The Best of a Visit to Charming Abingdon Virginia!
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia sits a town that refuses to fit the small-town stereotype.
Abingdon Virginia blends world-class theater with Appalachian trails, Civil War history with contemporary art galleries, and local shops with legendary ghost stories. This is where Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine launched careers, where wild ponies roam highlands an hour away, and where the Virginia Creeper Trail begins its 34-mile descent through some of the most stunning terrain in the United States. The town of Abingdon has been named one of the best small towns in America repeatedly, and once you walk the brick sidewalks of historic downtown, you will understand exactly why.
Whether this is your first visit or you are returning to explore deeper, the Abingdon area offers everything from horseback riding and outdoor adventures to award-winning food scenes and folk art galleries. You can bike the Creeper, catch a show at the state theatre of Virginia, tour a Civil War cemetery, stay in a historic inn with modern amenities, and still have time for wine tasting at Abingdon Vineyards.
This guide delivers 25 of the absolute best things to do, see, taste, and experience in this charming small town.
ARTS, THEATER, AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN ABINGDON VIRGINIA
Abingdon's cultural heartbeat runs deeper than most cities triple its size. The town became an arts destination during the Great Depression and has never looked back. From the stage that trained Hollywood legends to galleries showcasing contemporary Appalachian talent, these stops define what makes Abingdon exceptional.
Barter Theatre
Robert Porterfield founded Barter Theatre in 1933 when the Great Depression left actors starving and audiences broke. His solution was radical: patrons could trade produce and livestock for admission. A chicken bought a ticket. Vegetables covered a seat. That scrappy beginning became the longest-running professional theater in the nation and earned designation as the state theatre of Virginia.
The alumni roster reads like a Hollywood hall of fame. Ernest Borgnine, Gregory Peck, and Patricia Neal all walked these boards early in their careers. The theater still operates year-round, producing everything from classic musicals to cutting-edge drama across two stages. One thing I have always thought was neat. My hometown is 1.5 hours away and an actress that grew up in my hometown, got her start at the Barter Theater and then went on to be a main actress on the Soap Opera Another World, Anna Stuart..
What most visitors miss: Barter offers behind-the-scenes tours where you can walk the same backstage corridors those notable actors used. The tour reveals costume shops, set construction areas, and green rooms filled with decades of theater history. Book ahead because tours fill quickly, especially during peak season.
The theater experience itself feels intimate despite professional-grade production values. Sets rotate constantly, so if you are spending multiple days in town, check the schedule. You might catch two completely different shows in one weekend.
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace
This facility operates as both museum and active marketplace where traditional Appalachian crafts meet contemporary folk art. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center gives you direct access to local artists working in mediums ranging from handwoven textiles to blacksmithing to pottery.
Why this matters: You are not browsing mass-produced souvenirs. Every item for sale was created by artisans within a 50-mile radius. The quality gap between what you find here versus typical tourist shops is enormous.
Watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts most weekends
Browse quilts, baskets, and woodwork that reflect centuries-old techniques
Meet the artists who can explain exactly how each piece was made
Purchase museum-quality folk art at prices that reflect actual craftsmanship
The center also hosts rotating exhibitions that dive into Appalachian history, music heritage, and regional storytelling traditions. If you want to understand the cultural foundation that shaped this region, start here.
The Arts Depot
Abingdon converted a 1870s railroad freight station into a multi-use arts facility that now anchors the town's creative community. The Arts Depot houses gallery space, performance areas, classrooms, and artist studios under one historic roof.
Gallery rotations change monthly, showcasing everything from contemporary paintings to sculpture to mixed media installations. The emphasis stays local but the quality rivals what you would find in major metropolitan galleries. Many pieces available for purchase come directly from the creating artist.
What sets this venue apart: The building itself tells the story of Abingdon's evolution from rail hub to cultural destination. Original brick, exposed beams, and industrial details create an atmosphere where historic architecture frames modern creativity perfectly.
Check the calendar before visiting. The Arts Depot regularly hosts workshops, artist talks, and live performances that give you deeper access to the creative process than simple gallery browsing provides.
William King Museum of Art
This museum occupies a former high school building and delivers a surprisingly robust collection for a town of 8,000 residents. The William King Museum of Art focuses heavily on regional artists while also bringing in traveling exhibitions that expose visitors to broader contemporary art movements.
The permanent collection strength: Appalachian art and craft traditions receive serious curatorial attention here. You will see how contemporary artists reinterpret traditional forms, how folk art influences fine art, and how regional identity shapes creative output.
Free admission makes this accessible for everyone
Rotating exhibitions mean repeat visits reveal new work
Educational programming connects art to community in tangible ways
The museum shop stocks artist-made items unavailable elsewhere
For art lovers seeking substance beyond decorative landscapes, this museum delivers thoughtful curation and quality that punches well above its weight class.
HISTORIC SITES AND LANDMARKS
Walking through historic downtown Abingdon feels like stepping into preserved Americana, except the preservation is authentic rather than manufactured. These buildings still serve their communities while honoring the people and events that shaped Southwestern Virginia.
Martha Washington Inn and Spa
This grand brick structure has served as a private residence, a college for young women, a Civil War hospital, and now operates as one of the most celebrated historic inns in the region. The Martha Washington Inn delivers modern amenities inside a building where wounded soldiers once recovered and students once studied.
The property originally opened as Martha Washington College in 1860, educating young women until financial pressures forced closure decades later. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces used the building as a hospital at different points, leading to the ghost stories that still circulate.
Current guests report: Sightings of a young woman in period dress on the upper floors, unexplained footsteps in empty hallways, and doors that open on their own. Whether you believe the tales or not, the history embedded in these walls is undeniable.
Even if you do not stay overnight, the property welcomes visitors for afternoon tea, spa services, and dining. The complimentary breakfast for guests has earned praise for quality that exceeds typical hotel offerings.
Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum
This Italianate mansion operates as a house museum that demonstrates how wealthy families lived in pre-Civil War Abingdon. The Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum maintains period-appropriate furnishings, decorative arts, and architectural details that survived more than 160 years.
Guided tours reveal: Original plasterwork and woodwork craftsmanship, period furniture arrangements, clothing and textile collections, and family stories that connect individual lives to broader historical movements.
The property represents the oldest building in Abingdon still operating as a museum. Docents bring depth to the tour that goes beyond pointing out antiques. You learn about social structures, economic realities, and daily life details that textbooks skip.
Tours run on limited schedules, so call ahead or check the visitor center for current availability. The investment of time pays off for anyone interested in authentic historic preservation.
Abingdon Muster Grounds
This open space marks where Virginia militia assembled during the American Revolution before marching to the Battle of Kings Mountain. The Abingdon Muster Grounds represents a launching point for one of the war's pivotal southern engagements.
Daniel Boone's son was among those who gathered here before the march. The grounds now serve as a public park with interpretive markers explaining the historical significance and the role this mobilization played in Revolutionary War outcomes.
Why this location matters: It connects Abingdon directly to founding-era military history in tangible ways. Standing where 200 men assembled to fight for independence creates a connection that reading about it never quite achieves.
The grounds sit within easy walking distance of downtown, making this a quick but meaningful stop for history enthusiasts exploring the area.
Sinking Spring Cemetery
Cemeteries tell stories that official histories often miss. Sinking Spring Cemetery contains graves dating back to the 1700s, including final resting places for Revolutionary War soldiers, Civil War casualties, early settlers, and notable community members who shaped the town of Abingdon.
Wandering the grounds reveals elaborate Victorian monuments, simple fieldstone markers, family plots that span generations, and epitaphs that offer glimpses into values and beliefs of earlier eras. The cemetery also provides peaceful green space and surprisingly good views of the surrounding mountains.
Historical markers throughout identify: Notable burials, architectural details of funerary art, and context about different time periods represented in the grounds.
This is not a formal tourist attraction with admission fees and gift shops. It is an active cemetery that welcomes respectful visitors interested in local history and genealogy. Bring a camera because the craftsmanship on some monuments qualifies as outdoor sculpture.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND NATURAL BEAUTY
The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the backdrop, but the outdoor opportunities in the Abingdon area go far beyond scenic views. From the famous rail-trail conversion to wild pony sightings in the highlands, these experiences showcase why outdoor enthusiasts rank this region so highly.
Virginia Creeper Trail
This 34-mile rail trail conversion ranks among the best bike rides in the United States, and Abingdon marks the official start of the Virginia Creeper Trail. The route follows an old railroad bed through forests, over trestle bridges, past streams, and eventually into the highlands near the North Carolina border.
Most riders do this smart: Shuttle services drive you and rental bikes to the highest point at Whitetop Station. You then coast downhill for 17 miles back to Damascus, enjoying spectacular scenery without grinding uphill the entire way. Multiple bike shops in downtown Abingdon arrange the full package including bikes, shuttles, and route guidance.
The trail surface stays gentle and accessible for most fitness levels
Trestle crossings offer dramatic views and photo opportunities
You pass through tiny communities where trail-side cafes serve riders
Foliage season transforms the route into a tunnel of autumn color
Serious cyclists can ride the full trail out and back, but the shuttle-assisted downhill run gives you maximum scenery with minimum suffering. Either way, the Virginia Creeper Trail deserves its reputation as a bucket-list bike ride.
Grayson Highlands State Park
About an hour drive from Abingdon, this state park delivers alpine-like meadows, rocky outcrops, longer hikes, and the main attraction: wild ponies that roam freely across the highlands. Grayson Highlands State Park sits at elevations above 5,000 feet, creating ecosystems and views more commonly associated with northern Appalachia.
The ponies are descendants of horses introduced decades ago to graze the highlands. They have adapted to high-altitude conditions and now represent one of Virginia's most photographed wildlife attractions. Encounters happen naturally as you hike, and the animals tolerate human presence at respectful distances.
Trail options range from easy loops to challenging summit hikes: Families with young children can explore meadows and pony areas on gentle paths. Experienced hikers can connect to the Appalachian Trail and summit Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak.
Pack layers because weather shifts quickly at elevation. What starts as a sunny 70-degree morning in Abingdon can mean 50 degrees with fog and wind at the highlands. The park includes camping facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center with trail maps and current pony location reports.
This short drive from downtown Abingdon transports you into completely different terrain and offers outdoor experiences that feel worlds away from the historic streets you left behind.
Horseback Riding in the Abingdon Area
Several outfitters near Abingdon offer guided trail rides through mountain terrain that showcases the region's natural beauty from a different perspective. Horseback riding here means winding through hardwood forests, crossing streams, and gaining elevation that reveals sweeping valley views.
Rides accommodate different experience levels: Never been on a horse? Short introductory rides keep you on gentle terrain with patient animals. Experienced riders can book longer excursions that cover more challenging ground and deeper wilderness.
The guides know the land, the history, and the ecology. You will learn about native plants, wildlife patterns, and local stories while experiencing the mountains the way early settlers did before paved roads existed.
Most operations require advance reservations, especially during peak foliage season when demand outstrips available ride slots. Book early and confirm weather policies since mountain conditions can shift quickly.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
This expansive public land surrounds Grayson Highlands and provides additional trail systems, camping areas, and wilderness access for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less-developed experiences. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area contains hundreds of miles of trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail.
What this landscape offers: Backcountry camping in designated wilderness areas, stream fishing in mountain waters, wildlife viewing including black bears and wild turkeys, and solitude that becomes harder to find in more developed parks.
The recreation area includes the actual summit of Mount Rogers, though ironically the highest point in Virginia offers no views because thick spruce forest covers the top. The journey matters more than the destination here, with alpine meadows, rocky balds, and pony encounters making the hike memorable.
Access points scatter across the recreation area, with some requiring longer drives on forest roads. Stop at the Abingdon visitor center for maps, current conditions, and recommendations based on your interests and abilities.
FOOD, DRINK, AND LOCAL FLAVORS
The food scene in Abingdon balances Appalachian tradition with contemporary culinary ambition. You can eat farm-to-table fine dining one night and classic Southern comfort food the next, all while supporting local ingredients and independent restaurants.
There are so many great places to eat and drink in the area. I should write a blog just on that. So here is a few pics of some other great places too.
Rendezvous International Cafe The Tavern, get the Escargot Camella's, get the Lavender Tea
Sisters American Grill
This downtown restaurant has built a loyal following by focusing on locally sourced ingredients and a menu that respects regional flavors while adding creative touches. Sisters American Grill occupies a historic building on E. Main St. and delivers the kind of delicious meal that makes you understand why food quality matters.
The menu changes seasonally to reflect what farms and producers bring to market. You might find trout caught in Virginia streams, pork from nearby farms, and vegetables harvested that morning from regional growers. This commitment to local sourcing shows up in flavor and freshness.
Favorites include: Pan-seared trout with brown butter and almonds, slow-braised pork shoulder with sweet potato mash, seasonal vegetable plates that let produce shine, and desserts that lean into Appalachian traditions like stack cakes and fruit cobblers.
The atmosphere stays casual enough for jeans but polished enough for special occasions. Reservations help during peak tourist seasons and weekend nights when both locals and visitors pack the dining room.
Abingdon Vineyards
Virginia wine country extends into Southwest Virginia, and Abingdon Vineyards proves that quality viticulture happens in the mountains too. The vineyard sits on 14 acres producing estate-grown wines that reflect the terroir of Washington County.
Tastings happen in a relaxed environment where staff actually educate rather than just pour. You will learn about grape varieties that thrive at elevation, how mountain climate affects flavor profiles, and why Virginia wine deserves more national recognition.
The tasting room offers: Flights of current releases spanning whites, rosés, and reds, outdoor seating with mountain views, local cheese and charcuterie pairings, and bottles available for purchase to enjoy on-site or take home.
Live music events happen regularly during warmer months, transforming the vineyard into a community gathering spot. Check the schedule because a weekend afternoon with good wine, local food, and mountain scenery creates the perfect spot for slowing down.
The Oldest Bar and Wolf Hills
Abingdon's original name was Wolf Hills, supposedly because Daniel Boone and others hunted wolves in the area. That name lives on in local businesses including Wolf Hills Brewing Company, which has become a central location for craft beer enthusiasts.
Wolf Hills produces a rotating lineup of ales, lagers, and seasonal specialties using traditional brewing methods and quality ingredients. The taproom atmosphere encourages lingering, with communal tables, board games, and a customer base that skews local as much as tourist.
What makes this a great place to spend time: The beer selection goes deep enough to satisfy serious craft beer fans while remaining accessible to casual drinkers. Food trucks often park outside providing good food to pair with your pints. The staff knows their products and will guide you toward styles that match your preferences.
For those seeking spirits over beer, Abingdon also claims the oldest bar in continuous operation in Virginia, though the title gets disputed depending on how you define terms. Regardless of technical rankings, the historic watering holes in downtown Abingdon deliver character and stories alongside drinks.
Local Shops and Main Street Browsing
Downtown Abingdon's Main Street shopping district proves that local retail can thrive when towns prioritize independent businesses over chain stores. You will find antique shops, galleries, boutiques, and specialty stores occupying historic storefronts along brick sidewalks.
Shopping highlights include:
Holston Mountain Artisans: A cooperative gallery representing dozens of regional craftspeople working in fiber arts, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, and traditional Appalachian crafts.
Antique shops: Multiple dealers stock everything from Victorian furniture to vintage quilts to collectible glassware, with quality varying but treasures definitely available for patient hunters.
Book and gift shops: Independent stores carrying regional authors, local history books, handmade cards, and thoughtfully curated gift items that actually reflect the area rather than generic tourism merchandise.
The best part of Main Street shopping is the walkability. Park once and spend hours moving between stores, stopping for coffee, and discovering businesses you did not know existed. Store owners often work their own shops and can tell you the story behind their inventory.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AND HIDDEN GEMS
Beyond the headline attractions, Abingdon rewards curiosity with unexpected discoveries. These experiences might not make every tourism brochure, but they deliver the kind of authentic moments that transform a good trip into a memorable one.
Virginia's Heritage Music Trail
Music runs through Appalachian culture like water through mountain streams, and Abingdon sits on Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, a collection of venues, festivals, and historic sites celebrating the region's musical legacy. Traditional Appalachian music evolved here, influencing bluegrass, country, and folk genres that spread nationally.
Live music happens regularly at: The Barter Theatre before shows and during intermissions, local restaurants hosting songwriter nights, seasonal festivals bringing regional musicians together, and informal jam sessions where visitors with instruments can join in.
The music tradition connects directly to the people who settled these mountains and the stories they told through song. Catching live traditional music in its home context gives you access to cultural heritage that recordings cannot fully capture.
Stop at the visitor center for current performance schedules and festival dates. The Virginia Highlands Festival in particular brings together musicians, craftspeople, and artists every August for one of the region's premier cultural celebrations.
Ghost Stories and Haunted History
A town this old with this much Civil War history naturally accumulates ghost stories. The Martha Washington Inn leads the local haunting reports, but other locations throughout historic downtown claim their own supernatural residents.
Multiple ghost tour operations offer evening walks through Abingdon's most haunted locations, sharing stories of Civil War soldiers who never left, young women who died tragically, and unexplained phenomena that continue today. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy good storytelling, these tours deliver entertainment and history in equal measure.
The tours typically cover: The Martha Washington Inn and its documented paranormal activity, the Tavern Restaurant where colonial-era spirits supposedly linger, private residences with active hauntings that owners have reported, and cemetery visits where unexplained lights and sounds occur regularly.
The best tour guides separate legend from documented history and present information without over-dramatizing. You will get a good laugh from some stories while others might make you rethink what you believe about the supernatural.
The Abingdon Farmers Market
If your visit lands on a market day, the Abingdon Farmers Market provides direct access to the people growing food and making products throughout Washington County. You will find produce at peak ripeness, pasture-raised meats, farmstead cheeses, fresh-baked goods, and crafts from the same artisans whose work appears in galleries.
Shopping farmers markets connects you to the agricultural foundation that still supports much of rural Southwestern Virginia. The vendors can tell you exactly how their products were raised or made, offer preparation suggestions, and share recommendations for other local producers worth seeking out.
Market shopping delivers: Ingredients fresher than any grocery store can offer, opportunities to support family farms directly, products unavailable through conventional retail channels, and conversations that reveal how food actually reaches tables.
Check the market schedule because days and times vary seasonally. Arrive early for best selection, bring cash since not all vendors accept cards, and plan to linger because rushing through defeats the entire purpose.
President Andrew Jackson Connection
Before becoming president, Andrew Jackson practiced law and conducted business throughout the region, with documented stays in Abingdon. While no dedicated museum exists, historical markers and local historians can point you toward buildings and sites connected to his pre-presidential years.
This connection matters less for Jackson's later controversial presidency and more for understanding how Abingdon functioned as a regional hub where ambitious young professionals built careers and influence. The town's strategic location made it a stopping point for travelers, merchants, lawyers, and eventually the political figures who shaped early American government.
History enthusiasts interested in presidential connections can dig deeper at the local historical society and through walking tour materials available at the visitor center. The stories reveal how interconnected early American communities were and how frequently paths crossed in these small but influential towns.
Steam Engine and Railroad Heritage
Abingdon's development accelerated when railroads reached the town, connecting mountain resources to distant markets. While the working railroad no longer dominates as it once did, remnants of that heritage appear throughout the area.
The Virginia Creeper Trail itself represents railroad history repurposed for recreation. The name comes from the slow-moving steam engines that crawled up mountain grades earning the "creeper" nickname from locals who watched them labor past.
Railroad artifacts and history appear at: The Arts Depot, which began life as a freight station, historical displays downtown showing how rail transportation shaped commerce, and interpretive signs along the Creeper Trail explaining the engineering required to build mountain railroads.
For railroad enthusiasts, the transformation from working rail line to recreational trail demonstrates how communities adapt infrastructure when economic realities shift. The bones remain, but the purpose evolved into something that now draws visitors rather than shipping freight.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND PLANNING TIPS
Turning all these possibilities into an actual itinerary requires some practical knowledge about how Abingdon works, where to stay, and how to maximize limited time.
Where to Stay
Abingdon offers accommodation options ranging from the historic Martha Washington Inn to modern chain hotels to bed and breakfasts occupying Victorian homes.
The Martha Washington Inn: Delivers the most distinctive experience with its history, ghost stories, on-site spa, and complimentary breakfast. Rates run higher but you are paying for atmosphere that chain hotels cannot replicate.
Bed and breakfasts: Several operate in restored historic homes throughout downtown, offering personal service, period architecture, and included breakfasts that often feature local ingredients.
Modern hotels: Standard chains cluster near the interstate providing predictable amenities, reliable wifi, and typically lower rates than downtown historic properties.
Choosing the right option depends on priorities: History and atmosphere favor downtown historic properties. Families with kids might prefer hotels with pools and more space. Budget-conscious travelers can find clean, comfortable chain options and still reach downtown in minutes.
Book early for peak seasons including October foliage, summer theater season, and festival weekends when rooms throughout the area fill completely.
Getting Around
Downtown Abingdon is compact enough to explore entirely on foot once you park. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops sit within a few blocks of each other along Main Street and the surrounding historic district.
For attractions outside town: Personal vehicle becomes necessary. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Grayson Highlands State Park, and some wineries require driving. Rental cars are available in nearby cities if you flew into the region.
Parking downtown stays free and relatively abundant except during major events. Street parking and public lots scatter throughout the historic district with clear signage.
When to Visit
Every season offers different advantages in Abingdon, though fall and spring draw the largest visitor numbers for good reasons.
Fall (September through November): Foliage peaks in October, creating stunning mountain colors. Weather stays comfortable for outdoor activities. The Virginia Highlands Festival happens in early August extending into fall travel season. Expect crowds and book accommodations early.
Spring (April through June): Wildflowers bloom throughout the highlands. Weather warms enough for comfortable trail use. Theater season runs strong with diverse productions. Farmers markets restart with spring produce.
Summer (July and August): Warmest weather perfect for outdoor adventures. Longest daylight hours maximize activity time. Peak theater season brings notable actors and productions. Higher humidity than other seasons.
Winter (December through March): Smallest crowds mean easier reservations and parking. Holiday decorations transform downtown. Some outdoor attractions close or limit hours. Theater continues year-round. Occasional snow adds charm though ice can complicate driving.
The Visitor Center
Stop here first, especially on a first visit. The Abingdon visitor center stocks current maps, event calendars, restaurant menus, and staff who can answer specific questions about accessibility, family-friendly options, and current conditions.
The center also provides restrooms, free wifi, and comfortable seating if you need to plan your day. Local tourism professionals staff the desk and genuinely want to help you have a good time rather than just pushing brochures.
Located centrally in the historic district, the visitor center makes a logical starting point before you begin exploring on foot. Grab materials, ask questions, then head out with better information than internet research alone provides.
Walking through Abingdon reveals layers that quick visits barely scratch. This town built on theater, trails, and tradition invites you to slow down, dig deeper, and discover why those who visit once often return repeatedly.
The combination of world-class cultural attractions in a small-town setting creates something genuinely rare. You can watch professional theater that launched Hollywood careers, bike a trail that ranks nationally, explore mountains where wild ponies roam, and still end your day with a delicious meal on a quiet Main Street where locals greet you by name after just a couple visits. That is the Abingdon experience distilled.
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