15 Best Things To Do In Damascus, Virginia

All things converge in Damascus, a tiny town in southwest Virginia with a population of fewer than 800 people but an annual visitor count that averages around 300,000. The otherwise obscure town can credit its popularity to the many hiking and biking trails that run through it. Seven nationally known trails intersect with Damascus, including the Appalachian Trail (which runs directly through Town Park and along Main Street) and the Virginia Creeper Trail (which bisects town two blocks South). Other trails include the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, Crooked Road, Boone Trail Highway, the TransAmerican Bike Route, the TransVirginia Bike Route, the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route, and the Iron Mountain Trail.

But Damascus is more than just a pass-through town or a stop along the way. The charming pocket of Virginia is known as the Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail, and that trademark hospitality is extended to visitors of all types. The town’s picturesque setting in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains with rolling green hills and sunny blue skies is also universally adored, and there's a reason to visit anytime of year. Plan a trip for fall for colorful foliage, winter for smaller crowds and cheaper room rates, and spring and summer for biking and hiking, though trails are accessible year-round. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Damascus.

What To Do In Damascus, Virginia

Bike The Virginia Creeper Trail

The outdoors are, of course, the big draw in Damascus, but even if you’re not lacing up your boots to hike a portion of the AT, Damascus offers plenty of other ways to explore the natural world. While you’re in town, you must spend time biking part of the Virginia Creeper Trail. One of the town’s seven outfitters will shuttle you 17 miles to Whitestop Station and outfit you with a bike to make the return journey along the scenic and beginner-friendly trail. With a wide, flat path and gorgeous views all around, this stretch of the trail through Jefferson National Forest is a wonderful activity to do with the entire family.

vacreepertrail.org, 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA 24210

Explore Recreation Areas

Other outdoor adventures to be discovered in and around Damascus include swimming in Beaverdam Creek at the Backbone Rock Recreation Area or in the lake at Beartree Lake Recreation Area. Visitors will also find fishing, rappelling, and hiking opportunities, as well as tent and RV campsites.

fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=34934, Shady Valley, TN 37688

fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73579, 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA 24236

Catch Fish

Fishermen will find a place to cast a line too. Go trout fishing in the streams of Whitetop Laurel Creek with 7 miles of stocked trout waters. In the South Fork of the Holston River, choose from two special regulation trout fishing sections stocked with rainbow and brown trout.

dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/whitetop-laurel

dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/holston-river-south-fork

Stop At Scenic Lookout Points

Seek out lookout points by driving or hiking to the top of Mount Rogers, Whitetop Mountain, or Wilburn Ridge at Grayson Highlands State Park. A bonus of visiting Grayson Highlands is a 360-degree view and getting the chance to observe the park’s majestic wild ponies. Just be sure to keep your distance so as not to disturb their natural habitat!

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands, 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363

Celebrate The Appalachian Trail

If you’re plotting a trip for the spring or early summer, consider planning to visit during Appalachian Trail Days Festival, the town’s yearly celebration of the Appalachian Trail and hiker culture. In addition to being a massive reunion for all previous AT hikers, the event is also a family-friendly, free-to-the-public gathering that includes lectures, workshops, vendor markets, parades, food, live music, and more.

visitdamascus.org/traildays.html, 1011 South Shady Avenue, Damascus VA 24236

Appreciate Summer

Summer perks include the Damascus Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings from May to October in Laurel Creek Park. Look for seasonal produce, baked goods, eggs, meats, and crafts. Cool off from the heat with access to Damascus’s town swimming pool for just $5 a person.

visitdamascus.org/farmersmarket.html, 127 West Imboden Street, Damascus, VA 24236

damascus.org/swimming-pool.html, 399 Trestle Street, Damascus, VA 24236v

Where To Eat In Damascus, Virginia

Enjoy A Homemade Meal At Damascus Diner

If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long day of outdoor activity (or need a place to fuel up before you set out), there are dozens of great places within Damascus’s charming downtown to grab a great meal. The Damascus Diner, open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (minus dinner on Sundays), is the place to go for a delicious, homemade dishes at affordable prices. A stick-to-your-ribs breakfast like The Bear Tree (three biscuits with a choice of breakfast meat, plus country fried potatoes or hashbrown casserole) will only set you back $8. At dinner, a meatloaf sandwich costs just $5 and a hamburger steak plate with three veggies and bread is only $11.

dragonflyinns.com/damascus-diner, 109 South Shady Avenue, Damascus, VA 24236

Get Coffee And Lunch To Go

If you’re eager to get your day started and don’t have time for a sit-down meal, try Main Street Sweets & Eats for a strong cup of joe and fresh-baked pastry. The local spot also offers specialty sandwiches, so you can properly prepare for a picnic lunch later.

facebook.com/msccdamascus, 124 East Laurel Avenue, Damascus, VA 24236

Sit Back At Wicked Chicken Winghouse And Tavern

Located along the Virginia Creeper Trail, Wicked Chicken Winghouse and Tavern is the kind of place you want to go to reward yourself after a full day of physical activity. The laidback restaurant is known for its legendary hot wings. With four dining rooms and frequent live music on the front desk, this is the place to go to celebrate. There are more than 30 sauces to try on your wings, and that’s not even counting the dry rub options. After your meal, stop into the adjoining ice cream shop for a scoop.

wickedchickenwinghouse.com, 409 Fritz Street, Damascus, VA 24236

Dine By The Waterfall At Old Mill Restaurant

One of the most iconic dining experiences in Damascus can be had at Old Mill Restaurant. Part of the Old Mill Inn, the restaurant overlooks a gorgeous waterfall cascading into Laurel Creek. With three outdoor decks, it’s not so hard to snag the best seat in the house for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We recommend stopping in early for happy hour (the bar features an extensive bourbon selection), then enjoying a leisurely meal that includes everything from salads and appetizers to dessert.

damascusinn.com/bar-and-dining/damascus-restaurant, 215 West Imboden Street, Damascus, VA 24236

Wine And Dine At Wilson's Cafe And Grill

Stop in for happy hour or settle in for a more upscale dinner at Wilson’s Cafe and Grill, a spot for locals and visitors. Get tried-and-true favorites with a creative spin—burgers, BBQ chicken, filet mignon, and shrimp and grits.

facebook.com/people/Wilsons-Cafe-and-Grill/61556708288995, 331 B Douglas Drive, Damascus, VA 24236

Quench Your Thirst

Just because Damascus is a small town doesn’t mean they’re low on dining options, and the same can be said for beverages. In fact, the town has both a local distillery and local brewery. Appalachian Heritage Distillery offers vodka, gin, bourbon, and rye in a variety of craft cocktails and mocktails. Meanwhile, The Damascus Brewery is home to a rotating catalogue of more than 60 different brewed-in-house beers.  

ahddamascus.com, 110 West Laurel Avenue, Damascus, VA 24236

thedamascusbrewery.com, 32173 Government Road, Damascus, VA 24236

Where To Stay In Damascus, Virginia

Stay In The Quaint Dragonfly Inn

If you’re spending a weekend (or longer) in Damascus, there are plenty of places to rest your head. From backcountry campsites to RV parks and hiker hostels, you’ll have your pick of rustic lodging option to suit your needs. However, if you’d like a stay that’s a lot more polished and trending towards luxurious, your options are just as vast. For a quaint stay with some of the most accommodating hosts you can find anywhere, book a room in the Dragonfly Inn. The charming inn is located in the center of town, and it’s also home to the beloved Damascus Diner. Your choice of breakfast from the diner is included in the price of your stay!

dragonflyinns.com, 125 East Laurel Avenue, Damascus 24236, VA

Make Room For Everyone At Damascus Cabins

If you’re seeking enough space for the entire family to all stay in one location, check out the cozy Damascus Cabins, which are situated on Laurel Creek. Equipped with a cozy living area, a full kitchen, and deck, the cabins provide the comforts of home.

damascuscabins.com, 127 Imboden Street, Damascus, VA, 24236

Book The Old Mill Inn

Those interested in a traditional inn or hotel stay should try to snag one of 17 rooms in The Old Mill Inn, a former grist mill that now serves as the town’s boutique hotel. Outdoor decks and private balconies overlook the old mill waterfall. Within walking distance to downtown, guests have easy access to restaurants and shops.

damascusinn.com, 215 West Imboden Street, Damascus, VA 24236