Abingdon, Virginia: Where Trails, Theater, and Timeless Charm Meet

There’s a magic to small towns tucked into the mountains—where time slows, stories deepen, and every street feels like it’s waiting to be wandered. In the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia, that magic is called Abingdon.

This historic town offers a little bit of everything: scenic trails, antique-filled corners, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

A Trail Worth Traveling

Abingdon is the final stop along the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 35-mile scenic stretch from the North Carolina border. You can walk, run, or bike it, but even a short stroll reveals its beauty—flat and gravel-covered, winding gently beneath a canopy of trees and past rolling farms.

It’s peaceful, meticulously maintained, and easily one of the most breathtaking trails you’ll ever see. Whether you’re chasing fall color or spring blooms, it’s a must-do experience that captures the natural grace of the Blue Ridge Highlands.

History Wrapped in Hospitality

After the trail, we wandered into historic downtown Abingdon, where history is not just remembered—it’s lived.

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, built in 1832, began as the home of General Francis Preston and his family of eleven. Later a women’s college, today it’s an elegant inn where old-world charm meets modern luxury. Over the years, it’s hosted notable guests like Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and Elizabeth Taylor, yet it still feels as welcoming as a front porch swing.

Just across the street, the Barter Theatre tells another kind of story. Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, it gave starving actors a place to perform and farmers a way to “pay” for tickets—with produce, livestock, or homemade goods. The exchange worked, and the tradition lives on—the Barter is now the oldest equity theater in the United States, still connecting audiences and artists through the power of story.

Strolling, Shopping & Small-Town Spark

The heart of Abingdon is made for meandering. We began at the Abingdon Welcome Center, a charming spot near a bright red British phone booth (a fun surprise for Doctor Who fans). The staff were wonderfully welcoming, offering maps, restaurant lists, and insider tips—like where to find the best olive oil tasting in town.

Their recommendation pointed us to the Abingdon Olive Oil Company, where you can sample flavorful blends that would make any home chef swoon.

From there, we wandered the shopping district, a mix of antique nooks, artisan shops, and cozy boutiques:

• Abingdon Antiques & More – A labyrinth of treasures, from folk art to vintage toys and handwoven quilts.

• The Boutique at Abingdon Interiors & Foxglove Antiques & Etc. – Elegant finds for those with refined taste.

• Holston Mountain Artisans – A collective showcasing locally made quilts, carvings, and handcrafted home goods that embody Appalachian craftsmanship.

It’s the kind of shopping that feels like storytelling—each piece carrying a whisper of the hands that made it.

Gathering Around the Table

For lunch, we stopped at Greeko’s Grill & Café, a friendly, bustling spot with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a little something for everyone. The hummus was smooth and flavorful, the salads crisp, and the service as warm as a southern kitchen.

If you’re in the mood to sample multiple local flavors in one stop, head to Abingdon Commons. This open-concept destination houses Semolina Neapolitan Pizzeria, Brazen Raven Coffee Roasters, and Delta Blues Barbecue—plus Tumbling Creek Cidery Co., a must for cider lovers. Before you leave, browse Appalachian Roots Trading Company for locally made apparel, soaps, and small-batch gifts that carry Abingdon’s essence home with you.

Abingdon captures everything we celebrate at Page & Porch—a slower rhythm, a love of local stories, and the beauty of connection.

It’s a town where the past and present mingle like old friends, where every storefront has a story, and where even a short visit leaves a lasting impression. Whether you come for the trail, the theater, or just a taste of small-town charm, Abingdon reminds you what it means to savor life’s simple joys.

So pack a bag, bring your curiosity, and set out for Abingdon. Chances are, you’ll leave with more than souvenirs—you’ll leave with a story.