11 Best Towns in Virginia for a Winter Getaway
Winter in Virginia is exceptionally interesting as it offers residents and visitors plenty of reasons to be outdoors rather than indoors. From Christmas festivities like tree lightings in Williamsburg to picturesque natural scenery in the snowy Shenandoah Valley, the cold season hits differently in Virginia. Plus, the season offers a variety of experiences for all kinds of visitors, whether they are laid-back or adventurous. Looking for an unforgettable winter getaway in Virginia? Here are 11 towns to set your radar.
Vienna
Vienna is a unique town in Fairfax County, with a handful of winter attractions for visitors. As an ideal starting point, the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Park might not be colorful during this season, but compensate for that in another way. This park hosts one of the most beautiful walk-through light shows in Northern Virginia in its annual Winter Walk of Lights. Next is Wolf Trap National Park, the only National Park in the US dedicated to Arts. The park hosts special theatre performances during the cold months, including a Holiday Sing-along in early December. If visiting in December, take a dose of history at the Freeman Museum and Store, where permanent rotating displays showcase Vienna's history and rural life. Top accommodations in Vienna include the Tysons Corner Suites and Quality Inn Tysons Corner.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a historic town in Virginia that comes alive in winter with many festivities, especially during Christmas. Visitors to the town during this season will be met with so many interesting attractions like the Busch Gardens Theme Park which stands out for its iconic displays of more than 10 million twinkling lights and becomes a spectacle for all eyes. The lighted boat parade is another winter festive delight, featuring a parade of boats adorned in Christmas lights sailing by the waterfront in nearby Yorktown. However, Colonial Williamsburg, the city's historic district, is an exciting destination beyond the holidays for exploring ancient architecture, taverns, and history museums. Also, it houses the 18th-century Shields Tavern that offers southern delicacies, a hearty atmosphere, and live entertainment even during the colder months.
The best accommodations in Williamsburg include the Williamsburg Colonial Inn and Holiday Inn Williamsburg.
Cape Charles
The cold season is typically a time to stay indoors, and reasonably so. However, Cape Charles disagrees with that norm by flaunting interesting events that compel everyone out of hiding. This coastal town charms visitors with elegant holiday decor marked by an array of sparkling lights, wreaths, and maritime-themed decorations in its historic downtown area. The town also features exciting festivals like Festive Friday, which is held between November 24 and December 22, and features Santa and Mrs Claus and free holiday movies each week. To learn about the town's history, visitors can check out the Cape Charles Museum to see relics of this bay town. Alternatively, head to its shores to explore a string of waterfront restaurants and shops and the one-and-a-half-mile sandy beach overlapping the turquoise ocean.
The best accommodations in town include Cape Motel and Key Lime Cottage.
Luray
The small town of Luray in Page County is a winter wonderland for visitors seeking unique attractions, like caverns. The town is renowned for its magnificent caverns that maintain a temperature of 54 degrees year-round. Hence, they can be visited any time of the year, and winter makes them the perfect hideout from the freezing temperature. These caves were discovered in 1878 and are filled with magnificent Stalagmites, columns, and a wishing pool, among other enchanting sights. There is also a Car and Carriage Caravan Museum in the cavern to spot vintage cars of different types and sizes. In addition, the town is home to the Shenandoah Heritage Village, which transports visitors back in time with its many historic buildings and the Luray Cavern Museum.
Top accommodations in the town include Luray Cavern Motel and Hawksbill House.
Fredericksburg
The historic town of Fredericksburg makes it a call of duty to become phenomenal when it turns chilly. During the holidays, the town's Christmas Market comes alive with exciting shopping experiences, food fares, and entertainment. Beyond all that holiday glamour, the town is alluring for history lovers as it is home to many museums and historic centers to visit.
One such historic attraction is the Battlefield Park, which houses relics of the iconic first and second battles of Fredericksburg. Also, visitors to this town can check out the boyhood home of President George Washington at Ferry Farm just outside Fredericksburg. The town is also home to the 1.6-mile Rappahannock Heritage Trail that winds through the downtown and Old Mill Park, which offers scenic views of the Rappahannock River.
Top accommodations in Fredericksburg for a getaway include Best Western and Hampton Inn & Suites.
Staunton
Staunton is one of the finest and most naturally endowed towns in Virginia to spend a winter getaway. It is situated in Shenandoah Valley, between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Range. Once here, visitors can head to Betsy Bell and Mary Gray Wilderness Park, a mountaintop park to drink in views of snow-dusted peaks from its 1,959-foot overlook. Alternatively, Shenandoah National Park is an hour and a half drive away. Head to this park to hike parts of the Appalachian Trail and capture stunning views of the park's frozen waterfalls like Jones Runs and Upper Doyle River Falls. History buffs can check out the Woodrow Wilson President Museum to view galleries that offer a peek at the bygone era of America's 28th President.
Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn are best recommended for a stay in Staunton.
Great Falls
Great Falls is a small community 24 km away from Washington DC. During the colder months, visitors here will be met with the frozen Great Falls - a 76-foot tall waterfall in the Great Falls Park overlooking the Potomac River that cascades down rocky terrains. Nature lovers will find this park alluring, and there are even up to 15 miles of hiking trails in the park to explore and ward off the cold.
In addition, a scenic trail close to the river leads to River Bend Park, another magnificent park in the town to explore. This naturally beautiful park features 10 miles of hiking trails that can be explored in winter. One of the most exciting trails here is the 1-mile Madison Escape Trail that President Madison used to escape British soldiers during the 1812 war when they invaded Washington.
Homewood Suites by Hilton and Bluebird Suites in Reston, a nearby city, are top accommodations.
Massanutten
Located in Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten is one of the best places to be when the freezing temperatures set in. This town welcomes visitors with exciting attractions like the Massanutten Resort, which offers opportunities for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The resort is also home to about 14 skiing trails for all ages, making it a prime destination for a family winter adventure.
The Massanutten Resort also features an ice skating outdoor rink where skating lessons and sessions are offered. In December, a Winter Light Up The Park Festival causes the resort to glow in breathtaking lights. Furthermore, this small town is home to the Massanutten Bike Park, where trails and a chairlift provide access to and from the eastern slope of Massanutten Mountain.
The Massanutten Resort also provides the best accommodation in town.
Monterey
This town of roughly 150 residents is within the Blue Ridge Mountains in Highland County and offers some of the best countryside views in Virginia. For laid-back travelers and romantic partners looking for a quaint mountain town to ride out the winter while enjoying views of snowcapped peaks, Monterey is the place to be. To begin, visitors can stroll around the town, behold the elegant mountains framing it, and take memorable pictures at the backdrop of snowy peaks. For art Lovers, the Barn Quilt Trail is a must-visit if only to see the dozens of quilts painted on boards.
Additionally, winter in Monterey comes with exciting events, one of which is the Wintertide celebration, which stimulates all senses as it features thrilling music, delicious tastes, and dazzling sights.
The Highland Inn, a historic hotel, and the Log Cabin at Faraway Farm are highly recommended accommodations in Monterey.
Abingdon
Abingdon is a small town in Washington County particularly suitable for winter-loving adventurers. During the colder months, this town welcomes visitors with exciting events like the main street parade which features beautiful street lights and lamps.
The town also features the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is approximately 35 miles long and offers some of Virginia's best winter scenic views. This trail runs through the Appalachian Mountains and wooded areas, spoiling hikers with enchanting views of snow-carpeted peaks, from Agbindon through Watauga and Damascus to Whitetop Mountain. History buffs are not left out of the excitement as the town is home to the Martha Washington Inn and Spa, a historic hotel, barracks, and hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
The Martha Washington Inn and Spa, Hampton Inn, and Comfort Suites are recommended accommodations in Abingdon.
Charlottesville
It is delightful to know that Charlottesville is home to two American presidents - Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe and that winter is an excellent time to tour their homes. Thomas Jefferson's Garden and historic home, or Monticello, is simply amazing with special holiday evening tours. These tours expose visitors to rooms and hallways adorably decorated with ornaments and lighting as the guides reveal more about the life and times of America's third president. James Monroe's Highland, a historic house museum and estate, offers a glimpse into the life of America's fifth president, with holiday decorations spicing up the experience.
Beyond history, the Winter Wander trail at Boar's Head Resort is a great winter attraction. This walking trail around Heritage Lake is less than a mile, and it glitters in scintillating Christmas decor from November to January.
The best accommodations in Charlottesville include Boar's Head Resort, The Inn at Court Square, and Graduate Charlottesville.
Winter Wonders in Virginia
Virginia has many small towns and cities that leave unforgettable memories in the heart of every visitor across all seasons. In winter particularly, while many towns across the country cave in due to the freezing temperatures, these towns retain their vibrant outdoor scenes, making them fit for unforgettable winter getaways. Whether one decides to explore history museums and admire snowcapped mountain peaks or hike off-the-beaten paths to see frozen waterfalls, there is always something for every visitor in these towns.
