Wayne Jordan
Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovel's Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.
BBQ in Galax: The Secret Sauce
By seven in the morning, smoke already lingers above Main Street in Galax. It drifts from a long row of cookers—some handmade, others hauled in on trailers built for competition. Teams stand quietly behind their setups, checking temps, watching the…
Galax Old-Time Mountain Music: Learned By Ear, Sung With Heart
He’s eleven, holding a mandolin that’s older than he is. The tune he’s picking is older still. In Galax, kids don’t just learn music—they inherit it. They learn the same way their grandparents did: by ear, through repetition, and by…
Rainy Day Galax: Your Guide to Indoor Fun
Rain can change your plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin them—especially in Galax, Virginia. When the clouds roll in, our small town turns inward, revealing a creative, musical, and cozy side you might miss on a sunny day. Whether…
World Flavors, Small Town: A Galax Food Tour
It starts the way it always does. “What do you want to eat?” “I don’t know. What do you want to eat?” Somewhere in a car parked on Main Street or gassing up at Sheets, a couple visiting Galax is…
Discover Family Camping at Galax’s Cliffview Campground
When the pace of modern life seems unrelenting—when busy schedules, endless tasks, and noise seem inescapable—you know it’s time to take a break. You need a place to relax, breathe fresh air, hear the rustle of a nearby creek, and…
Steel Rails to Dirt Trails: The Galax New River Trail
A Journey Begins Stand at the Galax New River Trail trailhead, and it’s hard to imagine the place any different. It’s peaceful, quiet—just the sound of leaves rustling and maybe a cyclist coasting by. But a hundred years ago? This…
Brew & Wander: The Ultimate Galax Coffee Crawl
Start Here: The Case for a Coffee Crawl Galax may be known for bluegrass, but its coffee scene has its own rhythm. Whether you’re after a no-nonsense cup of black coffee, a finely tuned pour-over, or a latte that tastes…
From Barbershop to White House: Galax Hill Billies Wild Ride
How’s this for an unlikely scenario? A group of musicians from Galax, Virginia, fresh off a barbershop jam session, lands a gig playing for the President of the United States. No slick arrangements, no polished act—just a handful of local…
Exploring the Historic Architecture of Galax, VA
When it comes to small towns that defy small-town stereotypes, Galax, Virginia, exceeds expectations. Known for its music and outdoor splendor, the Historic Architecture of Galax is as much a part of the town’s personality as its famous bluegrass. The…
Experience the Magic of the Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention
The Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention is more than a music festival—it’s a week-long immersion into Appalachian music and culture. Each August, Galax, Virginia, becomes a gathering spot for musicians, families, and music lovers. Visitors arrive by the thousands to soak…
Get a Visitor's Guide
Want to explore Galax with a guide? Request a guide through our convenient form.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Get upcoming events and happenings in Galax in your inbox!
#MountainMadeGalax