The One Virginia Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
When one reaches the southwestern edge of Virginia, one will find many prominent and historically significant communities, all packed around Bristol. Some come here for the Appalachian Highlands and others for the summits of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing an attractive backdrop for the commonwealth. While here, take the time to see the small town of Abingdon, where the frontier travel via the Great Wagon Road still seems a prominent component of the architecture and the community’s layout. This nod to the past is one of the many reasons to check out this town at least once.
A Frontier Crossroads
Abingdon derives much of its significance for history buffs worldwide from its role as a strategic meeting point. Long before today's interstates, it gathered frontier leaders and housed the Muster Grounds, a key piece of Revolutionary War history. The Muster Grounds served as the training and formation point of the pivotal Overmountain Men. The downtown area still reads with 19th‑century brick storefronts and well‑kept houses, giving the town a visual continuity that roots its 18th‑century origins in the present landscape rather than letting them fade in new development.
A Commercial Scene Built on Independence
Instead of giving way to national chains, Abingdon has fostered an economy driven by independent retailers. In a way, even the newer small businesses here are built with respect for Abingdon's history and slow pace, such as The Book Cellar. While it has only been open since 2023, it has become a place for old books to find new homes and has become recognized throughout the region for Appalachian literature and regional history. It often hosts author signings that draw visitors from the Southeast.
That regional focus is furthered by the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace, which is a facility dedicated to showcasing the workmanship of the Appalachian Highlands: handcrafted instruments, textiles, and woodwork, helping secure Abingdon as a linchpin of Washington County in the commonwealth. Stopping in here offers a wide range of handcrafted gifts that one won't find anywhere else.
Culinary Roots and Regional Flavors
Abingdon’s food culture reflects its independence and a preference for local sourcing. The Tavern, located in the historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa, is one of the town’s most historic dining rooms. The structure itself has had several former lives, including as a women’s college and a Civil War hospital, and its cuisine pays homage to those heritage influences, reflecting its Appalachian and Southern roots.
However, for those who prefer new ideas for preparing regional cuisine, Jack's 128 Pecan offers contemporary Southern cuisine in a renovated downtown area, blending regional ingredients in bold new ways. A good example of this is the unexpectedly popular options served daily, like the jalapeno hush puppies or chili-rubbed salmon.
Cultural Infrastructure and Shared Traditions
Abingdon has cultural significance, with many arts-centered locations in and around the bustling downtown, though much of it stems from the Barter Theatre. Known as the State Theatre of Virginia, this venue was established in 1933, and its unique decision to accept fruits and vegetables in exchange for tickets during the Great Depression is an important part of its legacy. Alongside this theatre lies the William King Museum of Art, yet another testament to Abingdon’s relentless preservation of regional culture through art.
A Strategic Base for Nearby Towns
Abingdon’s location makes it a logical starting point for exploring the wider treasures of Southwest Virginia. It sits less than 15 miles from Bristol, the city straddling the Virginia-Tennessee border, home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Bristol is also well known for its NASCAR motor speedway, and on weekends when the stock cars hit this city, the experience is felt even in Abingdon with the influx of travelers and fans.
To the south lies Damascus, often called “Trail Town, USA,” which serves as the primary access point to the Virginia Creeper Trail. Damascus is also home to one of the region’s most celebrated hiking and outdoor-adventure festivals, the Trail Days Festival. This happens every May, and with the close distance of only 14 miles from Abingdon, it can easily become a part of a trip’s itinerary for those planning to show up in the spring.
To the east, the town of Marion offers the historic Lincoln Theatre, a beautifully restored 1929 movie palace. Beyond this historical site, find another relic from the past that is hard to come by in the country these days: a drive-in movie theater. Offering a selection of new releases throughout the warm season, the Park Place Drive In, is also home to an ice cream parlor and a miniature golf course.
See Abingdon At Least Once
Abingdon is a town everyone should take the time to visit because of its big-city feel without the look or population to match. It is perfectly placed within easy access to Bristol and Damascus, helping explore this southern region of the commonwealth in a way that dives headfirst into history and entertainment in equal measure. Its scenery, like the Appalachian hills and the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes it a haven for those looking to commune with nature and experience the outdoors in a climate that is pleasant most of the year. When looking for the next place to get away, start in one of the most unassuming places in the state: Abingdon.
