Abingdon & SW VA Guidebook
Places to Visit and Hikes to Do
Local attractions and places to see in Abingdon and Southwest Virginia
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a former railroad turned into a bicycle, hiking, and horseback riding recreational trail. It runs 34.3 miles from downtown Abingdon to the top of White Top Station. The treehouse is located right on the Trail in the area known as Alvarado and is an 8 mile hike or ride from the town of Abingdon and 6.4 miles from Damascus.
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Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail
Virginia Creeper National Recreation TrailThe Virginia Creeper Trail is a former railroad turned into a bicycle, hiking, and horseback riding recreational trail. It runs 34.3 miles from downtown Abingdon to the top of White Top Station. The treehouse is located right on the Trail in the area known as Alvarado and is an 8 mile hike or ride from the town of Abingdon and 6.4 miles from Damascus.
One of the most beautiful parks in all of Virginia, Grayson Highlands is a true gem! The drive is about one hour from the treehouse. Go to the Massie Gap parking lot and hike up to meet the Appalachian Trail and see wild ponies. Another great hike is the Cabin Creek Trail, which is a fun loop that takes you to some truly breathtaking waterfalls!
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Grayson Highlands State Park
829 Grayson Highland LaneOne of the most beautiful parks in all of Virginia, Grayson Highlands is a true gem! The drive is about one hour from the treehouse. Go to the Massie Gap parking lot and hike up to meet the Appalachian Trail and see wild ponies. Another great hike is the Cabin Creek Trail, which is a fun loop that takes you to some truly breathtaking waterfalls!
One of the best day hikes in the area. It's a six mile (three mile up and back) round trip hike to a marvelous set of slot canyons on the top of a mountain. It feels like you are in Utah or Arizona from the incredible sandstone formations! You won't get to The Channels until the very end of a moderately difficult three mile uphill hike, but it's absolutely worth it.
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The Channels Natural Area Preserve
One of the best day hikes in the area. It's a six mile (three mile up and back) round trip hike to a marvelous set of slot canyons on the top of a mountain. It feels like you are in Utah or Arizona from the incredible sandstone formations! You won't get to The Channels until the very end of a moderately difficult three mile uphill hike, but it's absolutely worth it.
This is great little campground and day-use area located right outside of Damascus and about 15 minutes from the treehouse. There's a fun little hike across Backbone Rock and a big creek where you can wade, swim, and inner tube in summer. Also a very nice picnic area.
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Backbone Falls
This is great little campground and day-use area located right outside of Damascus and about 15 minutes from the treehouse. There's a fun little hike across Backbone Rock and a big creek where you can wade, swim, and inner tube in summer. Also a very nice picnic area.
Lovely campground, picnic, hiking, and fishing area in the National Forest right outside of Damascus.
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Bear Tree Recreation Area
20993 Beartree Gap RoadLovely campground, picnic, hiking, and fishing area in the National Forest right outside of Damascus.
Fun park in Bristol, VA for hiking, mountain biking, and frisbee golf. Another nice area for day hikes and picnics.
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Sugar Hollow Park
23261 Sugar Hollow RdFun park in Bristol, VA for hiking, mountain biking, and frisbee golf. Another nice area for day hikes and picnics.
The State Theater of Virginia, Barter Theatre was opened during the Great Depression by Bob Porterfield. A wonderful place to see a play or musical. Abingdon is incredibly lucky to have a professional theater in the middle of town and the Barter does not disappoint!
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Barter Theatre
127 W Main StThe State Theater of Virginia, Barter Theatre was opened during the Great Depression by Bob Porterfield. A wonderful place to see a play or musical. Abingdon is incredibly lucky to have a professional theater in the middle of town and the Barter does not disappoint!
A great museum that focuses on the very beginnings of country music in the late 1920's. It's a very well-curated and located in the heart of downtown Bristol.
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Birthplace of Country Music Museum
101 Country Music WayA great museum that focuses on the very beginnings of country music in the late 1920's. It's a very well-curated and located in the heart of downtown Bristol.
Our local art museum has exhibits and art from local artists, as well as touring pieces.
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William King Museum of Art
415 Academy Dr NWOur local art museum has exhibits and art from local artists, as well as touring pieces.
The legendary Carter Family Fold is the home to Carter Family and some of the most authentic local music that you'll find anywhere in the country. It's only open a few nights a month these days, but well worth the visit to see the former musical home of June Carter Cash and her family.
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Carter Family Fold Music Shows
3449 A P Carter HwyThe legendary Carter Family Fold is the home to Carter Family and some of the most authentic local music that you'll find anywhere in the country. It's only open a few nights a month these days, but well worth the visit to see the former musical home of June Carter Cash and her family.
A beautiful cavern that has guided tours. Good for groups, solo, families and very affordable. Has a little gift shop for souvenirs.
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Bristol Caverns
1157 Bristol Caverns HighwayA beautiful cavern that has guided tours. Good for groups, solo, families and very affordable. Has a little gift shop for souvenirs.
A wonderful farmer's market in downtown Abingdon. Lots of great organic vegetables, fruits, and meats from a variety of local farmers. You can also find local hand-crafted products like ciders and soaps, as well as alpaca wool, jewelry, honeys, and jams. There is sometimes live music as well as a couple of great bakeries that will also have booths. Please check the website for times as they are open on Saturdays, but also has a limited schedule in winter and on Thursdays.
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Abingdon Farmers Market
100 Cummings StA wonderful farmer's market in downtown Abingdon. Lots of great organic vegetables, fruits, and meats from a variety of local farmers. You can also find local hand-crafted products like ciders and soaps, as well as alpaca wool, jewelry, honeys, and jams. There is sometimes live music as well as a couple of great bakeries that will also have booths. Please check the website for times as they are open on Saturdays, but also has a limited schedule in winter and on Thursdays.
Great spot for gifts and free tastings. The Abingdon Olive Oil Company makes infused olive oils and vinegars in a wide variety of flavors and sizes. It's in a cute, historic building in downtown Abingdon.
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Abingdon Olive Oil Company
335 E Main StGreat spot for gifts and free tastings. The Abingdon Olive Oil Company makes infused olive oils and vinegars in a wide variety of flavors and sizes. It's in a cute, historic building in downtown Abingdon.
Food scene
One of the best restaurants in Abingdon. Serves alcohol, does not take reservations, but has a really great menu. The chef, Jack Barrow, has owned and operated 128 Pecan since it opened, and is a definite local favorite. My mother loves the fried oyster tacos!
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128 PECAN
128 Pecan St SEOne of the best restaurants in Abingdon. Serves alcohol, does not take reservations, but has a really great menu. The chef, Jack Barrow, has owned and operated 128 Pecan since it opened, and is a definite local favorite. My mother loves the fried oyster tacos!
A fantastic new addition to downtown Abingdon, Foresta is a classy Asian-fusion restaurant with the best cocktails in town - hands down!
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Foresta
190 East Main StreetA fantastic new addition to downtown Abingdon, Foresta is a classy Asian-fusion restaurant with the best cocktails in town - hands down!
A solid Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in Abingdon. Nice menu for vegetarians. We love the Lebanese moussaka! It's a house specialty.
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Greeko’s Grill & Café
217 W Main StA solid Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in Abingdon. Nice menu for vegetarians. We love the Lebanese moussaka! It's a house specialty.
Great breakfast and lunch spot right in the middle of Abingdon on Main Street. The make their own juices, have a nice little bar, and also serve alcohol. They are open 7 days a week, which is rare for Abingdon.
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White Birch Food and Juice
170 E Main StGreat breakfast and lunch spot right in the middle of Abingdon on Main Street. The make their own juices, have a nice little bar, and also serve alcohol. They are open 7 days a week, which is rare for Abingdon.
Local cider company that makes all of their own hard ciders. They have delicious dry ciders and use locally sourced apples and hops. Great place to stop in for a flight, a glass, or bottles to go!
Tumbling Creek Cider Company - Taproom
238 West Main StreetLocal cider company that makes all of their own hard ciders. They have delicious dry ciders and use locally sourced apples and hops. Great place to stop in for a flight, a glass, or bottles to go!
A local winery that's right across the river! It's the closest place to get a glass of wine, and also a very nice place to sit outdoors. It's dog friendly, and they also have cheese plates if you're hungry.
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Abingdon Vineyards
20530 Alvarado RdA local winery that's right across the river! It's the closest place to get a glass of wine, and also a very nice place to sit outdoors. It's dog friendly, and they also have cheese plates if you're hungry.
The local pizza spot, Bella's Pizza is about a 20 minute drive from the treehouse near Exit 19 in Abingdon. They have nice selection of beers on draft and very good pizzas!
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Bella's Pizza
872 E Main StThe local pizza spot, Bella's Pizza is about a 20 minute drive from the treehouse near Exit 19 in Abingdon. They have nice selection of beers on draft and very good pizzas!
Local Italian restaurant. They have great garlic knots and also serve house-made manicotti and lasagna. Yum!
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Mamma Mia Italian
134 Wall St NWLocal Italian restaurant. They have great garlic knots and also serve house-made manicotti and lasagna. Yum!
The best desserts in town! Soooo good. You'll want to grab a box and take them with you when you leave.
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Anthony's Desserts
401 W Main StThe best desserts in town! Soooo good. You'll want to grab a box and take them with you when you leave.
Dip Dog is legendary in these parts and is a classic corn dog stand off of Highway 11 in Smyth County. It's about a 25-30 minute drive from the treehouse, but is an old-school burger and hot dog stand from a by-gone era.
Dip Dog Stand
2035 Lee HwyDip Dog is legendary in these parts and is a classic corn dog stand off of Highway 11 in Smyth County. It's about a 25-30 minute drive from the treehouse, but is an old-school burger and hot dog stand from a by-gone era.
Good spot for lunch and dinner in Abingdon. Also good for take-out. Unpretentious diner with solid sandwiches, fish tacos, pastas and entrees. Go with the sweet potato waffle fries if you choose a dish that calls for french fries!
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LUKE'S CAFE
823 W Main StGood spot for lunch and dinner in Abingdon. Also good for take-out. Unpretentious diner with solid sandwiches, fish tacos, pastas and entrees. Go with the sweet potato waffle fries if you choose a dish that calls for french fries!
Quality sports bar and restaurant in Abingdon. JJ's is the place to catch a game on TV, but also a really good place for lunch or dinner. They have quality southern and cajun food, and has the same chef and owner as Papa Tom's Cajun. A little more of a well-rounded menu for folks that are looking for burgers, salads, pasta, as well as entrees like fried catfish or a shrimp basket.
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JJ's Restaurant and Sports Bar
115 Charwood DrQuality sports bar and restaurant in Abingdon. JJ's is the place to catch a game on TV, but also a really good place for lunch or dinner. They have quality southern and cajun food, and has the same chef and owner as Papa Tom's Cajun. A little more of a well-rounded menu for folks that are looking for burgers, salads, pasta, as well as entrees like fried catfish or a shrimp basket.
This classic, locals favorite BBQ spot which is in between Bristol and Johnson City. Some of the best BBQ beans that you will ever eat. Fantastic french fries that you want to smother in their homemade barbecue sauce!!
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Ridgewood Barbecue
900 Elizabethton HwyThis classic, locals favorite BBQ spot which is in between Bristol and Johnson City. Some of the best BBQ beans that you will ever eat. Fantastic french fries that you want to smother in their homemade barbecue sauce!!
It's open 24 hours (except on Sundays) and has wonderful desserts, pastries, donuts, coffee and more! It's in downtown Bristol, so a little ways from the Treehouse, but a great place to stop in Bristol.
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Blackbird Bakery
188 Piedmont AveIt's open 24 hours (except on Sundays) and has wonderful desserts, pastries, donuts, coffee and more! It's in downtown Bristol, so a little ways from the Treehouse, but a great place to stop in Bristol.
Cute little French cafe that's open for breakfast and lunch only in Abingdon on Main Street.
Gilous Cafe
607 East Main StreetCute little French cafe that's open for breakfast and lunch only in Abingdon on Main Street.
Mexican food that's close to the treehouse in Abingdon. Locals love it and rave about their table-side guacamole and enchiladas!
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Puerto Nuevo Fresh Mex & Seafood Abingdon VA
912 East Main StreetMexican food that's close to the treehouse in Abingdon. Locals love it and rave about their table-side guacamole and enchiladas!
Great little coffee roaster in the middle of the historic district in downtown Abingdon on Court Street. They have pastries and breakfast-y type of foods. Good atmosphere, plenty of seating inside as well as outdoor seating.
Wolf Hills Coffee
Great little coffee roaster in the middle of the historic district in downtown Abingdon on Court Street. They have pastries and breakfast-y type of foods. Good atmosphere, plenty of seating inside as well as outdoor seating.
I'll put Pal's up against In-N-Out Burger any day! It's a drive-through-only restaurant that puts all other fast food to shame in the area. Burgers, fries, hot dogs, milk shakes, and great iced tea! It's the only fast food that we would ever recommend!
Pal's Sudden Service
I'll put Pal's up against In-N-Out Burger any day! It's a drive-through-only restaurant that puts all other fast food to shame in the area. Burgers, fries, hot dogs, milk shakes, and great iced tea! It's the only fast food that we would ever recommend!
Mixed-use space that includes a grocery store, coffee shop, bakery, wine bar, and chicken restaurant. I perfect addition to the downtown Abingdon food scene!
Abingdon Commons
Mixed-use space that includes a grocery store, coffee shop, bakery, wine bar, and chicken restaurant. I perfect addition to the downtown Abingdon food scene!
Dairy King
Damascus food stop that has been re-opened for great burgers, fries, and shakes.
James Beard award-winning pastry chef highlights this family-run place for breakfast and lunch in Abingdon.
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The Girl & The Raven
380 E Main StJames Beard award-winning pastry chef highlights this family-run place for breakfast and lunch in Abingdon.
The oldest restaurant in town (from the 18th Century) that is great for German food, classic American fare, and wonderful outside seating for when the weather is nice.
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The Tavern
222 E Main StThe oldest restaurant in town (from the 18th Century) that is great for German food, classic American fare, and wonderful outside seating for when the weather is nice.
Great addition to the Abingdon food scene, you can expect excellent views from the rooftop, classy continental cuisine, and a wonderful wine selection.
Summers Roof and Cellar
Great addition to the Abingdon food scene, you can expect excellent views from the rooftop, classy continental cuisine, and a wonderful wine selection.
Fantastic local brewery that has great outdoor seating, live music on weekends, and cans of beer to go.
Sweetbay Brewing Company
Fantastic local brewery that has great outdoor seating, live music on weekends, and cans of beer to go.