Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 22, 1991 TAG: 9103220130
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Southwest bureau
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE LENGTH: Short
A bluegrass music program will be held today in the gift shop building - which is being renovated - featuring the Big Bend Band and any others that show up to participate.
"We do want to get a variety of bands up here," said Robert Nuckolls, who has been helping new owner Eileen Craft spruce up the facilities in anticipation of full-time operations in April.
The centerpiece of the 35-acre complex is a 125-foot tower. On a clear day, those who climb it can see parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. The complex also contains picnic areas and hiking trails.
The gift-shop building used to include a restaurant, but that has not been restored. Nuckolls said popcorn, coffee and soft drinks will be available, however. He and Craft emphasized that no alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Admission for the musical program is $1 per person.
Big Walker Lookout, built by the late Stuart Kime and his family, lost some of its business after the opening of Interstate 77 diverted traffic from U.S. 52. Now, Nuckolls said, that section of U.S. 52 has been designated as a scenic loop by the state, which might promote more traffic.
The tower and its swinging bridge will be open to the public starting in April, with admission at $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children. Nuckolls hopes to add local crafts to be sold on a commission basis in the gift shop. Further information is available by telephoning 228-4401.
by CNB