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About this trip
This summer, Don Adams, the owner of Kelly Tours, invites you to join him on a trip to Abingdon, Virginia. With Don’s wonderful sense of humor, vast travel knowledge and company credit card, this trip will not be one to forget!
Sample all that Abingdon has to offer with the perfect three-day getaway. Known for its arts, history, and outdoor recreation, Abingdon has been named Virginia's most scenic small town. Abingdon was also named the Best Small Town Food Scene in the country by USA Today.
The mountains that surround the town beckon visitors to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular scenery. The downtown district with its brick sidewalks and tree-lined streets entice visitors to explore every block and visit every shop, restaurant and café. That’s what old-fashioned southern hospitality is about. Don makes certain that this trip includes a little of all of the above experiences! Scroll down and take a peek at the itinerary.
Cancellation policy
No cancellation penalty if a reservation is cancelled before the final payment due date. 50% cancellation penalty if a trip is cancelled 44-30 days prior to departure. 100% cancellation penalty if the cancellation takes place within 30 days of the trip departure date. Please consider purchasing travel insurance made available through Kelly Tours. Contact Travel or call 1-800-243-3174 and reference account #44945.
What’s included
- TransportationAboard a luxury Motor Coach
- Tour EscortBy Don Adams
- Lodging3 nights Lodging at the Country Inn & Suites
- AdmissionsAll tours & admissions mentioned in the itinerary
- 8 Meals4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
- ExtrasAll taxes, gratuities, baggage handling and travel arrangements
Itinerary
Tuesday, August 18 - Departure times and locations to be announced 3 weeks in advance of trip. Today is the travel day to the Southwestern corner of Virginia. We check into the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner in Abingdon.
Wednesday, August 19
After breakfast it’s time to tour! We’ve arranged for local guide Jim to show you all there is to see in this fascinating area. (If he looks familiar, it’s because he appeared on The History Channel TV Show “Mountain Men.”) As we tour the local Appalachians, Jim shares stories about the area’s connection to Daniel Boone, The Revolutionary and Civil War periods.
Tonight, we’ll attend a festive dinner hosted by a local band providing entertainment with music and fascinating stories of the region. The food’s pretty tasty, too
Thursday, August 20
For the adventurous, we’ve planned a special outing this morning. After an early breakfast, we’ll provide a bicycle, helmet and water and shuttle members of the group to the top of White Top Mountain. Meet your bike guide and follow the Virginia Creeper trail on a breezy (all downhill!) bike ride flanked by stunning scenery the entire route.
If you prefer strolling over pedaling, join a docent guide for a tour of the vibrant art scene in Abingdon. Peruse Holston Mountain Artisans, one of the oldest artisan collectives in the country, where juried members keep traditional Appalachian crafts alive through demonstrations and classes. Visit artists working in their studios at the Arts Depot, housed inside a vintage train depot. Finally, we head over to the William King Museum of Art and tour the galleries showcasing international art, contemporary regional art, cultural heritage works and folk art.
Take free time for lunch on Main Street before a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Barter Theatre. The venue, which opened its doors in 1933, boasts a rich and storied past. Did you know that four out of five theatre-goers used to pay their admission with vegetables, dairy products or even chickens?!
Reconnect with our intrepid bikers this afternoon as we find ourselves at Abingdon Vineyards for a wine tasting along the shores of the South Holston River.
Don’s big finale this evening is dinner at the historic Martha Washington Inn. Originally built in 1832 as the home for General Robert Preston of the War of 1812 fame, the property was converted to a hotel in 1935. Since then, famous guests like Eleanor Roosevelt, President Harry Truman, Lady Bird Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Elizabeth Taylor have graced her halls – now it’s your turn! During dinner, a historian explains the history of the inn and following dessert, you’re free to wander the corridors and admire the memorabilia.
After dinner, we return to the Barter Theatre for their latest production. Don’t worry about tickets! Don’s already paid for your seats!
Friday, August 21
Take one last snap of the Blue Ridge Mountains as we begin our trip back home. We’ll break for an included lunch stop along the way. Don’t forget to give Don helpful suggestions as to where you’d like to go next year for Travels with Don Adams.