Ferrum College, multiple counties planning historical moonshine driving trail

FERRUM, Va. (WFXR) — Ferrum College’s Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (BRIM) announced the opening of Virgnia’s Mountain Spirit Trail, a moonshine history driving trail throughout the Blue Ridge region.

This trail is a collaboration between the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, Franklin, Floyd, and Patrick Counties. The path spans through all three counties and will allow guests to have stops at distilleries and historic sites, sharing the deep history of moonshine in the region.

“To finally have the unveiling of this trail is very exciting, not just for Franklin County, but for Floyd and Patrick County as well,” said Kevin Tosh, director of Tourism & Marketing for Franklin County. “It’s something that has been an ask for a long time, and it’s a way we can celebrate our region, and our heritage in an authentic way.”

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Although the trail’s map is still in the works, Ferrum’s BRIM will be a stop along the drive as it holds the world’s largest collection of moonshine artifacts and relics, including stills and original memorabilia.

“I’m so excited about the BRIM participating in the new three-county moonshine trail. Many folks consider us the “epicenter” of moonshine in the Blue Ridge due to our physical location and our moonshine artifact collection,” said Bethany Worley, executive director of the BRIM. “The branding of moonshine heritage will bring even more visitors to our museum and events. We are more than thrilled and grateful for this opportunity.”

For more information about the driving trail or the history of moonshine in the region, visit the Blue Ridge Institute’s website.

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