Culture

At the heart of downtown Abingdon stands the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia and the longest-running professional Equity theatre in the nation. Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, founder Robert Porterfield welcomed audiences by allowing them to barter food for admission — a tradition that speaks to the community’s resourceful spirit and generous heart. Today the theatre draws more than 160,000 visitors each year with a season packed with plays, musicals, and special productions that celebrate everything from classic repertoires to contemporary Appalachian works. Its Gilliam Stage and intimate Smith Theatre spaces make live performance an experience that feels both grand and personal.

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is one of Abingdon’s most beloved landmarks, a place where history and hospitality blend into an experience that feels both refined and deeply comforting. Locals simply call it The Martha, and anyone who has stepped through its front doors knows there is something special about the way it welcomes people. Originally built in 1832, the property has been a family home, an upscale women’s college, a Civil War hospital, and now a full boutique hotel with an atmosphere that manages to feel elegant without losing the warmth of Southern tradition. Overnight guests enjoy uniquely designed rooms, each carrying its own character through antique furnishings, handcrafted details, and quiet touches that honor the building’s past. The front porch, lined with rocking chairs, has become one of the most iconic spots in Abingdon, perfect for watching the world move gently along Main Street. The spa at The Martha is a retreat within a retreat. Visitors come for therapeutic massages, facials, hydrotherapy, and specialty treatments that feel luxurious without being overstated. Many couples and bridal parties choose The Martha specifically for the spa experience, and locals often use it as a place to reset and recharge without traveling far. The indoor saltwater pool, inspired by European bathhouses, adds to the sense of calm and makes relaxation feel like an inherited part of the building’s heritage. Dining at Sisters American Grill, the inn’s signature restaurant, is another highlight. The menu features thoughtful interpretations of classic Southern dishes, seasonal ingredients, and a warm-but-polished style of service. It is the type of place where celebrations feel at home, but a quiet dinner on a weekday feels equally welcome. Guests often pair dinner with a show at Barter Theatre across the street, creating one of the most timeless Abingdon evenings you can experience.

Abingdon has built a food culture that feels genuine to the region yet diverse with fresh, modern dining options. Restaurants here take pride in thoughtful cooking, warm service, and a sense of community that makes dining out feel personal.

The Tavern on Main Street is one of the oldest restaurants in town, cherished for its rich history and classic American cooking in an atmosphere steeped with stories.

Rain Restaurant has become one of Abingdon’s most dependable favorites. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, and the menu reflects careful attention to seasonal ingredients. It’s a comfortable place for a date night, a family dinner, or a meal that feels a step above the everyday.

Abingdon’s specialty shops add another layer to the food scene. Katbird’s Wine & Gourmet curates cheeses, wines, and gourmet foods with real care. It’s an easy stop for building a charcuterie board, choosing a bottle for dinner, or finding something unique for a gathering. A short walk away, Abingdon Olive Oil Company offers infused oils, balsamic vinegars, and artisan ingredients that elevate home cooking. Tastings are encouraged, questions are welcomed, and the shop feels like a genuine resource for anyone who enjoys exploring new flavors.

Food culture in Abingdon is as much about community as it is about flavor. The Abingdon Farmers Market brings local growers, bakers, and artisans together in a lively outdoor setting where fresh vegetables, pastured meats, cheeses, pastries, and handcrafted goods are staples of every season. Locals and visitors alike make it a weekend ritual.

The Commons serves as a vibrant gathering space where events, pop-ups, and casual outdoor dining help keep the town center lively year-round. With music, food trucks, and community celebrations, The Commons embodies Abingdon’s spirit of connection and its belief that great food and good company go hand in hand.

Abingdon’s creative energy is one of the qualities that makes the town feel so distinctive. Art is part of the rhythm of daily life, woven into its historic streets, community spaces, and long-standing traditions. A cornerstone of that environment is The Arts Depot, a working artists’ studio and gallery housed in a restored 19th-century railroad depot. The building itself reflects the town’s history, and the studios inside showcase the work of painters, potters, fiber artists, photographers, and mixed-media creators who maintain an active presence in the community. Visitors can watch artists at work, ask questions, and see pieces evolve from concept to completion.

It’s intimate, welcoming, and a true expression of Abingdon’s creative culture. Nearby, Holston Mountain Artisans continues the region’s craft heritage. As one of the oldest craft cooperatives in the country, it highlights Appalachian craftsmanship through woodworking, weaving, jewelry, pottery, leatherwork, and traditional folk art. Many of the makers have deep generational ties to Southwest Virginia, and their work reflects both skill and a strong sense of place.

On a hill overlooking the town, the William King Museum of Art serves as Abingdon’s foremost fine arts and cultural museum. The museum curates rotating exhibitions that range from contemporary works to historical collections, offering residents the chance to experience national and regional art without leaving town. Its galleries highlight everything from modern sculpture to traditional Appalachian crafts, and its education programs make the museum an active resource for students and adults alike.

Abingdon’s festivals bring these artistic threads together throughout the year. The Virginia Highlands Festival is the largest and most well-known, drawing artists, performers, and visitors from across the region. The festival’s art shows, craft markets, concerts, heritage demonstrations, and literary events turn the town into a vibrant cultural hub each summer. Seasonal art walks, holiday markets, and small pop-up events fill the calendar in between, creating opportunities for residents to experience the arts in a variety of ways.