Catching up on last fall’s travel.
Day four of five on our way home from Branson, MO to Durham, NC. We cross the remainder of Tennessee and spend the afternoon exploring historic Abingdon, Virginia.
08 October 2025 – Wednesday
0905 76,560 67°F Leave Farmer’s Storehouse in Sparta, TN
1047 76,647 75°F Knoxville, TN gas stop at Costco
1308 76,711 76°F Morristown , KY where we entered the eastern time zone.
1430 76,801 70°F Abingdon, Virginia
Sweetbay Brewing Company – Harvest Host
After checking in with the host, we found a spot at the back of their parking lot for tonight.
Good beers on tap, especially the Imperial Stout. Enjoyed chatting with the bartender. As an example of “it’s a small world” she was an elementary school teacher from near our home town.
A food truck serving tacos in the parking lot was quite popular.
Our overnight spot was two van lengths from the Norfolk Southern tracks. Four trains came through during our stay, two of them during the night. Track proximity was a plus for me–for Beth, not so much.
After dinner Beth and I set out to see some of Abingdon. An advantage of staying at Sweetbay is their proximity to the town historic district.
Walking just a block or two, we found interesting buildings from the 1700’s.
The Barter community theater was a centerpiece of downtown. Though nothing was playing that night, it would be fun to come back and stay here when we could enjoy a concert or play.
I like the theater even more knowing the reason it was founded. What a great concept.
Wandering around downtown we found small details revealing other bits of local history.
Fantasy on Parade, a sculpture by David Spence
Wolves and a Virginia Love sign are centered around a delightful water sculpture.
“The Tavern” is the oldest building in Abingdon and dates back to 1779. Originally built as a Stagecoach stop, Inn, and Tavern, it also served as a Hospital during the Civil War and was the First Post office West of the Blue Ridge.
If you visit, please take the time to stroll around downtown, especially if it is decorated for a holiday.
Returning to Sweetbay, we walked by a coffee shop and bakery next door that might be a good place to visit in the morning.
We highly recommend visiting this delightful Virginia town!
Good night from Abingdon.
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