10 Unspoiled Small Towns In Virginia
One of the primal Thirteen Colonies and the 10th state to be ceremoniously admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a varied state in the US’ Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions extending between the Appalachians and Atlantic Seaboard. While vacations to the Old Dominion’s teeming metropolitan hubs of Norfolk, Alexandria, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the state capital Richmond are a top priority for a majority of the holidayers, the innumerable unspoiled teeny communities are iteratively overlooked. So, what is all the wait for? Pack your luggage and set out on a blissful sojourn to these lesser-known towns for a veritable essence of all that Virginia can provide.
Middleburg
Titled ‘Middleburg’ due to its midpoint placement betwixt Winchester and Alexandria, this charming Loudoun County town was established in 1787 by the Continental Army Officer and Virginia planter Leven Powell. Designated ‘Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital’ Middleburg proudly upholds its equine legacy and is much appreciated for foxhunting, steeplechasing, and enormous estates. Filled with incalculable centuries-old buildings, the Middleburg Historic District, limited by Constitution Street and Independence Street in the west and east, respectively, spans across the whole downtown segment of Washington Street. Take some time off from your demanding timetables to sightsee impressive must-see points such as the Chrysalis Vineyards, National Sporting Library & Museum, Boxwood Estate Winery, Middleburg Antique Gallery, Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, Middleburg Museum, Crème de la Crème home goods store, Lost Barrel Brewing, Highcliffe Clothiers shop, lodgings like Red Fox Inn & Tavern, and premium seafood restaurants like King Street Oyster Bar. For four consecutive days every October, the Middleburg Film Festival, held in the gorgeous settings of the town, allures moviemakers, cinemagoers, and guests from all over the world.
Abingdon
Abingdon, the administrative center of Washington County, is situated in southwestern Virginia approx. 133 miles southwest of Roanoke in the Blue Ridge Highlands. Tagged ‘Wolf Hill Tract’ from the outset, this quaint town was rebaptized ‘Abingdon’ after the Oxfordshire family estate of Martha Washington. Extending across a substantial portion of the town, the 159.5-acre Abingdon Historic District includes assorted traditional structures dating from the late 18th and mid-20th centuries. The Sinking Spring Cemetery, Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Barter Theatre, Historical Society of Washington County - Virginia, and Washington County Courthouse are Abingdon’s popular tourist magnets. Likewise, the 34.3-mile-long all-purpose Virginia Creeper Trail, which passes through farmlands, highlands, and forests, begins from Abingdon and is apt for biking and hiking fanatics.
Culpeper
Culpeper County’s shiretown, Culpeper, occupies the Piedmont River Valley bordered by Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers. Heritage fanatics visiting this idyllic settlement are wooed by the imperial churches, exquisitely safeguarded Civil War battlefields, time-honored properties, and the Museum of Culpeper History. A timeless example of a Great American Main Street, the streets of Culpeper’s revitalized downtown are full of antique stores like Vintage Vibes of Virginia, handmade outdoor goods shops like The Bear & The Blade, one-of-a-kind gift shops like The Cameleer, and award-winning restaurants like Flavor on Main and Grill 309. Throughout the year, the town hosts an array of periodic events such as the Mardi Gras celebration, Independence Day festivities, Summer Third Thursday Concert Series, national equestrian shows at Commonwealth Park, CulpeperFest, and Gnarly Hops & Barley Fest.
Smithfield
Dubbed “The Ham Capital of the World,” Smithfield is located in the South Hampton Roads subregion in southeastern Virginia’s Isle of Wight County along the shores of the Pagan River. This tranquil 8,533-inhabitant town is noted for curing and producing a specific form of country ham termed Smithfield ham. Covering the downtown and circumambient residential quarters, the Smithfield Historic District incorporates multitudinous landmark buildings such as the Thomas House, Wentworth-Grinnan House, Old Isle of Wight Courthouse, etc. The Smithfield & Isle of Wight Visitor Center, St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum, Fort Boykin Historic Park, Isle of Wight County Museum, Windsor Castle Park, Fort Huger archaeological site, Cypress Creek Golf Course, William Rand Tavern (Smithfield Inn), Taste of Smithfield Restaurant, and Waterfront Inn & Marina are some of Smithfield’s remarkable sites. Spare time from your crazy schedules to be there at any of the yearly events like Smithfield Farmers Market, Smithfield Olden Days, and Christmas Parade.
Irvington
Originally labeled ‘Carter’s Creek Wharf’ and later formally renamed in honor of Captain Levin Irvington, this paradisal Lancaster County town sits on the Northern Neck Peninsula by the side of the eastern banks of Carter’s Creek, where it drains into the Rappahannock River. The town beguiles holidayers with its 149 contributing properties spread over an area of 1,107.2 acres in the historic district. Furthermore, spend a nice afternoon cruising the Rappahannock River and observing herons, ospreys, and eagles alongside Carter’s Creek; gain knowledge about the yesteryears at the Steamboat Era Museum and Historic Christ Church & Museum; go golfing at the Golden Eagle Golf Club; do some shopping in the town’s farmer market, retail outlets, and women’s clothing stores like Dandelion Inc; relish fresh fish and oysters served by top-notch seafood restaurants like Byrd’s Seafood Company and Fish Hawk Oyster Bar; bike to the canine-friendly Dog & Oyster vineyard, and stay over the night at The Tides Inn.
Chincoteague
Bounded by the mighty Atlantic and the Assateague Inlet to the east and the Chincoteague Bay to the west, Chincoteague, which includes the complete Chincoteague Island, is placed on the northeastern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore in Accomack County. This little hamlet acts as a gateway to Assateague Island’s Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - home to the internationally recognized Chincoteague ponies and a sanctuary for ornithophiles. Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, Captain Timothy Hill House, Museum of Chincoteague Island, Beebe Ranch, Assateague Lighthouse, and Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park are some of Chincoteague’s noteworthy sites. Additionally, peruse the Main Street lined by many small-town enterprises, Sundial Book Store, Island Theater, ice-cream shops like Island Creamery and Mister Whippy, Chincoteague Island Library, mini golf courses, comfy bed & breakfasts like Miss Molly’s Inn, and seafood restaurants like Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks and Don’s Seafood Restaurant. Every July, thousands of merrymakers flock to Chincoteague to be present at the Pony Swim & Auction Festival organized by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
Cape Charles
An immaculate Northampton County waterfront settlement, Cape Charles sits proximate to Chesapeake Bay’s mouth at the southern fringe of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Circumscribed in the north by King’s Creek and in the south by Old Plantation Creek, this primarily planned railroad community currently has numerous well-kept seaward properties, domestically owned businesses at the commercial center, and the untainted Cape Charles Town Beach. Travelers touring Cape Charles gotta check out the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve, Kiptopeke State Park, Cape Charles Harbor & Marina, Cape Charles Museum & Welcome Center, and a Fun Pier adjoining the Cape Charles Town Beach.
Farmville
The seat of government of Central Virginia’s Prince Edward County, Farmville, is set alongside the source of the Appomattox River across Prince Edward and Cumberland counties. Aside from housing Longwood University’s principal campus, Farmville has a plethora of absorbing sites of interest enthralling residents and excursionists alike. The town’s dynamic Main Street is brimming with eclectic shops, trendy clothing stores, art galleries such as the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, and restaurants like The Fishin’ Pig, La Parota Mexican Restaurant, and Riverside Café. History connoisseurs must not miss the Robert Russa Moton Museum, while outdoorsy types must head straight to the various open spaces such as the Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area, High Bridge Trail State Park, and the adjacent Twin Lakes State Park and Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park. Yearly on the first weekend of May, Farmville celebrates the Heart of Virginia Festival with art, local homemade crafts, music, mouthwatering food, and many more things.
Onancock
Home to 1,211 inhabitants, this charming Accomack County town is a jumping-off point for traversing the rest of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Over the last few decades, Onancock has pristinely kept its residential character boasting a downtown district chock-full of stately Victorian mansions, a second-to-none art scene, museums like the Eastern Shore Watermen’s Museum & Research Center, cozy bed & breakfasts like The Inn at Onancock, and top-class restaurants like Market Street Grill. The 225-acre Onancock Historic District features myriad landmark structures including the antique Roseland Theatre where during the International Film Festival fantastic foreign-language films are made available for collective watching. Annually from May to October, sightseers must hop aboard the Tangier Onancock Ferry and check out some of the Chesapeake Bay’s favorite assets.
Wachapreague
Wachapreague, christened after the namesake Indigenous Algonquin tribe, is an enchanting Accomack County settlement on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Enveloped by water, cultivated lands, and woodlands, this 257-permanent-inhabitant town is widely known for inshore & offshore sports fishing, besides providing unrestricted access to the intact wetlands and shell-laden barrier island beaches. When on a visit to this Victorian-era community, stroll the streets and drop by the different shops like Seaside Antiques & Art, accommodations like Wachapreague Inn, and eateries like the Island House Restaurant & Marina. Nature enthusiasts can spend time during the spring and fall seasons observing migratory avian species and other wild fauna on Wachapreague’s southern waterfront, aside from partaking in recreational activities at the Seaside Park and Herbert S. Powell Memorial Park.
From the alpine community of Abingdon to the beach towns of Chincoteague and Cape Charles, the unblemished small towns in the 12th most populous and 35th largest state of the country hypnotize millions of vacationists with their assured sophistication and friendly environment. The eye-catching natural settings, splendid nostalgia-filled architecture, reinvigorated Main Street, spirited celebrations, and soothing southerliness these Virginia towns boast of, are worth making them the most coveted all-weather destinations for any kind of refreshing getaways.
