Exploring the perfect southwest Virginia getaway location
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–APRIL 2021–Just off I-81, only ten minutes north of Bristol, Tennessee, and two hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina, Abingdon, Virginia, is easily accessible and the perfect spot for a getaway. This Blue Ridge Mountains destination in southwest Virginia has an amazing combination of experiences and space to enjoy them all.
This walkable historic downtown is a breath of fresh air for those who enjoy exploring local shops, savoring the flavors of independent eateries and discovering amazing art. Nearby there are historic attractions, outdoor adventures and more to explore.
The arts scene here is the perfect place to start with outdoor performances and spacious galleries offering picturesque settings to take it all in. Abingdon is home to the famous Barter Theatre (127 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3991). No trip to Abingdon is complete without a visit to this amazing theatre. Professional performances are offered year-round in the historic 500-seat venue. (This is the nation’s longest-running professional theatre.) In 2020, the theatre began performances at the historic Moonlite Drive-In (17555 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3991), giving new life to this classic attraction.
The Arts Depot (314 Depot Square, Abingdon, Virginia 34210; 276-628-9091) is for the visual arts lovers. The non-profit facility includes three large galleries and seven resident artist studios housed in a 19th-century freight station. And art lovers won’t want to miss a visit to 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. For a mix of art and regional culture, many 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. This is also the site of 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.
For those looking for outdoor adventure, the Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) is a favorite for cyclists as well as hikers and equestrians. The downtown trailhead offers access to miles of trail on one of America’s Hall of Fame Rails to Trails routes. It includes 47 original trestle bridges and amazing views of rivers, forests and farmlands. Just a short drive away, the Channels Natural Area Preserve (Brumley Gap Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) is a hiker’s dream. The series of maze-like sandstone crevices and boulders are found along the crest of Middle Knob, the 4,208-foot-high point of Clinch Mountain.
Anglers find 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.
Whether exploring the downtown streets, browsing the spacious galleries or taking to the trails and rivers, Abingdon is the right place for a refreshing getaway. The stately and historic Martha Washington Inn and Spa (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210), along with a variety of other lodging options, give visitors a complete array of accommodations to fit any need. A visit to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com offers online itineraries, a full list of restaurants and more.
Where to eat
Boasting more than 30 independent restaurants, Abingdon has been named in USA Today’s “Best Small Town Food Scene” list for three years running. Local favorites include historic spots like The Tavern (222 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-1118), located in one of Abingdon’s oldest buildings, and Sisters American Grill at The Martha (150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-628-3161), part of the amazing Martha Washington Inn & Spa, an attraction in its own right. Each has ambiance accented by patio seating and a storied history. There are new favorites, as well, including The Girl & The Raven (380 East Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210; 276-698-3333) with its dishes created from regionally sourced ingredients 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 beverage menus.