Abingdon is a city in Virginia surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s a popular route for tourists going to the popular Virginia Recreation Trail.
You can explore various historical places with very old architecture such as The Barter Theater, Abingdon Arts Depot, Abingdon Farmers Market, and Abingdon vineyards.
Abingdon offers a lot of fun places and engaging activities to ensure you have the best and most fun vacation during your stay.
This guide contains a well-researched list of the 23 best and fun things to do during your stay in Abingdon, Virginia.
1. Walk Through The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail
The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a popular attraction trail in Abingdon and has so many tourists stopping here to start their road trip.
The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail covers about 35 miles crossing through many cities and towns in Virginia.
You should walk through this trail to get beautiful natural views, but you can as well ride horses or cycle through these well-marked trails.
On this trail, you’ll see the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, creeks, rivers, large forested areas, and other iconic markers in Virginia.
This natural outdoor experience should be on your checklist of fun things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
2. Watch Performances At Barter Theater
Barter Theater is a popular historical theater that has raised various talented artists in the journey of their careers.
This theater offers lots of fun entertainment for you to choose from with very affordable tickets, snacks, and drinks.
You’ll watch various outstanding performances and shows at this theater during your stay in Abingdon.
This fun entertaining activity should be on your checklist of the best and most fun things to do in Abingdon.
3. Visit Mallory Theater
Mallory Theater is a popular attraction art gallery in Abingdon that displays artworks of the best artists in Southwest Virginia/ East Tennessee and a renowned artist and illustrator, Charles Vess.
You’ll love the arrangement of the various beautiful nature-inspired artworks and landscape art that are displayed in this gallery.
For lovers of arts, this visit should be on your checklist of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
4. Visit William King Art Museum
The William King Art Museum is a former schoolhouse opened to the public and a great attraction spot for history and art lovers.
The Museum is a popular center for visual arts in this region close to the Blue Ridge Mountains displaying rotating exhibits and sculpture works.
In this museum, you’ll see art collections of artists from various parts of this region, and artworks of prominent and notable artists displayed.
This fun art experience should be on your checklist of the best and most fun things to do in Abingdon.
5. Visit The Arts Depot
The Art Depot on Abingdon is a local historical art gallery located in an iconic historical train station, if you love artworks you should visit here.
In this depot, you’ll explore the various contemporary galleries and studios showcasing beautiful artworks of artists.
You’ll see sculptures, paintings, watercolor paintings, jewelry making, clay sculptures, textile weaving, and other beautiful art pieces.
This is one of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon especially if you love various beautiful artworks.
6. Go For Spa Treatment At Martha Washington Inn & Spa
After exploring various parts of this beautiful city, you can go for a spa treatment to cool off and get proper treatment at Martha Washington Inn & Spa.
Martha Washington Inn & Spa is a historical spa dating back to 1882 in a beautiful and well-furnished tower.
At this spa, you’ll see unique artifacts such as the Dutch – baroque Grandfather clock that will pique your interest.
You can book a spa treatment here with your partner for a romantic date while enjoying the history of this city and enjoying delicious meals from the restaurants.
This experience should be on your checklist of the best and most fun things to do in Abingdon.
7. Visit White Mill
The White Mill is a popular historical site and tourist attraction spot that has provided quality flour and meals used in kitchens and farms for the locals in this region.
The White Mill is also used as an assembly spot for passing out the necessary information and this is an attraction worth visiting.
You can come here to buy flours and meals for yourself and also get other items and handcrafted gifts such as books, quilts, and artwork.
A visit here should be on your checklist of the best things to do in Abingdon.
8. Shop At Abingdon Farmers Market
The Abingdon Farmers Market is one of the best markets in this region where you can get fresh farm produce from the rich arid lands of the Blue Ridge Hu Mountains.
You can come to this market on Fridays and Saturdays to get quality fresh farm products from local farms such as seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, and healthy root crops.
Apart from the farm produce, you can also shop for soaps, preserves, and delicious baked foods while listening to live music performances from artists, instrumentalists, and local bands.
This shopping experience should be on your checklist of the best and most fun things to do in Abingdon.
9. Visit Abingdon Muster Grounds
Abingdon Muster Grounds is a historical 9-acre property with facilities and buildings that chronicles the history of the Colonial Backcountry.
In this historical site, you’ll learn about the various history of African Americans, Overmountain Men, and Native Americans.
You can also go through the iconic Overmountain Victory Trail at this site which covers a distance of 330 miles and crosses about three different states.
A visit to this historical site should be on your checklist of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
10. Visit Logan Creek
Logan Creek located in the Northside of Abingdon is a popular attraction site with lovely beautiful sights and this is worth seeing.
Logan Creek terraced waterfall is close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and you can get here through the Hayters Gap Road.
You’ll love the sights of the Logan Creek falls in torrents into a moving body of water occupied by thick foliage and you should come along with your camera to take beautiful pictures.
A visit to this beautiful creek is worth it and should be added to your checklist of the best things to do in Abingdon.
11. Explore Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace display the rich cultural heritage of Abingdon and the cultural setting here connects with the Appalachian society.
Exploring here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of this region through music, art events, and art.
Down the Crooked Road, you’ll see a massive attraction sie where you can learn about the history of American Country music and see live performances by notable artists.
You can also buy local artworks such as glasswork textiles, paintings, and various handmade items during your exploration.
This experience should be on your checklist of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
12. Visit Abingdon Vineyards
The Abingdon Vineyards is one of the best vineyards in this region that blooms with grapes vines despite the terrain of this region.
You can check out their tasting room to sample different drinks such as Reds, Chardonnay, Rose, and other beverages.
This fun experience should be on your checklist of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
13. Have Fun At Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center
The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center is a popular recreational and historical center with different fun sports and fun fitness activities.
You can attend events and programs organized by this center where you can improve your physical well-being, play, swim, and relax during the event.
You can go for cool swimming in the indoor and outdoor pool or have fun engaging with other facilities such as outdoor walking trails, volleyball courts, playground, skating park, disc golf course, and basketball courts.
This fun experience should be on your checklist of the most fun things you can do with your loved ones during your stay in Abingdon.
14. Visit St Thomas Episcopal Church
The St. Episcopal Church is a popular historical site with beautiful architecture that you’ll love to see, especially if you love religion.
At this Church, you’ll see two Byzantine-style paintings on the sanctuary walls which include the “Life of Christ” series which shows what happened from Christ’s Annunciation to his Post Resurrection.
Even if you aren’t religious, this church has beautiful artworks displayed throughout which you’ll love to explore.
This experience should be on your checklist of the best religious things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
15. Eat At Rain Restaurant and Bar
The Rain Restaurant and Bar is located in the historic downtown area of Abingdon and it’s a popular attraction spot where you can eat delicious food.
You’ll love the friendly staff and serene atmosphere on the outdoor patio where you can have meetings or dates with your friends.
You’ll also love the selection of food you’ll get from their detectable menus such as the heirloom tomato sales with fresh mozzarella and the confit sriracha chicken wings.
This delicious experience should be on your checklist of the best things to do in Abingdon.
16. Eat Good Food At Lee Highway
Lee Highway is one of the best spots that offer good food and delicious cuisines in a comfortable environment.
You can come to Lee Highway in Abingdon with your loved ones and friends to treat your stomachs to the best delicious foods in this region.
You can eat delicious Southern food such as the Bonefire Smokehouse Barbeque or the traditional American dishes like sandwiches, pies, and burgers.
This delicious food experience should be on your checklist of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
17. Eat At The Tavern Restaurant and Bar
The Tavern Restaurant and Bar is one of the most ancient and historic structures in Abingdon and has been visited by President Andrew Jackson, famous designer Charles L’Enfant, and King Louis-Phillippe of France.
This tavern was formerly used as a bakery, cabinet shop, post office, general store, barbershop, and bank, but is now used as a restaurant.
You’ll enjoy the different food options such as entrees, appetizers, salads, drinks, and soul food such as New Zealand’s whole rack of lamb.
This fun food experience should be on your list of the best and most fun things to do in Abingdon.
18. Have Fun With Your Children At Play Date
If you plan to spend this vacation in Abingdon with your children, then you should bring them to the Play Date which is an indoor playground and party spot for children less than 10 years.
You can visit here to have a good time in this safe and fun-filled atmosphere where your children can play and mix up with other children.
You and your loved ones can also have fun talking with other families, relaxing, and watching your children play while enjoying a great cup of coffee.
You can visit this place any time during your stay in Abingdon or rent this area to host a birthday party or get-together events for your children.
This is a fun place to bring your children and should be on your checklist of the best things to do in Abingdon.
19. Camp At Washington County Park
The Washington County Park is one of the most popular attraction sites in Abingdon, situated a few meters away from the Tennessee state line.
Exploring this park, you’ll see the South Holston Lake with its golden sand beaches on the banks and you’ll also see several camping grounds.
You can camp at either Lake Shore Campgrounds or Wolf Lair Campground; they both have modern amenities, sites for RVs and tents, Wi-Fi connections, and hookups for electricity and water.
You can also participate in other fun activities such as hiking, picnicking, playing in the playground, swimming, and sunbathing on the beaches.
This fun experience should be on your checklist of the most fun things to do in Abingdon.
20. Camp With Your Loved Ones At Riverside Campground
For an ideal weekend getaway with your family and loved ones in Abingdon, you can have a great experience camping at the Riverside Campground.
At this campground, you can participate in various fun adventures and there are multiple spaces where you can put up traditional tents and RVs.
You’ll enjoy your stay here with all the needed facilities provided such as a store, on-site laundry, trails, and arcade games.
This fun family camping experience should be on your checklist of the best things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
21. Participate In Water Activities At South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake is a beautiful lake and one of the most significant water bodies in this region and it serves as a mode of irrigation for agricultural lands.
The lake occupies over 7,500 acres and is an ideal destination for you to participate in fun recreational water activities.
You can participate in fun fishing activities to test your fishing skill in the lake by catching various species such as freshwater fish, including catfish, wallets, and smallmouth bass.
You can have fun boating, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking, or just sit by the side and enjoy the views from the lake.
This experience should be on your checklist of the most fun things to do during your stay in Abingdon.
22. Golf At Glenrochie Country Club
The Glenrochie Country Club is a popular attraction spot with various fun activities that you can engage in and is situated on the hills of Blue Ridge Mountain.
You’ll have fun golfing on the 18-hole golf course that occupies a large area of this site; if you are a beginner, you can golf with the first 9-hole golf course but the other holes require excellent playing skills.
You can also engage with other facilities such as the large lap pool, tennis courts, and delectable restaurants that serve delicious food.
This fun experience should be on your checklist of the most fun things to do in Abingdon.
23. Visit Sinking Spring Cemetery
Sinking Spring Cemetery is a historical gravesite for members of an indigenous Presbyterian Church and their custody of enslaved people.
Visit this over 10-acre cemetery and burial site that has a lot of interesting history making it a worthy attraction spot.
You can visit this cemetery any day of the week during your stay in Abingdon, so this should be on your checklist of the best things to do in Abingdon.
Planning A Trip To Abingdon (VA)
Abingdon, Virginia is a perfect vacation or weekend destination for you and your loved ones to enjoy the best of nature, culture, and entertainment.
You can explore various sites like the museums, parks, lakes, art galleries, recreational centers, and restaurants that ensure you have the best time during your stay.
Start planning your trip to Abingdon, Virginia for a wonderful vacation, and consult this guide to create a checklist of the best and most fun things to do during this vacation.
Have a great day.
