Abingdon, Virginia: Close to home and so much to do make the perfect spot to getaway
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA—JULY 2022— Just off I-81, only ten minutes north of Bristol, Tennessee and two hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina, the drive to Abingdon, Virginia, is easy. The experience is unforgettable. Within and beyond the iconic downtown structures of this beautiful historic district are the makings for a perfect weekend getaway.
There are many ways to make the weekend your own. You may want to focus on savoring the flavors of the culinary mastery of local chefs and tasting the creations at a local winery and brew pub. This is a prime spot for that, because in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Abingdon was named “Best Small Town Food Scene” in the country by USA Today 10Best Travel. For some, enjoying the natural beauty while taking on outdoor adventures is the priority. Many spend the weekend soaking in the arts, from live music to live theatre to fine art galleries to artisan cooperatives. It’s your weekend so it’s your choice. Of course, you’ll want to hone an itinerary to focus on your favorite activities but here are some top suggestions to make your getaway to Abingdon the best weekend ever.
Friday: Step back in time
Visitors to downtown Abingdon are immersed in the revolutionary era with its historic buildings and amazing stories. Strolling the streets of Abingdon, visitors find themselves walking on brick sidewalks through a 20-block historic district. A walk through town is like a walk through time. From its beginnings in the 1770s, well-preserved storefronts are now home to unique shops restaurants. And from the Courthouse District which took shape in the 1860s to Market District of the 1950s, Abingdon is a showcase of preserved treasures now serving as distinctive venues for local businesses and attractions.
Sticking with the historic theme, The Tavern (222 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) is the place for dinner. This is a favorite local spot located in one of the oldest buildings in Abingdon. Diners enjoy the diverse menu, along with an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list, amid the historic rooms, porches and courtyard of the 1779 structure.
Unique lodging options offer a one-of-a-kind experience here. Most notably is the stately Martha Washington Inn and Spa (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). 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.
Saturday: Bike and barter
Just off Main Street is mile marker 0 on the Hall of Fame Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead, 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210), named for the steam engine that once traveled the route. This 34-mile, multi-use trail passes through forests and farmlands, and crosses nearly 50 wooden trestles along the way. Take an easy, out-and-back stroll or make a day of it, enjoying one of the most loved rails-to-trails routes in the country.
Just a quarter mile off the trail near the Alvarado Station trailhead (about 8.5 miles from Abingdon) is Abingdon Vineyards (20530 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24211). This is an excellent spot to take a break on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy wine tastings and live music. More serious cyclists may want to continue eight more miles to the Damascus Trailhead before returning to Abingdon.
A favorite wind down spot after a trail ride is Wolf Hills Brewing (350 Park Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24211). From the popular Creeper Trail Amber Ale to the seasonal favorites, the brewery is creating craft beers with a nod to area heritage and tradition.
For dinner, downtown favorites offer a range of options. One popular restaurant is Rain (283 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). This eclectic spot has an extensive menu and artsy atmosphere. For a more casual atmosphere and some live music, the Bone Fire Smokehouse & Musictorium (260 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) is an obvious choice.
Of course, after dinner, there is the show! No trip to Abingdon is complete without a visit to its historic theatre. In the heart of downtown is Barter Theatre (127 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). This amazing theatre offers professional performances throughout the year in an intimate, 500-seat venue. Opened in 1933, this is the nation’s longest running professional theatre. During the pandemic, this innovative theatre has begun producing live shows at the historic Moonlite Drive-In. See actors on stage, simulcast on screen, and audio broadcast to your car’s radio, with a completely touchless patron experience.
Sunday: Artsy outings
Begin with brunch at the White Birch Kitchen and Juice Bar (170 E Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210). The menu features fresh-pressed juices and craft cocktails along with locally sourced breakfast and lunch fare.
The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace (One Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) is a breathtaking facility showcasing the music, crafts and attractions of the region through its galleries and events. 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.
Art lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the William King Museum of Art (415 Academy Drive, Abingdon, Virginia 24212). With its six galleries and frequently changing exhibits, the museum is considered the premier visual arts facility in the region. Exhibits include fine world art, contemporary regional art and cultural heritage exhibits.
As the weekend winds down, many find themselves planning their next visit. Abingdon is steeped in history yet vibrant with contemporary cuisine, outdoor activities and ever-changing arts venues. With its convenient location, this Virginia weekend getaway means that “best weekend ever” is just around the corner.
If you go
Here are some options for personalizing your best weekend ever, whether you’re an adventurer or artist at heart:
Channels Natural Area Preserve (Brumley Gap Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210)–Outdoor enthusiasts can’t resist hiking the Channels. In the lush depths of the 4,836-acre Channels State Forest is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets and an amazing natural wonder. The Great Channels are a 20-acre labyrinth of ancient sandstone along the crest of Middle Knob, the high point of Clinch Mountain.
Arts Depot (314 Depot Square, Abingdon, Virginia 34210)–This non-profit, community-based art gallery includes three large galleries housed in a 19th century freight station. Seven resident studio artists also work in the depot, demonstrating a wide range of media including watercolor, weaving, clay, jewelry and acrylics. Their studios are open to visitors and the artists are pleased to discuss their work and offer demonstrations of their skills.