With Beyoncé’s new country album, more people are embracing and exploring cowboy culture. Research from Klarna shows that cowboy boots have seen a 23% increase in the last year. Hats are also where it’s at, with Klarna data showing a nearly 70% increase for cowboy hats. The hashtags #cowboy and #western have been top fashion trends on social media.
With Beyoncé topping the charts with her country album, most recently achieving the accomplishment of the first Black woman to be #1 on the country charts, it’s safe to say the interest in cowboy culture will continue to grow, and for good reason. Beyond fashion, people seek destinations to explore while learning about cowboy culture and the Western style.
Here are a few fun destinations to explore country music, mountain culture, and Western style.
Bristol, Virginia
Bristol, Virginia is known as the birthplace of country music and played a significant role in establishing the music genre during the 1920s. Each year, visitors will find tons of festivals, events, and country music concerts to enjoy. During your visit, head to the Carter Family Fold. The venue is dedicated to the preservation and performance of old-time country.
Another place to have on your itinerary is the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. It’s a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and home of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. The museum honors the legendary recordings that introduced country music to the mainstream.
Exploring the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail is another great activity. Driving along the trail takes you on a journey through some of the most musically significant areas in the U.S. for Bluegrass and Traditional Mountain Music.
Austin, Texas
The Live Music Capital of the World is one of those places that if you go looking for country music, then you will find it. The best thing visitors can do is plan their visit around the Luck Reunion. The music festival takes place in Willie Nelson’s backyard in Luck, Texas. The festival honors the cross-section culture that has motivated creative tradition, preserves tradition in music, food, and craft, and creates a stage for modern-day outliers.
Next, head to the Continental Club. It’s known as the granddaddy of all local music venues. Austin’s historic live music destination opened its doors in 1955 as a swanky private supper club, but in the decades since, has become a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock, and blues music every night of the week.
Last but certainly not least, the Austin Rodeo is a must.
Nashville, Tennessee
The Country Music Capital of the World is also worth the 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 learning about country music and exploring country culture in Nashville.
With dozens of neon-lit honky tonks and dive bars, Nashville offers real country music experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Start your journey in The District, the downtown area that is home to Nashville’s iconic live music venues or as locals call it Honky Tonk Highway. The legendary Grand Old Opry House, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and The Nashville Palace can all be found on Honky Tonk Highway.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, Montana has a can’t-miss rodeo season and its annual Wildlands Music Festival that’s perfect for exploring country music culture. The summer season is the best time for exploring Montana’s cowboy culture. Country music superstars travel to the Wildlands Music Festival for bull riding and rodeos each summer.
Big Sky PBR, one of Big Sky’s biggest weekends, is also held during the summer. Big Sky PBR brings bull-riding fans worldwide together 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 keeps getting bigger and better. Also held during the summer, people can immerse themselves in local Montana cuisine with the incredible views of the Lone Mountain peaks.
It’s best to stay at Montage Big Sky during your visit. Located in the picturesque mountains of Montana, the five-star mountain retreat has a new helicopter tour that takes guests on an exclusive sky-high tour of Yellowstone National Park and beyond.
