s small places, honoring community traditions while welcoming cultural expressions from elsewhere. Its diverse population includes an older farming community, new organic growers, creative artists, skilled tradeworkers, and growing numbers of urban commuters. The County also has several respected makers of violins and fretted stringed instruments. For many, music-making has always been a family tradition. Travelers from around the world join local folks in dancing to and enjoying old-time, gospel, and bluegrass music every Friday night at The Floyd Country Store—weekly gatherings that date through generations. The noted Floyd County Ramblers recorded an arrangement of “Step Stone” on the Victor label in 1930, a version that was later adopted in several African countries. Appalachian regional music remains popular globally, with downtown Floyd’s ‘County Sales’ marketing the “world’s largest selection of bluegrass and old-time music” via the world wide web.

Mabry Mill, the most photographed site along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is located in Floyd County. Banjo maker Newton Hylton, a talented blacksmith, farmer, furniture maker, millwright, and country dentist, rebuilt the water wheel for the historic mill in 1945. Floyd County also offers hiking trails, welcoming bed and breakfasts, unique restaurants, wineries, and specialty shops featuring a delightful array of local handcrafts. Looking for something? Just ask, and we’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.