7 Best Downtowns In Virginia
As you might guess from a state whose branding includes the phrase “Virginia is for Lovers,” a visit to the Old Dominion is going to be something special. It’s an especially apt slogan for lovers of scenic downtown areas, something that many small Virginian towns have been blessed with. What makes these destinations so special? In addition to the fact that they serve as the heart and soul of these delightful communities, the best of Virginia’s downtowns boast historic architectural styles that reflect the state’s early colonial past, making them extremely pleasant to explore on foot. Find out more with our selection of the seven best downtowns in Virginia.
Charlottesville
Charlottesville’s lovely downtown area is anchored by the Downtown Mall, an eight-block, brick-paved pedestrian corridor along East Main Street, that’s well worth exploring. And take your time, as there’s much to see here. Anchored at one end by the Omni Charlottesville Hotel and at the other by the Ting Pavilion amphitheater, the Mall is also where you’ll find The Paramount Theater, which opened in 1931 and still showing classic films and hosting community events. The even older Jefferson Theater, built in 1912 as a movie house, is now a concert venue.
Traveling with kids? The Virginia Discovery Museum is an ideal spot to entertain your wee ‘uns and features plenty of hands-on activities to keep them busy. They also offer a Date Night Drop-Off program where you can leave them for a few hours while you head out to explore the Downtown Mall or enjoy an adult-only meal with your loved one. Just a few blocks away on High Street, the Charlottesville Historic District is home to attractions including Charlottesville Opera and the McGuffey Art Center. And as Virginia's best college town (it's home to the University of Virginia), the downtown core is usually buzzing with an infectious, youthful energy.
Lexington
Known as the “Historic Heart” of the Shenandoah Valley, Lexington’s downtown is closely associated with its two prominent institutions, Washington and Lee University (W &L) and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI); both are easy to walk to from the downtown core. W&L, originally founded as the Augusta Academy in 1749, features many early 19th-century buildings where students and faculty continue to hold classes and public programs. The campus is fun to explore for its beautiful park-like setting, especially the area around the majestic Washington Hall and the University Chapel.
The Virginia Military Institute, established in 1839, is home to many fine examples of mid-19th-century Gothic Revival architecture and continues to serve as a training ground for cadets. You’ll see many of these extremely polite students in their white uniforms making their way around the town, all quick to greet you with a smile. A great way to explore downtown Lexington and its attractions is via a fun horse and buggy ride with the Lexington Carriage Company. These fun hour-long trips around the downtown core take in both the university and the neighboring military academy, the Stonewall Jackson House, home of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson during his tenure as a professor at the academy.
Winchester
Winchester is another charming town that’s known for its pedestrian-friendly downtown area. Known as Old Town Winchester and covering an impressive 45 blocks straddling Loudon Street, this lovely downtown is chock-a-block full of fun things to do. Highlights include George Washington’s Office Museum, a small log structure where the future President was based in 1755, as well as the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum. Located in the 1840 Frederick County Courthouse, the latter features interesting exhibits detailing significant regional battles.
Other Old Town landmarks include the Monument, a popular music venue, and the colorful (it’s bright yellow, so it stands out) Bright Box performing arts center. Have your camera ready for the delightful old colonial-era homes at the south end of Loudon Street that now serve as offices. To make the most of this delightful downtown area, book a stay at the historic George Washington Hotel, just a few blocks from Old Town and easy to walk to. The best time to visit? The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, held every spring since 1924, remains a highlight of Winchester’s events calendar and brings a carnival atmosphere to Old Town Winchester and the downtown core.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg’s magnificent downtown area covers a 40-block National Historic District that dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Established in 1728, the town grew rapidly as a trade hub thanks to its strategic location along the Rappahannock River, which you can enjoy from Riverfront Park. Numerous buildings from the early days still survive in and around the downtown core, including Mary Washington House, acquired in 1772 by George Washington for his mother (it’s now a great museum offering fascinating interpretative tours).
The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop is another must-visit and preserves the workings of an authentic 18th-century medical practice. While in the mood for more history, check out the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Housed in an old redbrick town hall dating from the early 1800s, it hosts exhibits relating to the Revolutionary and Civil War years.
Petersburg
Just a short drive south of the state capital of Richmond, Petersburg’s downtown stands out for its Civil War history and enduring commercial presence. Historic Old Towne Petersburg is the place to begin exploring (you’ll know you’ve arrived when you find yourself walking on cobblestone streets). There’s plenty of old architecture here, including the historic Farmers Market, a unique octagonal red brick building which traces its roots back to the late 18th century and is still active on weekends. Next door, the Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL) is a great spot to view the works of talented local artists, while a walk further along the aptly named Old Street will lead to the ruins of the Peter Jones Trading Station, a structure dating back to the late 1600s. You’ll also pass the Blue Willow Tea Room, a great spot for authentic English afternoon tea.
Keep exploring by walking uphill from the Appomattox River to the Historic Farmers Bank Museum. Opened in 1817, the Farmers Bank is one of the oldest bank buildings in Virginia and now operates as a museum with period furnishings, original vaults, and exhibits detailing Petersburg’s commercial growth. From here, head to the Exchange Building and Petersburg Visitors Center, completed in 1841 and now offering travel information along with exhibits on Civil War events and local trade history.
Front Royal
Front Royal’s downtown, while somewhat smaller than others on this list, is nevertheless delightful. Running along Main Street where many structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain in use, the downtown has long been popular with tourists. The heart of Front Royal’s charming downtown is the Town Square, a picture-perfect park with a splendid gazebo that makes for a great selfie. From here, head to the old town railway station which now hosts the Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center where friendly staff will provide details of town attractions along with nearby points of interest like Shenandoah National Park.
Another downtown attraction worth visiting is the Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, founded in 1959 and featuring exhibits and artifacts tied to local Civil War participation. Spring is a great time to visit for the Front Royal Wine and Craft Festival, a May event which brings wineries and artisans to the downtown Front Royal. During summer weekends, live music performances at the gazebo on Town Square make for a lovely soundtrack to your visit.
Luray
While best known for its spectacular caverns, Luray’s downtown area is certainly worth visiting, too. Downtown Luray is a hilly affair, though, its undulating main street makes for a great photo. Built in 1939, the Page Theater still shows movies 85 years later, while eateries include the excellent Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Café, a great spot for a breakfast bagel or a gourmet sandwich.
The downtown undoubtedly looks its best when there’s an event going on. One of the best, the Festival of Spring, takes place each May and brings folks to town to enjoy live music and art vendors. For year-round accommodations with historical roots, the Mimslyn Inn, opened in 1931, stands as an example of early 20th-century hospitality and is only a 20-minute walk from downtown.
The Final Word
A visit to any of these seven downtowns is an excellent way to get to know the state of Virginia. From the pedestrian-friendly streets of Charlottesville and Winchester to the picturesque main drags of Front Royal and Petersburg, you should definitely include at least one or two of these must-visit destinations on your Southern USA travel itinerary. Be sure to bookmark our list of the seven best downtowns in Virginia for ideas and inspiration.
