One of the best-preserved 18th and 19th-century historic districts in the Appalachian South, Abingdon's downtown contains over 20 blocks of Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian commercial and residential architecture representing continuous community development from 1778 to the early 20th century. The concentration of quality restaurants, galleries, independent shops, and cultural venues within the walkable historic core makes Abingdon a premier destination for heritage tourism in the Virginia Highlands.