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Crush Friday in Abingdon

Abingdon

Last year 54% of Americans left a total of 662 million vacation days unused. Don’t be one of those people. It’s time to take a well-deserved Friday off – and crush it.

How will you crush Friday? 

Bike West Virginia

Bike one of the most famous trails in Virginia

Abingdon is the trailhead for the famous Virginia Creeper Trail, a former railroad line that used to carry coal and lumber down from the mountains of SW Virginia. Now it’s a popular biking and recreation trail that travels 34 miles through beautiful mountain scenery, over dozens of trestle bridges.

Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop can outfit you with a bike, helmet, and water bottle. Best of all? They offer a shuttle package that will drop you off at Whitetop Station, the highest point on the trail. You’ll coast downhill for 17 miles through Jefferson National Forest to Damascus, VA. From there, you can pick up the shuttle back to Abingdon, or bike another 17 miles through rolling countryside.

While you’re on the trail, stop by Abingdon Vineyard & Winery, a 50 acre farm winery located along the South Holston River, located just a short distance off the trail between Damascus and Abingdon.

Bouldering and beyond

There are two prime climbing areas within an hour of Abingdon. Hidden Valley Lake was recently reopened to the public, featuring nearly 500 routes, a combination of sport and traditional lines, including treasures like Tea Kettle Junction, loaded with 40 routes, almost entirely traditional climbs, including short-but-sweet cracks, cozy chimneys, and plenty of roofs and arêtes.

East of Abingdon is Grayson Highlands State Park, one of the premier bouldering destinations in Virginia. With nearly 1,000 problems scattered throughout the park, there are enough routes to suit all kinds of climbers. The lofty elevation of the park’s bouldering areas, many more than 5,000 feet, also make Grayson Highlands a prime climbing destination during the summer. While you’re there, hike the Rhododendron trail to get up close and personal with the park’s famous wild ponies (look but DON’T touch, they might be cute, but they are wild).

Afterwards, head to Wolf Hills Brewing for live music, craft beer, and food truck cuisine from Toni’s Hawaiian Tacos. Try the Wolf’s Den IPA or Martha Washington ESB (the first beer to be served at the Martha Washington Inn post-Prohibition), some of the dozen or more beers that pay homage to Abingdon’s 250-year history.

Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre’s surprising origin story

Be sure to catch a play at Barter Theatre, the oldest professional theatre company in the country. Don’t be fooled by the velvet seats and sconces, this theatre is welcoming to all, no dress code required. Throw on some jeans and stop by the concessions stand for a glass of wine or local beer to take with you in to the show.

At intermission, be sure to check out the fascinating historical photos on the balcony level: the theatre was founded during the Great Depression, when the actors literally bartered theatre tickets for food.

Head back to work Monday feeling more creative, more productive, and ready to crush the week ahead.

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