We invite you to explore Abingdon and the surrounding area in your downtime. We believe you will find something for the whole family to enjoy while you are here.
Abingdon is rich in history and features several historical sites. Abingdon is home to the State Theatre of Virginia - The Barter Theatre. The Barter opened in 1933 and as it's name implies people "bartered" to watch a show. The Barter has since grown to be the epicenter of Abingdon's culture and operates two stages that produce shows year round. What started off as a retirement home for General Robert Preston after the war of 1812, and was home to "Martha Washington College", a makeshift hospital and now a hotel The Martha Washington Inn is another must see. The Tavern should also be on that list. During the past two centuries, The Tavern has served as a tavern, bank, bakery, general store, cabinet shop, barber shop, private residence, post office, antique shop and restaurant. It even served as a hospital for wounded Confederate and Union soldiers during the Civil War. With that much history, you can easily see why The Barter Theatre, The Martha Washington Inn and The Tavern all have some legends and ghost stories to be told.
If you're a nature lover don't miss a chance to visit The Virginia Creeper Trail. The Trail stretches from Abingdon to Whitetop Station with stations in between.
For the outdoor adventurist, a short drive to Damascus is where you want to visit. As part of the Appalachian Trail, hikers flock to Damascus yearly and often refers to Damascus as "The Friendliest Town on the Trail".
While here be sure to visit Bristol and walk down State Street where the state line of Virginia and Tennessee run right down the middle of the street. While on State Street, be sure to visit the many restaurants, unique shops, train station and of course the famous Bristol sign, which was featured in the Geico Commercial. In addition to being famous for NASCARs Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol is also known as "The Birthplace of Country Music". With the opening of The Birth Place of Country Museum in 2014 and the Rhythm and Roots music festival each year it's easy to see why the downtown area has become a favorite for any music lover. For those who can't get enough baseball, Bristol is home to the Bristol State Liners of the Appalachian League. For a night the whole family will enjoy at a reasonable price, a State Liners game is just for you.