Seniors Discover a Best Small Town

I asked Google for the names of the best small towns in Virginia and up pops Abingdon, with a population of just over 8,000. Seniors, let’s check Abingdon out and see what makes it so special. It is said that there is “Always Something To Do In Abingdon”.

Abingdon, the seat of Washington County, is 133 miles southwest of Roanoke and is a designated Virginia Historic Landmark. The town encompasses several historically significant sites and features a fine arts and crafts scene centered on the galleries and museums along Main Street. Barter Theatre, designated as the “State Theatre of Virginia” in 1946, is one of the longest-running professional regional theaters in the nation.

The settlement was originally known as Black’s Fort. In 1778, Black’s Fort was incorporated as the town of Abingdon, said to be named for the ancestral home of Martha Washington in Oxfordshire, England.

Could be, but other possible namesakes for the town include Daniel Boone’s home in Abington, Pennsylvania, or Lord Abingdon, friend of settler William Campbell. Me, I liked that one.

Seniors Enjoy Virginia Historic Landmark

It’s scenic in all directions. When you look at the mountains surrounding the town, you think of Daniel Boone walking through the woods or early American pioneers traveling the Great Road across the Blue Ridge Mountains to settle the new frontier.

When you stroll down Main Street, it will make you think about the Civil War soldiers involved in nearby battles who were treated by nurses on the grounds of what is now the elegant Martha Washington Hotel. Senior visitors, stroll the charming brick sidewalks of downtown Abingdon, named a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Pick up a brochure at the Visitor’s Center and take a self-guided walking tour.

Seniors Hike The Virginia Creeper Trail

TripAdvisor invites seniors to check out the two dozen major attractions not to be missed in Abingdon. After taking in a presentation at the Barter Theater, bring along some good hiking shoes and take the World Class Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail starting in Abingdon.

Being an amateur oenophile, this senior would want to visit the Abingdon Vineyard and Winery, a Virginia Farm Winery nestled along the South Holston River. They feature fine wines and scenic views in a quiet Virginia surrounding.

The area is known for boating, hiking, camping, biking, horseback riding and skiing, as well as Blue Grass music, storytelling and mountain crafts. Sounds like fun.

The Arts Depot would be another worthwhile stop as would be White’s Mill, where you can watch corn being ground and tour this historic structure.

So plan on dropping by Abingdon, VA, it will be a memorable visit. -jeb