7 Best Virginia Towns For A Weekend Trip

With spring in the air, many people find themselves eager for a trip, even if it is just a weekend getaway. Luckily, if you live in or near Virginia, the options are plentiful. Whether you are seeking a weekend of mountain music, a day of sunbathing on the beach, or an adventure exploring Shenandoah National Park, Virginia is home to some of the best towns for a short and fun weekend away.

Galax

Nicknamed the “Old-Time Music Capital of the World”, a weekend in Galax is the perfect way to explore Virginia’s musical heritage. At the historic Rex Theater, travelers can catch a live show, ranging from folk and bluegrass performances to theater productions. There are also several opportunities to enjoy free music in Galax! The Blue Ridge Music Center, for example, hosts free sessions showcasing the stories and songs of local mountain musicians. For a day outdoors, consider visiting the Matthews State Forest. This 566-acre park, filled with hardwoods and white pines, offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind at Fiddlers Roost Bed & Breakfast, which features seven cozy cabins equipped with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, grills, and picnic tables.

Damascus

Damascus is an excellent base for outdoor adventurers. The Virginia Creeper Trail begins in Damascus and stretches 17 miles to Abingdon, guiding bikers through rolling hills and lush valleys along the former route of a mountain railroad. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area lies at the edge of town as well, home to spruce-fir forests, mountain peaks, trout streams, and over 500 miles of trails. For a relaxing drink at the end of the day, visitors can head to The Damascus Brewery, which has over 60 beers on the menu! The Damascus Old Mill Inn is one of the most classic places to lodge, located along Beaverdam Creek and Laurel Creek and overlooking a historic mill waterfall.

Cape Charles

Cape Charles, a Victorian-era coastal community along the Chesapeake Bay, has been recognized by Coastal Living as one of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns. Visitors can spend a warm and sunny Saturday lounging on Cape Charles Town Beach, which is the only beach on the state’s eastern shore that is free and open to the public. To explore the bay waters, there are plenty of rental agencies that will hook you up with a rental. Poseidon Watersports has a bit of everything, including paddleboard, kayak, and boat rentals. On Mason Avenue, there are several art galleries that visitors can browse, including Lemon Tree Gallery and Studio and At Altitude Gallery. For weekend-long views of the bay, The Baywood Bed and Breakfast is an excellent choice. This waterfront inn features rooms with bayfront balconies and serves a full breakfast each morning.

Abingdon

Abingdon, recognized as a top culinary and art town, offers plenty of entertaining activities to fill your weekend. One of the town’s oldest attractions is the Barter Theatre, established in 1933. Here, visitors can catch a comedy, musical, drama, or Appalachian play. Upcoming performances include The Book Club Play, Hamlet, and The Million Dollar Quartet. Visitors can also explore the William King Museum of Art, which features contemporary Appalachian art alongside fine art from around the world. For a mouthwatering meal, make sure to dine at Jack’s 128 Pecan. This beloved local restaurant serves American-style cuisine like meatloaf, grilled ribeye, and parmesan-crusted salmon. If you want to make your stay in Abingdon extra classy, you can stay at the Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a historic hotel from 1832 that features amenities like a pool, jacuzzi, tennis and pickleball court, mini golf course, and fitness center.

Luray

Situated in the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains, Luray is a quiet mountain town with an impressive number of natural attractions nearby. Luray Caverns, one of the region's most popular attractions, boasts cathedral ceilings reaching up to 10 stories high, along with stunning limestone columns and structures, all of which can be explored on a guided tour. Shenandoah National Park is also easily accessible from Luray. With over 500 miles of trails, travelers can explore the park, which covers 196,000 acres of wilderness and is home to species like bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Those needing to fuel up before their adventure outdoors can start the day at Gathering Grounds Pâtisserie & Café, a local breakfast and lunch cafe on Luray’s Main Street. For lodging, the Mimslyn Inn offers a cozy, local experience with rooms in a historic manor house and charming cottages.

Big Stone Gap

Travelers looking for a change of pace will love visiting Big Stone Gap for the weekend, an old-style Americana town in the mountains. To check out the town’s local art and music scene, travelers can visit the June Tolliver House and Folk Art Center, which features a 335-seat outdoor theater and a gift shop that sells local artisan goods. There are a number of public art installations scattered throughout town as well, including the Big Stone Gap Logo Mural, Benjamin Moore Paint Co Vintage Mural, and Vintage Coke Mural. To explore some of Big Stone Gap’s natural beauty, make sure to visit Bullit Park, voted the best park in the county with a greenbelt walking trail, picnic shelters, sports fields and courts, a playground, and other amenities. The Big Stone Gap area is a great camping destination. Consider staying at Jessie Lea RV Park & Campground, which features campsites, RV hookups, and picnic pavilions.

Occoquan

Occoquan is a scenic riverfront town just 40 minutes from Washington DC, making it the perfect weekend destination for those who hail from the city. There are plenty of ways for visitors to explore the Occoquan River that flows through the town. If you are coming with a kayak, the town has a free kayak ramp beneath the Route 123 bridge that offers direct access to the water. Travelers can also enjoy a stroll along the paved walking trail in River Mill Park, which stretches along the river. To enjoy a riverside meal, travelers can dine at Madigan’s Waterfront, a locally owned seafood and steak restaurant that is located in the historic district. Just a five-minute drive from downtown Occoquan, travelers can lodge in the Hampton Inn Potomac Mills, located in Occoquan’s neighboring town of Woolbridge, which offers comfortable rooms with a free breakfast each morning.

Final Thoughts

Virginia's small towns are wonderfully diverse, giving travelers the opportunity to explore performing arts, outdoor adventures, and a thriving culinary scene. If you are looking to explore Appalachian art and theater, a town like Abingdon will make the perfect weekend getaway. If you prefer biking through the mountains, a weekend trip along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus is a nice alternative. No matter your interests, rest assured that you will find the perfect adventure in Virginia.