While you're visiting the Virginia Blue Ridge Highlands and Damascus area, you may want to partake of some other activities while you're here. There's lots to do in Abingdon and Damascus like live theatre at the Barter Theater. The Barter Theater has a respected reputation known for professional live performances in an historic theater. It's easy to come in and ride the Virginia Creeper Trail, then head to the Barter Theater for an evening show. Have diner before or after at the Damascus Old Mill and stay at one of the local B&B's or Cottages your weekend is complete!

Many fine dining opportunities and world class shopping and antiquing exist in both Damascus and Abingdon, so if you don't want to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail you'll still be able to find an activity to occupy your time. For instance you can take a self-guided walking tour in the Abingdon historic district or browse the first-class William King Arts Center. Or just take a leisurely stroll in Damascus and enjoy the feeling of a small American town the way they used to be and fortunately still are.

Bristol Tennessee is just down the road about 20 miles and is home to the famous Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR racetrack described as "the worlds fastest half-mile". Damascus makes a great place for race lodging and we can show you the "back way" to the track to avoid all the traffic. You'll have time to ride a bike on the Virginia Creeper Trail before or after the race if you come early or stay late.

Country music has it's origin in Bristol and there are several places to hear live music most of the week and weekends. The A.P. Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia is just about an hours drive from Damascus and well worth it for original country and bluegrass music in a rustic and historic setting. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is in the Bristol Mall and is a must stop for country music and history buffs.

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area afford ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA) as does the Highlands Horse Trail and the Trans-America 76 Bike Route. The technical climbs and descents of the Iron Mountain Trail have gained this trail the recognition as one of the finest single-track bike trails in the east. We have maps and guide books as well as lots of advice on where to head, whatever you mode of transportation may be.

In summary, Damascus and the surrounding communities allow your family to come visit for more than one day. Spend a weekend or a week and explore the splendor of the Virginia Blue Ridge. You'll recognize the value and quality of a vacation in this place called Damascus, Virginia. It's all natural!

Here are some links to various sites that will help you gather more information. Or, feel free to give us a call toll free at 888-595-BIKE (2453)

Barter Theatre - The State Theater of Virginia.

Dogwood Springs Ranch - Northeast Tennessee Horseback Trail Rides. Butler, TN.

Creeper Trail Info - Your guide to the Virginia Creeper Trail region..

Bristol Motor Speedway - NASCAR's fastest half-mile and the most popular track in NASCAR

William King Regional Arts Center - A partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Check the latest exhibits.

Birthplace of Country Music Alliance- Check live music schedules. Nice museum in the Bristol Mall. Bristol is where it all began.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - Information on camping, hiking and other activities in the NRA.

Shenandoah Mountain Touring - Shenandoah Mountain Touring, LLC operates in Virginia's George Washington National Forest under a special use permit with the GW.

Coosa Valley Cycling Association - Premiere cycling in the foothills of Northwest Georgia.

Virginia Blue Ridge Travel Association- Travel information for the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. A great resource!

Deerwood Park HOA - Piney Creek, NC 28663

Blue Ridge Online

Go-Virginia Online