As this magazine turns 25, two entities in Abingdon, Va., are turning a lot older than that:
• The Barter Theatre, opened in 1933 to help starving actors, is, at 80, one of the longest running professional theaters in the nation. Founder Robert Porterfield’s idea to have patrons pay with produce has grown into a year-round operation, with well-known alumni like Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine and Kevin Spacey. Shows this season include “Little Women,” “Les Miserables,” “Southern Fried Funeral” and many others. For more information: bartertheatre.com; 276-628-3991.
• The Virginia Highlands Festival, this year running August 2-11, celebrates its 65th year with an antiques market, award-winning juried arts and crafts show, live music, historical re-enactments, fine art and photography competitions, home and garden tours, guided nature hikes and numerous activities for kids.
For more information:
vahighlandsfestival.org; 276-623-5266.
