The Carter Family Fold: The Most Joyous Place in the World
Travel Blog • Jenna Schnuer • 04.27.09 | 12:59 PM ET
Try as I might, I’ve been having trouble pushing off the gray cast that seems to have settled over my brain. Damned economy. But, over the last few days, thanks to trips of days past, there’s been some relief. I’ve been clicking through my mental View-Master® (and my photos) to temporarily step back into some truly happy moments.
I’m convinced that if I keep building the stack, it’ll topple the gray. One surprise stop on my magical mood-bender tour came in Hiltons, Virginia, at the Carter Family Fold. Part of the Carter Family Memorial Music Center—owned by the first family of country music—the Fold hosts a weekly old time and bluegrass music show.
On the Saturday night I spent there, the dance floor was swirling with seniors who had this dancing thing down, farmers dressed in crisp ironed Carhartt overalls, teens who didn’t appear the least bit sullen and toddlers riding high on their parents’ shoulders. The Fold is a place for the faithful—in this case, those faithful to old-time, bluegrass and gospel music.
The flatfooters take to the dance floor as soon as the night’s featured performers start up. Most wearing shoes with taps, some with little lights tied to their laces to highlight their footwork, they step and clatter across the floor. Their taps are usually the main percussion instruments in the room. For $5 per person—and just $1 for kids 6 to 11—locals from around Clinch Mountain take a break from their daily must-dos and hightail it to the Fold.
Even visitors usually too shy to try a new dance in public (OK, me) got swept up. Nobody—aside from the really good dancers (and they’re too busy concentrating on their own footwork)—cares how you look out there. And the pulled pork sandwich from the concessions stand? Tasty stuff, that.
P.S. Got the budget-crunch blues? Virginia’s giving away 40 trips to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Virginia is for Lovers slogan. Get in on it.
limo hire yorkshire 04.29.09 | 7:14 AM ET
Wonderful place.