Marion: History, Live Music and Appalachian Arts

Marion appeals to travelers who want to combine historic urban development, music and culture with outdoor activities. The city offers a variety of ways to do this: The Marion Historic District tells the story of Marion’s development, The Lincoln Theatre focuses on the performing arts and live concerts, and the Riverwalk Trail follows the Middle Fork of the Holston River through Marion in three sections. This picture is complemented by the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts, with its focus on the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachians.

Historic Marion and The Lincoln Theatre

The Marion Historic District encompasses the town of Marion, which was established in 1832 as the county seat of Smyth County. The extensive historic district includes residential, commercial and institutional buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They reflect Marion’s development into Smyth County’s political, industrial and commercial center. Those interested in architecture, urban history and the development of American communities can make this a particular focus of their trip.

Another cultural point of interest is The Lincoln Theatre. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. The theater operates year-round and presents a diverse program of performing arts events. This also allows you to combine a stay in Marion with an evening program without focusing the trip exclusively on historical sightseeing.

Live Music and a Trail Along the River

Song of the Mountains presents live concerts at The Lincoln Theatre every month. The shows are recorded for the award-winning television series, which can be broadcast by public television stations across the country. For trip planning, this provides a clear cultural focus: If music and the atmosphere of a theater are important to you, it is worth aligning your plans with a suitable event date.

As a contrast to theater and urban history, the Riverwalk Trail runs through Marion along the Middle Fork of the Holston River. The trail is divided into three sections and is used for walking and running. This allows you to add different ideas for each day to your stay: One day can be devoted to the city’s history and culture, and another to time by the river and outdoor activity. The description provides no information about trail lengths, walking times or connections to other trails; for planning purposes, the main point here is the clear distinction between the three sections and how they are used.

Discover Appalachian Culture

The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts preserves and promotes the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachians. Its learning experiences are rooted in this tradition. The guitar-making program is especially specific: In Marion, there is an intensive one-week workshop followed by a weekend for completing the guitar. Three workshops take place each year. This is an independent travel idea for anyone who wants not only to watch, but also to engage more extensively with a craft and regional culture.

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Marion, you can therefore organize your accommodation plans around your preferred focus. For a culture-oriented trip, the Historic District and The Lincoln Theatre take center stage. Those who prefer outdoor activities can consider the Riverwalk Trail. Appalachian Arts, in turn, give the trip a creative and hands-on focus. If you would also like to visit another destination, you can discover Chilhowie as well.

For the overall travel overview: Smyth.