Local Culture

The following are a few of our favorite things.

Independence farmers market

The Independence Farmers Market began in 2009. A local grower/producer market, the Market is open seasonally on Fridays 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. featuring local, naturally raised meats, local and heirloom vegetables, baked goods, herbs, arts and crafts. Throughout the season, the vendors provide customers with goods grown or made with pride. Ask them for recipes or helpful food preparation tips. The market offers special events throughout the season, featuring Farm Fresh Kids Day, the Berry Festivaland Tomato Day, contests, raffles and local musicians. During the offseason there is an online market and winter workshops to encourage and educate new farmers and customers on farmer’s market goods and services.

Blue ridge music center

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1997, with support from The National Council for the Traditional Arts, The Music Center includes an outdoor amphitheater, an indoor interpretive center/theater, and The Roots of American Music, a FREE interactive, and entertaining, exhibition highlighting the historical significance of the region’s music. Trace the history of Blue Ridge Mountain Music through local artists back to the creation of the music generations ago by persons from Europe and West Africa, and shows its' continued influence on many forms of folk, rock, and popular music made across America today.

Blue ridge parkway

A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.