10 Picturesque Small Towns in Virginia for a Weekend Retreat
Virginia is a southeastern US state known as "the birthplace of a nation." It is one of the 13 original colonies, with historical landmarks being points of interest for visitors and locals alike. There are approximately 190 incorporated towns in the Commonwealth of Virginia; most other states grant that distinction only for cities, so it means that these towns are allowed a fair amount of self-governance. For a quick getaway, Virginia has a lot to offer. Beautiful architecture, culture, and history museums are found from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. Since this state is immersed in many small towns, these picturesque places in Virginia are great for a weekend retreat.
Front Royal
The town of Front Royal is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the Massanutten Range. Known as a "town for all seasons," you can enjoy nature year-round by exploring the Shenandoah Valley and the stunning Skyline Caverns. These geological caves are a must-see in Front Royal, with their gift shop offering unique gemstones and minerals from around the world. The natural beauty of Front Royal is elevated by cultural areas, such as its historic Main Street. Here, local artists are known for painting many gorgeous murals. Front Royal Historic District has a mix of commercial, residential, industrial, religious, and governmental buildings. Also, L'Dees Pancake House is the place for hometown dining. In Front Royal, Bed and Breakfasts are the main accommodations, ranging from modern to historic. Cabins and rustic campsites are also available for the more adventurous, and visitors will see why Front Royal is nicknamed the "Canoe Capital of Virginia."
Ashland
Ashland is known as "The Center of the Universe," enticing visitors to find out why. This town was initially developed in the 1840s as a mineral springs resort. It has a rich past due to its railroad, Civil War, and American Revolution history. Virginia's oldest frame church, Slash Church, is located southeast of Ashland and is still used as a place of worship. In addition, there are still five other historic churches within the town's boundaries, with one of the locations now used as an arts and activities center. For over 40 years, Ashland's main festival has been the "Ashland Strawberry Faire" in June, where vendors from all over the state sell a variety of strawberry-themed items. Center of the Universe Brewing Company also has its home in this small town. The best place to stay in Ashland would be in its historic downtown, close to Ashland Theatre. Here, you will find charming historic inns and antique guest houses for the perfect weekend stay.
Damascus
Damascus, Virginia, is a hikers' paradise. This town is known as "Trail Town USA" due to the seven trails that intersect here - one of the most popular being the Appalachian Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail is another popular trail that connects to the town of Abingdon. Damascus is home to the annual Trail Days festival in May, which draws in approximately 20,000 tourists. It is also the gateway to the estimated 200,000-acre Mount Rogers National Recreation area and Virginia's highest peak. The Damascus History Tour will take you to several sites, beginning at the Water Tanks (for the original steam engine) and ending up at the Damascus Old Mill. A historic monument in the center of town, the Damascus Old Mill overlooks the peaceful grist mill waterfall. The Old Mill serves as an inn and restaurant as well. Accommodations in Damascus range from Bed and Breakfasts, campgrounds and RV parks, inns and hostels, and even vacation rentals.
Rocky Mount
The Franklin County Courthouse in Rocky Mount was built in 1909 and is a beautiful historical landmark. A block house used as a fortified residence and trading post was built in the 1740s and used mainly for trading with Native Americans. The English settlers named the area Rocky Mount due to the steep cliff near the town. Most of the town's historic architecture, both residential and commercial, dates from the first decades of the 20th century. Rocky Mount is part of Virginia's Blue Ridge and is near America's East Coast Mountain Biking Capital. Other activities in this area include trails over 15 miles for hiking and horseback riding. Visitors can find many affordable inns and hotels to choose from for their stay in this beautiful town.
Victoria
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was a favorite of Henry Rogers, an American industrialist and financier, and the town was named by him in her honor. Historically, Victoria was the location of coaling and water facilities for servicing steam locomotives. Born as a railroad town, Victoria was mostly farmland (primarily growing tobacco) and woodlands. Visitors to this town can enjoy outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals and spend time in the greenery of local parks. The best place to stay for a weekend getaway would be The Estate House at Waverly Estate. Filled with historic charm, the property sits on a relaxing farm that is close to a few restaurants and the Victoria Railroad Park. This park has miles of trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Thrift stores and antique stores line the Main Street of Victoria, as well as Mexican, Chinese, and Italian restaurants. The local farmer's market is also a great place to visit, all while supporting the local merchants.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro is one of the smallest towns in Virginia. It lies in the Hillsboro Gap of Short Hill Mountain, which is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia. It is the birthplace of Susan Catherine Koerner Wright, mother of the Wright Brothers. A central feature of the town is its Old Stone School, the epicenter for education for the whole town. The Hillsboro Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 when it included 40 contributing buildings. A must-do in Hillsboro is wine tasting. Hillsboro is the hub of one of Virginia's largest wine regions and tourism destinations. Breaux Vineyards, 8 Chains North Winery, Crushed Cellars, and Sunset Hills Vineyard are among the quaint, fine wineries you can visit near this town! Hidden View Bed & Breakfast is a top location to stay during your weekend getaway, where you will find 10 acres of rolling grounds with Blue Ridge views and even a swimming pool.
New Castle
The two notable geographical features of New Castle are the high cliffs just west of the town and the nearby Johns Creek gorge, which features challenging whitewater. It is known as one of Appalachia's best-kept secrets, with its gorgeous mountain backdrop for the community. In New Castle, shop at The Emporium General Store, which is located right on Main Street and sells made-in-America and made-in-Virginia products. Or experience the delectable charm of Lasterday Market, where you'll find locally roasted coffee, scratch-made biscuits, and hand-crafted goods. Restored in 1984, the Old Brick Hotel was turned into a museum that now showcases local antiques, a genealogy library, and a lot of history. In New Castle, you can also visit log houses and cabins that were built in the 1850s. Country Campground is a great location for nature lovers to stay in New Castle, whereas Wilderness Adventure is a beautiful location with 500 acres of fields, forests, mountains, and streams.
Bedford
The picturesque area of Bedford lies at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you love the outdoors, there are many surrounding orchards providing visitors with the tranquility needed for a weekend retreat. The downtown area has many antique shops and art galleries, along with the popular Liberty Station Restaurant. This unique dining experience is a restored train depot where you can find your favorite American food. Visiting the National D-Day Memorial is a must for history lovers, as it pays tribute to the fallen heroes on the day the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy. Walking through this memorial, you will see the names of 4,415 fallen Allied Forces, which is the most comprehensive list from that day. Bedford's motto is "Life. Liberty. Happiness." and it has been nicknamed "The World's Best Little Town."
Gate City
The town of Gate City is named for its role as the gateway into Virginia from Kingsport, Tennessee. Historically, the town had a railroad log yard where logs from all over the country were stored and then loaded to be later transported by train. Iron ore and glass sand were manufactured and shipped from Gate City. The Gate City historic district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rich in Pioneer and Native American history, the town was laid out in 1815 on the Wilderness Road. Fun things to do in Gate City include a visit to Busted Still Brewery, Creation Kingdom Zoo, and Scott County Park & Golf Course. Also, weekly events like free summer concerts, BBQ contests, music festivals, and car shows. Stay in Appalachian Mountain cabins, various Bed and Breakfast inns, or a campground overlooking lush scenery.
10. Cape Charles
Cape Charles is located close to the mouth of Chesapeake Bay on Virginia's eastern shore. It is the only town on Virginia's shore that has public beach access, making it a great tourist location for weekend beach getaways. Try stand-up paddleboarding, exploring on a kayak, going kiteboarding, or taking a boat tour. Local yoga studios also have sessions on the beach. Cape Charles Beach is found in the town's historic district. Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Neo-classical homes are found in the historic district, the oldest dating back to the 1880s and the early 1900s. A great historical place to check out is the Historic Palace Theatre, an Art Deco theatre on Mason Avenue that opened in 1942. At Cape Charles, you'll also find access to bird and wildlife habitats, such as the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. Here, visitors can witness the annual migration of songbirds, raptors, or even monarch butterflies. Local shops in Cape Charles sell clothing and accessories, gifts and souvenirs, and gourmet goods. A popular choice for accommodation in Cape Charles is vacation rentals, like tiny homes! Visitors also have many Airbnb choices that are available for rent.
With so much history to experience and explore in these small towns, you can see why Virginia is also called the "Mother of States." The picture-perfect views of mountains, hills, and beaches make for an unforgettable weekend when paired with local attractions. The rich historical buildings and monuments are a beautiful reminder of where these towns originated from. There is something for everyone in one of the many small towns of Virginia.
