A Charming Town In Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains Offers Great Food & A Cool Arts Scene

Nothing beats a mountain escape that serves up outdoor adventure, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. That's what you get in Abingdon, Virginia, a small town tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. An outdoor recreation lover's dream with art-filled walkable streets, Abingdon is recognized nationally for having one of the best small-town food scenes. This Appalachian gem will spoil your taste buds with everything from gourmet Southern cuisine to locally brewed craft cider.

Located off I-81 in Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is about a two-hour drive from Roanoke, Virginia, where you will find Amtrak rail service. If you are flying in, the closest airport is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), about 30 miles west of Abingdon. The historic downtown is compact and walkable, so you can explore local shops, theatres, and cafes without using a car. 

Founded in the 1700s along the pioneers' "Great Road," Abingdon played a key role in colonial times. It was not only a hub for trade, but also a mustering point for Revolutionary War troops who set off toward the King's Mountain battle in South Carolina, a turning point for America's victory. The town has preserved its colonial roots with well-kept architecture and historic sidewalks while infusing modernity through restaurants and thriving local businesses.

If you are an art lover, start your Abingdon visit with a trip to the William King Museum of Art, housed in a historic former school, which features rotating exhibits from contemporary to folk art, sculpture gardens, and cultural archives. Nearby is the Arts Depot, a train station turned gallery where local artists work and display their crafts. Also within walking distance, Holston Mountain Artisans and Antiques sells traditional Appalachian crafts and offers hands-on workshops. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace is also worth a stop for regional art, music, and culinary goods. At dusk, the award-winning Barter Theatre comes alive with performances ranging from musicals to dramas. If you visit Abingdon in June, you can participate in the historic tradition of bartering food for tickets during Barter Days. 

With more than 30 independently owned restaurants, the culinary scene in Abingdon is as creative and flavourful as any city. Start your day sipping craft coffee at The Girl & The Raven, where southern breakfast classics are served in a modern café. Want to taste local delicacies? Head to 128 Pecan, a local favourite where the pecan pie is legendary and the dishes showcase Appalachian charm. In the evening, step into The Tavern, housed in a 1779 building, for candlelit dinners, European-inspired dishes, and Revolutionary history. Even the cider scene is top-shelf in Abingdon, with Tumbling Creek Cider Company ensuring the cider reflects the region's orchard-rich heritage.

While Abingdon itself offers a captivating blend of arts, history, and incredible cuisine, its surroundings are bursting with beautiful natural scenery. The scenic Virginia Creeper Trail, a must-visit destination for avid hikers, is a 34-mile route that starts right in Abingdon, connecting the town to the mountain town of Damascus 15 miles away.. It leads into the mountains and is popular with cyclists as well. The trail offers a gentle downhill glide from Abingdon with views of forests, farmland, and restored trestles. A short drive from town, you will find more scenic adventures and cultural gems that are among the best in Southwest Virginia. The nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, less than 40 minutes from Abingdon, offers serene hikes, highland meadows, and wild ponies. 

If you're looking to extend your time in the region, Abingdon is the perfect launchpad for day trips and weekend detours. Take a 30-minute drive to Saltville, a charming small town in Virginia known for its unique salt marshes and wealth of Ice Age fossils. For wine lovers, the Abingdon Vineyards sits along the South Holston River an hour from downtown, where you can enjoy a wine tasting as you soak up the river views. You can also spend a day at South Holston Lake and the Holston River fishing and kayaking, or visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, just 20 minutes away from Abingdon.