Ancient legend holds that a vision warned Native American to stay away from the patch of land that is now Abingdon. According to myth, the Great Spirit forbade the Cherokee nation to the south and the Shawnee to the north from inhabiting the lush land because life would be too easy and the inhabitants would become corrupt.

Although the prediction of mass corruption never panned out, the Great Spirit’s premonition wasn’t completely off the mark.

Over two dozen guest houses, cottages, and bed and breakfasts insure that the spirit of the easy life envisioned long ago is fully visible in Abingdon today.

The variety of accommodations gives visitors plenty of choices. From log cabins on the Creeper Trail to restored historic bed and breakfasts in the shade of the city’s most famous attractions, each dwelling has its own personality and allure. 

One favorite is the Victoria and Albert Inn. The bed and breakfast is nestled a block from Main Street and is fully restored to resemble an English home at the turn of the twentieth century.

The three story home’s five guest rooms add a touch of English sophistication to Abingdon’s post-colonial charm.

Owner Hazel Ramos-Cano’s goal is to give every lodger the personal attention and pampering expected at a luxury hotel in a setting that looks and feels like home.

Each room comes equipped with a working fireplace, closet, telephone, VCR, cd player, and television.

A full sized private bathroom is adjoined to each room, with a two person whirlpool tub available in four rooms.  Towels and bathrobes are also provided.

A large front porch and two decks overlooking the backyard and garden give guests a place to visit with each other or enjoy a book. Visitors in the winter can huddle around any of the nine fireplaces or relax in either of the house’s two sitting rooms.

A full breakfast is prepared every morning by Ramos-Cano, who works as the executive chef at Wither’s Hardware restaurant in Abingdon when she’s not tending to the inn.

Whether a carbohydrate loaded meal for a couple preparing to hike the Creeper Trail or a primer on southern food for visitors from New York, Ramos-Cano prepares each breakfast with her customers in mind.

Nightly rates range from $125 to $165, depending on the room.