USA Today’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top small-town destinations from around the country—and Abingdon took a spot on the podium in the food scene category for 2025. The designation singled out longtime bellwether eateries like The Tavern, Jack’s 128 Pecan, and Rain as driving forces. But a recent influx of downtown additions, like Tumbling Creek Cider Company and Delta Blues BBQ, helped tip the scales.
“This walkable town in the Virginia Highlands has always had a lively food scene,” wrote staff editors, “and it just keeps improving.”
Served alongside two small-batch pours is Tumbling Creek Cider Co.’s Hellbender Hopped. Photo courtesy of Tumbling Creek Cider Co.
Feature image courtesy of The Tavern. This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2026 issue.
