Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace

Tiffany Ferrari

2024-05

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Jennifer Armell

2024-04

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Rebecca

2024-04

Amazing building, clean restrooms, friendly staff, great local crafts: woodworking, pottery, quilts, paintings, metal & glasswork all by local artisans for purchase!!They also have some area jams, pickles, candies & Mill products.Plan 20-35 mins to see video & marketplace. Good for picnic

Janet Jongebloed

2023-08

While heading towards Abingdon, I unexpectedly came across the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, formerly known as Heartwood during my initial visit years ago. Although it wasn't initially on my itinerary for this trip, it caught my attention as I made my way to the Abingdon Muster Grounds, so I quickly made a detour to see what had changed.Known as The Southwest Virginia Artisan Gateway, this cultural center showcases the diverse artistic talents of the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton and Radford. It brings so many of the traditions and culture of Southwest Virginia together under one roof, housed in a thoughtfully designed museum inspired by the region's agricultural and farm buildings. Within its wooden walls, multiple shops offer all sorts of handcrafted products, ranging from quilts and paintings to soap, knit crafts, and organic farm goods. The center does an amazing job of displaying the unique culture heritage of the area, including its traditions, music and crafts. It also hosts a music venue that is part of the Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail, however on that day no one was playing on its octagonal stage.One of the displays I liked the most was the map of the world with pins to stick in it, showing where everyone who visited the cultural center had come from -- there were pins stuck in from all over the world. It's really fascinating to know just how far people have traveled in order to stand where I was standing right then and there. Unfortunately, there were no more pins for me. Alas, I just had to join in spirit with the other pins that were placed on Richmond, Virginia.This was also where I learned about the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road which answered my question I always had about why the cities out in Western Virginia are so equally spaced and follow i-81 in a straight line. They were stops about a day away from each other via wagon along the road as settlers made their way into the Appalachian region. I like finally understanding that bit of trivia, especially since I've visited each of those cities this year.This visitor center also provides a wealth of information through its extensive collection of brochures, highlighting all the cities and numerous places to stop and hundreds of things to see and do and eat. Despite originally going on this vacation to cross some items off my bucket list, since it's now sitting at just under 300 spots in Virginia I want to visit, I couldn't help grabbing pamphlets by the armfuls, until the front desk guy was laughing and asking if I could carry them all. What's another couple of hundred more places to visit in this state anyway? As my favorite saying goes, "I'll add it to the list!"Once I made it outside with my souvenirs and an armful of paper pamphlets, I took one more photo of the LOVE sign and then I was off again, further into the city of Abingdon and more parts unknown.

Vikki Grodner

2019-05

This was a real treat with artisans providing crafts both sophisticated and charming in nature. Literally something for everyone -- from rustic wood vessels and furniture to paintings to fiber arts. Also a theater that features a movie on the local music scene -- this SW corner of Virginia calls itself the birthplace of country music

Caribooty

2022-05

We had a lovely visit. Very interesting pieces. Beautiful art.We thought the prices on some were incredibly high; however, you should know some artists mark up their prices due to the commission. There is a 60/40 split between artist and shop. Not to mention, art is not cheap to produce.A little disappointed that the cafe was closed but understand lack of personnel.We had a bonus excursion due to the Highlands vintage and antique show was right next door.The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was inviting.The photos are of my favorites.

Donna Griffith

2023-11

I love this place, having visited before. This time I took two friends with me and they were very impressed with the products on sale and the history of artists and crafts that is included in among the displays. The sales people were friendly and informative. I purchased gifts for the neighbors who were looking after my home while I was away.I will visit again when I am in the area.

Haley Tiller

2018-05

Food was great. I ate here for lunch and my only complaint was having to wait almost 10 minutes for a waiter to come out to bring me my check. The waitress was very nice but there were only a few others eating at the time I was there and no one walked out to check. Another waiter walked by multiple times and did not say anything.

Rebecca Stratton

2023-11

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Jon McGlocklin

2019-05

Great stage and great sound!! Has a huge, neat shop with local artist's creations. Food is fantastic too! Virginia Ground Duo played the stage competing in the Richard Leigh's Songwriters Festival 2018 last May and The Heartwood did a fantastic job of hosting!

David Mcdonald (Dave M)

2023-09

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Emily Edwards

2023-05

Love this place so much! Very knowledgeable staff. Clean restrooms, and lots and lots of beautiful and locally handcrafted work to shop. They also do live bluegrass and dinner on the first Thursday evening of every month. I highly recommend this be your first stop when visiting Southwest Va.

Amber Renee

2023-05

What a fun place! It is a must see simply on the outside, but the inside is packed full of local artists and crafts people. Plus the two gentlemen working were extremely inviting and friendly. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to check this place out.

Jerry Jerow

2023-05

The cafe is closed now. This is a very nice art center. The people who work there are so nice and helpful. It is normally not crowded and the restrooms are clean. We us it as a rest stop on out way to Pigeon Forge.

Debbie Hodge

2018-05

Nice cultural arts market for 19 county area of SW Virginia

Rebecca Stoil

2020-05

One of my favorite places we have ever stopped by the side of the road. Extremely convenient 2 the highway, really only a three-minute detour. Wonderful local food that is open on Sundays, unusual in Southwest Virginia. Fantastic, interactive Museum, phenomenal local crafts for sale for all budgets, very helpful folks working the front desk, and they even allow dogs inside so you can visit without worrying about leaving your fur baby in a hot car!

Karen Poston

2019-05

Wonderful trip through the blue Ridge mountain culture with the shops at Heartwood. The restaurant prepared fresh delicious food and the view is amazing while you chow down. The atmosphere is quiet, relaxing and enjoyable. Service was excellent and I would love to be able to go there again.

Sadie Sweetman

2019-05

This is a great space and a wonderful idea for the area. The customer service was spectacular and the goods were varied and unique. There is a cafe with food and drinks as well as wine and beer. The only downside to this place is that most goods can be quite expensive. I will say that there are plenty of affordable items though, but usually more tourist items like pins, prints, and t-shirts.

Sherry Cockman

2023-11

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Gabriella Bugge

2016-05

What a wonderful gallery, with unique architecture inside and out. The handcrafted items inside were beautiful and unique, and the cafe inside was a bit pricey but you got ginormous portions, making it difficult to finish but worth your buck. There was live bluegrass music the night that I went, making the experience very enjoyable. A worthy stop.

Paul Damerell

2020-05

Beautiful facility and grounds. Interior is tastefully laid out to display the work of craftsmen and artists from SW VA. Things from sewing crafts to artwork to woodwork. However, we were there on a pleasant summer Thursday afternoon and there was essentially no one there but the staff and us. Nice place but I' m not sure if it's going to make it.

A. Drake Baer

2023-08

Well priced galleries, helpful staff, but we’ll be glad when they re-start their cafe/restaurant.

Cassidy Combs

2024-01

One of my favorite places! <3

Rebekka Jackson

2013-05

My family went for the Sunday gospel brunch. $20 a person included all food and drinks, and my 3 year old ate for free. The food was authentic for our area, and so good! They had plenty of staff. Some of my favorite things were the homemade ice cream, heart shaped biscuits, and cornbread stuffing. The decor was thoughtful and showcased local artisans. Local musicians played throughout brunch. Loved it all.

C Berry

2019-05

Dinner was great for what we ordered, BLT sandwiches, a turkey sandwich for my son, and a cheese sandwich for my daughter. The BLT was really good and the tomato was excellent, will order it again! They forgot to put the cheese on my daughter's cheese, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. Once they brought some cheese, she happily ate her sandwich. We ordered dessert, a strawberry lemon cake. Made in house and was something I'd find on the desert tracks at a family reunion. Homemade and incredibly good, they didn't order this from a vendor and defrost it. Must was great, the kids loved it. Well be back for more Thursday night concerts.

Emily Edwards

2019-05

One of a kind spot showcasing everything Southwest Virginia. The galleries are filled with one-of-a-kind work from local SWVA artisans. Lots of information on outdoor activities and attractions is available at the front desk. The restaurant serves many locally grown items and the Mountain Brew Bar has offerings such as locally roasted coffee and VA made ice cream. The location is beautiful with a great view of mountain ranges and plenty of space on the grounds to walk around and stretch your legs. The last time I was there, it was dog-friendly in the areas not around the cafe, but had patio and outdoor table available for those traveling with pets who also wanted to eat. The bathrooms are immaculate and spacious.

Judith Schell

2023-05

Wonderful art in many mediums. I've truly enjoyed stopping and shopping here over the years on my travels!

Michael Brandon Lane

2022-05

Very disappointed.I am native to Southwest Virginia and I decided to go to the cultural center to buy a gift that represents the area for an out-of- town friend. The whole main floor of the center is a very large gift shop but there were very few items that actually promoted our culture.The shop seemed to consist of mainly overpriced plastic or resin jewelry and artwork that had nothing to do with SWVA culture. There were some beautiful quilts but you'd have to be a fool to pay $400 or more for them (especially since they are tiny).The artists and artisans who are featured are very talented, no doubt, but the majority of their artwork or crafts are not appropriate for the SWVA cultural museum. Just because they may live in the area doesn't mean their art is representative of SWVA.I would like for the cultural museum to be a source of true local goods, canned foods, art of our beautiful area - possibly featuring our parks, quaint towns, music, and beautiful farmland.The restaurant at this location was closed also (July 2021) but I believe they are in the process of finding someone to run the kitchen.

Jason Clemons

2013-05

My wife and small daughter thought it would be nice to drop in to Heartwood since our mandolin-playing, guitar-making, master artisan craftsman friend was visiting from Floyd, VA. We went during a torrential downpour and were greeted immediately and warmly. The director of the Crooked Road invited our friend to play a few tunes, notable "Sweet Georgia Brown." My wife and daughter had the opportunity to dance and sing and run about, we found a children's book illustrated by a local artist and written by my favorite author, Neil Gaiman. The structural design and art were beautiful. A fantastic visit, free of charge. We took away wonderful memories, and a bit of great footage. Visit my Google+ page to see a little impromptu picking and grinning.PS I didn't have any food, but I had to complete the food rating to post. I put a 3 but I cannot verify excellent cuisine.

Karl Peter (KP)

2022-05

Fun stop whenever in the area. Lots of interesting and beautiful crafts by local makers. FYI: the Cafe is not currently operating (they are looking for a new vendor to reopen it.. )