I had the amazing opportunity to spend three wonderful days exploring Historic Abingdon, Virginia, in late July. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by miles of rolling farmland, Abingdon’s natural beauty invites you to wander backcountry trails and explore wonders like the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Conveniently located about twenty minutes east of Bristol, VA/TN, and in the heart of Southwestern Virginia, Abingdon is within a few hours’ drive of many cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, Richmond, and D.C., yet feels like a world away with its historic buildings, mountain views and small town charm.
The city itself is a living postcard, with rows of gorgeous historic homes, unique local shops, and countless eateries. It’s also home to the world-renowned Barter Theatre, which launched the careers of iconic actors like Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine. As a center for the arts, Abingdon has a rich history of everything from furniture making and pottery to modern art. The William King Museum of Art is a national treasure, showcasing a permanent collection of Southwestern Virginia art and handmade furniture alongside a rotating assortment of traveling exhibitions.
Abingdon serves as a perfect hub for exploring the natural wonders of Southwestern Virginia. From here, you can easily access the Virginia Creeper Trail (its northern terminus is in Abingdon), take a day trip to Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, explore the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, or visit the Holston Lake Dam.
The city has become a culinary hotspot with dozens of local farm to table eateries like Dwayne & Co, 128 Pecan, White Birch, The Tavern and so much more! It is a destination for coffee lovers with several amazing local coffee roasters like Wolf Hills and Girl and the Raven/Brazen Raven.
This post kicks off a series of features exploring all that Abingdon has to offer. From fine dining and the arts to pivotal history from the Revolutionary War and beyond, this charming city truly has something for everyone.
Travel Through History:
Abingdon is a history lovers dream with dozens of historic homes dating back from 1779 (The Tavern) to the Victorian era. Locals have a passion for their history and preserving the character of Abingdon.
The area of Abingdon was home to centuries of Native American tribes prior to the European settlers first arrived in the 1750s, when Dr. Thomas Walker, who had been granted over 6,000 acres of land in the region by King George II, explored the area and surveyed it for settlement and as a gateway to the western frontier. Early Presbyterian settlers tied to the Sinking Springs Church (1773) came down on the Great Road from Pennsylvania in the early 1770s. Walker sold the area of present day Abingdon to Joseph Black, who settled on the land and built a small fort, called Black’s Fort in 1776
In the 1770s, Native Americans and Settlers clashed on land rights. Black’s Fort was built to withstand Indian incursions by the Cherokee who siding with the British during the American Revolution began to attack western settlements like Black’s Fort and Fort Watauga (TN).
During the Revolutionary War, Abingdon was a key mustering point in September 1780 for the Overmountain Men en route to King’s Mountain NC (Battle in October 1780). You can learn about this pivotal Revolutionary War history at the Abingdon Muster Grounds (more about that in a bit)…
Abingdon was an important settlement along the Great Road, a major east to west thoroughfare, which helped open up settlement in Appalachia and beyond.
During the Civil War, Abingdon was mostly spared from intense fighting of The Civil War, but did witness some skirmishes including the fiery 1864 Stoneman’s Raid.
In December 1864, during Stoneman’s Raid, Union Gen. George Stoneman fought a series of engagements as he rode from Knoxville, Tennessee, towards Saltville, Virginia. He reached Abingdon in the early hours of December 15. His men destroyed military supplies, tore up railroad tracks, and damaged the printing press of the Abingdon-Virginian newspaper. The Union cavalry soon continued their northward trek, except for one Union officer intent on revenge.
Captain James B. Wyatt, of Company M, 13th Tennessee Cavalry (Union), was a former resident of Abingdon who had lagged behind the main force. As a young man, Wyatt had felt he was unfairly treated by the local court system and held a personal grudge against a judge. As an act of retribution, he decided to set the courthouse ablaze. Once ignited, the roaring fire quickly destroyed the courthouse and countless county records. Burning cinders from the blaze spread, setting other structures afire. Wyatt lingered too long, enjoying the spectacle, and attracted the attention of two Confederate cavalrymen who had arrived in town ahead of the pursuing units. Wyatt spurred his horse, and the chase began. It ended on Church Street a few blocks east of here, when his horse fell, killing him.
In the midst of the Civil War, several key buildings including the Martha Washington Inn (then Martha Washington College) and Abingdon Tavern served as hospitals for both Union and Confederate troops.
Interesting fact: General Joseph Johnston of the Confederacy was born in Abingdon. He would later handle the southern campaign in the Civil War, surrendering to General Sherman at Bennett Place in Durham in 1865.
Following the war, Abingdon became a railroad center, which is evidenced in several retired engines and depots around down. The Virginia Creeper hiking and biking trail follows the old Norfolk and Western Railway line.
During the Great Depression, Robert Porterfield brought a group of actors to Abingdon from New York. Many locals (and travelers) could not afford tickets, so Porterfield a system to keep the show running by allowing showgoers to purchase tickets by ‘bartering’ with extra produce, livestock and other goods. The Barter Theatre continues to produce Broadway quality live entertainment throughout the year, from original productions to popular dramas and musicals. The current theatre has a dramatic history it its own right. It was originally the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church before they moved to a larger building, before being a Town Hall, Opera House and eventually the Barter Theatre. Many famous actors got their start here including Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine to Frances Fisher and more. Most nights you have the chance to catch the next crop of talented actors on stage at The Barter.
If you are interested in learning more about Abingdon’s rich history I recommend stopping by the Abingdon Visitor’s Center for historic walking tour maps and information on where to experience Abingdon’s history. The Historical Society of Washington County, located in the heart of downtown on the corner of Russell and Main Streets is also a must stop for diving into Abingdon and Washington County’s Rich History.
Where does the name Abingdon come from? I’ve gotten several answers to this question from locals, but it is said to be the name of the ancestral hometown of Martha Washington’s family in England. Washington County was carved out of the larger Fincastle County in 1776 and is one of the oldest counties in the United States named after George Washington.
My Abingdon Adventure:
During my stay, I was graciously hosted by the Daltons, the wonderful innkeepers at Creeper’s End Lodging. Their charming Colonial-style homes offer a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing after a full day of exploring Abingdon or adventuring on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a beloved 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail begins right in Abingdon, heading south through stunning scenery and over historic rail trestles toward Damascus before reaching its end at Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. Although Hurricane Helene damaged many of the trestles near Damascus, repairs are progressing bit by bit, and fortunately the Abingdon section is completely open. I took a beautiful walk on the path in April and loved seeing people of all ages and abilities enjoying the trail together. Want to learn more about the Virginia Creeper Trail – click here for their official website.
The Creeper’s End – Gracious Mountain Hospitality in the Heart of Abingdon.
I discovered Creeper’s End Lodging during my last visit to Abingdon. These charming cottages are perfectly situated, just steps away from the Virginia Creeper Trail and within easy walking distance of the best downtown attractions. From the Barter Theatre to amazing restaurants and historic homes, everything is close by.
Love to bike? Check out the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop next to the Creeper’s End Lodging. There is also a gool yarn shop,’ A Likely Yarn,’ next door perfect for crafters.
Upon checking in, I was greeted by guest coordinator Barbara, whose kind personality instantly put me at ease. She gave me a tour of the room, made sure I had everything I needed for a comfortable stay, and offered excellent tips on local restaurants and things to do.
After our chat, I settled into my well-appointed, Colonial-inspired cottage. The accommodations perfectly blended elegance and relaxation. The cottage even had a small kitchen, which is a great option for those who want to bring their own groceries. However, with so many delicious restaurants in Abingdon, I highly recommend dining out. My room also had a smart TV with ROKU, though I was too busy exploring the town to watch much television!
My visit was perfectly timed with the Virginia Highlands Festival. This two-week celebration is a true gem, offering a jam-packed schedule of mostly free events that highlight the best of Southwestern Virginia. The festival is a kaleidoscope of activities: you’ll find everything from a juried art show and an antiques fair to culinary events, live music, and even hot air balloons. For history buffs, there are also historic walking and home tours, while theater lovers can catch a show.
What truly stood out was how accessible the festival is, with many events free to the public. I loved attending a lecture on Abingdon’s rich history, listening to local musicians perform, and checking out the community farmers market. I even learned that, just before I arrived, the festival hosted “Thomas Jefferson” and “Martha Washington” at the historic Martha Washington Inn It’s an incredible event that truly encourages you to dive deep into the culture and history of Abingdon and the surrounding area.
While I missed some of the key events on Tuesday, arriving just after three p.m., I was able to spend time perusing the arts and crafts vendors and strolling the half mile from the Creeper’s End to the other end of Main Street. Southwestern Virginia is known as an artist’s hub with a rich history of craftsmanship from early furniture making to quilt making, pottery and visual arts. The festival features a wide variety of vendors from artists, to candle makers to funky souvenirs…This is a must stop for shoppers!
With every step I was blown away by the multitude of gorgeous historic buildings, each with their own story to tell. Abingdon’s ties to the railroad is also visible with historic train depots and refurbished trains standing as a reminder to the crossroads of history here. The Creeper’s End Lodging is right beside the train tracks and at night you can hear the soothing whistle of the train as it rolls by in the night.
After enjoying the arts and crafts, I meandered the Abingdon streets for about an hour just taking in the ambiance of this charming town and checking out local shops and scouting eateries. Just before five, I stopped at Tumbling Creek Cider Company for their evening tasting. Virginia and North Carolina are both Apple Capitals, producing top flight apples for cider. Tumbling Creek uses the finest local ingredients to craft their delicious hard cider. They have a variety of flavors, but my favorite was the Tart Cherry Cider blend.
Next door to the Cider Taproom, you can enjoy BBQ at Delta Blues (more on that in a bit) and the Abingdon Commons. AC is a mix of eateries and retail in an open warehouse style space. This space is also home to Brazen Raven Coffee Roasters, which serves delicious pastries (including gluten free scones), lattes and ice cream.
While at the AC I found the perfect gift for a friend and a book by a local author.
I returned to Creeper’s End Lodging around 6:30 p.m., facing the delightful dilemma of choosing from Abingdon’s many great restaurants. I decided on The Tavern, drawn by my love for history and my enjoyment of dining at historic establishments like the Hanover Tavern near Richmond. While researching historic taverns across the country, I learned that Abingdon’s is not only the oldest in Virginia but also the eighth oldest still in operation in America!
Located in the Courthouse Hill area, The Tavern is at the heart of Abingdon’s historic corridor. This neighborhood, near the stately courthouse, is home to some of the town’s oldest buildings, each with a unique story. Many of these historic structures have been repurposed into charming shops, restaurants, coffee bars, and offices. Since 1779, The Abingdon Tavern has been a central hub, hosting social gatherings and welcoming travelers on the Great Road as they journeyed east or west across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Stepping inside, the historic bar immediately greets you, and it’s easy to imagine the voices of the past echoing with stories. This tavern was a major stopping point along the Great Road, and it hosted many important historical figures. Both Andrew Jackson and his political rival Henry Clay stopped here on their way to and from Washington, D.C. (I can only imagine the stories if they met!). Other notable guests included Louis Philippe, the King of France, and Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the designer of Washington, D.C. For these travelers, a good drink and a hearty meal at the local tavern were the perfect way to unwind after a long day on the road.
In its nearly 250-year history, The Tavern has witnessed key moments of American history unfold, from the early frontier days to the Revolutionary War and beyond. During the Civil War, the building was one of several buildings in Abingdon that served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers. The first post office on the western slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains was even located in the east wing, which makes sense since it was a central meeting place along this section of The Great Road for sharing news and receiving and sending mail. You can still see the original mail slot on the exterior of the building today. Over the years, The Tavern has served as a tavern, inn, bank, bakery, general store, cabinet shop, barber shop, private home, and antique shop before returning to its current role. Today, it hosts hundreds of guests each week, continuing its tradition of offering delicious food, drinks, and hospitality.
Inside, The Tavern’s rustic Colonial charm is evident everywhere, from the stone fireplaces to the period-style furniture. As indoor seating is limited, I was seated on the back patio—a charming, covered space that felt like a seamless extension of the historic interior. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helped me choose from their specialties. The humid 90-degree weather called for something light, so I opted for a delicious blackened grilled chicken salad. It was the perfect meal, especially when paired with a refreshing Aperol Spritz and a glass of water. To finish, I couldn’t resist a slice of their soothing Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie.
As I enjoyed my dinner, soaking in the ambiance, I imagined scenes of the past when this tavern was built in 1779. At that time Abingdon was the frontier and while the Revolutionary War raged, Abingdon was still at a crossroads on the western edges. It would eventually become a major mustering site for patriots known as Overmountain Men in September of 1780 (more on that in a few minutes)…what sorts of conversations did locals and travelers discuss at the tavern circa 1779? Did they hear news about the war, or stories from Daniel Boone’s settlement into Kentucky. History is always present in the places like The Tavern whose walls have stood nearly 250 years from the infancy of The United States, through the Civil War to today.
I highly recommend that you treat yourself to dinner (or even a drink) at The Tavern during your stay in Abingdon.
After dinner, the sting of the high humidity had quelled a bit and I was able to enjoy a walk around the Courthouse Hill neighborhood, scoping out other restaurants and shops and several of the historic homes, including the William King House (more on that in a bit) and also the Wolf Hills Cave House.
According to local legend it was at this site that Daniel Boone camped in caves that are located behind the current Victorian era home. While staying in the cave he was supposedly attacked by wolves and named the area ‘Wolf’s Tract’ or ‘Wolf Hills.’ And while Boone no doubt moved through Abingdon during his illustrious frontier life, a local historian told me that the name ‘Wolf Hills’ predates Daniel Boone. The area was referenced as Wolf Hills when the first land surveyor in the area Dr. Thomas Walker explored the area. Fun fact, Walker would later partner with Peter Jefferson (father of Thomas Jefferson) in the Loyal Land Company.
Regardless of the origin, the name Wolf Hills still howls through Abingdon. Throughout the city you’ll discover hand painted wolves commemorating the town’s early history. Coffee spot Wolf Hills Coffee pays homage to tales of Abingdon lore.
Abingdon is very walkable and throughout my stay I enjoyed meandering through the over 20 block National Historic District. Many of the homes have historical markers noting the history that occurred on site. The local historic society and Visitor’s Center also have resources for self-guided (and guided) walking tours, which bring the stories of the town’s dynamic historical characters to life.
I closed out the day relaxing in the cozy Creeper’s End, reading a book while taking in a beautiful sunset from the inn’s courtyard. Several bunnies hopped by to say hello. As the dusk turned to night, a train rolled by. Railroad buffs will fall in love with Abingdon and The Virginia Creeper Trail, which has repurposed the old tracks and trestles into a trail. While Damascus faced a lot of damage, luckily this part of the Creeper Trail is still open and beckons explorers to hit the trail.
On Wednesday morning, my host invited me to tour the phenomenal William King Art Museum. I have a background in art and art history and make a point to explore art museums and galleries. While everyone is familiar with big museums like The National Gallery in DC and The Met, the United States is filled with hidden art gems with stunning collections, exhibitions, and educational opportunities. The WKMA is one of the premier art museums in Appalachia and beyond.
The museum sits on land once owned by William King, a prominent early settler in Abingdon who left the land and funds in the 1800s to build a boys’ school here. The glorious brick Greek Revival building sits atop a hill overlooking the town below and provides stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge.
During my morning visit, I had the pleasure of speaking with the museum director, Betsy White. As a foremost expert of Southwestern Virginia art, she has helped spearhead several important research projects into the region’s art. Betsy shared the museum’s vision, explaining that they have a permanent collection of Southwestern Virginia-focused furniture and art that helps tell the story of this rich cultural crossroads. It also serves as a hub for nationally recognized touring exhibitions. While I was there, they hosted a “Medieval to Metal“ exhibit that featured the history of guitars and stringed instruments from the Middle Ages until today. As a musician and art lover, it was awesome to learn about the evolution of the guitar and its role not only as an instrument but as a piece of art—especially the modern electric guitars tied to prominent rock musicians.
On-site, the museum has an Art Lab with instructional space and provides gallery and work space for area artists.
The museum was recently gifted one of the best collections of wildlife art in the country. The Worrell Collection, 170 masterful works of wildlife art, will be housed in a beautiful a new 10,000-square-foot wing opening in mid-2026. This collection will help fully cement WKMA not only as a regional treasure but a national art destination. The WMKA is also developing a wonderful outdoor park, akin to “Central Park,” with trails, sculpture, and a live entertainment venue—what a wonderful gift for locals and travelers to enjoy. Learn more about the Worrell Collection here.
Perhaps the most important work that the WKMA does is its community outreach. Betsy explained that many of the counties surrounding Abingdon do not have full-time art teachers on staff and very little to no art in the classrooms. The museum has launched a “Van Gogh” art van to go into these school districts and bring the gift of art education. Arts education is so important to developing creative-thinking skills, problem-solving, and even STEM.
After having a “jam session” in the Medieval to Metal exhibit, I was ready for some lunch. I drove to a funky BBQ spot called Delta Blues, which is connected to the Tumbling Creek Cider House and Abingdon Commons that we visited on day one.
Every day during the Virginia Highlands Festival, local Abingdon restaurants host area bands for ‘Tunes at Noon.’ I love this concept because it allows you to discover amazing music and tour restaurants and shops you might have otherwise missed. This also ensures a more intimate listening experience.
I’ll admit I’m picky when it comes to BBQ. I’m born and raised in NC and we take our ‘cue very seriously. I am happy to say that Delta Blues didn’t disappoint. Their pulled pork plate was moist and flavorfully smoked. It was naked to appeal to the Eastern NC BBQ crowd or you could add on one of their delicious regional sauces from Carolina Gold (SC inspired) to a sweeter Memphis sauce.
After enjoying the music and great conversation with locals, I stopped by the nearby Abingdon Visitor Center, which is housed in the Fields-Penn Home, an 1860s historic home on Main Street. The Visitor Center is a must stop while in Abingdon. Their staff is always ready to help on site, ready to help you plan your Abingdon adventures. The Visitor Center has tons of brochures about must see sites in Abingdon as well as resources for the greater region from eastern TN (Bristol/Kingsport) to NC’s mountains and the state of Virginia. The Visitor Center occasionally hosts events and walking tours – check their website for more information.
A Revolutionary Afternoon
After a visit to the Visitor Center, I made a pilgrimage to an important Revolutionary War site in Abingdon: the Abingdon Mustering Grounds.
For those who have been following American Nomad, you know that I’m a Revolutionary War history buff. In commemoration of America 250, I’ve been working on content to spread the word about our nation’s history in a fun and thoughtful way. Traveling to historic sites like this can help bring the past to life and help us better contemplate how we live in the present and build a better future.
Abingdon played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War as a mustering site for 100 men who gathered here to march south. Their mission was to fight British Capt. Patrick Ferguson at the pivotal Battle of King’s Mountain in South Carolina in October 1780.
I’ll be dedicating a few upcoming posts to the Overmountain Victory Trail—stay tuned!
In conjunction with the Virginia Highlands Festival, the Muster Grounds were hosting living history events and lectures all day. I was able to meet with local experts about the Overmountain Victory Trail and Abingdon’s important role in mustering the men who would march to King’s Mountain to defeat Patrick Ferguson.
Ferguson had issued a proclamation to be sent to communities throughout Western NC (and now Eastern TN) into Southwestern Virginia in 1780 threatening them with force if they did not fully submit to the loyalist cause. This threat, along with the violent actions by ‘The Butcher’ at the Waxhaws (SC) in May 1780, only ignited the frontier to defend their home and stop the British. It was decided that they would find Ferguson and fight him head on. Around 400 Overmountain Men mustered on September 24th, 1780 in Abingdon under the command of William Campbell before heading south for their journey to Kings Mountain, SC (just south of Charlotte NC). The Overmountain Men were able to overpower the British and claim a pivotal victory. One of the great losses for the British was their capable commander Patrick Ferguson was killed in the battle. Ferguson was the inventor of the Ferguson Rifle, which was known for its accuracy compared to other rifles of the time.
I spent two hours at the Muster Grounds, exploring the fantastic Abingdon Overmountain Victory Museum, which includes interactive exhibits about the American Revolution – from Southwestern Virginia’s role in The Fincastle Resolutions to gathering tensions with the crown. The museum does an excellent job featuring the stories of the men and women who helped the Overmountain Men stop Ferguson and claim one of the most pivotal wins in turning the tide towards victory for the patriots.
While on site, I was able to attend a fascinating lecture on Colonial money. The lecture was hosted by a numismatic expert who also happens to be the local fire chief (check out his YouTube Channel here) We learned that before the Constitution was ratified in 1788, the United States did not have a standard currency. We also learned about the various types of money used during the Colonial era and American Revolution. During the war, the Continental Congress tried to start a continental currency, but the money was practically worthless due to not being backed by specie (gold or silver) and being overprinted. In fact, the British actually minted fake Continentals after getting access to the printing plates. Benjamin Franklin was one of the early overseers of the printing of Continental money. The lecturer had tons of historic coins from his collection and a wealth of expertise.
It makes you appreciate our modern-day monetary exchange, where you have confidence in accepting a twenty-dollar bill and spending it. What is ironic is how we rarely use cash or coins now—instead, we rely on our phones and plastic cards for currency. I wonder what Ben Franklin and Alexander Hamilton would think of that.
While at the Abingdon Muster Field Museum, I enjoyed the exhibit about Rev. Charles Cummings, an Irish Presbyterian minister who immigrated to the area in the 1770s to lead the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church. Known as the “Fightin’ Parson,” Cummings possessed a pioneering spirit and a strong resolve for liberty. He was one of the primary authors of the Fincastle Resolutions a 1775 message to the Continental Congress where patriots from Fincastle County (which then covered most of Southwestern Virginia) opposed the British measures taken against the Massachusetts colonists after the Boston Tea Party. This document helped inspire the Declaration of Independence.
At the museum, I learned that the “Fightin’ Parson” is buried in the historic Sinking Springs Cemetery, located just off Russell Road near downtown Abingdon. The cemetery also features the original Cummings Cabin from the 1770s, which is one of the oldest intact log cabins in Virginia.
As my tour of the muster grounds concluded around 4 p.m., a hard, steady rain began to fall. In spite of the weather, I took a chance and drove to the historic Sinking Springs Cemetery to pay my respects. Established in 1773, this cemetery is actually older than Abingdon itself, which was formally organized in 1778. On these hallowed grounds, you’ll find the resting places of early settlers, including members of the Presbyterian congregation who came to the area in search of a better life. In addition to Parson Cummings, the cemetery is home to over 2,500 souls, including veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, Civil War dead, and two Virginia governors, David Campbell and John Floyd.
Across the street, there is also a cemetery for enslaved persons. While visiting a cemetery may seem morbid, there’s something powerful about paying homage to the dead, reflecting on their lives, and praying for their souls and their descendants.
For those interested in exploring further, you can pick up a historic cemetery walking tour pamphlet at the Visitor Center. On select days, you can even visit the Cummings Cabin and interact with living historians for a guided tour of Sinking Springs. The Sinking Springs Church continues to be a thriving Presbyterian parish today, located about a half-mile from the cemetery in the heart of downtown Abingdon.
With the rain pounding down, I decided to escape the rain with an afternoon scone from Brazen Raven Roasters in the Abingdon Commons. I’m still dreaming about their gluten free lemon blueberry scones. They were scrumptious.
I had hoped to catch a show at The Barter Theatre during this visit to Abingdon but unfortunately they didn’t have a show on Wednesday night. I look forward to catching one of their amazing theatrical productions in the fall during my next visit. I also learned about a cool drive-in theatre called The Moonlite that recently reopened.
As I mentioned earlier in the post, Abingdon is a culinary hotspot with tons of great local restaurants. After careful consideration, I decided to try Dwayne & Co. Housed in a historic home not far from Courthouse Hill, Dwayne & Co has a great farm to table menu from burgers to sandwiches and in house made desserts that will make your mouth water. They also have a fantastic mixed drink (and mocktail) menu to keep your spirits up. I opted for their grilled chicken salad special with fresh berries and homemade dressing. I indulged in the gluten free chocolate torte for dessert.
After dinner, with another hour of daylight remaining, I wound through the scenic area back roads to the historic White’s Mill. Originally built as Moffett’s Mill in 1790, the mill was purchased by Col. James White in 1838. Today White’s Mill is listed as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is one of the oldest water powered grist mills remaining in Southwest Virginia.
The scenery in the area just outside of Abingdon is breathtaking as the mountain mist from the rain created a radiant glow in the fading sun. Nothing stirs the soul quite like Blue Ridge Backroads. It was the perfect end to a jam packed day in Abingdon!
Day Three:
After checking out of the Creeper’s End just after nine thirty, I walked over to a wonderful breakfast gem, White Birch, in the heart of the Courthouse Hill district. The building was once home to Abingdon’s newspaper before being converted into retail and restaurant space. White Birch serves up delicious homemade breakfast bowls, omelets and sandwiches. I ended up ordering a burger with homefries and their hand squeezed orange juice and of course coffee. The service was exemplary and the atmosphere felt as though I’d stepped into a Hallmark movie.
After breakfast, I enjoyed perusing the funky jewelry and lampshade shop called ‘Shady Business.’ I found an adorable silver bracelet (for a great price) – a perfect gift for my mom. Abingdon is filled with cool shops and antique markets that will tempt even the pickiest buyer.
Just down the street from White Birch is the historic 1803 William King House. The owners of Creeper’s End Lodging, Dave and Jill Dalton, recently restored the home and were gracious enough to give me a personal tour. This beautiful house was the first brick home built in Abingdon and the residence of prominent early settler William King, who donated the land and funds for the Abingdon Male Academy, which is now the William King Museum of Art.
The home has a special connection to American history: it’s where William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition stayed in 1809 on his way to Fincastle to marry his future wife, Julia. Both Clark and Meriwether Lewis also passed through Abingdon on the Great Road upon their return from the famous 1804-1806 expedition, en route to Washington, D.C. to meet with Thomas Jefferson.
A historical marker in front of the William King House recently commemorated Lewis and Clark’s travels through Abingdon. Often many people associate the Lewis and Clark Trail as being tied to their journeys out west, but both men were native Virginians, and many members of the Corps of Discovery grew up in the state. They both traveled through Virginia on their way to St. Louis to begin the expedition and again on their return.
Having lived in Montana for several years and followed the Lewis and Clark Trail across the country, it was a thrill for me to tour a home where Captain William Clark actually spent the night. While the William King House is a private residence, it is occasionally open for historic home tours. I was told that shortly before my arrival, the homeowners hosted “Thomas Jefferson” and “Martha Washington” for a special event tied to the Virginia Highlands Festival.
I will be doing a Lewis and Clark in Abingdon focused post in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Get to know William King: William King came to America from Ireland in 1784 at age fifteen. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and by the 1790s was a successful merchant in Washington County (Abingdon’s county). He built mercantile stores along the Great Road, by which thousands of people traveled from American Northeast into the hills of Appalachia. He also purchased 150 acres of land in Saltville and began producing salt, which proved incredibly lucrative. When King died at the age of 39 in 1808, he was worth $1 million (just over $20 million today).
Before leaving Abingdon, I made sure to stop off at Wolf Hills Coffee Roasters (right next door to the William King House). This amazing coffee spot roasts all their coffee in house and has a diverse menu of coffees, teas and specialty drinks. The atmosphere in a 19th century historic building is the perfect cozy spot to enjoy a latte and gluten free iced pound cake. The coffee shop also includes a bookstore and space for live music – a true gathering space for community in Abingdon!
Stay tuned for a Southwestern VA Coffee Trail post soon where I share Destination Coffee hotspots in the greater Abingdon area.
Before heading out of town, Dave Dalton (owner of Creepers End) took time to show me a hidden historic gem in Abingdon – The Yeary Cabin. This historic cabin, now part of a blacksmith shop, was moved to this location in Abingdon to help preserve its history and allow visitors a chance to learn about early frontier life. Abingdon is packed it hidden history around every corner.
Abingdon is a charming community with friendly locals who will welcome you and make you feel at home. I will treasure this Abingdon adventure for years to come and can’t wait to return to explore more of what the greater area has to offer. From history and art to charming shops, delicious eateries, beautiful scenery, and mountain trails like the Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon is a place ready to welcome you again and again.
Ready to plan your adventures to the wonderful Abingdon VA? Here are helpful resources to get you started:
Historical Society of Washington County – https://www.hswcv.org/
American Nomad Abingdon Guide (Earlier post)
Destination Coffee: Coffee lovers rejoice – Abingdon coffee shops serve up the perfect blend for your coffee and tea fix. I enjoyed stopping for a cuppa at The Girl and The Raven, Brazen Raven and Wolf Hills...next time I’m looking forward to trying Rendezvous (known for their pastries) and Camella’s Tea Room (plus ice cream!)
Eateries:
Greekos Grill and Cafe
Get Outside: Abingdon has ready access to the outdoors from the Virginia Creeper Trail, to nearby Appalachian Trail access and more – not all who wander are lost in Abingdon – it’s a place where the natural scenery invites you to explore. Check out Outdoor Visitor’s Guide here
Where to Stay:
I was hosted by the Creeper’s End Lodging and highly recommend staying in the cozy oasis.
Other lodging I recommend in the area:
Tailor’s End Lodging – Right across from the Creeper’s End, this historic hotel is in a beautifully restored 19th century home.
The Martha Washington Inn – A Queen Jewel of Virginia’s historic hotels, The Martha is refined elegance and charm with elegant rooms housed in a historic girls school. They have a fabulous restaurant and bar on site, and Spa.
Shavers of Abingdon B&B – a 1903 Victorian Bed and Breakfast that will graciously welcome guests with Abingdon hospitality and historic charm. Not far from the Abingdon Muster Grounds. Website
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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