With over 200 individual events, the whole family will find something to explore at the Virginia Highlands Festival. Uncover treasures at the Antiques & Vintage Market and shop for unique handcrafted items with our Arts & Crafts exhibitors. Join us for an Outdoor excursion at Hungry Mother State Park and take a walking tour of a local vineyard. Learn all about Appalachian food and history from experts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Cap it all off with amazing music and dance the night away!
Culinary Arts & Traditions has quickly become a fundamental tenet for The Virginia Highlands Festival, and this year's events are broader in every sense of the word.
Having been voted USA Today’s Best Small Town Food Scene for 4 years in a row, Abingdon, Virginia has grown to be a culinary destination. Deservedly so, considering that this small town of 8,000 touts more than 30 incredible independently owned restaurants and eateries.
In the last 5 years, “Table Talk” and “Appalachian Supper: Broadening the Story,” have become the official kick-off events for the Virginia Highlands Festival. It’s a great way to start your visit to Abingdon and for locals to celebrate local cuisine while learning from national and local culinary experts.
Two-day tickets holders to this remarkable event line-up receive an exclusive gift bag with Chef Zimmern’s spice mix, a copy of moderator Elizabeth Sims “Tupelo Honey Café: New Southern Flavors from the Blue Ridge Mountains” and the Festival tea blend from Lori Briscoe at Appalachian Teas and Botanicals containing ginseng leaf, goldenrod, rose petals and oolong tea.
- Table Talk: Broadening the Story
July 19 7:30pm
$50 tickets available at Barter Theatre or
Call: 276-628-3992 or visit: bartertheatre.com - Appalachian Supper
July 20 6:15-8:30pm
Tickets SOLD OUT - Abingdon Farmers' Market
July 22, 29 8am-noon and July 25 3-6pm
Free - Kitchen Tour presented by Berry Home Centers
July 22 1-5pm
$40 - Tour: Abingdon Vineyards
July 22 10am-noon
$10 - Coffee Tasting: Wolf Hills Coffee
July 24, 26, 28: 10-11am, 2-3pm
$10 at site - Benefits of Mushrooms: How to Cultivate at Home
from Adam Goodson of Pick N Grin Farms
July 24 3-4pm
$5 - Local Hard Cider Tasting: Tumbling Creek Taproom
July 24-26: 4-5pm, 6-7pm
$5 at site
- Microgreens Growing Workshop: Walter Groux from
Natures Edge Farm
July 25 1-4pm
$35 (includes triple shipper kit)
- Farm Tour: Tumbling Creek Orchards, Hops & Cider Barn
July 25 and 28 3-5pm
Free - Tour: Appalachian Heritage Distillery
July 26 4:00-5:30pm
$2 off cocktails when you mention the festival - Tour: Nicewonder Vineyards
July 26 3-5pm
Free - Tea Blending Experience with Lori Briscoe of Appalachain Teas and Botanicals
July 27 6-7pm
$25 - Field and Forest Excursion w/Lori Briscoe, Appalachian Teas & Botanicals
July 29 9:00-10:30am
$15
While the Appalachian Supper on Saturday, July 20 is sold out, but tickets can still be purchased for the remaining events here.
Seating remains for Table Talk on 7/19 at Barter Theatre Gilliam Stage featuring TV Personality & Chef, Andrew Zimmern, Chef Travis Milton of Hickory Fine Dining, Sommelier Charlie Berg of Summers Roof and Cellar, Lori Briscoe of Appalachian Teas & Botanicals, and Elizabeth Sims, former president of the Southern Foodways Alliance, and author of Tupelo Honey cookbooks.
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Escape to the Monticello Wine Trail of Virginia Wine Country in Albemarle County and plot your visit to 21 award-winning wineries.
