One Of The Oldest Restaurants In Southern Virginia, The Tavern Just Gets Better Each Year
Dining has been such an important staple of life in Virginia since the dawn of time. And it’s truly impressive to see the number of historic restaurants that are still open today. One prime example is the Tavern in Abingdon. To start, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in southern Virginia. Moreover, the food they serve today continues to be impressive in its own right. Come for the history; stay for the out-of-this-world menu.
Welcome to The Tavern! Founded in 1799, this historic landmark holds an important key to the past. Upon your arrival, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time over 200 years.
The Tavern has seen its fair share of famous guests over the course of its history. In fact, the King of France at one point graced the halls of this landmark!
Another fascinating tidbit of history is that the first post office on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains was established inside The Tavern. You can still see the original mail slot from the street.
The Tavern hasn’t always been the restaurant you see today, though. Over its lifetime, it has served as a bakery, bank, general store, barbershop, private home, and even a temporary hospital during the Civil War.
By 1984, The Tavern was restored to how it might have looked in its heyday. Visit today and you can look forward to classic Virginia hospitality with tons of delicious food. In fact, the current owner is of German heritage, bringing a lot of international flavors to the menu.
Have you ever been to The Tavern in Abingdon, Virginia? What was your experience there like? We’d love to hear from you – feel free to leave us a comment below! For more information, you can visit The Tavern online.
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
