Abingdon combines historic architecture, theater, art and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: at the Muster Grounds, trail history, exhibits and a paved path come together; the Virginia Creeper Trail focuses on outdoor activities.
Historic Landmarks and Architecture
Abingdon is considered the best-preserved of the many linear communities that developed along the Great Valley Road in the late 18th century. Washington County’s Abingdon features numerous Federal-style brick buildings and buildings dating from before the Civil War. The 20-block Historic District includes the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum. White’s Mill is a historic gristmill whose history dates back to the 1700s.
A map from the Abingdon Visitor Center makes it possible to take a self-guided tour of the downtown historic buildings. Map arrangements may change, so check in advance.
Theater, Art and Cultural Traditions
Located on Main Street in downtown, the Barter Theatre is considered the State Theatre of Virginia and one of the nation’s oldest professional regional theaters. The Virginia Highlands Festival has been a recurring cultural tradition in Abingdon since 1949. If the festival is relevant to your trip, check the dates for your desired travel period in advance.
The William King Museum of Art in Abingdon houses a diverse collection spanning several centuries and cultures. The Arts Depot features rotating exhibitions and sales of artworks by the Depot Artists Association. Abingdon is also one of the destinations along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Twilight on Main is a narrated heritage trolley tour by Experience Appalachia. As operating details may change, check current information in advance.
Trails and Getting Around
The Abingdon Muster Grounds are the western terminus and northernmost gathering area of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. At the same site, the W. Blair Keller Jr. Interpretive Center features exhibits and artifacts about the American Revolution in Southwest Virginia. The paved Wolf Creek Trail begins at the Muster Grounds, follows Wolf Creek to Stone Mill Road and is 0.75 miles long.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hikers, joggers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Its Welcome Center is located at mile marker 0 in Abingdon and offers information about the trail and surrounding communities. The Creeper Trail Bike Shop is on Pecan Street, two blocks from the trailhead; services include bike rentals, sales, repairs and a shuttle service.
For planning purposes, the trail information differs considerably: the Wolf Creek Trail is described by its paved surface, length and endpoint, while the Virginia Creeper Trail highlights the activities available. A self-guided tour, meanwhile, takes you to the historic buildings in downtown. This lets you plan your day around the kind of exploring you prefer.
Discover more destinations: Glade Spring
For the main travel overview: Washington County.
