10 Gorgeous Virginia Towns to Visit in 2023
Four of the first five presidents came from Virginia, colonial America's first, largest, and most prosperous British colony. The eastern state along the centerline of the great country is the "Mother of Presidents," and the state is "Made for Lovers." Virginia is easily one of the most historically and naturally charming states in the country, with nature abounding. Experience it all and more this year on a romantic getaway or with your favorite group of people.
Home to eight presidents of the United States like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and Woodrow Wilson, you can trod in their footsteps today amid impressive architectural sights. Historic homes, churches, and other architecture weave lovingly into some of Mother Nature's best works of art. Speaking of which, visit any season for the strong artistic community and creativity spurred on by the inspiring natural world around you. From magnificent waterfronts to wine trails and strolls along the beaches of the calming Chesapeake Bay to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the hikes in Virginia are legendary.
Abington
This small, absolutely charming town in the south of the state is deeply historic and feels almost unreal, like a picture storybook from your childhood. Abingdon enchants from the get-go, with picturesque views to every side thanks to its large small-town artist population. Explore along the decorated streets to the Market District, a real eye-candy replete with unique businesses around the focal Arts Depot, its pride and joy with a treasure trove of local artists' works.
Visit Abingdon to soak in everything it's got in a family-friendly atmosphere while becoming culturally connected with its spirit through live theater in a historic playhouse. The contradictory traits of old and new persist in modern accommodation arrays, like hostels and b&bs, while the appeal extends into the natural area. Take a morning stroll through the stunning center under a vibe like no other and seek out the unique lifestyle at a local market with fresh produce and handmade crafts before heading outdoors for natural inspiration like the artists do.
Alexandria
The northern town, just under half an hour from Washington, touches the Potomac River with a beautiful waterfront worthy of its loud name. Alexandria exudes soothing vibes with a share of US history and modern attractions in one wholesome atmosphere, particularly in the Old Town. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets with nostalgia-inducing Colonial-era buildings and a "happening" scene. The sense of belonging here is unmistakable, in a place crafted just for you amid the specialty shops like Fiber Space and the independent Old Town Books along King Street. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, in a former naval munitions plant, hosts a gallery with regular exhibits and temporary art installations that delight art fans every time.
Soak up culture at Saturday's Old Town Farmers Market, held here longer than any other along one spot, and venture into the Del Ray neighborhood's own, homey farmers market with an accentuated dining scene. The nearby Arlandria, a Salvadoran neighborhood also called Chirilagua, boasts the Birchmere Music Hall, with famous past performers like The Bacon Brothers and Ray Charles. Stroll along Alexandra’s Waterfront for unmatched sights, and then take in the riverview from a boat ride along—you will not regret it. You can utilize regular water taxis as well as a local cruise line for more unforgettable vistas that stop at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Washington, D.C.
Cape Charles
The Eastern Shore town of Cape Charles faces the Chesapeake Bay from a peninsula—a must-visit Victorian-era coastal galore of sights. A gorgeous town, its most famous features are its outstanding location and natural surroundings, like the renowned Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. Just north of the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel, the topographically diverse refuge with marshlands, maritime forests, and fresh and saltwater ponds attracts countless migrating songbirds, raptors, and monarch butterflies. But wait, there's more, and it's a biggy!
Cape Charles boasts one of the state's best beach scenes with its free public Town Beach. Find accommodations throughout for the best summertime water access or a stroll through the 19th-century wealth of traditional homes and cottages in any season. Explore the serene atmosphere and learn more about the beauty around you at the Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center about the small, charming town's beginnings in 1884 with its booming railroad and ferry industries.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague is an exceptional town in more ways than just its famed roaming wild horse scene along the pristine beaches. For many, the town brings up an image of the unmatched beauty of Assateague Lighthouse and strikes everyone with affordable prices, from accommodations to cozy cafes, restaurants, and attractions, on the best weekend escape in Virginia. The small port town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is hands-down one of the rarest and coolest places in the state, with its Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
With so much to see and do, stop by the Wallops Flight Facility Visitor’s Center to get information and your bearings on the miles of undeveloped beachfront of the Assateague Island National Seashore. Shared with Maryland, it offers access to neighboring Assateague Island with wild horses, right from Marguerite Henry’s children’s book, Misty of Chincoteague, and a 1961 film. Experience the quaint fishing town charm along with the island lifestyle of living among the wild ponies!
Clarksville
Clarkville, a one-destination town for all in Virginia’s Lake Region, delights new faces with always something new and exciting for returning visitors. Enjoy a romantic lakeside getaway or a family vacation along the 78 square miles (202 square kilometers) shoreline of Kerr Lake. The historic town established in 1818 hosts regular events, including regionally famous cultural and heritage festivities and sports. With dozens of fishing tournaments each year, there's no wrong time to come enjoy the beautiful lakeside views and the town's spirit.
Wholesome and appealing, Clarksville was named one of 12 of America’s most charming lake towns by Orbitz, so there's a lot to get hyped about. Find what gets you going, from camping, boating, fishing, and swimming to a bike ride through the town's many local shops. The surrounding nature, like Prestwood Plantation and Occoneechee State Park, calls for strolls and hikes in the summer and fall. Come any time for the special events and Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery, and return next year to celebrate the Clarksville Wine Festival in April and Lakefest in July.
Culpeper
The cool town of Culpeper really is one spicy item where history and hospitality blend in a dance that delights every new curious face. A through-and-through Main Street town with its revitalized downtown area is a must-experience this year for dining and shopping along many unique shops, vintage architecture, art, and antiques. Come for world-class culinary and classic diner experiences, and stay for the elegant air of ambience thanks to the rich history, from pre-historic times to a role in the nation's founding. Enjoy easy under-hour train access from Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Washington, DC, to the station right in the heart of the historic downtown, with Victorian and colonial homes, galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Visit the Museum of Culpeper History around the bloody Civil War battles, with more discoveries at the Graffiti House at Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain Battlefield, and Kelly’s Ford. Walk in the footsteps of historic heroes like the Culpeper Minutemen, General A.P. Hill, and Eppa Rixey, a baseball star, when you take a stroll amid colonial-era churches and hike in the surrounding outdoors, or ride the scenic byways on a rainy day. Explore the countryside via biking, canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding, or catch a horse show at Commonwealth Park Old. The quiet b&bs around complement a relaxing stay with winery visits for Virginia's finest, like House Vineyards, Unicorn Winery, Gray Ghost Vineyards, Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, or legal moonshine at Belmont Farm.
Gordonsville
The tiny central Virginia town is a must-visit this year in time for the holiday season, when each tree along Main Street illuminates the smiling faces all around in one endless illusion of lights. Stroll along the decorated streets for all your Christmas stocking stuffers and unique gifts from the lit-up storefronts around various festivities, and stop at Well Hung Vineyard for dinner and wine when you are all shopped out.
The town oozes charm from every pore, from curated antique shops to the array of local eateries meticulously thought out to enchant you and keep you prowling. Enjoy the morning solace or grab a quickie from Krecek Kakes Bakery & Coffeeshop and tackle the creative shopping scene like Folking for wine and handmade clothes or Stokes of England, a custom blacksmithing shop. The first Friday market every month is a must-experience for a real sense of spirit, along with other sporadic seasonal markets and the holiday market—a stunning vision of fairy lights and local cheer.
Monterey
Monterey, a tiny town of just over 150 locals at the western edge of Virginia in the Allegheny Mountains, oozes small-town charm with nature and decked-up events that bring hoards of tourists. Highland County, "Virginia's Little Switzerland," thanks to the highest mean elevation of any county east of the Mississippi River, offers 416 square miles of spectacular mountain views with nature on your doorstep. It is also the site of the Battle of McDowell and the first victory of Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign in 1862, with Moneterey named "Local Legacy" by the Library of Congress. Visit in the spring for the Highland County Maple Festival among the other 50,000 visitors in March to see the town come alive through its truest passion.
Experience the whole maple syrup-making process and shop for a wide range of products from the ultimate breakfast condiment in your pantry. The town linked along the Shenandoah Valley, just over the Shenandoah Mountains from Staunton, is abuzz with unique activities like the Liar’s Table at 11 a.m. daily at High’s Restaurant. Join in to tell your best lie around the table before following the Maple Syrup Trail of 10 sugaring houses throughout Highland County. From the Rocket Launch at the Jack Mountain Village on first Saturdays to regular live music performances, now is the time to visit. Enjoy the seasonal farmers market every Friday afternoon with fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts amid fun family events.
Sperryville
Sperryville, a tiny Virginian gem with around 250 souls, will be perhaps the most interesting visit in your 2023 travels through the state. Its eclectic mix of residents, including artists and horse lovers, and unique businesses like various galleries and art-centric shops promise an unforgettable experience. Peruse the concentrated downtown scene with a stop at Abracadabra Massage and Wellness on Main Street for a holistic and metaphysical spa experience. Find some of the state's most popular trails and golf courses right here for a real outdoorsman's respite with fresh-air adventures for every level.
Just down the road, Old Rag Mountain offers a viral hike to work off the built-up energy, while the other, west side of the town is the eastern getaway into the nation-renowned Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Immaculate from each side, Sperryville delights tourists in any season, like the lush, rolling springtime hills. Come this fall for the bold and vibrantly colored canopies, and return in winter for a delightful mountain foothill town dressed up in an artfully crafted landscape under a soft glow.
Winchester
Winchester, where the vintage meets the modern, is a must-visit in your 2023 ventures through the state, with much to see, do, and return for more. Check out the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum with its cool Patsy Cline Historic House, offering tours of the iconic country music singer's home and memorabilia from the days leading up to her stardom. The Civil War site of the Kernstown Battlefield sits amid the Pritchard-Grim Farm, while Old Town Winchester in the heart of Winchester has everything you need to unwind when you thought you had enough of history, amid two and a half century-old buildings.
Shop and eat your way through the cool pedestrian mall, or simply enjoy a coffee like a local. Visit anytime for the breweries to wind down each evening at a different one, like the Broken Window Brewing Company, two wine bars, and a cidery. For wine fans, the three wineries include the small Virginia farm winery, Misty Mountain Meadworks, the state's oldest operating meadery. Return to celebrate the 10 days of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival from late April through early May amid seasonal blossoming and a whole set of family fun. Stay for the Old Town Winchester Splash Pad, where spray heads will cool you off during the midsummer's day heat and turn colorful at nighttime.
Choose any from the list of ten towns, and you will have a chance to visit a nearby president's home. Every town has a unique personality and an attractive set of highlights for every taste. Enjoy immersive experiences like biking through sights to cherish and reminisce about with your loved ones.
Virginia is a vibrant adventureland looking to impress you in 2023 and for many more years to come. Snatch a cozy cabin in the woods, a secluded campsite throughout, or a charming b&b among other readily available options through the year for best access to the mountains, all types of water activities, and everything else your heart desires out of a memorable small town getaway.
