Glade Spring VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glade Spring, Virginia.
1. The Nickerson Snead House Bed & Breakfast
HISTORIC LODGING EXPERIENCE
The Nickerson Snead House Bed & Breakfast is a highly-rated historic site and lodging option in Glade Spring. Visitors can experience the rich history of the region while enjoying comfortable accommodations. The establishment serves as both a history museum and a place to stay, offering guests a unique glimpse into the past.
2. Leo Muscle Sholes Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPOT
Leo Muscle Sholes Memorial Park offers recreational opportunities for visitors and locals in Glade Spring. The park provides a peaceful setting for outdoor activities and community gatherings. Families particularly enjoy the open spaces and facilities available for public use.
3. TSCA Art Studio and Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
TSCA Art Studio and Gallery showcases the work of local artists in the Glade Spring area. Visitors can browse and purchase unique artwork while supporting the local creative community. The gallery regularly features new exhibitions and artistic events throughout the year.
4. Glade Spring Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Glade Spring Farmers Market offers visitors and locals access to fresh, locally-grown produce and handcrafted goods. The market serves as a community gathering spot where people can connect with local farmers and artisans. Shoppers can enjoy seasonal offerings while supporting the local agricultural economy.
5. Town Square Center for the Arts
CULTURAL COMMUNITY HUB
The Town Square Center for the Arts functions as a cultural hub in the heart of Glade Spring. The center hosts various artistic events, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can experience the creative spirit of the community through the diverse programming offered at this venue.
6. The Salt Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATH
The Salt Trail provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding near Glade Spring. The trail offers scenic views and connects to the broader network of outdoor recreational paths in the region. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the trail for its accessibility and natural beauty.
7. Virginia Creeper Trail
FAMOUS RAIL TRAIL
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a renowned 34-mile rail trail that passes near Glade Spring and through Damascus. Cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers flock to this scenic trail that winds through the beautiful countryside and forests of southwestern Virginia. The trail features historic trestles and offers shuttle services that allow visitors to enjoy downhill rides from Whitetop Mountain.
8. Damascus Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Damascus Brewery offers craft beer enthusiasts a taste of locally-brewed specialties near Glade Spring. The brewery provides a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can sample various beer styles after a day of outdoor adventures. Many travelers make this a refreshing stop after exploring the Virginia Creeper Trail or Appalachian Trail.
9. Barter Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS
The Barter Theatre is one of the nation's oldest professional theaters, located in nearby Abingdon and easily accessible from Glade Spring. Founded during the Great Depression, the theater got its name because patrons could barter food for admission tickets. Today, it continues to offer high-quality theatrical performances year-round, drawing visitors from across the region.
10. William King Museum of Art
REGIONAL ART COLLECTION
The William King Museum of Art showcases contemporary art, cultural heritage, and educational programs in Abingdon, a short drive from Glade Spring. The museum is housed in a historic building that once served as a school, providing an appropriate backdrop for its cultural mission. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions featuring both regional and international artists.
11. Backbone Rock
NATURAL TUNNEL FORMATION
Backbone Rock is a unique natural formation where a tunnel was carved through solid rock to accommodate a railroad, now transformed into a scenic highway passage. Located near Damascus and accessible from Glade Spring, this geological wonder is often called the 'Shortest Tunnel in the World.' The surrounding area offers camping, picnicking, and fishing opportunities in a picturesque setting.
12. Beartree Campground & Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Beartree Campground & Lake provides a serene outdoor getaway near Damascus, just a short drive from Glade Spring. The recreation area features a beautiful mountain lake for swimming and fishing, surrounded by forested hiking trails. Campers enjoy the cool climate at this higher elevation site, making it particularly popular during summer months.
13. Hidden Valley Lake
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR
Hidden Valley Lake offers a peaceful mountain reservoir experience near Abingdon and accessible from Glade Spring. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation away from larger, more crowded water destinations. Surrounded by natural beauty, this hidden gem lives up to its name by providing a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
14. South Holston Lake
PREMIER WATER RECREATION
South Holston Lake is a massive 7,580-acre reservoir straddling the Virginia-Tennessee border, offering extensive water recreation opportunities near Glade Spring. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for bass and trout, attracting anglers from across the region. Boaters, swimmers, and campers also flock to this scenic destination for its clear waters and beautiful mountain surroundings.
15. Surber and Sons Hardware
HISTORIC LOCAL SHOP
Surber and Sons Hardware is a traditional local hardware store that has served the Glade Spring community for generations. Beyond providing practical goods, the store represents the small-town charm and personalized service that characterizes the region. Visitors appreciate the authentic shopping experience that stands in contrast to modern big-box retailers.