Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the historic town of Lexington, Virginia has a cornucopia of tasty reasons to visit, from delicious local foods to quaint horse-drawn carriage tours, from its direct ties to compelling chapters of American history to vigorous hiking trails, modern boutique shops to natural wonders, and so much more.
Appalachia’s infamous bootleggers and moonshine makers provided much fodder for country music artists, including Sevierville, Tennessee’s hometown star Dolly Parton. In “Daddy’s Moonshine Still” Parton tells a tragic tale of shame and strife based on the region’s favorite distilled spirit. But these days, well past prohibition and backyard distilling, several moonshine makers find inspiration in handed-down family recipes to create artisan moonshine and other spirits in Sevierville. These local producers offer a taste of local beverages in a safe—and legal—manner, minus the sad songs:
