SAMPLE WEEKEND ITINERARY
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our sweet Southwest Virgina towns look very different. Recovery is underway and we are STRONG.
Many businesses are reopened, and all are looking forward to the next chapter for our towns.
Brinkwaters, our quaint boutique hotel, is nestled in Damascus, VA, also known as Trail Town USA. Damascus sits at the crossroads of 7 national hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and at the confluence of 3 rivers that merge to form epic fly-fishing streams and creeks.
Widely known for being centered on the 34-mile Creeper Trail between White Top and Abingdon, Damascus is your starting point for outdoor adventure. While the trail from White Top to Damascus is closed, the 2nd leg of the trail is open.
Come enjoy the changing leaves and perfect temperature in Damascus this fall. For a weekend getaway, here’s a new way to see the Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL
Check into your room at 4:00pm, then head to Food City to stock up on supplies. Think easy to make breakfast, great picnic provisions, snacks and drinks. Charcuterie anyone?
Drop your groceries off at the hotel and walk to dinner in town. Tipsy Bear, Wilson’s Café and Dairy King are all open. Check hours online and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to support these local restaurants.
Stop by Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery for craft cocktails, beer and fun after dinner (or before as well).
DAY 2 – ADVENTURE AWAITS
Rent bikes from one of our many local bike shops. They are all offering shuttle service to Abington where you can ride a slightly more challenging 17 miles on the Creeper Trail. Or take our DIY approach:
- Start your day by driving to Abingdon for breakfast at Girl and The Raven or White Birch. Enjoy coffee and wander around the shops.
- Head back to Damascus to pack your picnic and rent your bikes. Cruise around town and hit the Creeper Trail to Alvarado Station. Take breaks, explore or fish along the river with public access.
- Stop at Alvarado Station to relax and enjoy your lunch then head over the Abingdon Winery – just use your map app and select biking mode. You’ll hop off the Creeper Trail for about a mile and arrive at the picturesque vineyards on the shore of the South Holston River. Wine flights, bottles, fire pits, live music and games are all there. Be sure to check their website for hours and offerings.
- When you’re ready to move on, opt for more adventure and ride the rest of the trail to Abingdon, or head back to Damascus to relax in the park, fish or head out on a hike. Backbone Rock is a short walk from Brinkwaters and a stunning feature.
For dinner you have options – either a walkable spot in Damascus or a drive to Abington to try Rain, The Tavern, Foresta or Summers Rooftop.
DAY 3 – DEPARTURE
Sleep in and wake up revitalized from the fresh mountain air and your full weekend of fun.
Need alternative suggestions for children, group retreats, more hiking or biking ideas, or just want to add a little more food/cocktail and culture to your trip? Or want to add to your experience with our guided fishing and hiking services by The Speckled Trout Outfitters?
Pop us a message! We’d love to help curate your trip.
Safe Travels
The Brinkwaters Team
[email protected]
