Appalachian music/culture/scenery road trip
Hi All,
Apologies if this is a slightly obscure request - I have never been to the US before so I am going in blind somewhat!
I have recently started learning the 5 string banjo, and I have become every interested in Appalachian music, landscape, and the culture in general. I am planning a road trip from NY to Nashville starting in mid August (slightly flexible) and I am hoping to take in some local old time/folk/bluegrass music, quaint historic towns and cities, and some scenic mountain views. The trip duration will be 2 to 3 weeks and I would like to have time to spend at places along the way, rather than just driving past them. At the moment some places that I hope to see/stay are Shenandoah Valley, Floyd, Galax, Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains. If there are glaring omissions from the list that you think would be a nice addition to the trip, please let me know!
Any/all tips are welcome! Thanks!
EDIT: Just to add, the main states I have interest in are Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. It probably won't be feasible to get to all of the above though, so if anyone could offer any tips on a suggested route/stops, I would really appreciate it!