Groups
Barter Theatre: Broadway in the Blue Ridge (2 NIGHTS/3 DAYS)
Theatre lovers will delight in this excursion to the state theatre of Virginia. See Broadway-quality entertainment in a charming small-town setting with a Barter Theatre group tour.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Abingdon and check in to one of our group-friendly hotels. The Abingdon CVB can help you find the right fit - we offer free assistance to help you compare the best rates.
Grab a bite to eat at Luke's Cafe, a casual 1950s-style diner, or one of our other group-friendly restaurants, before heading to the show at Barter Theatre's Gilliam Stage. Founded during the Great Depression, the historic theatre has helped nurture the careers of stars like Gregory Peck, Ernest Borgnine, and Frances Fisher. Barters group sales department can assist with play recommendations, group discounts and parking/drop off information.
DAY TWO
Let your group explore Abingdon's Historic Main Street, with its tree-lined brick sidewalks and two centuries of architecture. Among Abingdon's unique shops, you'll find Appalachian crafts, edible goodies, clothes and gifts, an olive oil tasting gallery, and more. The Abingdon Visitor Center can provide complimentary dining & shopping guides for your group.
Then head back to Barter Theatre for lunch and a matinee performance at Barter's Smith Stage. This smaller venue makes you feel like a fly on the wall as you watch Barter's resident actors perform. Attached to the Smith Stage is The Barter Lounge, a comfortable space accommodating up to 55 people. Ask Barters group sales department for a list of approved caterers and create a unique dining experience.
After freshening up at the hotel, enjoy a multi-course dinner at The Tavern, a fine dining restaurant located in one of Abingdon's oldest buildings, originally constructed in 1779.
DAY THREE
Make sure to include a stop at one of Abingdon's fine arts venues. At the Arts Depot, you'll find working artists in their studios, located inside a converted railroad depot. William King Museum of Art is a visual arts and cultural heritage museum located in Abingdon, Virginia. It is housed in a historic 1913 former school building. The William King Museum of Art features galleries showcasing art of the region and of the world, both contemporary and historic.
EXTEND YOUR STAY!
Extend your trip with any of these additional activities.
See even more theatre at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre in Wytheville, VA (60 minutes away) or Theatre Bristol in Bristol TN/VA (15 minutes away).
Take a backstage tour of Barter Theatre. A one-hour tour shows you the behind-the-scenes magic of a Barter play.
Visit The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace, a soaring space retailing the art and craft of over 180 artisans from Southwest Virginia who have been juried by fellow artisans. From traditional pottery and quilting to modern paintings and glasswork, you’ll learn the stories of our traditional art and explore over 5,000 pieces for sale. Learn about The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail and explore exhibits about how this authentic roots music grew and continues to thrive here.
