Cozy Small-Town Weekend Getaway: Abingdon, Virginia

I recently had the opportunity to go on a cozy small-town weekend getaway to Abingdon, Virginia, and I loved every second of it. Since this was during the winter, there was a bit of snow on the ground, the coffee shops were at their most inviting, and the Barter Theater was in the middle of their January Jams series. While you might be used to planning trips to big cities, tourist destinations, or giant landmarks, I am here to convince you to take a chance on a getaway to a small town.

What To Do In Abingdon, Virginia

I highly recommend that creatives visit Abingdon, Virginia because it has an incredible art scene. There are also some great opportunities for thrifting and antiquing. Since it was the winter time, I didn’t get to do a lot of the outdoor activities that are more ideal during other times of the year but would love to if I get to go again.

The Arts Depot

The Arts Depot is a working art studio with typically 7 resident artists. Here, visitors can speak with the artists and purchase their work. This was one of my favorite things to do in Abingdon because it was so nice to have conversations with such passionate people. I really appreciated them taking the time to talk with me and letting me view their pieces. This was also a great chance for me to buy a few souvenirs which I loved.

William King Museum of Art

William King Museum of Art is a FREE art museum with some great rotating exhibits and permanent galleries. One of my favorite parts was their range of art from the 19th-century Appalachia. This includes furniture, quilts, paintings, jewelry, and more. On top of being surrounded by historical art, you are surrounded by the walls of the former Abingdon Male Academy and William King High School. This museum was once a place for classes dating back to the 1820s. It is a surreal feeling to be learning in the same building people have been learning in for centuries.

The Barter Theatre

The Barter Theatre gets its name from the olden days when some people would attend the theatre by trading produce for entertainment. I thought this was such a fun little fact that really added to the town’s charm. My time in The Barter Theatre was spent listening to a live performance by The Deslondes, a talented group of guys creating music that blends together a few different genres. *A highlight for me was that they allowed their dog to roam around on stage during the performance.* The Barter Theatre proved to be a fantastic place to listen to music, and I imagine it is equally as great a place to watch a play.

Zephyr Antiques

As a huge thrifter, I was really looking forward to Zephyr Antiques. This shop is four floors of nothing but unique finds including furniture, clothes, pop culture fossils, and more. You could easily spend hours in here if you love thrifting and antiquing as much as I do. There was something cool to see in every inch of this place.

The Book Cellar

The Book Cellar is a used bookstore connected to Wolf Hills Coffee. It is pretty small, but I still recommend checking it out, especially if you are already planning on getting a coffee. In addition to books, they sell stickers, bookmarks, pins, tote bags, and other whimsical items a book lover would be drawn to. As a Kindle girl who likes to collect physical copies of the books she reads, used bookstores are my kind of place.

Creeper Trail

As I said, I did not really get to do any of the outdoor activities, but I got to hear a lot about the Creeper Trail. It is a 34-mile trail spanning across southwestern Virginia that seems to be perfect for bikers and people who love a good walk. If you get to visit Abingdon during one of the warmer seasons (or if you don’t mind a walk in the cold), please explore the trail on my behalf. Hopefully, I will get my chance soon.

Community Events

During my weekend in Abingdon, I kept saying how the town reminded me of the show, Gilmore Girls with its yummy coffee, cozy vibes, close-knit community, and an array of events. From the farmers markets to the live music and from the artsy fundraisers to the themed night outs, there is always something going on in this little town.

Where To Eat In Abingdon, Virginia

I genuinely had some of the best meals ever in Abingdon which I did not expect. While I knew I would be in for a treat with the art scene and the cozy small-town vibes, I did not really have any expectations for the food. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.

Breakfast in Abingdon

White Birch Food & Juice

We started our Saturday in Abingdon with some breakfast and coffee at White Birch where I got the breakfast bowl and an iced coffee called “Brew-La-La.” This was such an amazing way to start the day as the food was so tasty and the staff was so friendly. Before leaving, I made sure to grab one of their yummy juices from the fridge. If you miss your change to get breakfast here, you can swing by for lunch.

Wolf Hills Coffee

Before heading home on Sunday, we made one last stop at Wolf Hills Coffee, connected to The Book Cellar mentioned before. I really loved this spot as it felt super cozy with its little cubby-style seating areas. Here, I did something I rarely do which is order a hot coffee. I guess I just really wanted to add to the warm cozy vibes I was already feeling. In addition to my drink, I got a breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel, a staple in my life. Everything tasted perfect.

Lunch in Abingdon

The Girl & The Raven

When lunchtime came around on Saturday, I was still not super hungry but was eager to try a new place. Therefore we headed over to The Girl & The Raven for a light lunch, if you can even call it that. I ordered the odd pairing of an iced chai latte and their taco soup. Both were delicious and exactly what I needed. My boyfriend got an iced coffee and their cinnamon roll, a pairing that made a lot more sense than mine. The cinnamon roll was so good, and just writing about it is making me want to make the 6-hour drive to get another one. I wish I had been a little more hungry at the time because I would have loved to try more of their menu.

Mamma Mia

Maybe I was initially drawn to this place because of my love for Abba, but the way they described their pizza is what really sold me. While this place has nothing to do with the song, Mamma Mia was not a disappointment in the slightest. Their pizza was super yummy, and you could tell they were extremely passionate about their food. A nice touch was the photos of Abingdon over the years displayed on the tables. I truly appreciate that the community’s love for this town is everywhere.

Dinner in Abingdon

Jack’s 128 Pecan

We arrived pretty late on Friday night, so one of the first things we did on our trip was get dinner at Jack’s 128 Pecan. The restaurant felt very cozy and the walls were filled with very eclectic decor, and I loved it as soon as we walked in. Little did I know how much more I would love it after we ate. We ordered the roasted cauliflower as an appetizer, and it was super tasty. After the 6 hours it took us to get to Abingdon from Atlanta, we were so excited for something so yummy to be filling up our bellies. For our entrees, I got the Chicken Florentine, and my boyfriend got The Low Country. My boyfriend referred to The Low Country as the best pasta he has ever had in his life, so you will have to see for yourself if he was exaggerating. The Chicken Florentine was also amazing and refreshing. On top of that, the staff was so kind and took great care of us. Overall, Jack’s 128 Pecan was a huge highlight on our trip.

The Tavern

While we did not get to eat at The Tavern this time, I really hope to be able to visit on a future trip. The Tavern is the oldest building still standing in Abingdon and is the 8th oldest bar in the country making this a very enticing spot for history buffs. Not only is it a tavern today but it was also a tavern on day 1 meaning you can have a drink in the same spot someone had a drink in 1779. Not only would this be a cool experience based on historical significance alone, but they seem to have a pretty impressive menu.

Where To Stay In Abingdon Virginia

Creeper’s End Lodging

During my time in Abingdon, we stayed at the Creeper’s End Lodging. It was a nice stay that made you feel like you stepped back in time while still being treated with modern amenities. Upon arriving, we were greeted by Barbara who was super kind and walked us to our room. Meeting her was the best way to start the trip.

We stayed in the Barter Suite which had 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bathroom, a kitchen area, a Firestick TV, and vintage decor. I loved how spacious and private the suite was, and the bed was super comfy. Look for Alex & Mitchell in the guest book if you book the same room!

Martha Washington Inn & Spa

While I did not stay at the Martha Washington Inn & Spa, I did explore the building a bit, and I do know that it is a popular choice for visitors. The lobby alone was gorgeous and so well preserved from its long history. I really loved the library with the warm fireplace and rolling bookshelf ladder. Therefore, even if this is not the lodging choice you make, you should still take the time to walk through.

---

I will be the first to admit that I am not usually drawn to planning trips around visiting small towns. However, my weekend getaway to Abingdon, Virginia was nothing but pleasant. The ease of having everything so close by, the friendly residents, the yummy food, and the passion for the arts were unmatched. Hopefully, you have been inspired to take a trip similar to mine soon.