Plans for Artisan Trail in the works

‘Round the Mountain is working with the Jacksonville Center, the Floyd County Economic Development Office, the Cooperative Extension Office- Floyd, Chateau Morrisette and Sweet Providence Farm on the creation of an Artisan Trail in Floyd County.

‘Round the Mountain (RTM) is a non-profit organization that supports artisans, farmers and agritourism in Southwest Virginia by providing marketing, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.

As one of its major initiatives, ‘ Round the Mountain (RTM) is creating a Regional Artisan Trail Network throughout the 19 counties and 4 cities that it serves.  These trails will link visitors to artisan studios, galleries, farms, agritourism sites, unique lodging and restaurants, and other points of interest in each community. 

The Artisan Trail in Floyd County will be linked to other local artisan trails being developed to create the Regional Artisan Trail Network throughout Southwest Virginia.  The trails will be featured on RTM’ s web site as an interactive trail map and trip planner, in community & regional brochures, and highlighted at Heartwood, the new regional Artisan Gateway. 

“The Artisan Trails are the best way for artisans to earn income from the work of their hands,” says Silvie Granatelli, a local artisan and RTM member.  “ The Trails are a way to bring customers into the life of the artists.  By forging this relationship I believe we as craftsmen educate our patrons not only as to how we make the objects we sell - but we let them know who we are.”

‘Round the Mountain is a membership organization.  Artisans, farmers, agritourism businesses, craft venues and organizations that sell, exhibit or promote locally-made craft and produce are eligible for membership.  The Regional Artisan Trails may include other businesses, such as restaurants or lodging, that support visitors in the community.

The Floyd County community is invited to one of three local meetings to learn about ‘ Round the Mountain and how to participate in the Artisan Trails in this area. 

Meeting times are:
*Monday, August 18, 7 pm at Chateau Morrisette in the restaurant dining room

*Tuesday, August 19, 7 pm at the Jacksonville Center in the upstairs community room

*Monday, August 25, 6 pm Pulled Pork Dinner at Sweet Providence Farm ($ 6/per person)

For more information contact :
Pat Sharkey, Trail Development Coordinator at 540-651-4819 or through email: .