Why Everyone In Virginia Should Visit This One Small Town
We’ve talked a lot about small towns here at Only in Virginia. We’ve given you lists of some of our favorites, and you, in turn, have given us lists of yours. We’ve talked about small towns that offer big attractions, small towns that hold immense history, and many of the reasons we love living in or being from a small town.
But we found one that just seems to have it all, right in the heart of Southwest Virginia. From some of our state’s earliest history to world-class entertainment, Abingdon is a unique small town in Virginia that packs more than you could imagine into a town of barely 8,000 people.
Here are some of the things that make Abingdon so special:
A fascinating backstory…
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Rich with history, Abingdon was the long-time home of indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee Nation. By the mid-18th century, it had been explored by the likes of William Byrd and Daniel Boone. In fact, Daniel Boone first named Abingdon "Wolf Hills" after his dogs were attacked by a pack of wolves during a hunting expedition in 1760.
In 1774, The area was renamed Black's Fort when Joseph Black built a fortress for local settlers to hide from Cherokees who had allied with the British during the Revolutionary War.
As the newly named seat of Washington County, Black's Fort became a town in 1778 and was renamed Abingdon after Martha Washington's ancestral home in Oxfordshire, England. Today, Abingdon is a designated Virginia Main Street community with an historic downtown that is home to a thriving arts and culture scene.
In 1780, during the height of the Revolutionary War, 400 volunteers, known as the Overmountain Men, gathered at Abingdon's Muster Grounds to begin their journey to King's Mountain in South Carolina. With the help of other militia groups, they defeated the British at the Battle of King's Mountain and turned the tide of the war for America's independence.
Today, the Muster Grounds serve as one of the leading sources for Colonial "Backcountry" history during the Revolutionary Period. Visitors can experience what life would have been like for these early pioneers, including the Overmountain Men, as well as "Backcountry" women, African-Americans and Native Americans.
Follow generations of the Hagy Family at Fairview Historic Homestead. The Hagys were German immigrants who settled in Washington County in the 1800s. At this beautifully preserved homestead, you can see what life was like in 19th-century Southwest Virginia with agricultural, domestic and educational demonstrations.
As one of the only water-powered mills in Southwest Virginia, this 150-year old mill offers a look at the role of grist mill in pioneer life. Not only did it serve as a source of meal and flour, it was also a gathering place for local farmers to hear and exchange news. White's Mill remains in working condition and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since it opened its doors in 1933, The Barter Theatre has been an ongoing source of incredible stage talent, making it one of the longest-running professional theatres in the country and one of the only year-round professional resident repertory theatres left. Founded during the Great Depression, patrons could cover the 40-cents admission with a barter of vegetables, dairy or livestock – hence the name “Barter Theatre.” Many famous actors have come through the Barter, including Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ned Beatty, Larry Linville, Wayne Knight and many others. Stage productions can be seen year-round at the Main Stage or in the Barter II, a smaller theatre just across from the main building.
See local and regional artists at The Arts Depot, a non-profit, community-based gallery in downtown Abingdon. With three exclusive galleries, year-round shows and competitions, a wide range of media and 7 resident artists, the Arts Depot highlights the beauty, creativity and passion of Southwest Virginia.
For more than 60 years, the Virginia Highlands Festival has showcased the true spirit of the region through arts and crafts, history, music, performing arts and so much more. The festival is held every summer in Abingdon's Historic District and surrounding areas. To learn about the next show, visit Virginia Highlands Festival.
At Heartwood Artisan Gateway in Abingdon, you can shop for local juried crafts and instruments, hear old time, bluegrass and gospel music, meet artisans and musicians and enjoy local foods and fine dining. Heartwood is also a major stop on the Crooked Road, a 300-mile journey that takes you to different venues throughout the Appalachians Mountains for some of the best traditional country, folk and bluegrass music anywhere in the world.
Built in 1832 as a private residence, The Martha Washington Inn went on to serve as a women’s college, a Civil War hospital and eventually a lodging house for actors from the nearby Barter Theater. Over the years, “The Martha” has hosted guests such as Eleanor Roosevelt, President Harry Truman, Lady Bird Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Elizabeth Taylor. And of course, like any good historic hotel, especially one that served as a Civil War hospital, wonderfully eerie ghost stories are plentiful.
Built in 1779, The Tavern has a history as interesting and rich as its food. As Abingdon’s oldest historic building, The Tavern was originally a tavern and stagecoach inn, but has since served as a bank, bakery, general store, cabinet shop, barber shop, private residence, post office, antique shop and restaurant, as well as a Civil War hospital. Today, visitors can step back in time while enjoying a European-inspired menu in a beautifully preserved piece of history.
Named in homage to Daniel Boone's original name for Abingdon, Wolf Hill Brewery offers award-winning craft beers made on-site using time-honored brewing techniques. Located in historic downtown, Wolf Hill features year-round favorites, seasonal brews and special release beers on tap with live music and local food trucks.
For 34 miles, the Virginia Creeper Trail takes you through some of the most beautiful landscape Virginia has to offer. With the trailhead in Abingdon, this multi-use trail is considered Virginia’s premier mountain biking trail with sections to fit any skill level.
However you choose to enjoy the beauty of Abingdon, just be sure to get outside and explore. From trails to fishing to lakes, rivers and parks, there is an abundance of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered.
And just so you know, we’re not the only ones that LOVE Abingdon…
Perhaps at this point, it's no surprise to learn that Abingdon is listed as #5 on CitiesJournal’s Top 14 Small Towns in Virginia, #5 on Frommer’s Top Small Towns and Villages in Virginia and #2 on USA Today’s list of Best Southern Small Towns.
Have you spent time in Abingdon? Tell us about your experience! Better yet, we would like to hear any small towns you know of that offer a special feature, unique history or that are just worth a visit! Let us know in the comments below or nominate it for a chance to be featured.
And if you really want to see some of Virginia’s most charming small towns, check out our previous article where we highlight some of our favorites!
Address: Abingdon, VA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Small Town In Virginia
May 07, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the best things about living in Virginia?
With world-class education systems, a healthy economy with excellent job opportunities and a range of beautiful landscapes, Virginia is a great place to put down your roots. Our state’s highly rated schools give parents plenty of options for their kids’ education, starting at the grade level. Virginia’s unemployment rate ranks below the national average and boasts a hearty job market in a number of diverse career fields making it attractive for job-seekers. However, many Virginians will tell you the best thing about living here is our gorgeous natural surroundings. Our thousands of miles of coastlines, lush rolling hills, and sweeping mountain views offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
What is the most unique town in Virginia?
Charming small towns can be found all across Virginia, each offering its own regional cultures and experiences. Nestled in the Piedmont River Valley is the quaint town of Culpeper, an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway with plenty of unique amenities. Strolling through the beautifully preserved historic downtown district, visitors will find excellent shopping opportunities, incredible restaurants, and gourmet shops, and friendly locals eager to suggest their favorite spots. This slow-paced town has also become a popular destination for food lovers across the East Coast and its centuries-old agricultural heritage is reflected in a thriving farm-to-table culture. You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate the exciting range of local eateries!
What are the best local attractions in Virginia?
Unforgettable attractions and one-of-a-kind activities can be found in every region of Virginia, from touring significant historical sites to experiencing our stunning natural recreation areas. Our state is steeped in a rich history that dates back to the early 1600s, making Virginia a fascinating region for history buffs. One of the most popular destinations is Colonial Williamsburg where visitors are immersed in recreations of life during the American Revolution era. For outdoor enthusiasts, Virginia’s breathtaking terrain offers plenty of opportunities to get back to nature, and the Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit. The park’s vast network of trails affords hikers access to explore the unparalleled beauty of the region’s waterfalls, rugged peaks, and wetlands.
Address: Abingdon, VA, USA
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Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
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