Griffin' s Crafts

01/26/2026

Set up a camping tent inside your warmest room - human bodies produce 330 BTU/hour each. 2-3 people in an enclosed tent can raise temperature 15-20°F warmer than the room. Add blankets OVER the tent for extra insulation.

This saved families during the 2021 Texas freeze. Your body becomes the heater. No power needed.

01/17/2026

Stella is a very blessed girl. Her x-rays did not reveal any fractures but a dislocated hip. Dr Hendley called in Dr Graham and together they will put her leg back into place. We are praying it holds into the socket well. If it does not Stella will be facing surgery within Dr Chamness in Jonesborough. But we have faith her leg will hold together ❤️.

Stella has been found! Unfortunately she was hit by a car this morning on hwy 67 and left in the middle of the busy road. Thankfully a family called us to pick her up, but even better .. while we were in route another family brought her to the rescue. What a community! She is heading over to VCA Highlands for treatment. We need your help as her family is helping all they can but this could potentially be a large bill. We do not know what we are looking it and we want to be able to say, "do what is needed."

01/13/2026

Missing
Harbin Hill Road
Mtn City, TN
(Not a shelter dog)

01/09/2025

Winter survival

12/03/2024

Due to current snowfall in some parts of Washington County, temperatures in the teens overnight, and predicted snowfall in the morning hours, WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delayed schedule on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Childcare will be provided for working parents at elementary schools. Should conditions worsen to warrant a Remote Learning Day, childcare will not be available. A decision to change from a 2 hour delayed schedule to Remote Learning will be made by 7:30 a.m.

11/11/2024

10/28/2024

CALLING ALL ACORNS 🐿️ Tennesseans are being encouraged to gather acorns this fall to aid in the restoration and growth of white oak trees. https://bit.ly/4eXCNZx

Photo: Virginia Dept. of Forestry

10/16/2024

After more than two weeks of work, roads in Damascus are passable, damages in houses are being repaired, and businesses are back in operation.

10/09/2024

We are pleased to announce the Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus.

Let’s reverse the ride! Bike outfitters are providing shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section while the assessment and restoration of the upper trail continues. The Virginia Creeper Trail remains closed under US Forest Service from Whitetop Station to Damascus; there is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time.

Bike through the valleys and rolling hills along the South Fork of the Holston River. The trail between Abingdon and Damascus is a gentle downhill grade suitable for beginners and families. Virginia's finest rail-trail, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, occupies the bed of what was once a rugged mountain railroad connecting the two towns. At its lowest elevation, the trail crosses South Holston Lake on a huge curving trestle.

Parking is available at the Abingdon trailhead, Watauga, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park. Please avoid using any of the blocked off street parking in downtown Damascus temporarily while recovery efforts are ongoing. Bathrooms are available across from Trestle 1 at the Abingdon trailhead, Alvarado Station, and in Damascus near the caboose.

For over 100 years the Virginia Creeper has been a vital connection between our communities. We are open for business and our trail communities need your continued support. Find lodging, restaurants, and shopping in both Abingdon and Damascus.

We are resilient.
We are rebuilding.
We are OPEN.

The Town of Abingdon and The Town of Damascus welcome you to Southwest Virginia!