Airports, Aviation, And Travel

Abingdon may feel like a place designed for slowing down, taking a breath, and enjoying the kind of peace most people only find on vacation. Once you settle in, you may not feel much reason to leave. But for those who love to travel, visit family, or explore new places, the region makes it incredibly easy to come and go. Whether you're flying for business, planning a weekend escape, or welcoming visitors, Old South sits in a corridor where air travel, regional destinations, and scenic drives all come together in a way that’s practical, comfortable, and refreshingly uncomplicated.

Tri-Cities Regional Airport Tri-Cities Regional Airport, located in Blountville, Tennessee, is the primary commercial airport for Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. It’s an easy, stress-free drive from Abingdon, usually taking about 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows I-81, making the trip straightforward even for those unfamiliar with the region. The airport is known for its clean facilities, friendly staff, short security lines, and smooth check-in experience. For many locals, it’s the preferred alternative to larger, more congested airports because travel days feel lighter and more predictable. Tri-Cities offers flights through major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant. Travelers can connect to major hubs such as Charlotte, Atlanta, and Dallas, giving residents access to destinations across the country with minimal hassle. For leisure travel, Allegiant offers low-cost, direct flights to several warm-weather and vacation destinations, which families appreciate for quick getaways without long drives. For newcomers to the area, it’s often surprising how easy air travel becomes here. No long airport parking walks, no hour-long TSA lines, no sprinting between terminals. Tri-Cities has the feel of a regional airport that respects your time and starts the trip on the right foot.

Abingdon’s Virginia Highlands Airport is only minutes from Old South and offers a convenient option for private pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and professionals who prefer general aviation. The airport has a 4,700 foot runway along with hangar space, maintenance services, and fueling. It is used by student pilots, recreational flyers, and business travelers who appreciate quick, efficient access without the stress of a large commercial terminal.

For ground travel, Abingdon’s Enterprise Rent A Car location provides a dependable option for residents and visitors who need temporary transportation. It is useful for connecting to and from Tri Cities Regional Airport, planning weekend trips, or hosting guests.

Regional Travel & Nearby Destinations Old South sits along Interstate I-81, one of the most scenic and accessible stretches of highway in the region. The interstate makes day trips, weekend escapes, and seasonal adventures incredibly easy.

Abingdon is only about an hour from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, placing the Great Smoky Mountains practically in your backyard. Families enjoy easy access to Dollywood, shopping, mountain trails, scenic overlooks, and the countless attractions that draw visitors from around the world. To the east, Boone, North Carolina is close enough for spontaneous day trips and winter weekends. Boone’s ski resorts—Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain offer skiing, snowboarding, tubing parks, and cozy seasonal experiences that locals look forward to each year. When you’re finished exploring, the drive home is quiet, beautiful, and refreshingly simple.

You can catch a flight without stress, store your plane minutes from home, rent a car on short notice, or hop onto the interstate and be in the Smokies, Boone, Bristol, or Asheville in no time. Whether you're relocating for work, retiring to a quieter place, or building a family home in Old South, the region’s travel access makes life feel open, connected, and flexible.