Sparta

Sparta. . , Crouse Park , Sparta and Alleghany County have a rich heritage of music, crafts and agriculture. Crouse Park, including the Crouse House before you, was donated to the town in 1969. The Park hosts the Crouse House Pickers Monday night jam sessions, the Blue Ridge Mountain Craft Fair and Summer Music in the Park Series. , Movies and Music , The Spartan Theater opened in early 1935, serving as a movie theater until the late 1980s. It included a stage and, in the 1940s, the theater hosted several well-known country and bluegrass talents. In 1993, the theater was renovated to house the Alleghany Jubilee for old-time and bluegrass music and dancing. , Home-Grown Leader , Robert L. Doughton, a local farmer, was Representative of the 9th District in Washington for 33 years. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, he helped create Social Security and the Blue Ridge Parkway with Doughton Park (Mile Post 239.2) named in his honor. , Enjoy the View , Driving along Alleghany County's country roads, it is evident that agriculture is a way of life, from vegetable farms to cattle, tobacco, pumpkins and Christmas tree farms. The local farmers market and the 'Choose and Cut' tree farms highlight some of these local products., All images courtesy of Imaging Specialists, Inc. Background photo by Ronald Halsey. , The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers. , More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com