Itineraries
A Taste of Abingdon
Abingdon's award-winning culinary scene is rooted in Appalachia.
Abingdon is the Best Small Town Food Scene in the country (USA Today 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022). It's not hard to understand why. The town is home to over 30 independently owned restaurants, a surprisingly high number, considering Abingdon’s total population is just north of 8,000 people. In fact, that means Abingdon has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, New York, or New Orleans!
This three-day itinerary highlights Abingdon's outstanding culinary scene. Keep an eye out for restaurants offering new and improved outdoor seating options!
See a list of all dining optionsDay One - Friday
Arrive in beautiful historic Abingdon, check into one of our eclectic B&Bs, hotels, cottages, or inns.
Once you're settled in, head out for dinner on our historic Main Street - where you won't find a single chain restaurant or shop. The Tavern serves up fine dining inside Abingdon’s oldest building, constructed in 1779, while Sisters at The Martha offers a sophisticated menu and a cozy, pub-like atmosphere.
Whet your appetite with a flight of unique, locally-sourced hard ciders from Tumbling Creek Cider Company.
Attend a performance of Barter Theatre. This theatre was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression when actors bartered an evening’s entertainment for food from local farmers. The theatre is still innovating today, responding to the COVID crisis by creating a brand new series of live shows at Abingdon's historic drive-in theater.
Day Two - Saturday
Start the day off with a trip to the Abingdon Farmer's Market, where you can sample the freshest local produce and the best handmade goods the area has to offer. After spending the morning at the market, take time to stroll the beautiful downtown to visit the many unique specialty and antique shops.
For lunch, eat like a local at the popular 128 Pecan, where chef-owner Jack Barrow greets customers with a "Mornin" anytime during the day.
Head to White’s Mill, a working grist mill dating back to the 18th Century. Tour the mill itself, and then pick up a souvenir at Cumbow’s Mercantile next door. You’ll find stone-ground grits and cornmeal, as well as local crafts and antiques.
We have several new restaurants for dinner options. Foresta is an upscale Asian Fusion restaurant where the old world meets new with cocktails and cuisine. Enjoy an evening at Rain and browse the creative bar menu for some late-night eats while enjoying the spacious patio.
Day Three - Sunday
Enjoy Sunday brunch at White Birch Food and Juice, a farm-to-table restaurant recently profiled in Vogue.
Take the scenic 20-minute drive to Abingdon Vineyards, located along The Virginia Creeper Trail. This farm winery offers scenic views of the South Holston River from the tasting room. With easy access from the trail and its own boat launch, this winery sees as many visitors by bike, horse, and boat as it does by car! The winery offers a weekly series of live music on the grounds.
Before you leave, be sure to visit the Abingdon Olive Oil Company tasting gallery and Holston Mountain Artisans, one of the oldest craft cooperatives in the United States, offering a wide selection of finely-made gift items, decorations for your home, musical instruments, and local artwork, books, and photography.
