Which Virginia Mountain Town Is Right For You?

Abingdon is one of the most beautiful small towns in America. There are tree-lined streets of federal and colonial homes flanked by brick sidewalks. Culture abounds with a famous theater, live music, festivals, the arts, exquisite food, and more--all of that and only 8,000 people, surrounded by park land and the Virginia Creeper Trail. You'll love it!

Big Stone Gap is a cozy, homey, mountain town filled with so much charm that there's a book and a movie too. The scenery is astounding. The pace of life is slower, but there's still plenty to do. There's an annual big-production play, a songwriters club, the farmers' market, a music festival, and so much more!

Blacksburg is both a historical town and a progressive one too. It has all the beauty of a small mountain town with all the amenities of a culturally rich city like Portland or Austin. It's ranked very high on several 'nation's best places to live' lists--especially in the tech category--and yet is charmingly disguised as a picturesque mountain town!

Salem is a gorgeous mountain college village that is separate but very conveniently located next to Roanoke. You get all the charms of small-town life while still being near a city. There is something for everyone here, from a Silent Book Club to festivals exploding with fun. And on the opposite side of town from Roanoke, you have an entry into a spectacular wilderness.

If you love nature, you'll love Damascus. Two famous trails intersect here: the Virginia Creeper and the Appalachian Trail. There's even a service that takes you and your rented bike up to the top of the mountain so all you have to do is coast down and enjoy the scenery. In addition to nature, you'll find a thriving art community, a microbrewery, resources for AT thru-hikers at a conveniently placed and well-outfitted library, horseback riding, and various clubs and events.

You can do everything mountain in mountainy hometown Galax--float a river, bike or walk several major hiking trails, and wind down or rev up at a mountain music jamboree. The Blue Ridge Parkway's most photographed spot, Mabry Mill, is also here--so is the Old Fiddler's Convention! If you don't have a talent, you can learn one here. They have a school that teaches mountain arts and music!