Three things to do this winter:

Between cold temperatures and early sunsets, it’s easy to get the winter blues — but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun inside! In fact, Tazewell County boasts lots of indoor activities to keep you occupied at any time of year, from ax throwing parlors to museums to community art classes. Below, we’re highlighting a couple activities all ages can enjoy. 

Take a stroll at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum

Grab your thinking cap and head over to the Historic Crab Orchard Museum for an educational afternoon of touring and learning about Tazewell County’s history and origins. On your way out, pick up a book or an ornament to commemorate your visit. Local’s tip: Exhibits are often changing at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum. If you see an exhibit you’re interested in, call ahead, check the dates, and plan accordingly. 

Follow the Historic Crab Orchard Museum’s website and social media for more information. 

Try your hand at ax throwing!

Get your adrenaline flowing with some ax throwing! Tazewell County has two ax throwing joints — Bad Axery in Richlands and Ax to Grind in Bluefield. At both locations, you can test your skills alongside friends, family, or colleagues after work hours. Simply pick a lane, aim for the bullseye, and have fun!

After you’re finished throwing at Bad Axery, take some swings in the batting cages and cool off with a milkshake from Fancy’s Boujee Milkshake Bar (located inside). Take your pick between sweet and salty or refreshing flavors like peach — either way, you can’t go wrong. 

Bad Axery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 1217 Front St., Richlands, Virginia. Private events like birthday parties or other celebrations can be scheduled by contacting [email protected]. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.

To arrange an ax-throwing experience at Ax to Grind Monday through Thursday, send an email [email protected] or reach out via Facebook. Ax to Grind is staffed Friday through Sunday from 5-9 p.m. and is located at 103 Spring St. Suite B, Bluefield, Virginia.

Enroll in Appalachian Arts Center classes

Interested in learning a new skill or polishing an old one this season? Now’s your chance to take advantage of the Appalachian Arts Center’s community classes! The AAC, which reopened late last year in its new Cedar Bluff location, is an all-in-one facility complete with a massive event two-story space, a retail shop full of Virginia’s finest artisan goods, boardrooms for meetings, and classrooms. 

For an updated calendar of events, visit their Classes and Events webpage or call (276) 596-9188.

Don’t forget to snap some pics of yourself and your pals when you’re out and about and tag us when you post them on social media!