With Beyoncé's new country album, more and more people are embracing and exploring cowboy culture. Research of Klarna shows that cowboy boots saw a 23% increase last year. Hats are also on point, with Klarna data showing an increase of almost 70% for cowboy hats. The hashtags #cowboy and #western are the top fashion trends on social media.
With Beyoncé topping the charts with her country album, most recently becoming the first black woman to hit No. 1 on the country charts, it's safe to say that interest in cowboy culture will continue to grow, and for cause. Beyond fashion, people are looking for destinations to explore while discover cowboy culture and Western style.
Here are some fun destinations to explore country music, mountain cultureand western style.
Bristol, Virginia
Bristol, Virginia is known as the birthplace of country music and played an important role in establishing the musical genre in the 1920s. Each year, visitors will find numerous country music festivals, events and concerts in appreciate. When you visit, head to the Carter Family Fold. The venue is dedicated to the preservation and performance of old-time country music.
Another place to have on your itinerary is the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the home of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. The museum honors the legendary recordings that introduced country music to the mainstream.
Exploring the Crooked Road: Virginia Heritage Music Trail is another great activity. Driving along the trail takes you on a journey through some of the most musically significant areas of the United States for Bluegrass and traditional mountain music.
Austin, TX
The live music capital of the world is one of those places where if you're looking for country music, you'll find it. The best thing visitors can do is plan their visit around Luck Reunion. The music festival takes place in Willie Nelson's backyard in Luck, Texas. The festival pays homage to the cross-cultural culture that motivated the creative tradition, preserves tradition in the fields of music, gastronomy and crafts, and creates a stage for modern-day outliers.
Next, head to the Continental Club. It is known as the grandfather of all local music venues. Austin's historic live music destination opened in 1955 as a swanky private club, but in the decades since, it has become a mecca for Roots, Rockabilly, Country, Swing, Rock and Blues music every night of the week.
Last but not least, the Austin Rodeo is a must-see.
Nashville, Tennessee
The country music capital of the world is also worth a visit. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the annual four-day CMA Music Festival, and the Grand Ole Opry, travelers will have an epic time experiencing and exploring country music. culture in Nashville.
With dozens of neon-lit honky tonks and dive bars, Nashville offers true country music experiences like nowhere else in the world. Start your journey in The District, the downtown area home to Nashville's iconic music venues or as locals call it Honky Tonk Highway. The legendary Grand Old Opry House, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and the Nashville Palace are all on Honky Tonk Highway.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, Montana offers a can't-miss rodeo season and its annual Wildlands Music Festival, perfect for exploring country music culture. The summer season is the best time to explore Montana's cowboy culture. Country music superstars head to the Wildlands Music Festival every summer to ride bulls and rodeos.
Big Sky PBR, one of the biggest weekends in Big Sky, also takes place during the summer. Big Sky PBR brings bull fans around the world for three nights of bull riding featuring the world's best cowboys. The weekend also includes culinary activities, live music and more.
Speaking of food, Savor Big Sky is a food, wine and spirits festival that just keeps getting bigger and better. Also held during the summer, people can immerse themselves in local Montana cuisine with incredible views of the Lone Mountain peaks.
It is best to stay at Montage Big Sky during your visit. Located in the scenic mountains of Montana, this five-star mountain retreat offers a new helicopter tour that takes guests on an exclusive tour of the skies. Yellowstone National Park and beyond.
