FREE Exhibit in the Gallery by Dan Henderson. “Sometimes I see something so compelling or so beautiful that it just needs to be photographed as it is. But often it is more – or less – than the thing itself; the rock or the mountain, the tree or the forest. What interests me are the nuances, the details that others might not notice. How light and shadow sculpt the subject. The effect of time of day, of season of the year, how the atmosphere changes the subject. It is seeing something in a new or different way. It is eliminating distracting elements, sometimes just capturing lines or shapes or form. Occasionally it is finding a way to create an abstraction of something familiar in the hope of causing the viewer to think about what he or she is seeing” ~ Dan Henderson

Every year (31 so far) Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center hosts the Annual High School Art Competition.  However, the years 2019/2020/2021 proved to be a little different…So, without further ado, presenting (finally!), the work of our “Artist in Education”, mixed media & assemblage artist Tara Holl-  along with 2 huge student made assemblage murals by Covington High School art students.  In addition, other student work from Covington High School students will be in the competition and on display in the Gallery beginning May 18th.Not only will we have artwork from the 2019/2020 school year, but we also have the 2020/2021 “Artist in Education” artist Jennifer Galvin with her handmade paper work as well as some handmade paperwork created by art students from Alleghany High School.  Also other artwork from Alleghany High School students will be on display for the competition.This should turn out to be the best year yet!To check out the students as they create the large murals from 2019/2020 go here:  https://fb.watch/5rZHgKpsL5/

The Alleghany Historical Society was formed June 26, 1958 with 231 charter members. The Society has continually been active in the Community since that time and has recently moved into the newly restored 1908 C&O Covington Passenger Depot.Our mission is to preserve the history of the Alleghany Highlands and continue to educate the citizens about the history of our area.We are currently operate in two historic Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad passenger stations.  The first, and most recently renovated, was originally completed in 1890 and is available for rent for special events.  Please contact us for more details.  The larger of the two structures was completed originally in 1908, and today houses our archives, research library, and primary exhibit area. Whether you are a history buff, researcher of geneology, or casual passer-by, we are more than happy to help with further information on the Alleghany Highlands of today or yester-year.  Please come see us!

FREE Exhibit in the Gallery!“Bloom With Grace” is an exhibit that has grown out of an annual sunflower festival that I have hosted the past 5 years on our family farm in Botetourt County, Virginia. I have dabbled in nature photography for a few years and have greatly enjoyed combining my new found love for sunflowers with a passion of mine. To be surrounded by the calmness and easygoing spirit that these views provide is simply breathtaking and I am excited to be able to share them with everyone. ~ Candace Monaghan

The C&O Heritage Center offers a multi-dimensional railroad heritage experience that tells the story of the C&O Railway from its beginning in 1836 to today's CSX.  Come spend and afternoon watching trains from the signal tower, tour the museum and equipment, ride the Little C&O, blow the whistle, or sit down beside the pot belly stove in the replica passenger station and play a game of checkers.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society is proud to offer The C&O Railway Heritage Center  in Clifton Forge. This Center is a railway heritage museum, interpretive, educational, and visitor's center that tells the story of the C&O Railway: the people, the places, and the technology. The story is the essential American tale of how our nation grew, how we lived and worked, and how we were all connected together by twin rails of steel. The purpose of this center is also to honor the memory and contribution of all the railroaders who built the railroads that allowed our nation to prosper, and all those railroaders who continue to keep America moving by rail.Features: - 1896 Freight Depot Visitor's Center - Replica Signal Tower for Train Watching - 1922 Gadsby's Tavern Dining Car - Restored C&O Cabooses - 7 1/2 Inch Gauge Ride-On Train - Large Scale Locomotive Models - 96 Foot O-Gauge Layout - C&O China and Chessie Displays

“Carried Along” Botetourt artist Brett LaGue’s work often shows the beauty of Virginia. His work can be found all across the US, England & France. His work has been available in the Shop here at Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center for years, and now this free exhibit can be seen on Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society is a non-profit corporation dedicated to interpreting the American Railway experience using C&O Railway's history through drawings, documents, and artifacts which the Society collects, preserves, and makes available to as broad an audience as possible.

Outdoor Photography Venue for Special Times.This beautiful, private property is located in Falling Springs area of the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia.  This property came to the current owners with the prior owner saying “I’m giving you the property but selling you the view”.To that point, it was this stunning view that has kept this family here.  The vantage points for outdoor photography were enhanced for our daughter's wedding, from the terrace, the overall landscaping as well as the addition of a wedding platform which showcases the view down the valley for photos.We encourage you to look at the various photos on our website to see if this venue fits your dream photography site, be this for family, marriage proposal, engagement, bridal or day-of wedding portraits.  Photography opportunities are four-seasons, with beautiful leafing out of color in the spring, flowers and greens of the summer, autumn colors splashing across the mountains in the fall, and the occasional snow in the winter.If interested, please use the “Contact Us” form on our website to share information relevant to a desired photo session. We'd be honored to be a part of such special, lasting memories for you and your family!

The City of Clifton Forge is in western Virginia nestled in the Allegheny Mountains at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley and west of the Blueridge Parkway. The population is approximately 4,679. CSX Transportation's "mountain rail line" passes through Clifton Forge which has a rich railroad history. The City is home to the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society and The Stonewall Theater. Douthat State Park is just 7 miles from the city.

The Covington Depot houses the Alleghany Historical Society - The first depot in the Alleghany Highlands, and most recently renovated, was originally completed in 1890 and is now available for rent for special events. It is a newly restored 1908 C&O Covington Passenger Depot.

The City of Covington is in western Virginia along the Allegheny Mountains at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley and west of the Blueridge Parkway. Joining with the City of Clifton Forge, Alleghany County, Bath County and Highland County, the area is promoted as Virginia's Western Highlands. Covington is accessible via Interstate 64 and U. S. Route 220. The population is approximately 6,991. The city is designated as a "Virginia Certified Business Location" and a "Virginia Accredited Tourism Community."

This exhibit focuses on the work of area photographers working in traditional film and/or digital imaging and is open to the public November 27th - December 28th 2020.

Humpback Bridge is the only covered, humpback bridge remaining in the United States.  It's also a cherished landmark, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, where residents and visitors alike gather for picnics, photos or simply to admire her beauty and craftsmanship.The bridge was constructed in 1857, and the design of the bridge, to be covered and arched, was to increase its longevity and keep the midpoint above flood waters.  This nearly 110 foot structure was built with a broad axe and put together with hand hewed locust pins.  The bridge was used for vehicular traffic on Route 60 (Midland Trail) until 1929.  In 1953, The Covington Business and Professional Woman's Club, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the area residents restored the bridge.  Three eras of transportation history can be seen at this site: the old road crossing Humpback Bridge, the new state highway bridge on Route 60 (Midland Trail) and the CSX railroad bridge.Fans of covered bridges come from all over the world to admire the historic Humpback Bridge.  It has been lovingly preserved and is now part of a five-acre wayside park.  It's uniquely Alleghany.   

Coming to the Gallery March 2nd thru April 2nd:“Intimate Narratives” an exhibit by Elaine Fleck where she merges her passion with textiles and painting. This free exhibit can be visited in the Gallery Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Coming to the Gallery March 2nd thru April 2nd:“Intimate Narratives” an exhibit by Elaine Fleck where she merges her passion with textiles and painting. This free exhibit can be visited in the Gallery Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

The Museum of Antique Coffee Mills and Coffee Bar is the only museum of its kind in America. Enjoy the experience of a specialty coffee among the art, antiques and plants that complete the shop. The coffee bar serves award-winning specialty coffee and expresso-based drinks, premium teas, many varieties of biscotti and scones, including gluten-free. Selections from the private collection of the owners, Judith and Stephen Sivonda, numbering over 300 from 17th to  the 20th century examples, are on display. The Sivonda's are longtime members of the Association of Coffee Mill Enthusiasts. Judith is co-author of the book Antique Coffee Grinders: American, English and European, Schiffer Pub., available at the museum  We are located in historic downtown Clifton Forge, within walking distance of the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, the Historic Masonic Theatre, the C&O Railway Heritage Center, the Clifton Forge School of the Arts and four restaurants. 

In partnership with the C & O Historical Society, the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center will feature local artwork and historical memorabilia of the C & O in Alleghany. The 1st collaboration was in 1996. This unique & interesting exhibit is free of charge and will be open to the public beginning Jan 21st through Feb 27th.The show is a grand reflection of the past glory of the C & O’s presence with so many items visitors will recognize and enjoy.  The C & O Historical Society has several favorite items for sale- maps, hats, books, masks, magnets, and more!  We hope you will enjoy it!

Ridgely Gardens is a mountainside property overlooking the historic town of Clifton Forge, Virginia. Beginning in 1902, this two-acre privately-owned garden property was gradually carved into the steep southern face of Fore Mountain in the highlands of Alleghany County. Stone walks, steps, walls, and ponds combined with old boxwood hedges, and defined flowerbeds give the garden structure, dimension and a distinct mountainside ambience.

Circa 1905, originally an opera house and Masonic Lodge in the downtown historic district of Clifton Forge, VA, the Historic Masonic Theatre is Virginia's oldest continuously operating Theatre. On July 1, 2016, the Historic Masonic Theatre opened its doors to the public once again after a 6.5 million dollar renovation.  A  movie theatre and a performing arts venue, the four story building has a state of the art auditorium, an underground cafe and lounge area, a balcony with seating and conference room and an upper level ballroom suitable for wedding receptions and gatherings. The Theatre's history includes performances bythe world famous Count Basie Orchestra, appearances by Tex Ritter, Lash LaRue, and Cowboy Bob Steele and political speaker William Jennings Bryan.

Email:
elizabeth.putnam@historicmasonictheatre.com