Christmas in Middleburg 2025: A Holiday Festival in the Hunt Country of Virginia
Discover the magic of Christmas in Middleburg, VA! Explore the town’s historic downtown, top festival events, luxury lodging, best restaurants, and unique shopping. Plan your holiday getaway with our comprehensive guide to Middleburg’s holiday traditions, local eateries, boutique shops, and travel tips—just an hour from Washington, DC
Mainstreet Maven: Anna Schoenduby
Mainstreet Maven Anna Schoenduby brings global impact to Staunton, VA through Latitudes Fair Trade. Her boutique offers ethically sourced jewelry, clothing, gifts, and home goods—empowering artisans worldwide while enriching Main Street.
Plein Air Abingdon 2025: Where Art Wanders Off Its Canvas and Into the Highlands
Mark your calendars: This isn’t your average arts fair—Plein Air Abingdon 2025 unfolds over four glorious days from Wednesday, October 1 through Saturday, October 4, 2025
Mainstreet Maven: Cindy Fellows
Meet Cindy Fellows, the creative force behind October Grace Media in Staunton, VA. Discover how this Mainstreet Maven blends photography, storytelling, and strategy to help nonprofits and small businesses shine.
The Weather in Lexington, VA: Four Seasons of Shenandoah Charm
If you’re the kind of person who loves a bit of everything-sunny days, crisp autumns, snowy mornings, and the sweet promise of spring-Lexington, Virginia, is your kind of town. Tucked into the rolling Shenandoah Valley, Lexington’s weather is as varied and inviting as its historic streets and mountain views.
All Aboard – and Up Top!
Picture this: you’re sipping a Shenandoah Valley Chardonnay while your seat glides higher than the locomotive itself, sunlight bouncing off 360-degrees of curved glass. That’s not a travel writer’s daydream—it’s the brand-new “Shenandoah” vista-dome car on the Virginia Scenic Railway, affectionately known to locals as the Shenandoah Railroad. The domed beauty began life in 1948 on the legendary California Zephyr, spent a spell as country-icon Merle Haggard’s personal ride, and—after a top-to-tie restoration—now rolls out of downtown Staunton, Virginia.
A Theater Like No Other
The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse offers a theatrical experience that transports you back in time. As the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater, it breathes new life into the Bard's works in an authentic and immersive setting.
A year-round farmers market to savor
Imagine kicking off your Saturday morning with the vibrant energy of a local farmers market before embarking on an unforgettable cycling adventure. In Abingdon, Virginia, this isn't just a daydream—it is available all year round.
We enjoyed a morning at this wonderful market and only wished our kitchen was nearby! It was full of the freshest vegetables, oils, breads, pies, and baked goods. Fresh flowers were abundant and so colorful. It was clear that while they welcomed visitors and newcomers, the regulars were enjoying community and their weekly shopping.
After the hurricane: Damascus and the Virginia Creeper Trail
So many who lived in this area are without homes, not to mention power, water or internet and communication.
A Quicktake: Abingdon, VA
Step into downtown Abingdon and you'll find yourself transported to a quintessential Appalachian town. The air is filled with a sense of history and charm, as Federal-style buildings and Greek Revival homes line the red brick sidewalks. The iconic Barter Theatre, founded in 1933, stands as a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage.
Fall is the time for a Virginia Creeper Trail Adventure!
This is the best time to pile the family into the car for an unforgettable outdoor adventure amidst the changing leaves of the southern Virginia hills. Do you have a group with a large range of ages and physical abilities? We have the perfect getaway for you! The Virginia Creeper Trail is a magical 34-mile journey through the heart of Appalachian beauty that's perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Staying in Abingdon, VA
Set in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon offers a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Get in a great hike in the hills before attending a show at the Barter Theatre in the evening. You will need an equally great place for lodging - here are some top-rated local accommodations that promise a memorable stay.
Who lives here? Abingdon, VA
Nestled within a cozy three-mile radius, this charming town boasts a close-knit community of 12,000 residents, according to the latest 2023 figures, capturing a few more folks than the 8,306 inside the city limits. We do this so our readers can compare one town to another. Abingdon is more of a scenic retreat with a population density that gives everyone room to breathe, without the crowded sidewalks of the big cities.