Historic Abingdon

Abingdon | 1 Day

Abingdon, Virginia located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Highlands of Southwest Virginia, has long been a center for culture and commerce. Known for its affinity for the arts, visitors can see both performing and visual arts at locations throughout town.  Abingdon is also, the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts.  As you get into town, stop by the Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau at 335 Cummings Street to get all the information you will need to “Entertain Your Senses” in Abingdon, or if you prefer call ahead and we are happy to drop a packet in the mail.

Day 1 - Outdoor Recreation

The Virginia Creeper Trail a 34.3 mile hiking, biking and horseback riding trail that traverses through some of the most rugged and picturesque scenery in the Eastern United States and is widely lauded as one of the most beautiful trails on the continent.   Rent a bike and take a shuttle to Whitetop Station, ride 17 miles down hill through the Jefferson National Forest and another 17 miles from Damascus to Abingdon.  Along the way you will notice many rivers and streams inviting you back for a great day of fishing.  Southwest Virginia offers some of the best fly fishing in the Southeast. Just a short drive, Abingdon Vineyard & Winery, a 50 acre farm winery located along the South Holston River offers tours and tastings.   Weather permitting, experience the Moonlight Drive-In Theatre, movies begin at dusk.

Day 2 – History                

Following our brochure, Self-Guided Walking Tour of Abingdon’s Downtown Historic District you will stroll brick-lined sidewalks past buildings dating back to the 1700s. Despite several fires that destroyed portions of the town, Abingdon still retains buildings from each decade of its first 100 years. Visit Fields-Penn 1860 Museum and see a glimpse of what life was like for a prosperous family just prior to the Civil War.  White’s Mill, a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, an authentic water-powered grist mill circa 1840.  Step back in time with a visit to the Star Museum, displaying over a century of rotating celebrity memorabilia from a world class collection.

Day 3- Arts

Begin you day at the William King Museum, a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  Three rotating exhibition galleries, outdoor sculptures, local students works, juried exhibits, local artists, classes for all ages, William King Museum has art for everyone!  The Arts Depot, Abingdon’s railroad freight station, built in the late 1850’s and burned during Stoneman’s Raid now houses resident artists’ studios, exhibit galleries and art sales in an Historic setting.  The Cave House Craft Shop is home for the work of the 160 members of the Holston Mountain Arts and Crafts Cooperative since 1971.  The Co-op serves the artists and craftspersons living within 50 miles.  Abingdon is home of the world-famous Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia.  Let professional actors take you on journeys near and far during productions on two stages.