11 Must-Visit Small Towns In Virginia
Stretching between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains, and bordered by the states of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a diverse state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. Scattered all over this expansive 42,774.2 sq. mi state are some adorable small towns often overlooked by travelers who come to tour the state’s more popular urban metropolises. With stunning natural sceneries, noteworthy historical sites, ample outdoor recreation, colorful celebrations, and dreamy Southern hospitality these small towns are must-visits on your next vacation to the Old Dominion.
Abingdon
Washington County’s seat, Abingdon is located between the Holston River’s Middle and North forks in the Great Appalachian Valley, roughly 133 miles southwest of Roanoke. Initially called “Wolf Hill Tract” the settlement served as the site of Black’s Fort in 1774 and was later renamed ‘Abingdon’ after ‘Abingdon-on-Thames,’ Martha Washington’s ancestral home in England’s Oxfordshire. The Abingdon Historic District encompasses a significant portion of the town and comprises several buildings dating from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century. Some of Abingdon’s popular attractions include the Martha Washington Inn, Sinking Spring Cemetery, Barter Theater, Alexander Findlay House, Washington County Courthouse, Abingdon Bank, William King Museum of Art, Art Depot, and the Historical Society of Washington County. Moreover, the town is the starting point of the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 35-mile-long multi-purpose rail trail ideal for hiking and biking activities.
Bedford
Nicknamed, “The World’s Best Little Town,” Bedford, located at the base of the Peaks of Otter in the heart of Southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is the administrative center of Bedford County. Stroll through Downtown Bedford or Centertown and browse the multiple antique shops, art galleries, artist studios, and cozy eateries. The National D-Day Memorial, Bedford Boys Tribute Center, Bedford Area Welcome Center, and Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library are Bedford’s notable points of interest. Visitors can also enjoy the town’s tranquility at its many orchards like the Johnson’s Orchards, A.J. Gross & Sons Orchard, besides other natural spaces like Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Falling Creek Park.
Buchanan
Buchanan, named after the Virginia colonist John Buchanan, and situated along the James River in Botetourt County, forms a part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Buchanan Historic District includes numerous meticulously maintained buildings such as the Buchanan Presbyterian Church, Wilson Warehouse, Buchanan Theatre, Bank of Buchanan, James Evans Mason Lodge, etc. The town’s Main Street, in addition to many top-notch eateries, is packed with locally-owned businesses selling antiques, Amish-made furniture, home décor items, farm equipment, clothing, and household items. Outdoor enthusiasts can witness the Buchanan Swinging Bridge; hike the different trails like the Upper James River Water Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Glenwood Horse Trail; and cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town’s Main Street also serves as a venue for multiple events and festivals throughout the year.
Chincoteague
A tiny port town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague occupies Chincoteague Island located between the Chincoteague Bay on the west and the Assateague Inlet and Atlantic Ocean on the east. This pleasant bayside settlement acts as a gateway to Assateague Island’s Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and home to Virginia’s herd of wild ponies (also called “Chincoteague ponies”). Travelers must visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island, Beebe Ranch, Assateague Lighthouse, Captain Timothy Hill House, Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, and the Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park. The town’s Main Street features numerous small-town businesses, bed & breakfasts, Chincoteague Island Library, Island Theater, Sundial Book Store, ice cream parlors, and gourmet restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood. Every July, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Pony Swim & Auction festival lures thousands of former residents and tourists to this island town.
Cape Charles
A picturesque beach town in Northampton County bordered on the south by Old Plantation Creek and on the north by King’s Creek, Cape Charles sits directly on the Chesapeake Bay at the southern extremity of the Delmarva Peninsula. A planned railroad community established in 1884, the town currently capitalizes on its well-preserved waterfront properties; scores of specialty shops and other locally owned businesses at the commercial center; and the spotless Cape Charles Town Beach – the sole public beach on the bayside of the Eastern Shore. When in town, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Cape Charles Harbor & Marina, Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve, Kiptopeke State Park, Cape Charles Museum & Welcome Center, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, and a Fun Pier adjacent to the Cape Charles Town Beach are not be missed. The annual Harbor for the Arts Summer Festival hosted by Cape Charles is the most extravagant summer outdoor concert program in Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Culpeper
The administrative center of Culpeper County, this quirky town is situated in the Piedmont River Valley between the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers. History buffs can get to know about the bygone years at the town’s many carefully preserved Civil War battlefields, and the Museum of Culpeper History, apart from the assortment of historic homes and colonial-era churches. Culpeper’s revitalized downtown has countless boutiques, unique shops, antique stores, and world-class restaurants that cater to every taste. Throughout the year, the town hosts various events including national horse shows at Commonwealth Park, the Mardi Gras celebration, Gnarly Hops & Barley Fest, Summer Third Thursday Concert Series, CulpeperFest, Fourth of July festival, and a Holiday Open House.
Farmville
Spread across the Cumberland and Prince Edward counties, this thriving college town is situated along the headwaters of the Appomattox River at the heart of the state. Housing the principal campus of Longwood University and a wealth of interesting attractions, Farmville captivates students and tourists alike. The town’s buzzing Main Street has multiple eclectic shops, boutiques, art galleries like the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, museums, diners, coffee shops, and breweries. History buffs must not miss the Robert Russa Moton Museum which tells tales of the first non-violent student demonstration in 1951 that eventually led to the beginning of the Civil Rights era. Outdoor enthusiasts are also drawn to the High Bridge Trail State Park, Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area, and the neighboring Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, and Twin Lakes State Park. Every year on the first weekend in May, the Heart of Virginia Festival in Farmville celebrates arts, music, local homemade crafts, food, and so much more.
Irvington
Christened ‘Irvington’ in honor of the Baltimore native Captain Levin Irvington, this Lancaster County village occupies the Northern Neck peninsula, along the eastern shores of Carter’s Creek where it flows into the Rappahannock River. Spread over 1,107.2 acres, the town’s historic district comprises more than 149 contributing properties. Irvington welcomes vacationers to spend an afternoon spotting ospreys, eagles, and herons along Carter’s Creek; learn about the past at the Steamboat Era Museum and the Historic Christ Church & Museum; shop in the town’s farmer’s market and other retail stores and boutiques; play golf at the Golden Eagle Golf Club; cruise the Rappahannock River & Carter’s Creek, savor fresh fish and oysters at the finest eateries, bike to the dog-friendly Dog & Oyster vineyard, and stay at the nationally recognized Tides Inn or Hope & Glory Inn.
Luray
Page County’s seat of government, Luray is located in Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains, just 90 miles west of Washington D.C. Founded in 1812 by William Staige Marye, the town's proximity to the Shenandoah National Park has made it a haven for adventurists. Acclaimed landmarks like the Skyline Building, Luray United Methodist Church, Page County Record Building, etc., are included within the Luray Downtown Historic District. Outdoor lovers must head for the gorgeous 105-mile-long Skyline Drive that runs along mountain ridges in Shenandoah National Park, delve into the eerie Luray Caverns, visit the Luray Singing Tower (Belle Brown Northcott Memorial), and rest for the night at the Grand Old Mimslyn Inn.
Onancock
Dubbed the “Gem of the Eastern Shore” in the 1600s by Captain John Smith, this fascinating town in Accomack County serves as the perfect home base for surveying the rest of the state’s Eastern Shore. Home to just 1,263 inhabitants, Onancock has marvelously preserved its residential character and boasts a downtown district brimming with magnificent 18th-century Victorian homes, museums, theaters, premium bed & breakfasts, boutique hotels, world-class restaurants, and an unrivaled art scene. The Onancock Historic District comprises innumerable contributing structures including the vintage Roseland Theatre which hosts an International Film Festival, where a renowned international film is made available for public viewing once each month. From May to October, the Tangier Onancock Ferry provides passengers an opportunity to witness some of the most treasured assets of the Chesapeake Bay.
Wachapreague
Set on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this charming village in Accomack County was named after the namesake Algonquian native tribe that inhabited the area centuries ago. Having only 257 permanent residents and surrounded by water, woods, and farmlands, Wachapreague is famed for inshore & offshore fishing activities apart from providing easy access to unspoiled wetlands and shell-filled barrier island beaches in the mid-Atlantic region. Walk the streets of this Victorian-era town and visit the different shops and restaurants like the Fish Tales Restaurant at the Wachapreague Marina, Island House Restaurant & Marina, Wachapreague Inn, Seaside Antiques, etc. During the spring and fall seasons, the Nature Conservancy Bird & Wildlife Observation Station on Wachapreague’s southern waterfront is ideal for watching migratory birds and other wild fauna. Outdoor lovers can spend quality time at the town’s two public parks: the Herbert S. Powell Memorial Park and the Seaside Park – also home to the Eastern Shore Native Plant Garden.
From laid-back coastal towns to mountain communities, each of the small towns in the nation’s 35th-largest and 12th-most-populous state captivates thousands of holidaymakers with their distinctive charms. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on a journey for a fun-filled memorable vacation with your dear ones at these enchanting locales in Virginia.
