11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Virginia
Virginia takes the limelight for its historic landmarks, which tell about the Civil War, bustling cities like Richmond, and coastal drives. However, away from the crowds, there are some towns in Virginia where historic streets remain unchanged, local traditions thrive, and natural beauty stretches in every direction. Take Clifton, a town outside the busy Northern Virginia locales, where historic buildings house cozy cafés. Or Washington, a small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where a world-renowned inn serves fine dining in a setting untouched by time.
These towns may not make every guidebook, but they reveal a different side of Virginia. Whether you’re searching for mountain trails, waterfront views, or a quiet retreat, these 11 off-the-beaten-path towns prove that the best places to visit are often the ones you never expected to find.
Floyd
Floyd sits along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway but remains a quieter, less tourist-heavy destination in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The Floyd Country Store is the heart of the town’s music culture, hosting the Friday Night Jamboree of bluegrass and old-time music. Down the road, Chateau Morrisette Winery offers stunning views of the rolling hills, paired with locally made wines. The Buffalo Mountain Brewery & McDaniel’s Tavern is another neighborhood brewpub for locally brewed craft beers like Cider and Kolsh Beer with bar bites.
Furthermore, Floyd Center for the Arts upholds the creative streak of town. It allows access to 3 galleries, a blacksmith forge, a pottery studio, and an artist studio. Just outside town, Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve brings visitors to a land of rare interactions with 9 natural hotspots, 3 animals, and 15 plant species.
Smithfield
Smithfield is tucked along the Pagan River and is best known for its deep connection to Virginia’s colonial history and famous hams. The Taste of Smithfield Restaurant is the place to see what the ham hype is about. In addition to the town’s signature ham and peanuts, it serves everything from briskets to microbrews. The Smithfield Station is a charming marina and restaurant where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood with a fine-dining view of the water or even book a suite.
The Smithfield Historic District is a standout with nearly 300 structures comprising 18th-century homes and churches. For instance, St. Luke’s Church, from the 1680s, is the oldest brick church in Virginia. Along the river, Windsor Castle Park takes on a historical journey of the erstwhile Arthur Smith plantation. You can go kayaking or canoeing, walk the 4 miles of trails, try mountain biking, or have a picnic in its 208 acres.
Wytheville
Though Wytheville is a gateway for travelers on I-81 and I-77, many pass through without realizing its rich history and outdoor adventures. One of Wytheville’s most striking landmarks is Big Walker Lookout, a 100-foot tower delivering panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains for over 75 years. In the vicinity, Crystal Springs Recreation Area is a lesser-known 1800+ acre hotspot. Visitors have options, including hiking, backpacking, biking, and primitive camping on the grounds.
Nearby, Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre provides a full-course meal alongside live musical performances, a rare find in a small town. Meanwhile, Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, dedicated to the only Appalachian-born First Lady, gives insight into her influence during World War I. Lastly, Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs is a no-frills diner serving classic chili dogs since 1925.
Middleburg
While wine country and equestrian culture draw visitors to Middleburg, it remains less crowded than nearby Charlottesville or Leesburg. National Sporting Library & Museum highlights Middleburg’s deep equestrian roots with rare books, paintings, and artifacts. A 20-minute drive will take travelers to the 1800+ acre Sky Meadows State Park. The park is trail heaven with 22 hiking miles, 10.5 bridle miles, and nine biking miles through pastures and forests.
Greenhill Winery & Vineyards offers tastings in its boutique setup. Additionally, the Red Fox Inn & Tavern, founded in 1728, is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country and a must-visit for classic Virginia fare. For a quiet moment, Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill inside the Salamander Resort is a beautiful retreat with farm-to-table dining fare like Brussels sprouts, breakfast potatoes, and risotto.
Cape Charles
Far from the crowds of the state’s more famous beach towns, Cape Charles calls people to Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Cape Charles Beach is a rare East Coast beach with calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming. Nearby, Cape Charles Fishing Pier extends into the bay, with great fishing and stunning sunset views. Kiptopeke State Park is a short drive south. The park takes pride in its hiking trails, a fishing pier, and an artificial reef created from sunken ships, now home to diverse marine life.
Food and drink options in Cape Charles reflect the town’s laid-back vibe. The Shanty is a waterfront seafood restaurant famed for its fresh oysters and crab cakes. Meanwhile, Brown Dog Ice Cream serves small-batch flavors made with seasonal ingredients (it operates mainly in the summer).
Front Royal
Though many travelers pass through Front Royal on their way to Skyline Drive, the town itself has much to experience. Shenandoah River State Park is a top destination. The park encompasses over 1,600 acres of hiking trails, river access for canoeing and kayaking, and picnic spots with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another natural wonder is Skyline Caverns, one of the only places in the world to see rare anthodite formations—delicate, crystal-like structures that look like white needles growing in all directions. The caverns also feature an underground stream and spacious rock formations, making it a fascinating stop.
The Belle Boyd Cottage, home to the famous Confederate spy Belle Boyd, who passed information to the Southern army during the Civil War, is a puller. Additionally, the Virginia Beer Museum traces the history of brewing in the state with exhibits and local craft beers to sample.
Vienna
12 miles west of Arlinton, Vienna feels worlds away from the busy city. A highlight of Vienna is Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a peaceful 95-acre park filled with walking trails, lakes, and seasonal flowers. The Korean Bell Garden, with its intricate carvings and traditional pavilion, is a must-see. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, enjoy birdwatching, or relax by the water. Vienna is also home to part of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD Trail), a 45-mile paved trail popular with cyclists and runners. The Vienna section features lovely views and easy access to local coffee shops and breweries, making it a great stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Jammin’ Java is a buzzing music venue where visitors can catch live performances from local and touring artists. Food lovers can pop into Caboose Brewing Company, a local but excellent brewery with locally brewed craft beer. Alternatively, Pie Gourmet is hot for their homemade pies with flavors like strawberry rhubarb and blackberry peach.
Tazewell
Tazewell is the place to discover the more hushed side of Virginia’s Appalachian Highlands. One of Tazewell’s biggest draws is Back of the Dragon, Virginia’s ultimate mountain road for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. This 32-mile stretch of winding, scenic highway between Tazewell and Marion is filled with sharp turns and breathtaking overlooks of the Appalachian landscape.
The Crab Orchard Museum traces the region’s past, from Native American settlements to early Appalachian life. The museum has log cabins, historical exhibits, and artifacts from Tazewell’s coal and railroad history. And let us not forget the Back of the Dragon Brewery. Specialty pizzas are the friends to the in-house brews here.
Farmville
Farmville sits between Richmond and Lynchburg, often skipped by travelers heading elsewhere. Yet, this college town, host to Longwood University and 7 miles from Hampden-Sydney College, is worth a visit. High Bridge Trail State Park sports a 31-mile rail trail that crosses the historic High Bridge, which played a key role in the Civil War. The bridge, towering 125 feet above the Appomattox River, gives sweeping views and a great spot for biking or walking. Additionally, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, where one of the Civil War’s last battles took place, is also a mere 12 miles out. The park has walking trails, preserved battlefields, and a visitor center with exhibits on the war’s final days.
Downtown Farmville is a hub for shopping and dining. Green Front Furniture, housed in old tobacco warehouses, attracts visitors from across the country looking for unique home furnishings. On the contrary, The Fishin’ Pig serves up a local favorite—slow-smoked barbecue and Southern-style seafood.
Clifton
Clifton is a small town with a rich history and a peaceful atmosphere just outside the busy Northern Virginia suburbs. Nature lovers can explore Bull Run Marina and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, both boasting trails through wooded landscapes. Hemlock Overlook is a favorite for hiking and kayaking along the Occoquan River, with shaded trails perfect for a quiet afternoon outdoors.
In town, Trummer’s Restaurant is a must-visit, famed for its fine dining and craft bar. There is also the Paradise Springs Winery which sits on the outskirts of town. It’s one of Virginia’s oldest wineries, with tastings and tours in a peaceful vineyard setting.
Washington
Washington, also known as "Little Washington," is often overshadowed by its larger namesake. The Inn at Little Washington, a world-renowned restaurant and luxury hotel housed in a historic building, is where the town gets the fame. The inn’s reputation for exceptional cuisine, with 3 Michelin Stars, brings food lovers from across the country.
Local shops and galleries, such as R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery, showcase handmade crafts, home goods, and artwork from regional artists. Visitors can also relish a wine tasting at Little Washington Winery and Brewery. Ranked as "one of the top 40 Hidden Gems of American Wineries and Vineyards," the winery also has a disc golf course and three tasting rooms.
Virginia’s Underrated Towns with Big Stories to Tell
Each town on this list brings something unique, whether it’s the historic charm of Clifton, the artistic spirit of Floyd, or the waterfront hits of Cape Charles. These off-the-beaten-path towns in Virginia prove that the best experiences in the United States aren’t always in the spotlight. They’re in the quiet corners, the small cafés, and the landmarks awaiting more discovery.
