Things to Do in Abingdon

The city’s main street serves as the home to several museums, theaters and galleries. Come immerse yourself in the spirit of Abingdon today!

Climate Standards and Surprises

Alexandria is no stranger to having unpredictable seasons. It has everything from sticky summers to sporadic blizzards. During summer months, keep an umbrella handy and be prepared for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, or embrace the unknown during the winter season while snowfall can range from a light dusting to a blizzard.

Get Outdoors

Rent a bike to ride the magnificent 34-mile-long Creeper Trail. Running from Abingdon to Whitetop Mountain, more than 200,000 people yearly (and continuously growing) ride down the mountain, over and along rivers, into towns and through lush valleys. There are numerous bike rental shops for you to choose from, too, and for just $24 dollars you can rent a shuttle and bike to the summit of Whitetop Mountain where the trail starts.

Savor the Arts

Watch a live performance at the world-famous Barter Theater, named after hungry Depression-era actors and actresses who traded entertainment for food, for example “Ham for Hamlet.” Several well-known faces—such as Ernest Borgnine, Kevin Spacey and Gregory Peck—earned their fame here. Give your eyes a real treat with a trip to the William King Museum of Art, the region's leading arts facility. Stroll through the indoor galleries or head outside to the sculpture gardens. Have the kids join in on an exhibit-based scavenger hunt or book a private, guided tour.

Serve Up a Slice of History

Downtown Abingdon is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the brick sidewalks to discover its wealth of colonial architecture, more historic museums, and charming shops and cafes. More history awaits you in the surrounding area. Experience what life was like for Southwest Virginia families during the early 19th-century at Fairview, a recently restored 1818 homestead, or visit a flour and grist mill from the late 1700s. White's Mill continued water-powered milling until 1989. You can still see the original equipment, as well as modern upgrades. Visit with the proprietors and browse through the mercantile to buy handmade quilts and White's Mill products.

A Taste of Local Flavor

Kick off your lunch or dinner with an order of Buffalo-style hot wings at Political Dogs. Accompany the wings with a hot dog with a claim to fame, such as a Closed Session or Hanging Chad. They bear unusual, but delicious combinations like cream cheese and jalapeno marmalade, or bacon, baked beans and tater tots. Don't forget to include a side of Freedom of Information Fries or a Rob Ford Nut Pie to end the meal. Burgers, catfish and salads enjoy equally clever names. Biking the Creeper? Stop at Old Alvarado Station (next to the historic depot) to savor lip-smacking barbecue pork or chicken sandwiches accompanied by baked beans and coleslaw.

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