New River Artisan Trail

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A cool breeze sweeps up the New River as it flows into the green valley of Pulaski County and Radford. The sound of a bag pipe heard from the campus of Radford University announces the Ulster Scots heritage of this ancient valley where pioneers ferried the river and fought the elements to survive. Directly on the Wilderness Road, sustenance farming required homemade baskets, quilts, weaving, wood turning and soap making. Today visitors are immersed in the heritage and culture of days gone by while transported into contemporary art produced by the creative and talented artisans along the New River Valley Artisan Trail. Fine silver and flame worked glass are transformed into delicate jewelry while custom soft furnishings, weaving, wood turned bowls and stained glass are delights to shoppers. Quilt shows, gallery exhibits, art center workshops and annual festivals bring artisans together to demonstrate their skills to a new generation. Working family farms, and goat farms invite visitors to pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hay rides each fall.