7 Most Neighborly Towns In Virginia

They say Virginia is for lovers, but the truth is all are welcome in this neighborly state. From big cities like Roanoke to the small towns listed below, travelers will have no trouble finding welcoming places to visit in Virginia. In fact, Virginia Beach, one of the state's largest cities, is considered one of the most neighborly towns in America. This is due to factors such as charitable donations, volunteerism, low crime rates, voter turnout, and population growth were all considered when making this decision. Outside of the friendly faces, the state is also an excellent travel destination for outdoor lovers, with stunning green spaces such as Seven Bends State Park hidden around every corner. Historic buildings and good food are also major draws to the Old Dominion State.

Chincoteague

Boasted as the gateway to Assateague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague, Virginia, is no stranger to tourists. The friendly little town sees upwards of 1.5 million visitors each year - all eager to see the famous wild ponies on Virgina’s portion of Assateague Island. In addition to island adventures and beautiful wild horses, Chincoteague offers a wide array of family-friendly activities. Animal lovers will, of course, want to book a trip with Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours, where they can catch a glimpse of the wild ponies, dolphins, and bald eagles that live on and around Assateague Island. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts will find a good selection of trails to explore, including the Island Nature Trail and the 15 miles of hiking trails available at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Those interested in the history of Chincoteague can visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island. In addition to interesting exhibits, the museum also has a welcoming and well-informed staff that visitors rave about.

Cape Charles

Cape Charles is a charming small town located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Lovingly nicknamed Virgina’s Cape, the town serves as an excellent destination for seafood lovers and history buffs alike. A post on the town's official website explains that Cape Charles' collection of historic buildings is among the best on the Eastern Shore. Those interested in exploring said buildings can start with a self-guided walking tour through the Cape Charles Historic District. The district and surrounding neighborhoods boast beautiful old homes, some dating back to 1760. The Cape Charles Lighthouse, originally built in 1828 and rebuilt in 1895, is another great example of the well-preserved historic buildings one can find in town. The Cape Charles Museum is also worth a visit for history enthusiasts. After all that running around, there’s no better place to refuel than The Shanty, a local seafood restaurant with a great reputation. The restaurant has hundreds of 5-star reviews. Finally, don’t forget to check out the stunning views, trails, and wildlife available at the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve.

Onancock

Despite a relatively small population of 1,200, Onancock, Virginia, is home to a vibrant and inviting community. A post on the town’s official website highlights its goal to make Onancock a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike. That same post goes on to highlight ways to achieve said goal which include everything from enriching the arts scene to supporting local businesses. Anyone visiting the town is sure to find that this goal has been achieved tenfold. Art lovers will be in paradise here, with plenty of local galleries to explore, as well as the popular North Street Playhouse, a theatre hosting regular live performances. Another staple of the artistic community is the Roseland Theatre, an old-time movie theatre that feels like a blast from the past. Onancock also hosts a series of regular events that help draw visitors in, including a free Music on the Lawn concert series, an annual crab feast, and huge holiday light displays.

Damascus

Lace up those hiking boots, it’s time to visit the enchanting town of Damascus, Virginia. Often called "Trail Town USA," Damascus is home to a handful of popular trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, U.S. Bicycle Route 76, The Iron Mountain Trail, and the Virginia Creeper Trail. Upon arrival, hiking enthusiasts will want to stop at the Damascus Trail Center. Located in the heart of downtown, the Trail Center will provide visitors with local trail maps and suggested itineraries. Those who enjoy nature will also want to take the short 3.9-mile drive outside of Damascus to explore the beautiful Backbone Rock Recreation Area. The biggest attraction here is Backbone Rock, a solid rock with a natural tunnel carved out. The recreation area features hiking trails and a waterfall as well.

Woodstock

Woodstock, Virginia, is a beautiful town with a small but friendly population. Several online reviews paint a beautiful picture of the neighborly atmosphere travelers will find in Woodstock, including a review on Niche.com, which describes the town as having a friendly hometown kind of atmosphere filled with quaint shops and welcoming shopkeepers. In addition to the town's neighborly atmosphere, travelers will find plenty of fun things to see and do here. History buffs will enjoy wandering through the Woodstock Museum. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will have a grand time traipsing through Seven Bends State Park, where 9 miles of hiking trails, the Shenandoah River, and cozy picnic areas await.

Floyd

Floyd, Virginia, is situated among the Blue Ridge Mountains and is well known for having a thriving music and arts scene. Anyone who has visited Floyd in the past knows that the artists and farmers who call the town home are a welcoming bunch. Travelers interested in engaging with the community can do so easily at The Floyd Country Store. The store serves as a live music and events venue where patrons can enjoy tasty food, drinks, dancing, and plenty of live performances. Other worthwhile activities in town include camping at the Rocky Knob Recreation Area and soaring through the sky at Buffalo Mountain Ziplines.

Tangier Island

Located in the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island is a small fishing community filled with welcoming residents eager to share their culture and lifestyle with interested visitors. The Island is only accessible by boat, and travelers can choose between private boat trips or a 90-minute ferry ride. Once in town, there are a handful of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including admiring the crab houses, embarking on a town tour, and diving into the past at the Tangier Island Museum. On a sunny day, an afternoon spent exploring Tangier Beach is a must. Of course, one can’t visit the “soft-shell crab capital of the world” without indulging in a crab-filled meal from Four Brothers Crab House & Ice Cream Deck.

Visit Virginia Today…

Traveling can be overwhelming at times, but finding friendly locals to help guide you and offer bits of advice helps make each experience easy and memorable. In Virginia, these are the exact kinds of experiences travelers have come to expect. So, if you’re looking to get close with the locals on your next vacation, consider exploring these neighborly towns in Virginia.