Bask in the Warmth, Beauty and Living History of Abingdon, Virginia

Amidst the foothills of southwestern Virginia lies a community that, to many visitors, is a paradise. As rich in heritage as it is lavish natural beauty, the small town of Abingdon is a peaceful haven for those who appreciate the arts, theater, early American history and more. Its quaintness is due, in part, to its many historical landmarks, restorations and period houses.

As visitors drive up Main Street, for example, they'll find the famous Barter Theatre, which was created during the Great Depression by local actor Robert Porterfield as a venue for unemployed actors from as far away as New York. Because the Depression left many people broke, he came up with the idea of "hams for Hamlet," bartering food in exchange for a ticket (thus, the name of the theatre). Many great personalities, including George Bernard Shaw and Lady Bird Johnson, used this manner to gain entrance. The theatre itself became training ground for many movie stars, including Ernest Borgnine, Gregory Peck, Ned Beatty and Hume Cronyn.

Across the street one will find the Martha Washington Inn, which, though opened as a college in 1858, became a Civil War hospital years later. After the war, it resumed its college status and consolidated with Emory and Henry College in 1919. Eighteen years later, it opened as a hotel that, to this day, prides itself on beauty and stateliness.

For refreshment, visitors can go just a few more brick-paved blocks to the historic Tavern where notables from John Adams, Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson used to dine. Though built in 1779, the building is untouched by time; when one walks into the establishment, hears his heels clicking against the hardwood floors and notices the period lighting, he feels as though he's actually in the post-Revolutionary era. The fare -- including ales and spirits -- give homage to the era, and, from waitresses to cooks, the employees add to the ambience.

Not far from the Tavern is a Victorian house with a business called "Cave House Antiques". It was on this spot, over two hundred years ago, that famed explorer Daniel Boone rested on his way to Kentucky. Tying his dogs to an area near his camp, he became alarmed as wolves exited an underground cave to attack the canines. The entrance to this "wolf cave" is 10 feet off the alley behind the antique shop. Though not open to the public, one can look through lattice that covers the entrance and, for a moment, take a look back to Daniel Boone's time.

Even if your forte isn't history, there's a lot to enjoy in Abingdon. For hikers, the Virginia Creeper Trail is available for a foot excursion that stretches from the town to the northwest border of North Carolina. Along with some of the most beautiful scenery that nature can provide on this 38-mile former railroad bed, one can also enjoy the friendliness of the "split" town of Damascus (half in Virginia, half in Tennessee) while walking.

If your passion is the arts -- whether it's painting or journalistic -- this town has a special treat in the Arts Depot. Formerly a freight station built in the 1890s, it houses artists' studios with graceful painters, a potter, a weaver and much more. It also offers many different exhibits, classes, and the Appalachian Center for Poets & Writers.

Museum enthusiasts are drawn to the William King Regional Arts Center, which hosts inspiring cultural arts exhibits and special displays throughout the year, as well as a fabulous collection of historical artifacts. The area also features White's Mill, a 150-year-old flour mill about three miles from Abingdon. It's one of the only water-powered mills remaining in southwest Virginia.

The townspeople of Abingdon are, as one visitor put it, "down-home friendly". This surprises many visitors because one would think that, of a town with such heritage, the "locals" would be rather haughty. But the people of this little Virginia town, while proud of its history, realize the importance of working together. They treat everyone as a neighbor, whether they've been there for years or are just an infrequent visitor.

With a weather pattern that remains comfortable during its four distinct seasons, neighborly citizens and veritable cornucopia of activities and sights, Abingdon certainly qualifies as one of the greatest vacation spots in the nation during this summer season. When you're ready to go, be sure to check that your camera's fully-loaded, because this is one trip you'll never want to forget!