As of March 1st, 2024, Poor Farmers Market in Meadows of Dan has been open 365 days a year for forty years! That is 14,600 consecutive days of grit and fortitude through both the good times and challenging times.  Only power outages have interrupted this perfect attendance record.  Otherwise, Poor Farmers Market has been a steadfast sentinel for four decades of local and national history.

This impressive achievement is thanks to the determination, personal sacrifice, and hard work of store owner, Felecia Shelor.  Through her leadership over the years, the Market has become a community hub, rich in history and fond memories.  More than that, Felecia and Poor Farmers Market represent a major force in local development, with many businesses benefiting from her insight, instincts, generosity, and community spirit.

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Last spring marked the beginning of a new family-run business just a few miles outside of Floyd. Crooked Mountain, a primitive campground, flower farm, and store. The owners, Brian and Christy Corbett, are somewhat new to Floyd, but not to the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Brian, originally from Roanoke, joined the Army out of high school and at his first duty station, met Christy, a native of Oklahoma. They were married in January of 1998 and began their journey of living all over the world during his 23 year career.

Along with their two children, they returned to the Roanoke area when Brian retired from the Army in 2019. Just over two years ago they stumbled across the property on Shooting Creek Road and knew that they had found something special. Not long after acquiring the property, people started noticing a lot of activity as they began working towards building their business.  

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In 1984, a local band, Freeman Cockram and The Bluegrass Travelers, moved into the building now known as The Floyd Country Store. Back then, Cockram’s General Store was a perfect fit to hold the group as well as the large group of people that started to come around to listen to some tunes, dance, and enjoy each other’s company. Freeman Cockram named it “The Friday Night Jamboree,” beginning this historic gathering. 

In 2024, The Floyd Country Store, home to the now world-renowned Friday Night Jamboree, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking a milestone of caring for the rich heritage of Appalachian music and culture. Thanks to a series of caretakers that preceded them, Floyd Country Store co-owners Dylan Locke and Heather Krantz consider themselves stewards of this hidden gem that has been captivating visitors and locals alike for four decades. 

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Jose Sciarine was born in Cuba in 1955. His father came from a ranching family and was a mayor of a small town. When his father felt the impending pressure of Fidel Castro’s regime, he sent his wife and son to live on the old family farm in Northern Spain. San Cucao, Spain was a very small town of 115 people in the region of Astrias, near Spain’s northern coast. As an 8 year old boy, he loved this new home. He spent his time riding the family donkey bare back, spending plenty of time outdoors, and helping his uncle with work on the farm. 

After a year, Jose and his mother moved to Chicago to be with family and friends from their hometown in Cuba. He attended Catholic school, received a football scholarship, joined the army, and later became an environmental attorney. Throughout all of this, he never forgot the time on his family farm as a kid.

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Nestled within the serene landscapes of Floyd, Spencer’s Body Shop has been more than just a place for automotive repairs. It is a symbol of community, dedication, and a quarter-century legacy. Under the ownership and guidance of Kenny Gardner, this family-owned establishment has not only weathered the tides of change but has become an integral part of Floyd County’s identity. The shop has become a testament to hard work, integrity, and a commitment to service. 

The Gardner family has been a part of the Floyd community for 100 years. In fact, Kenny’s family lived just down the road from where Spencer’s Body Shop is currently located for two generations.  Before Spencer’s Body Shop became a staple in Floyd, Kenny Gardner ventured into various work experiences which laid the foundation for his eventual foray into the automotive industry. His early days involved spray painting church furnishings and working at an Exxon station alongside his uncles, Bob and Dave. The tales of replacing parts and working on cars as a boy hinted at Kenny’s early passion for automobiles. Kenny always enjoyed working on cars and believes that he inherited this desire from family.

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Nestled in the picturesque heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Floyd has long been a destination for nature enthusiasts, music lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The number of visitors to the area has drastically increased in recent years, creating a need for more overnight lodging. Short term cabin and house rentals became more popular, but last year Christy and Brandon Watson opened something very different — Stargazer Park, a vintage RV glamping destination. Their entrepreneurial spirit, love for the great outdoors, and creative vision have come together to create an unforgettable glamping experience.

In the small town of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, a hidden gem awaits those seeking a unique stay off the beaten path. A perfect vacation for those who enjoy the idea of camping but don’t want to haul a camper and all the supplies. Guests just need to pack their bags to come stay in a fully stocked vintage RV camper. The campers have been renovated to make guests feel at home with all the necessities. Welcome to the world of glamping at Stargazer Park, where adventure meets comfort in the most spectacular of settings.

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It is safe to say that the people of Floyd County love their pets and animals. It is a common sight to see pets and owners cruising through town, at the Saturday Farmers Market, or enjoying a pint at one of the many “adopt me” events hosted by Buffalo Mountain Brewery and McDaniel’s Tavern. One can find many of these pet lovers at a summer music event hosted by Cabin Fever, a dedicated supporter of the Floyd County Humane Society. This event allows folks and dogs enjoy great music, chow on some home cooking, splash in the creek, and enjoy a relaxing day. 

Over the years, FCHS has become an integral part of the community. It began as a loose knit group of animal lovers who grew concerned with the increasing instances of domestic animal abandonment, resulting in a high euthanasia rate throughout the county. Floyd County Animal Control reported in the late 1990’s, that only around 12% of captured/surrendered dogs were adopted, and their facilities did not house any cats, resulting in a high euthanasia rate. Thanks to the continued long-term collaboration between Floyd County Animal Control and FCHS, the current county euthanasia rate hovers around 5%.  

Aletha Pearson and Don Loomis began organizing in 1998 and officially incorporated FCHS in 2000, with immediate goals to reduce pet overpopulation, improve conditions at the Floyd County Animal Control pound, and to find homes for abandoned or abused animals. The groundwork laid by the society’s initial founders is impossible to convey completely, but the FCHS would not be successful today without their dedication.  

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Located at 2380 Floyd Hwy South on Route 221 is Wildwood Farms General Store. The owners, Bob and Judy Bowman, have invested heavily into the community through this store and through their farm. Their unique cruise-ins allow the community to gather together around a shared interest in vintage or unique vehicles. This hobby has even allowed the couple to fundraise for certain causes or individuals who are in need of assistance. 

Wildwood Farms General Store in Floyd has cruise-ins every first and third Sunday from 1-4PM starting in April, going through October. The daylily garden has been located there for 24 years, with the store and the garden being owned by Bob & Judy Bowman. The Bowman’s have always had a love of gardening and decided on Floyd as the location because Judy had spent so much time here with her step-father, George. The daylily garden has been a staple of Wildwood Farms since its opening in 1999. 

After success on the farm, the couple decided to plan for the opening of the Wildwood Farms General Store in 2011. The land where the store resides has been in George’s family since 1957. Judy’s mom, Ethel, and step-father were both very excited to contribute to the daylily garden and general store. However, tragically, they both passed away in the year 2012. After some setbacks, the store was opened in 2013. 

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