Galax, Virginia

Hospital rooftop views of Galax and surrounding areas in Spring. Click on images to view full size picture.

Welcome to Galax

Galax is an independent city situated on the border of Carroll and Grayson Counties. The hub of the Twin Counties, Galax has the Crossroads Institute and industries, as well as a historic downtown area. The downtown area is home to a variety of shops and services, as well as local crafts, arts, and music. Galax has struck a balance -- the city continues to promote its thriving retail and industrial development while preserving its culture and natural beauty for both residents and visitors.

Galax Parks and Recreation

For events that are scheduled, and for everyday fun, you can find outdoor recreation at the Galax Recreation Department. The building has an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, meeting facilities and ping pong and air hockey tables. The Galax Department of Parks and Recreation offers sports programs, senior programs, swimming lessons and swim team, karate, gymnastics, bingo, aquatic programs, tennis academy, basketball camp, CPR and first aid classes, dance instruction, golf camp, walking club, football clinic, free Internet access and summer and afterschool playground programs for children.

Deer Creek Golf Park

Deer Creek Golf Park is a family recreation area located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the North Carolina/Virginia border. It is a great place to introduce new enthusiasts to the game of golf and for experienced golfers to refine their skills. Come visit us for cool mountain breezes, beautiful views and lots of fun. The 9 hole Par 3 course features USGA regulation bent grass greens. Clubs are available for rent. Golfers of all skills and ages will love this course.

Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum

For a glimpse of life in twin counties over the decades, visit our museum which is located in the City of Galax. Enjoy collections of Civil War veterans of the area. See over 10,000 pieces of local Native American artifacts, donated by Jeff Matthews and his family -with audio available about the collection. Many items honor Kylene Barker, who was the first Virginia contestant to win the title of Miss America (1978). See the collection of trophies of North American big game animals donated by Mr. Glenn Pless. See two authentic restored cabins, originally built about eight miles from Galax, near the New River. Just off US HWY 58, on the outskirts of Galax, lies a traditional two story white farmhouse, barns and out buildings known as "MATTHEWS LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM". The primary objective of Matthews Farm Museum is to construct an authentic 1900 period farm, having volunteers to demonstrate the equipment, crafts and techniques that were the way of life at the turn of the century in Grayson County. The inception of a living farm museum dates back to 1993, during Grayson County's Bicentennial, when a group of local people came together with the common goal of preserving the heritage of Grayson County. They wanted something that would live beyond the year's celebration. Judge Jack Matthews and his wife Claire, who also had an interest in preserving the cultural heritage of this area, donated the farm and twenty acres to the group in 2001. The farm that is named for Judge Matthews is now known as "MATTHEWS LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM."

Historic Downtown Galax

On the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark, downtown Galax beckons visitors from all over the world to explore specialty shops and restaurants. Charming vacation rental cabins, a renovated 1900's-era Bed & Breakfast featuring a heritage garden and motels are within walking distance. The Galax Downtown Association has worked successfully to combine historic renovation and preservation to create a unique environment for visitors, the local population and business owners.

Galax Public Library

The Galax Public Library encourages use of the library resources and services to meet the eductional, recreational, information needs and interests of the public. Public internet sites are available.

Galax Old Fiddler's Convention

Since 1935, the Galax Old Fiddler's Convention has been held annually the second week of August. This music competition has earned Galax the distinction of being known as the "World Capital of Old Time Mountain Music", attracting participants and visitors world wide. Old Time, Bluegrass and Folk Music are showcased as well as flatfoot and clogging dancers. Young and old compete for prizes, but it's the family atmosphere and the opportunity to play music with old friends that keeps people coming back year after year.

Rex Theatre

"Blue Ridge Backroads Live," a unique weekly radio show featuring Old Time and Bluegrass bands from throughout the region, is broadcast live at the Rex Theatre by the local radio station and reaches 4 states and over forty counties. The shows are attended by many local residents as well as visitors from around the globe. Tour buses are always welcome. The renovated Rex Theatre in downtown Galax serves as a venue for various music events, community theater presentations and special public meetings. Some of the earliest musicians to record country music came from this area. This rich history has kept the traditional arts alive and flourising in Galax.

New River Trail

Galax is a trail head for the New River Trail State Park, a 57-mile linear recreation park. The trail, which parallels the New River, is ideal for biking, hiking and horseback riding. It is recognized as one of the top ten mountain biking trails in the United States. A bike way extends from the trail head into downtown Galax where visitors can explore the restaurants and shops. The annual New River Trail Fall Foliage Ride is held the 3rd week in October and makes a great family day trip. It is tailored to all skill levels and includes an organized, leisurely bicycle ride on the New River Trail.

Blue Ridge Music Center

The Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, was established by the U.S. Congress to celebrate a living musical culture and commemorate the historic roots of American music. The new facility, 12 miles from Galax, includes an outdoor amphitheater, interpretive center, luthier shop, and natural areas. Weekend events are held June through September offering performances and educational exhibits. The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated by The National Council for the Traditional Arts with cooperative agreements from The National Park Service. The music center enjoys a very cordial relationship with the City of Galax.