While best known for the hiking and biking trail that follows the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon, Virginia, is also a vibrant destination for arts and theater lovers. Named to USA Today’s list of Best Small Town Food Scenes in 2021, Abingdon combines a thriving culinary scene with fine-art galleries, antiques, and artisan shops that make the town a memorable getaway.
© Courtesy of Barter Theatre
Abingdon is home to the historic Barter Theatre, one of the nation’s longest-running professional theaters. Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, the theater began by accepting 40 cents or an equivalent amount of produce for admission. Many theatregoers paid with vegetables, dairy products, and livestock, helping support local actors and the community.
Today, Barter Theatre is recognized as the State Theatre of Virginia and operates as a true repertory company, staging multiple productions simultaneously with actors performing several roles each week. The theater’s summer season typically runs from early May through late August.
© Birthplace of Country Music
Situated on the historic Great Road used by pioneers crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon has deep roots in early American history. Between 1748 and 1750, Dr. Thomas Walker surveyed the surrounding land; he later partnered with Peter Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson’s father, in the Loyal Land Company. The town itself was established by an act of the Virginia Assembly in 1778.
Alongside its history and scenic surroundings, Abingdon offers relaxed luxury at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, located across from the Barter Theatre, where visitors can enjoy spa treatments and comfortable accommodations. The area is also known for its nearby vineyards, where afternoon wine tastings are a popular pastime. The town’s galleries, eateries, and craft breweries provide plenty to explore on foot.
© Birthplace of Country Music
For an excellent day trip, drive about 16 miles southwest on I-81 to Bristol, a city that spans the Tennessee–Virginia border. Bristol is home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and hosts the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion each September.
The three-day festival celebrates the lasting influence of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and brings together a wide range of performers. In recognition of that musical legacy, the festival’s lineup typically features more than 100 bands performing across numerous stages in downtown Bristol, offering a rich sampling of America’s musical traditions.