Abingdon, Virginia is one of the most southwestern cities in the state, located less than 20 miles from the Tennessee state line.
This small town has a LOT to offer and it is a perfect weekend getaway. Abingdon is also a short drive from Bristol and Damascus, too.
How can you describe Abingdon, VA? We think it’s a mix of Colonial Williamsburg, a little bit of Yorktown, and some Charleston, SC. It’s historic, cultured and lots of brick buildings everywhere!
Whether you are biking into town on the Virginia Creeper Trail or driving in for the weekend, these are the 20 can’t-miss things to do in Abingdon, VA.
Our favorite place to stay in Abingdon is The Martha Washington Inn and Spa in downtown, right across from the Barter Theatre!
Barter Theatre
You can’t talk about Abingdon, Virginia without talking about the Barter Theatre. In fact, it is probably one of the biggest draws to the city.
Designated as the State Theatre of Virginia, seeing a show at this location is a bucket-list item for your Virginia travels.
There is a lot of history in this small theater located in downtown Abingdon across from The Martha Washington Inn.
Theatrical events date back to 1876 on this site, but the actual Barter Theatre opened in 1933. It is the longest running professional theater in the United States.
Famously, the Barter Theatre opened its doors in the middle of the Great Depression. It stated that “With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh.” The price of admission was 35 cents or an equivalent amount of produce, which allowed farmers to enjoy quality entertainment without needing cash.
Four out of five theatregoers paid their way with vegetables, dairy products and livestock at the time and the theater was a surprising success.
This was a location where a lot of well-known actors got their start, including Ernest Borgnine, Gary Collins, Gregory Peck, Larry Linville from M*A*S*H, and Wayne Knight from Seinfeld and Jurassic Park.
Today there are modern performances throughout the year, including many family-friendly plays.
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace
This sprawling modern complex on the grounds of Virginia Highlands Community College is a hub for purchasing handmade crafts and artwork made by more than 180 artisans in the region.
This marketplace seems to stretch forever, with varied arts such as clay, glass, sewing, painting, apparel and more. There is even locally produced food products to buy.
In fact, we would say this destination is more of a shopping destination than a cultural center. We didn’t see many history displays while we were there, so don’t anticipate a museum-like atmosphere.
Located just off of I-81, this is an easy stop to stretch your legs and explore the artistic history of the region.
The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace also has great views from their patios for mountain views, and a LOVE VA sign for photo opps.
Helpful Tips
- If you are traveling with pets, bring them inside to get some pet treats and be protected from the heat or cold outside.
- This location is just about a 3 minute detour from the highway.
- There is plenty of large sprawling grass areas here, including the grounds of the college. It is perfect for stretching your legs, getting some gentle exercise with great views, and letting your dog get some exercise.
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail starts (or ends, depending on your route) in Abingdon just behind The Martha Washington Inn and Spa.
Starting the trail in Abingdon allows you to bike downhill, which is definitely nice! Then you can schedule a pick up in Damascus with a local outfitter or through The Martha.
In fact, you can rent bikes for the trail through The Martha Washington Inn if you are a guest.
Be sure to check out the railroad locomotive at the beginning of the trail!
Note: The portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail from Damascus to White Top is currently being worked on due to Hurricane Helene damage and is not expected to fully open for man-years.
Abingdon Muster Grounds
This National Park Service historic site commemorates the spot where hundreds of Virginia patriots gathered to start their march toward the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780.
Abingdon Muster Grounds is the western and northern-most trailhead of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
We visited when the center wasn’t open and we weren’t hiking the trail, so the entire visit was about 10 minutes.
Helpful Tips
- Volunteer hours are limited for the interpretive center. If you come to this location without the center being open or an event taking place, there is very little to do other than look at plaques.
- There is VERY limited parking here (maybe 5 spaces max?) so walking might be a smart idea. Do NOT bring an RV or trailer because there is no room!
White’s Mill
This historic grist mill just a few miles outside of downtown is a great look at how food is produced and made.
Admission is free yet donations are welcomed and needed!
While you can look around the ancient mill on your own, we suggest allowing a guide to give you insights and show you how the equipment worked. It is fascinating! They might even get the waterwheel working for you as part of their short tour.
While there, be sure to stock up on their freshly ground corn products, such as flour and grits. There are some other small food items to buy, as well. We paid $4 for a 2 lb.bag of white corn meal at the Mill, while the same bag was $10 at Southwest Virginia Cultural Center.
There is a picnic table on property and will soon be a short hiking trail along the property.
Helpful Tip: Hours are limited at the Historic White Mill. Be sure to check out the website for updated operating hours (currently open from mid-May to mid-October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
Tumbling Creek Cider Company
This hard cider company is located in an inventive space above Delta Blues BBQ at Abingdon Commons. Walking into the attic conversion feels a little bit like entering a hobbit hole, while welcomed with the delicious smell of barbecue.
Tumbling Creek Cider has an array of ciders, so get a flight to try out several flavors. Overall we found the flavors to be somewhat-muted on the ones we chose, so be adventurous and try something you wouldn’t normally get!
Helpful Tips
- There is indoor and outdoor seating.
- Indoors overlooks the Delta Blues BBQ restaurant (kind of like how Pinnochio Village Haus at Magic Kingdom overlooks It’s a Small World ride).
- While food is not served, you can bring in food from the adjacent Semolina Neapolitan Pizzeria in Abingdon Commons (seriously, just walk through the door from the cidery and you will be in the food hall with pizza, sushi, etc.)
Abingdon Farmers Market
The Abingdon Farmers Market is one of the best that I’ve ever been to!
They actually serve mostly food from farms, with a few crafts and artisan booths, rather than most farmers markets which are heavy on crafts, services, etc.
This farmers market is also open year round (sometimes twice in a week depending on season) which is a rarity!
Helpful Tips
- Located across the street from Abingdon Commons and the Abingdon Visitor Center
- Easy walk from The Martha Washington Inn (about 0.1 mile and you just need to cross one street)
Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
Take a horse drawn carriage ride through downtown Abingdon for a romantic night or fun family outing.
Carriage rides leave from The Martha on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Contact the hotel directly to confirm hours and availability.
During our stay the price was $40 per person.
The Tavern
The Tavern is the oldest bar in Virginia and the 8th oldest bar in the U.S. That’s a LOT of history!
Be sure to grab a drink or a meal at The Tavern, which is located downtown.
Truth be told, the interior is quite small and the bar is extremely small! And there didn’t seem to be a lot of historical artifacts. Chances are you will probably be dining outdoors unless you make a reservation in advance.
William King Museum of Art
William King Museum of Art is a modern museum offers free admission and thoughtful exhibitions that are constantly changing. The building is currently expanding to offer another wing for nature artwork.
Helpful Tips
- This building is atop a HIGH hill. It would be a challenging walk.
- The views of the mountains from the museum are amazing, though!
- During construction the main road may be blocked. While there is a gravel road to go through the construction, be sure to consult Google Maps for the best route until the renovation is done in 2026.
Pal’s Sudden Service
With locations throughout Virginia and Tennessee, Pal’s Sudden Service is a much-loved restaurant with a colorful and unique building that is definitely photo worthy!
You will find quick, affordable food such as burgers and hot dogs.
While not located in the historic downtown, it is worth a drive towards the city center!
Sweetbay Brewing Company
THE craft brewery for Abingdon, Virginia is Sweetbay Brewing Company.
Sinking Spring Cemetery
A historic cemetery with self-guided walking tours. Go to Abingdon’s Visitors Center to get a walking tour guide for Sinking Spring Cemetery.
The Antique Barn
A two-story barn filled with antiques, furniture, stained glass and more. If you are in the mood for shopping for unique items, this is the place to go!
The Arts Depot
A working arts studio with resident artist spaces, The Arts Depot also offers classes and workshops and has a shop featuring local artists work.
Walk through the three galleries and interact with the artists as they are creating. The Arts Depot is an easy walk off of West Main Street (just a couple blocks away).
Downtown Shopping
Okay, we were surprised at the lack of shops and boutiques on Main Street in Abingdon. Just keeping it real.
Abingdon is an unusual mix of lots of homes and offices in historic buildings lining the main road in downtown, and it often feels like there SHOULD be more shops along the street.
But there still are a few places you can wander in to do some shopping, whether it’s clothing boutiques, an outdoor outfitter, or home decor.
The Arts Depot is just off Main Street, too, so be sure to go there for great shopping.
Abingdon Olive Oil Company
The building for Abingdon Olive Oil Company is just as impressive as the array of oils and vinegars they sell. There is even an olive oil just for your furry friends!
Wolf Hills Cave House
Stop outside the Wolf Hills Cave House, located downtown, to read the fascinating history.
Legend has it that a lair of wolves attacked Daniel Boone’s dogs in this area in 1760. In fact, Abingdon’s original name was Wolf Hills based on this legend.
My Little Fabric Shop / A Likely Yarn
If you love to sew, knit or craft, then you know how important it is to support local craft shops. There are two great local shops in Abingdon to visit to gather supplies.
My Little Fabric Shop is located near William King Museum of Art. Stop in to buy fabric or order online (they will ship to your home or you can choose pick-up in the store.)
My Likely Yarn has knitting and crochet supplies, as well as other crafting items. Check out their yarn camps!
Spa at The Martha
Enjoy a variety of relaxing or therapeutic spa services at The Martha Washington Inn.
If you aren’t already a guest at The Martha, a spa service gives you access to their fitness center, indoor pool and outdoor jacuzzi with a waterfall. Plus you can enjoy the mini-golf course, tennis courts and pickleball courts, too!
Virginia Highlands Festival
One of the biggest events of the year, the Virginia Highlands Festival is spread across several days in Abingdon.
The summer event not only shares the stories of Appalachia, it is also celebrates regional arts, too.
We love that there are tours of buildings in the city that you would not normally get to visit (think Palm Springs, CA Modernism Week as an example of the unique tours available during the festival).
There are over 200 events so you will definitely find something you love, from arts to music to outdoor adventures and specialty dining.
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