Arts, outdoor fun and food are tops in this Southwest Virginia Destination
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–MAY 2022–Only ten minutes north of Bristol, Tennessee, and two hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina, Abingdon, Virginia, is just off I-81 and easily accessible from a number of metropolitan areas. Many find it to be the perfect Blue Ridge Mountains getaway. Its amazing food scene, historic venues and arts attractions are set in the midst of a vibrant downtown and surrounded by a variety of options for outdoor adventures.
Here’s one suggestion for enjoying four days in Abingdon, which is sure to leave visitors wanting to come back for more.
Day 1: Exploring Downtown and the Arts
At the heart of Abingdon is its walkable historic downtown. A new visitor center is located at the Historic 1860 Fields Penn House (208 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-258-7122). There, visitors can get suggestions from local experts as well as brochures about local, regional and state attractions.
There are more than 30 independent restaurants here and Abingdon has been named in USA Today’s “Best Small Town Food Scene” list for three years running. Starting the day with breakfast at The Girl & The Raven (380 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-698-3333) gives visitors a chance to enjoy one of the favorite local eateries; then, stroll through town visiting local retail shops and checking out the best spots for meals to come.
To view the work of local artists, The Arts Depot (314 Depot Square, Abingdon, Virginia 34210; 276-628-9091) is the perfect destination after a walk down Main Street. The depot includes three large galleries and seven resident artist studios housed in a 19th century freight station.
After enjoying lunch downtown, true art lovers will want to visit the William King Museum of Art (415 Academy Drive, Abingdon, Virginia 24212; 276-628-5005). With its six galleries and frequently changing exhibits, the museum is considered the premier visual arts facility in the region. It’s sculpture gardens and educational programs add to the museum’s mission to exhibit fine art and preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
Finish off the day of arts with dinner and a show. Luke’s Café (823 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 34210; 276-623-2233) features fresh food in an art-and-music-inspired, casual setting. The after-dinner treat is a visit to the famous Barter Theatre (127 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3991). Professional performances are offered on two stages in the historic 500-seat venue. (This is the nation’s longest running professional theatre.)
Day 2: One-of-a-kind Culture
Chick-N-Little (401 West Main Street Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-6690) starts the day with their signature breakfast, brown sugar French toast or other breakfast treats.
Abingdon is rich with attractions that interpret its regional culture and history in a “not your typical field trip” way. For the morning, venture to the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace (1 Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-492-2400), which showcases the music, crafts and attractions of the region throughout its galleries. The center also introduces visitors to The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. This driving trail follows the region’s music history along Route 58 and highlights attractions, outdoor recreation sites and music venues.
Visitors will find one of three of Abingdon’s beautiful LOVEworks sculptures, featuring the enduring Virginia is for Lovers theme. This and the other two sculptures, located on downtown’s Main Street (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210), honoring Daniel Boone, and at Food City (151 Cook Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210), celebrating the Creeper Trail, make excellent photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, visit The Abingdon Muster Grounds and Keller Interpretive Center (1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, Virginia 24210 276-525-1050), a nine-acre site considered the premier center in the region for Colonial Backcountry history from the American Revolutionary Period. In addition to the grounds, the center’s exhibits and interpreters depict life for the Overmountain Men, Backcountry Women, African Americans and Native Americans, as well as British Loyalists of the time.
An evening at The Tavern (222 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-1118), is an amazing way to end a day exploring Abingdon’s history and is a dining experience found only here. Located in one of Abingdon’s oldest buildings, built in 1779, the atmosphere both inside and on the courtyard are unique. There is a diverse menu as well as an extensive beer and wine list to complement the full bar.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
This is “Mile 0” on the famed Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). The Hall of Fame trail offers options from an easy two-hour ride to an all-day, 68-mile round-trip. It is most popular for cyclists but hiking and horseback riding are also permitted. Named for the 1880s steam engines that traversed the mountain grades, the trail includes 47 original trestle bridges and amazing views of Southwest Virginia rivers, forests and farmlands.
For bouldering, hiking and much more, Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) is known as one of the best recreational sites in Virginia, with more than 700 named climbing routes on seven fields. It’s also known for its wild ponies, hiking and equestrian trails and amazing views. For climbing, there is also Hidden Valley, a sandstone cliff band ranging up to about 70 feet high near popular Hidden Valley Lake (US-19 and US-58 North Jefferson, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). It is mostly face climbing, with some large roofs, corners and aretes that add variety. The 60-acre lake is known for spectacular trout fishing and the rugged surrounding landscape is popular for hiking, hunting and more.
There is more opportunity for anglers near Abingdon, as the quality and variety of fishing in the region is outstanding. Options include the trout-stocked waters of Big Tumbling Creek or the highly-rated fly fishing at Whitetop Laurel Creek, a natural wild trout stream, ranked as one of the finest in the Southeast.
SoHo Xcursions (23511 Sportsman Drive, Abingdon, Virginia 24211; 276-623-7644) on South Holston Lake has a fun combination of exciting water activities that appeal to both those looking for adventure and those who want escape to solitude. Whether on the obstacles of the aqua park, flying high on the Jetblade or in a kayak on the open water, this is a prime spot for lake lovers and a great place to spend an afternoon.
Celebrate the day’s adventure with a beverage. Taste the flavor of the variety of craft beers at Wolf Hills Brewing (149 Deadmore Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-477-1953) or head a few miles out of town to Abingdon Vineyards (20530 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24211; 276-623-1255) to enjoy samples from the tasting menu before deciding on your favorite.
For dinner, Rain (283 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-739-2331) is an eclectic spot with an extensive menu and artsy atmosphere. From soups, seafood and steaks to distinctive drinks and desserts, the menu is creative and yummy.
Day 4: You’ve Earned It
Sleep late, then have brunch at White Birch Kitchen and Juice Bar (170 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-608-0541). The drinks are described as “fresh, nutritious and delicious” and that goes for the food menu, too. The menu features fresh-pressed juices and craft cocktails along with locally sourced breakfast and lunch fare.
Nothing beats being pampered and a luxurious massage or salon treatment at The Spa at the Martha (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-619-5279) is an excellent way to do it. Voted one of Virginia’s Top 10 Resort Spas, visitors, both inn guests and others, can schedule the treatments they enjoy in the relaxing setting of the historic Martha Washington Inn and Spa (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3161). The Martha, as it is known locally, is a historic landmark in downtown Abingdon.
After being refreshed and renewed, one last stop is in order. At The Spring House (112 Court Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-477-7444) where Wolf Hills Coffee, Tumbling Creek Cider Company and Appalachian Teas & Botanicals all offer specially curated beverages, visitors can shop for coffees, teas and ciders and take a taste of Abingdon home.
Where to stay
Abingdon’s unique lodging options offer a one-of-a-kind experience to fit any with itinerary. There are a variety of hotels, most notably is the stately Martha Washington Inn and Spa (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3161). This downtown treasure has been meticulously preserved for over a century and a half. Its history includes serving as a private residence, a Civil War hospital and a private women’s college–its namesake, the Martha Washington College.