- Abingdon
- Damascus
- The Martha Washington Inn
Dates
September 13 - 15, 2024
Highlights
- Lovely backroads Appalachian drives
- Great mountain communities: Elizabethton; Shady Valley; Damascus; Konnarock; and Mountain City
- Abingdon’s treasures: the Martha Washington Inn; Courthouse Hill; the Barter Theatre; lovely downtown
Trip Description
It’s the perfect time of the year to hit the great outdoors of Southwest Virginia! Let’s cruise by sturdy bicycle on the amazing Virginia Creeper Trail – the Southeast’s first and finest! This is a trip of highlights: backroads drives that reveal stunning landscapes and intertwined stories; the Martha Washington Inn; Abingdon and Damascus – two of Southwest Virginia’s most interesting places; the scenic beauty of cascading Laurel Creek running alongside the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Our ride will be downhill to Damascus; the trail is rated as “easy.” The riding distance, from Whitetop Station to Damascus is approximately 16 miles, and easily doable in about 2.5 hours (with scenic stops). Our ride will be guided by Explore Up Close staff; pedal at your own pace. Down the mountain in Damascus, a delicious local lunch will be waiting for us!
The Martha Washington Inn is the perfect place to share stories at the end of the day. You can relax at the spa or pool, enjoy mini golf in the garden, or stroll through Abingdon’s charming historic streets.
Featured Experiences
Martha Washington Inn & Spa
The Martha Washington Inn & Spa began life as the retirement home for General Robert Preston following his successes in the War of 1812! It was built in 1832 as a private residence for General Francis Preston and Sarah Buchanan Preston and their nine children.
Today The Martha Washington Inn & Spa stands as gateway to the past, providing those modern amenities expected by today's traveler amid the genteel elegance of period antiques and furnishings.
What's Included
Comfortable van transportation
Accommodation for 3 nights
Breakfast, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
All activities / admissions per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$2,214 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $345)
What's Not Included
Price does not include alcohol, other meals, or optional trip insurance.
You planned everything perfectly - just the right pace, and a wonderful trip!
Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Though trip insurance is optional, we strongly encourage travelers to purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.
Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
This trip departs from Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. If you live elsewhere, please contact us to discuss travel arrangements, and we will look forward to assisting you!
