This Fall, fall in love with Abingdon, VA (2 Nights/3 Days)
Autumn is a particularly spectacular time in the Blue Ridge Mountains around Abingdon, with trees gradually turning shades of red, orange and gold. Take advantage of the crisp autumn air, delicious fall bounty and breathtaking scenery with a fall getaway to Abingdon, Virginia.
Day One
Begin your day with a ride or a stroll on the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34 mile walking, biking and horseback riding trail. The fall season brings perfect temperatures and unbelievable scenery with an abundance of autumn color. Start in Abingdon for an easy walk, or take a shuttle to the top of Whitetop Mountain and bike downhill through Jefferson National Forest. Recharge your batteries with a wine tasting and lunch at Abingdon Vineyards, overlooking the South Holston River.
Unwind at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a historic 4-star inn originally constructed in 1832. Enjoy a cocktail on the wide front porch overlooking Main Street, or by the fireplace in the library.
Next, make plans for dinner at one of Abingdon’s independent restaurants, almost all of which are located within an easy walk from The Martha. Abingdon’s culinary scene ranges from home-style southern comfort food to sophisticated fine dining.
Day Two
Head out for a driving tour of Southwestern Virginia’s fall beauty by traveling State Highway US 58 toward Damascus. Stop off in Damascus to stroll the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through downtown, or continue driving to Mount Rogers– the highest mountain peak in Virginia.
That evening, take in a show at the historic Barter Theatre, founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, when actors bartered an evening’s entertainment for food from local farmers. The theatre now performs year-round in two venues on Main Street, offering Broadway-quality professional performances. The fall theatre season offers a mix of musicals, comedies, and an appropriately spine-chilling murder mystery.
Day Three
Stroll the tree-lined brick sidewalks of the historic downtown district; enjoy the vibrant foliage while taking a self-guided walking tour. Explore the various shops and boutiques along Main Street and find unique gifts, Virginia wines, tea parlors, art galleries, an olive oil tasting room, and studios that showcase local artists.
The award-winning Abingdon Farmers Market is in full swing during September and October, with fresh local produce like sweet peppers, tomatoes greens, pumpkins and pasture-raised meat.
Stop by the Arts Depot, located in a historic train station, and watch as local artists work in their studios, or shop at Holston Mountain Artisans, one of the country’s oldest craft collectives. For happy hour, check out Wolf Hills Brewing Company and enjoy a craft brew and live local music.
