History, Recreation and Culture Make Abingdon America’s Dream Town
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When Abingdon native Greg Kelly graduated from law school in the Washington‚ D.C.‚ area‚ he knew exactly where he was headed – home.
“I went to George Mason University‚ and everyone knows just how much that metropolitan area has to offer in terms of history‚ art‚ music and recreation‚” Kelly says. “However‚ I knew I could get all of that back home in Abingdon‚ where the pace of life is much slower and the cost of living is much less. When you grow up in a small town such as Abingdon that has so much to offer‚ you only appreciate it more as you age.”
Kelly‚ who now serves as Abingdon’s town manager‚ isn’t the only one who considers Washington County to be a little piece of heaven. In 2006‚ Abingdon was selected from 150 towns across the nation as the American Dream Town in a competition sponsored by American Dream Magazine.
A National Geographic Traveler writer nominated Abingdon for the distinction.
“We’ve always known that [Abingdon was a dream town]‚ and now all of America knows it‚” says Abingdon Tourism Director Myra Cook‚ a Washington County native. “I lived away for 20 years‚ always knowing there was nowhere like the lifestyle here.”
Lots of things contribute to Abingdon and Washington County’s excellent quality of life‚ from a booming arts scene to a thriving historic district. Abingdon is home to the world-famous Barter Theatre‚ which opened its doors in 1933 and has been pleasing audiences ever since.
“Our slogan‚ ‘Arts of Historic Proportions‚’ says a lot. We have the William King Regional Arts Center for art lovers‚ and The Arts Depot is the place to go if you’d like to purchase great art or watch the artists at work‚” Cook says. “In the summer we have Saturday night concerts in the park.
We get out there and dance like we were still teenagers.”
The William King Regional Arts Center is a cultural gem in Washington County‚ offering three exhibition galleries‚ art classes for children and adults‚ a weeklong summer art camp‚ a gift shop‚ an outdoor sculpture garden‚ and community events throughout the year.
“We’re the only museum of this type south of Roanoke‚ and we provide the opportunity to see art that wouldn’t otherwise be available‚” says Kathy Lowdermilk‚ director of publications for the William King Regional Arts Center. “Abingdon has become well-known for the arts.”
Also celebrated for its historic charm‚ Abingdon was founded in 1778 and has several buildings dating back to the 18th century.
“We have a 20-block historic district where you can walk and see homes from the 1800s that are still making memories for the folks who live in them‚” Cook says. “We have some amazing bed and breakfasts – some with history and some that are so elegant you won’t want to leave. And of course there’s the Martha Washington Inn and Spa. Who doesn’t love a day at a great spa?”
While packed with urban amenities‚ Washington County also appeals to outdoor enthusiasts because of the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail and a myriad of recreation opportunities.
“For golfers‚ this area has some of the finest golf courses anywhere‚ and the lakes and streams are full of trout for a fisherman’s dream catch‚” Cook says. “If you enjoy shopping‚ there’s the wonderful Antique Block on Main Street‚ where you could browse for hours in antique stores.”
Tourism is Abingdon’s biggest industry‚ and it’s easy to see why. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Virginia Highlands Festival – chock full of arts‚ crafts and music – in August. In April‚ they come for the Highlands Jazz Festival‚ which features world-class jazz musicians. Local music events also regularly take place in the surrounding area‚ such as The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons. It is one of many music venues sprinkled along The Crooked Road‚ a section of the 250-mile Heritage Music Trail that winds through the Appalachian region of Southwest Virginia and connects numerous music venues.
“People are drawn to Abingdon because of the diversity of things to do‚” Kelly says. “I like to think of Abingdon as a melting pot of history‚ arts and recreation.”
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Brian McCord
