More than a dozen art galleries and specialty shops dot the streets of West Jefferson and many more are scattered throughout the county as many artists work in their home studios.
Colorful, wall-size murals are scattered throughout the downtown West Jefferson area, in addition to the historic Ashe Arts Center, a 1938 WPA building. The Arts Center also functions as an art gallery, and is a popular gathering place for local events. Ashe County is also home to the famous Churches of the Frescoes, located in Glendale Springs and West Jefferson.
You can park anywhere in the downtown West Jefferson area on Jefferson Avenue or on Main Street and walk to more than a dozen art galleries and another dozen specialty shops and restaurants, not to mention the Ashe County Cheese Factory and the old-time Parkway movie Theatre (tickets only $5 for first-run movies!)
Creekhouse Garden Gallery has
unique objects for the home, garden, yard, deck and patio, displayed in a beautiful natural setting. They have many kinds of garden art & sculpture, blooming flowers in rustic containers, framed photos & books about the high country. The Creekhouse Garden Gallery is located about seven miles east of Jefferson, NC on Hwy. 88. Open from 9-5, Friday-Sunday, May-October. Visit online at
www.CreekhouseGardenGallery.com
Music has also been an important part of our mountain culture, and Ashe County is home to many fine traditional musicians. Old-time and bluegrass music can be found in a variety of venues, and informal jam sessions take place weekly in several communities.
Every Friday night, for example, Todd General Store features a community jam session of old-time mountain music. The store literally vibrates with the sound of guitars, dulcimers, fiddles and other acoustical instruments. And, on Friday and Saturday nights, Mountain Music Jamboree not only offers live music, but also a lively dance floor where everyone is invited to dance – and if you don’t know how, they’ll show you!
Other musical events include Christmas in July, the Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention and Friday night jam sessions in both Todd and at the Riverview Community Center. In addition, you can usually find local musicians at the Ashe Arts Council’s Coffee House Talent Night, or at area restaurants and businesses.
Finally, take a Barn Quilt tour of Ashe County! These colorful panels decorate almost 20 barns located around the rural back roads of the county, with more scheduled for the near future. Pick up a tour map at the Visitors Center (at 303 East Second Street in West Jefferson) or at the Arts Center (303 School Avenue, WJ).
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