Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center
The history-rich town of Abingdon, Virginia is just three miles from the lovely conference grounds where Road Scholar participants are lodged on 75 acres of lush meadows and rolling hills. Abingdon was named after the ancestral home of Martha Washington. The town is a Virginia Historic Landmark and its 20-square-block Historic District includes the Barter Theatre, which was founded in 1933 and is the State Theatre of Virginia. Abingdon is also known for the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 35-mile multi-purpose rail trail that passes through the National Forest and the Appalachian Trail. Road Scholars absorb the region’s history, culture and natural beauty while hiking, biking, singing choral music and more in this bucolic spot in southwest Virginia.
This lovely conference center is set on 75 acres of lush meadows, rolling hills and woodlands in southwest Virginia and accommodates up to 45 people in hotel-style rooms with a private bath and air-conditioning. Its picturesque grounds include a gazebo alongside a small pond stocked with trout and frequented by geese and ducks. The dining hall features healthy, delicious food with a southwest Virginia flair.
The expansive natural setting offers trails and open areas for casual strolling. There is a basketball court and a recreational field for volleyball. A spring-fed pond is stocked with trout and fishing poles are available upon request. Picnic tables at an outdoor pavilion are great for socializing. A campfire circle is available for nighttime get-togethers. In the lobby of the conference center, couches and tables allow Road Scholars to gather for puzzles and board games, or simply to read a good book.
- Afternoon yoga offered 1-2 days a week; other days will have an alternate morning activity.
- No TVs in rooms; there is a TV in a common area.
- Alcohol is permitted on campus.
- Wireless Internet available.
- Housekeeping once a week.
This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our Retreat programs offer a tranquil respite from daily life in locales that lend themselves to outdoor exploration, reflection, or study. The accommodations may be basic in nature, but the facilities offer communal spaces to gather and to relax. During the week, opportunities usually exist for some combination of light exercise, a locally sourced meal, or evening entertainment.