In Cedar Bluff, the connection to the Clinch River meets a multifaceted history of architecture and industry. The themes range from fishing and historic homes to an educational institution, industry, and craftsmanship. This lets you explore the area through several clearly distinct interests.
Clinch River and Fishing
At the mouth of Indian Creek in Cedar Bluff, the Clinch River is part of the river stretch designated as the Clinch State Scenic River. This geographic connection firmly anchors the river theme in the area. Fishing is also a travel interest: easy access to the Clinch River makes Cedar Bluff a good fishing spot.
Homes and Educational History
The Old Kentucky Turnpike Historic District consists of a diverse collection of homes, mostly built in regional styles, along the turnpike. Their location along the turnpike connects the homes geographically; their architecture is another feature they share. Many properties are visible from public roads, while many are privately owned. So focus on what can be seen from the road, and do not assume that visibility means you can enter the property.
Cedar Bluff High School began in 1874 as a private coeducational academy. Coeducational means that boys and girls were taught together. Unlike the homes along the turnpike, the school primarily tells the story of an educational institution and its founding, adding an institutional history to the architectural perspective.
Industry and Craftsmanship
In Tazewell County, the Clinch Valley Roller Mills are among the oldest and most significant industrial buildings. After being renovated in the 1980s, they became a visitor attraction. This development combines industrial significance with a later history of use and offers a different historical perspective from the residential buildings along the turnpike.
The Klondike and Cedar Bluff Woolen Mills are also part of the area’s craft industry history: for many years, historical reproductions of blankets and other goods were made in connection with them. The Roller Mills and the Woolen Mills thus represent different aspects of industrial history: the former a historic adaptive reuse, the latter a long history of production.
Cultural Programs and Arts and Crafts
On a regional level, the Appalachian Arts & Events Center is a cultural gathering place in rural Tazewell County. Its offerings include changing exhibitions, presentations, workshops, and performances. The sales gallery offers handmade, high-quality goods by artisans from within 100 miles of the center.
The center’s shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Check the opening hours before your visit. If you are interested in a particular exhibition, presentation, workshop, or performance, also take the relevant event dates into account when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Pounding Mill, Tannersville, Tazewell
Return to the main travel overview: Tazewell.
