10 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Virginia
One of the original Thirteen Colonies, the Commonwealth of Virginia is an incredibly beautiful US state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions stretching between the Appalachian Mountains and the Eastern Seaboard. Dotting the spectacular 42,774.2 sq. mi terrain of the Old Dominion, are innumerable breathtaking towns that often remain unnoticed by vacationers, who otherwise throng in large numbers to the state’s populous metropolises like Richmond, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk. Embark on a fun-filled unforgettable vacation to these small towns for an authentic taste of what “The Mother of Presidents” has to offer.
Bedford
Bedford County’s seat, Bedford sits at the base of the Peaks of Otter in the heart of southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Vacationers visiting “The World’s Best Little Town” must stroll the downtown and browse dozens of antique stores, galleries, artist studios, and inviting restaurants. Bedford’s prominent attractions include the National D-Day Memorial, Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library, Bedford Boys Tribute Center, and Bedford Area Welcome Center. The different orchards like the A.J. Gross & Sons Orchard, and Johnson’s Orchards, in addition to natural spaces such as Falling Creek Park, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Smith Mountain Lake State Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor lovers to soak in the town’s tranquility.
Middleburg
Founded by Virginia planter Lieutenant Colonel Leven Powell in 1787, this Loudoun County town is named such due to its location almost midway between the independent cities of Winchester and Alexandria. Referred to as the ‘Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital,’ Middleburg is steeped in equestrian heritage and highly regarded for its foxhunting, steeplechasing, and expansive estates. The Middleburg Historic District delimited by Independence Street and Constitution Street in the east and west respectively extends along the downtown section of Washington Street and features hundreds of old structures dating from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. When in town, spare time to peruse the National Sporting Library & Museum, Boxwood Estate Winery, Lost Barrel Brewing, Middleburg Antique Gallery, Crème de la Crème home goods store, Middleburg Museum, Highcliffe Clothiers shop, Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, Chrysalis Vineyards, accommodations like the Red Fox Inn & Tavern, and first-rate eateries such as The Upper Crust, Middleburg Common Grounds, and King Street Oyster Bar. Held every fall, the Middleburg Film Festival at the Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa lures over 5,000 attendees from worldwide.
Abingdon
The administrative center of southwestern Virginia’s Washington County, Abingdon is situated in the rolling green Blue Ridge highlands of the Appalachian Mountains, between the Middle and North forks of the Holston River, approx. 133 miles southwest of Roanoke. Labeled “Wolf Hill Tract” at the outset, the settlement was the site of Black’s Fort and was later rechristened ‘Abingdon’ after the ancestral residence of Martha Washington in southeast England’s Oxfordshire. The 159.5-acre Abingdon Historic District which covers a significant portion of the town comprises several landmark properties from the late 18th to the mid-20th century. The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Washington County Courthouse, Historical Society of Washington County, Alexander Findlay House, Arts Depot, Barter Theatre, William King Museum of Art, Sinking Spring Cemetery, and Abingdon Bank are some enchanting attractions. Furthermore, Abingdon is the jumping-off point for the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34.3-mile-long multi-purpose rail trail zipping through hills, farmlands, and forests and perfect for recreational hiking and biking.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague, a serene waterfront town on the northeastern end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, includes the entire Chincoteague Island ringed by Chincoteague Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean and Assateague Inlet to the east. This tiny Accomack County community is a tourist gateway next to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge of Assateague Island, a haven for bird enthusiasts and home to the world-famous Chincoteague ponies. The Museum of Chincoteague Island, Captain Timothy Hill House, Beebe Ranch, Assateague Lighthouse, Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park, and Chincoteague Cultural Alliance are some noteworthy sites of interest. The town’s Main Street features an array of small-town businesses, ice cream parlors, Sundial Book Store, miniature golf courses, Island Theater, Chincoteague Island Library, home-like bed & breakfasts, and restaurants serving lip-smacking seafood. The annual Pony Swim & Auction festival of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company in July attracts thousands of merrymakers to Chincoteague.
Smithfield
With only 8,533 residents as per the latest US Census, Smithfield is a friendly river-port town in Isle of Wight County on the Pagan River banks in the South Hampton Roads subregion of southeastern Virginia. Affectionately called “The Ham Capital of the World,” the town is popular for curing and production of a specific form of country ham known as Smithfield ham. The 200-acre Smithfield Historic District encompassing the downtown and surrounding residential areas, comprises multiple contributing structures such as the Wentworth-Grinnan House, Old Isle of Wight Courthouse, Thomas House, etc. Smithfield’s remarkable sites of interest include St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum, Taste of Smithfield Restaurant, Isle of Wight County Museum, Waterfront Inn & Marina, William Rand Tavern (Smithfield Inn), Cypress Creek Golf Course, Fort Huger archaeological site, Smithfield & Isle of Wight Visitor Center, Windsor Castle Park, and Fort Boykin Historic Park. Revelers must attend any of the town’s yearly celebrations such as Smithfield Olden Days, Christmas Parade, and Smithfield Farmers Market.
Onancock
Dubbed by Captain John Smith as the “Gem of the Eastern Shore,” this Accomack County town having only 1,263 inhabitants, is an ideal starting point for exploring the remaining portion of the Eastern Shore. Over the years, Onancock has excellently preserved its residential charm aside from a downtown district chock-a-full of classic Victorian mansions, boutique hotels, theaters, museums, top-tier restaurants, cozy bed & breakfasts, and an unparalleled art scene. The 225-acre Onancock Historic District has countless contributing properties including the Roseland Theatre, which hosts an International Film Festival, where once every month famous international films are made available for public viewing at discounted prices. From May to October, the Tangier Onancock Ferry provides holidayers an opportunity to access some of the valued assets of the Chesapeake Bay.
Cape Charles
A picture-perfect Northampton County beach town, Cape Charles sits close to the mouth of Chesapeake Bay on the southern extremity of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, bounded by the Old Plantation Creek in the south and King’s Creek in the north. Originally a planned railroad community, the town at present, has a number of meticulously maintained waterfront properties, locally-owned businesses at the commercial hub, and the spotless one-half-mile-long Cape Charles Town Beach. While in town, do tour the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Cape Charles Museum & Welcome Center, a Fun Pier adjoining the Cape Charles Town Beach, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles Harbor & Marina, Kiptopeke State Park, and the nearby 29-acre Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. The yearly Harbor for the Arts Summer Festival in Cape Charles is the most widely known summer outdoor concert program on the Eastern Shore.
Luray
Occupying the Shenandoah Valley betwixt the Massanutten and Blue Ridge Mountains, Luray, the seat of Page County is just 90 miles west of Washington D.C. Established by William Staige Marye, the community’s closeness to the Shenandoah National Park has made it a prominent hub for adventurists. The Luray Downtown Historic District includes landmarks such as the Skyline Building, Page County Record Building, Luray United Methodist Church, etc. Outdoorsy types must traverse the scenic 105-mile-long Skyline Drive that runs along the mountain ridges throughout the entire national park, participate in subterranean tours at the Luray Caverns, tour the117-feet-high Luray Singing Tower (Belle Brown Northcott Memorial), and unwind after an eventful day at the Mimslyn Inn.
Culpeper
This picturesque hamlet located in the Piedmont River Valley bounded by the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers is the administrative center of Culpeper County. The numerous well-preserved Civil War battlefields, ancient properties, colonial-era churches, and the Museum of Culpeper History especially entice all heritage lovers. Countless quirky shops, award-winning restaurants, antique stores, and boutiques line the streets of Culpeper’s revitalized downtown. Throughout the year, the town hosts various events like Culpeper Fest, Mardi Gras celebration, Holiday Open House, Gnarly Hops & Barley Fest, Fourth of July festivities, Summer Third Thursday Concert Series, and National Horse Shows at Commonwealth Park.
Farmville
Prince Edward County’s seat of government, Farmville is a flourishing college town, spread across Prince Edward and Cumberland counties in Central Virginia, along the headwaters of the Appomattox River. Aside from being home to the principal campus of Longwood University, Farmville has many interesting sites that lure residents and travelers alike. Scores of eclectic shops, museums, boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, breweries, and art galleries like the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts fill the town’s vibrant Main Street. Housed in the former Robert Russa Moton High School, the Robert Musa Moton Museum tells stories about the 1951 non-violent student demonstration that finally led to the beginning of the Civil Rights era. The High Bridge Trail State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area, and the adjacent Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park are must-visits for outdoor enthusiasts. Annually, Farmville celebrates the Heart of Virginia Festival every first weekend of May with arts, local homemade crafts, music, mouthwatering cuisines, and many more.
From Bedford - “The World’s Best Little Town” to Smithfield - “The Ham Capital of the World,” the country’s 35th largest and 12th most-populous state is acclaimed for its plethora of small towns that bewitch millions of holidayers with their exclusive allures. Boasting gorgeous natural sceneries, impressive historical architecture, loads of enthralling attractions, abundant recreations, colorful celebrations, revitalized Main Streets, and relaxing Southern hospitality, these wonderful Virginia communities are worth adding to your lists on your next vacation to the Old Dominion.
