Rich History and Art Intersect in Washington County, VA

In this beautiful region of Virginia, the past inspires the present arts and culture offerings.

By Kelly Rogers on November 30, 2023

Jay Huron

Steeped in rich heritage, Washington County, Virginia, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of history on arts and culture. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, this vibrant region draws upon its past to create a diverse tapestry of artistic expression that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. 

Fabulous History in Washington County

At the heart of Washington County’s theatrical landscape is the famous Barter Theatre, a jewel that has dazzled audiences for nine remarkable decades. Born amid the adversity of the Great Depression in 1933, this incredible theater emerged when Broadway actors decided to take fate into their own hands by putting on shows at an old opera house, instituting a bartering system where patrons could pay 35 cents or the food equivalent for tickets. 

The building itself also has an extremely storied and rich history in Washington County. 

“The Barter Theatre building was originally a church, but then it was turned into the Abingdon Opera House,” says Katy Brown, director of the theater. “Over the years, it’s also been city hall, the town’s firehouse, a dentist’s office and even the town jail. Prisoners were even directly under the performances in the 1930s!” 

The theater has continued to grow, even expanding to a second theater across the street. Barter Theatre is also unique in that it produces shows in-house, with multiple shows going on at any given time. 

Actors come from Broadway or use the theater as a jumping off point – in fact, Gregory Peck and Patricia Neil both got their start at Barter. “Ultimately, at our core, we are so embedded in this community,” Brown says. “The people here value story the same as they value food – it’s that important to them.” 

Another organization celebrating decades of support is the Virginia Highlands Festival. Now approaching its momentous 75th anniversary in 2024, the festival enlivens the region with a kaleidoscope of arts and cultural celebrations. 

Jay Huron

Historic-Meets-Modern Style 

Local entrepreneurs have breathed new life into historic downtowns in the region, opening homegrown businesses that radiate warmth. 

In Abingdon, for instance, Summers Roof and Cellar is a rooftop wine and cellar destination with incredible views of downtown. There’s also Peddling Jack’s, a men’s specialty shop. These establishments offer visitors the chance to indulge in delicious food, craft drinks and unique goods. 

And in the private sector, residents have embraced history by transforming older homes into modern living spaces. A great example of this is the restoration of the Greenway-Trigg building in Abingdon, which was undertaken by Rob Carneal and his brother. 

“We purchased the building in 2018, and once we began to get to know the building, we knew a multiuse design would best showcase its character, charm and rich history,” Rob Carneal says. 

The result was a hybrid space in which the Sonder + Home storefront resides as well as multiple Airbnb spaces. Though necessary modern amenities were added, the building still features breathtaking components like original stained-glass windows and woodwork. 

Generational Talent 

The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace (SVCCM), which serves as the visitors center for Southwest Virginia, embodies the essence of the region’s cultural legacy. SVCCM is a portal to regional crafts, music, food and outdoor experiences. 

Patrons can explore over 3,600 masterpieces made by members of the ’Round the Mountain Artisan Network, showcasing the talent and craftsmanship that have endured through generations. 

“A lot of the artwork is a representation of our artisans’ stories,” says Olivia Bailey, director of marketing for Friends of Southwest Virginia. “Even though you might be coming to a retail center, you’re not just buying a product, you’re hearing their stories as well.” 

Celebrating Bluegrass

Bluegrass is the music of banjos, mandolins, guitars and fiddles developed in the 1940s in the Appalachian region, and today, the Washington County Fairgrounds Board of Directors is working to make sure it continues to be celebrated. 

The third-annual Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention will arrive at Washington County Fairgrounds from June 21-22, 2024, with more than 150 adult and youth musicians participating in a variety of individual competitions. The Fiddlers’ Convention is part of The Crooked Road, a 300-mile stretch through Southwest Virginia that commemorates Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail at different sites and events in 19 counties, four cities and 54 towns. 

The idea for the event originated in 2022 when Tonya Triplett, Town of Abingdon director of economic development and tourism, suggested to Washington County Fairgrounds board member Jennifer Blankenship that Abingdon host a yearly music event similar to an annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention held every August in Galax, Virginia. 

“I then went to the Fairgrounds board suggesting that we create a mini-Galax in the town of Abingdon, and they agreed,” Blankenship says. “Our first festival was in 2022 with about 2,700 total people in attendance, and we expect the numbers to keep growing every year from now on.” 

The event also includes seminars and music from the Tennessee Bluegrass Band, and Virginia Highlands Community College presents several music programs that get kids involved. In addition, The Martha Washington Inn hosts bluegrass jam sessions and barbecue meals on its front lawn on the Thursday night prior to the weekend celebration, while bluegrass jamming on the front porch of the downtown Sonder Building is another pre-weekend attraction.