Martha W Inn and Creeper Trail can't be beat

Staying at the Martha Washington Inn in Abbingdon Va. is a treat in itself, but adding on the Virginia Creeper Trail with it,  CAN'T be beat.    The Martha Washington Inn was generous to help support FS Regional Hope Center w/ an auction donation this summer, so I told the manager I'd put out an email to see if some of my Fit and Fun Friends would like to join me for a stay at the Inn w/ some bike riding on the Creeper Trail.  Day one the ladies and bud Jerry Owens (long time family friend and photog WBIR) set out from the Inn and rode bikes (or drove car) to Abbingdon Winery.  It is close to Avelerado which is on the trail and winery half mile off the trail.  It was lovely spot with some cute gifts and wine tasting.  It was only about 85 miles from the Martha to the winery so a nice 19 mile ride and rolling hills not too bad.  Day 2 most of the ladies (some did walking tour of Abbingdon) and Jerry and hiking buddy Carl who drove in that morning, heading to the trail to ride again.  Some of the ladies drove to Damascus and got a shuttle to top, you can also get a shuttle at Abbingdon Bike store next to trailhead.   So some of us ended up going all the way to Damascus on the lower half which is up and down and over beautitful farm land and woods.   The 2nd half from Damascus to Taylors Landing is flat then uphill but not too steep.   We often stop at Taylors landing across the water and bridge to eat at Cafe where we enjoy beans cornbread etc  From that spot to the top gets a little steeper but we saw more color already popping out.  On the way down we stopped off at Damascus at cute roadside cafe that has pastries, sandwiches and ice cream.  (good thing we biked so much) Then some of us still had the 17 miles to go back thru Alverado (open on weekends) which now has a nice new restroom area etc.  Then we finally arrived back at The Martha at 5 pm   So we did a 9-5 day of biking.  You don't have to bike that much to enjoy the Creeper Trail or area.  The AT crosses the Creeper trail 3 times and so there are lots of great hikes close by as well.  And if you get the chance to stay at the historic Martha Washington Inn (Barter Theatre across the street) you should. Every room full of history and beautifully furnished.  Some ladies enjoyed the spa and hot tub pool area too which was thoroughly enjoyed.   Ask them for group rates especially if you are willing to go midweek.  And the Creeper trail is popular but less traffic (bike, foot, horse) on the weekdays. www.marthawashingtoninn.com  www.virginiacreeper.com