VA City Named Among Best Food Scenes, Southern Small Towns: Report

VIRGINIA — A Virginia city is one of the best Southern small towns and the best small town food scenes in the nation, USA Today said last week in its 10best Readers Choice Awards 2024.

The ongoing online contests allow readers to choose the top 10 winners from a list of 20 nominees in several nationwide categories, including food, lodging and destinations. USA Today said an expert panel makes the nominations before voting occurs.

Virginians may recognize one of this year's victors, Abingdon, which makes an appearance in two categories. Two Virginia trails were also named among the best in their respective recreational field.

Here's how Abingdon fared on two lists and what USA Today had to say:

Best Small Town Food Scene, No 3

"This walkable town in the Virginia Highlands has always had a lively food scene — and it just keeps improving. Classics like The Tavern, 128 Pecan, Rain and Bone Fire Smokehouse, as well as fare from Foresta offer great variety and top quality. Don't miss Anthony's Desserts or Mamma Mia's, either!"

Best Small Town in the South, No. 8

"Abingdon is a historic Virginia town that's nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a quiet getaway with plenty of charm. Stay at the Martha Washington Inn and Spa (once the Martha Washington College), walk along their historic 20-block Main Street and do a little shopping, or get yourself a guide and enjoy learning about the town’s past via a History Alive Tour. And for the theater lovers, nothing beats a performance at the Barter Theatre, open since 1933."

Virginia also placed in the awards for:

Best Recreational Trail

Chessie Trail, No. 2

"Hike or run along the 7-mile-long one-way Chessie Trail, which parallels the Maury River in Lexington, Virginia. Old canal towpaths and a portion of the former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad bed combine to create this rail trail that offers an opportunity to enjoy fresh air and wildlife spotting."

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, No. 6

"The 34.3-mile-long Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail follows the path of a historic steam engine that once wound into the Iron Mountains. The rail-to-trail path winds through two counties, and it's a favorite among hikers and bikers."