10 Most Vibrant Towns in Virginia
While Virginia is primarily known for embracing and featuring its Civil War history as well as the military, it has also earned a reputation for being an exciting and fun state, thanks to some of its vibrant towns and their amenities. These towns have much to offer in the form of festivals, hiking trails, amusement parks, zoos, and delicious food! Continue below to find out a bit more about the ten most vibrant towns in Virginia, the perfect state to take a road trip, a family vacation, or a day trip.
Norfolk
Norfolk is a beautiful town in the Chesapeake Bay area in the center of Coastal Virginia. It is known for its vibrant downtown and overflowing maritime history. One of the most well-known facts about Norfolk is that it has the biggest naval base in the world and also houses the North American headquarters for NATO. The shoreline in Norfolk runs for 144 miles, so be ready to enjoy some amazing water activities and relaxation at the beach. Other must-visit places in the town include the Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Virginia Zoo.
Waynesboro
Located in Blue Ridge, Waynesboro has grown in popularity over the years because of massive economic growth. It is now home to several breweries, eateries, music venues, hiking trails, and coffee shops, making it an exciting and vibrant town to visit. Waynesboro has quite a few scenic attractions in close proximity; these include the Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive and Appalachian Trail. For wine lovers, a tour of the Lightwell Survey is a must. This unique winery offers a taste of classic wines with its own twist. Another popular spot that brings together both tourists and locals is the Basic City Brewery, which is known for hosting events and parties, among other things.
Lynchburg
For those who wish to experience the outdoors and explore history and architecture, all in one place, Lynchburg in Virginia, is the perfect town to visit. Home to several quaint coffee shops, this town offers the opportunity to both relax and enjoy different activities. Some of the popular historical places to visit in Lynchburg are Patrick Henry's Red Hill, the Lynchburg Museum, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Point of Honor. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and planted on the beautiful James River, Lynchburg is known for its splendid outdoor opportunities. These include walking, biking, hiking, and much more. Lynchburg is also popular for something else, especially for music lovers. Behold, Lynchburg has many local music festivals held in the town parks.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague is a resort island in Virginia, the only one, and is known for hosting exciting cultural events all year round. The town is also famous for other things, such as outdoor recreation, local artisans and delicious coastal cuisine! Located between Assateague Island and Wallops Flight Facility (NASA), Chincoteague Island is home to beautiful natural trails that lead to fascinating wildlife. The Annual Pony Swim is a unique event held on Chincoteague Island which is a huge attraction for both locals and tourists. For dog lovers visiting the island, and missing their pets back at home, this information could be very useful. Chincoteague Island opened an amazing dog park in 2019! This fun park has dogs running around and playing freely without their leash. Some of the top-rated restaurants to savor fresh seafood in Chincoteague are Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks, Don’s Seafood Restaurant, and The Pearl.
Kilmarnock
The Northern Neck’s economic hub, Kilmarnock, was founded in 1664. The Steptoe’s District in Downtown Kilmarnock has over 50 locally-run businesses, and there is something for every shopper’s taste. Foodies rejoice because the town has more than 30 eateries, including Small Town Burger, Car Wash Café (all-American diner) and Lee’s Restaurant (for amazing pies!). Kilmarnock Town Centre Park is where kids of all ages play! For those visiting with kids, a visit to the Kilmarnock Town Centre Park is a must! The amenities at this center include a playground, picnic pavilion, Scottie’s Yard Dog Park, and splash pad, among other things. Explore the Kilmarnock Inn to learn more about the presidential heritage of Virginia. It has eight distinct cottages, each of which is named after a local Virginia president.
Coeburn
Coeburn is a town in southwest Virginia, located close to the famous Jefferson National Forest. This is one of the most sought-after destinations for those who wish to explore the outdoors of Virginia. The Rails-to-Trails Guest River Gorge Trail has some great biking and hiking opportunities along the river. Some other attractive trails in Coeburn include the Little Stony National Recreation Trail and the High Knob Lake Trail. For a wholesome meal in the town, dine at Oma’s Haus Restaurant & Bakery which offers delicious homestyle German food and also houses an artisan bakery. Savor some lip-smacking German pretzels and dishes like sauerkraut, schnitzel and bratwurst at this popular eatery!
Abingdon
Sheltered in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon is a town in Southwest Virginia that is known for its rich history. It was sometime in the 18th century that the town was discovered by Daniel Boone and William Byrd. Abingdon gets its name from the ancestral home of Martha Washington in England and was established as a town in the year 1778. Tourists who visit the town today have much to say about its thriving historic downtown. It has a vibrant arts scene that can be enjoyed at venues like the Barter Theater, markets, museums, and galleries. This resort town is the state’s biggest burley tobacco market and is known for hosting livestock auctions. Tourists also love shopping for chinaware and handicrafts when visiting Abingdon. There are some amazing restaurants for vegetarians in Abingdon, including 128 Pecan, Greeko’s Grill & Cafe, and JJs Restaurant & Sports Bar, among others.
Damascus
Despite being a small town, Damascus is extremely popular among tourists, thanks to the renowned trails that intersect within the town limits. It is also often referred to as the “Trail Town USA.” Damascus offers some amazing recreation activities to outdoor adventurers. The Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail pass through the center of the town, along with other cycling, motor, and hiking routes. At the boundary of Damascus is the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which stretches far off across some of the town’s tallest peaks. A designated Appalachian Trail (AT) community, Damascus hosts the Appalachian Trail Days Festival and is home to the Damascus Trail Center.
Leesburg
Established in 1758, Leesburg is a town located at the intersection of two beautiful trails. A standout feature of Leesburg is the stunning landscaped grounds and grand mansions of Morven Park, located in the northern part of the town. On the other hand, the southern side has the historic Oatland Gardens and Homes. A huge attraction for equestrians, joggers and cyclists is the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, while all art enthusiasts are drawn to the sculptures and murals capturing the culture and history of Leesburg. The charming downtown of Leesburg also holds great appeal, thanks to the majestic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, which have been repurposed as restaurants, breweries, boutiques, bars and galleries!
Salem
Located between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Salem offers both visitors and residents the perfect combination of natural beauty and modern facilities. It is known for its versatile and dynamic sports and entertainment facilities and is also titled “Virginia’s Championship City.” Salem gives one the opportunity to see some major future league stars when the Salem Red Sox are in action. Tourists can also enjoy some family fun at the Launching Pad Trampoline Park & Family Center. Other key attractions in this vibrant town are Odyssey Adventure Racing, Dixie Caverns, and Main Street, which is perfect for antique shopping and enjoying some yummy food.
Virginia is a great state to explore for some adventurous weekend getaways, day trips, and romantic excursions. These thriving towns in Virginia offer amazing opportunities for outdoor fun, including hiking, biking, and water sports, while also featuring many options to relax, explore the streets, and visit art and culture centers like the many galleries and museums.
