Historic Nightlife

Abingdon, Virginia, has been gathering after dark since its earliest days. In the colonial era, at least four taverns operated within a short walk of one another, serving as places to trade news, share stories, and find rest along the frontier. Today, that same spirit lives on. Located just two hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina, and minutes from Bristol, Tennessee, Abingdon’s historic downtown offers a welcoming mix of locally owned bars, craft cocktail lounges, breweries, and live-music venues. With an impressive number of nightlife options for a town its size, Abingdon blends centuries-old tradition with a modern after-hours scene—where live music, local drinks, and good company continue to bring people together long after sunset. Below are just a few of the places carrying on that tradition.