Nestled in the beautiful mountains of southwest Virginia is the charming town of Abingdon. With its historic downtown thriving arts scene, and abundance of outdoor recreation Abingdon offers visitors the perfect blend of small town charm and big city amenities. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Abingdon, including key facts, attractions, events and more!
A Brief History
The area that would become Abingdon was first settled in 1748 It was incorporated as a town in 1778 and named for Martha Washington’s ancestral home of Abingdon Parish in England, Abingdon grew into a major trading post along the Great Road linking the upper parts of Virginia to Tennessee and Kentucky
Notable events in Abingdon’s history include hosting the Muster Grounds for frontiersmen volunteering to fight in the War of 1812. During the Civil War, Abingdon was considered strategically important and changed hands between Union and Confederate forces several times. The arrival of the railroad in 1856 connected Abingdon to the rest of Virginia, helping it emerge as an economic, cultural and legal center of southwest Virginia.
Key Facts and Stats
- Population: Approximately 8,300
- Location: Washington County in southwest Virginia
- Distance from nearest cities:
- 150 miles from Knoxville, TN
- 180 miles from Charlotte, NC
- 300 miles from Washington, D.C.
- Altitude: 1,925 ft above sea level
Government
Abingdon has a Council-Manager form of government. The Town Council consists of 6 members who are each elected to 4-year terms. The Council appoints professional administrators including the Town Manager, Town Attorney, Municipal Court Judge and members of advisory boards and commissions.
The Town Council holds public meetings on the first Monday of each month at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. Residents are welcome to attend.
Town Services
Abingdon provides a full range of municipal services to residents and businesses including:
- Police, fire and rescue
- Water and sewer
- Trash collection
- Snow removal
- Road maintenance
- Parks, trails and recreation
- Planning, zoning, permitting
- Tourism promotion
Main Attractions
Here are some of the top attractions drawing over 160,000 visitors annually to Abingdon:
Historic Downtown Abingdon
The charming downtown features over 20 blocks of shops, restaurants and museums centered around quaint brick sidewalks and antique lamp posts. Notable buildings include the Martha Washington Inn, Fields Penn House, Tavern Restaurant and Heartwood Arts Center.
Virginia Creeper Trail
This 34-mile rail trail between Abingdon and Whitetop, VA provides scenic biking, hiking and horseback riding opportunities.
Barter Theatre
Opened in 1933, Barter Theatre is one of Abingdon’s oldest attractions. It puts on productions year-round in a historic theatre.
Heartwood Artisan Center
Located in a former grainery, Heartwood highlights traditional Appalachian crafts, foods and music. Visitors can watch demonstrations by local artisans.
Abingdon Farmers Market
Every Saturday from April to September, local farmers and vendors sell produce, baked goods, crafts and more at the Farmers Market in the town parking lot.
Annual Events
Some of Abingdon’s popular annual events include:
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Festival of Trees – Christmas kickoff with a tree lighting, parade, and home tours.
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Plumb Alley Day – Spring festival with Appalachian musicians, cloggers, arts & crafts.
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4th of July Celebration – Parade, live music, food trucks and fireworks.
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OcTObErFeSt – German food, craft beer, music and games.
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Abingdon Farm Fest – Celebrating local food, farms and agriculture.
Outdoor Recreation
Abingdon provides easy access to:
- Hiking – Abingdon Passage of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Fishing – South Holston River, Beaver Creek
- Boating – South Holston Lake
- Golf – Creeper Trail Golf Club, Holston Hills Country Club
- Tennis – Coomes Center
Nearby recreation areas include Hungry Mother State Park, Channels Natural Area Preserve and Grayson Highlands State Park.
Plan Your Visit
When planning a trip to Abingdon, visit VisitAbingdonVirginia.com and follow @TownofAbingdonVA on Facebook. Be sure to stop by the Abingdon Visitor Center when you arrive to pick up maps and brochures.
From breathtaking mountain views to fascinating history and cultural attractions, the town of Abingdon entices visitors year-round. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or extended Appalachian vacation.
Town of Abingdon – Welcome Video
FAQ
Why is Abingdon VA famous?
What is the crime rate in Abingdon Virginia?
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Violent
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Property
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Number of Crimes
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17
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127
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Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)
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2.04
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15.24
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What is the oldest building in Abingdon VA?
What is the personal property tax rate in Abingdon VA?
How did Abingdon become a town?
The Town of Abingdon was established by an act of the Assembly of Virginia in 1778. Two short years later, Abingdon played a role in helping the young nation gain its independence. Patriots from Virginia and North Carolina gathered at the Muster Grounds to begin a 300-mile march to Kings Mountain, South Carolina.
What is Abingdon Virginia known for?
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the town of Abingdon is known for its artsy vibe, historic charm, amazing food scene, and its proximity to some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation in the region. Plan your trip and learn why Abingdon was voted one of the Coolest Small Towns in America.
Where is Abingdon Virginia?
Abingdon is a town in Washington County, Virginia, United States, 133 miles (214 km) southwest of Roanoke. The population was 8,376 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Washington County.
Where is Abingdon located?
Abingdon is located at 36°42′35″N 81°58′32″W (36.709773, −81.975694). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.3 square miles (21.6 km 2), all land. The town is located in the Great Appalachian Valley, between the Middle Fork and the North Fork of the Holston River.
How do you describe Abingdon?
There are so many ways to describe Abingdon. Historic. Scenic. Charming. Artistic. Let’s sum it up by saying that Abingdon is a fun place to visit. The mountains surrounding the town beckon visitors to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular scenery.
How do I get to Abingdon Virginia?
You can find your way into downtown Abingdon from three different exits on I-81 or from several state routes including scenic routes 11 and 58. Abingdon is located just 15 miles the Virginia-Tennessee border in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It’s a quick, easy and totally worth it drive, from: Get directions to Abingdon