7 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Virginia

Most travelers heading to Virginia have famous cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach as their chosen destinations. However, the Old Dominion harbors charming little towns that are unfairly overlooked. Off the beaten path, these hidden gems provide a fresh tourist experience, exposing first-timers to a side of Virginia never seen before. With their rich histories, beautiful natural sceneries, and unique cultures, they promise interesting discoveries away from the mainstream tourist routes.

Below are some of the most underrated towns in Virginia that are begging to be explored. From quaint villages in the Blue Ridge Mountains to historic waterfront communities, each offers a compelling slice of local life and heritage. Venturing to these lesser-known locales rewards visitors with a more authentic view of the Commonwealth's diversely scenic and culturally rich landscapes.

Front Royal

Charming in all seasons, Front Royal is a getaway to several of Virginia's most sought-after destinations, including the Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Mountains. This rural gem of Warren County boasts a rich mix of attractions, promising tourists various fun experiences. This town is home to the Virginia Beer Museum, a quirky venue documenting a selection of craft beers produced in the state and offering guests an opportunity to sample them. Many tourists love to visit Skyline Caverns, a geological wonder featuring a series of caves with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

Front Royal is less than ten minutes from Shenandoah National Park, where ardent adventurers can explore rich natural scenery and find numerous recreational opportunities. Highlights include hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and encountering beautiful wildlife species.

Crozet

Crozet constantly gets overlooked for the more famous and crowded Charlottesville, just 12 miles away. However, this Albemarle County community hosts charming attractions that tourists should consider exploring. Crozet stands out for its rich outdoor scenery, which features idyllic nature spots for those who appreciate serene settings. Mint Springs Valley Park offers a 520-acre oasis where tourists can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and hiking in the backcountry. Crozet has a thriving craft winery culture, inviting newcomers to sample its homegrown wine varieties at establishments such as Kings Family Vineyards.

Meanwhile, those who want to genuinely discover the town and all its touristy offerings from a distance can book a trip with the Crozet Tour Company. This exciting ride takes visitors on unforgettable excursions exploring wineries, breweries, and other points of interest.

Urbanna

This quintessential waterfront community in Middlesex County exposes visitors to the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Urbanna’s easygoing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings present the perfect escape from the chaos in Virginia's urban favorites. Urbanna hosts a pleasant art community that welcomes newcomers to explore and buy their creative works at the Urbanna Harbor Gallery & Art Services. The 5,000-square-foot facility houses various art forms by local and regional artists. Those interested in local history will find much to uncover at the Urbanna Museum, which houses a selection of rare archives and artifacts in one of the area's oldest surviving structures.

Families vacationing in Urbanna can have one of the best local experiences at Bethpage Miniature Golf & Ice Creamery. This delightful venue offers kid-friendly golfing opportunities and twenty flavors of delicious Hershey's ice cream.

Abingdon

Most tourists traveling from Virginia to Tennessee rarely stop to experience this lovely gem in the southwestern corner of the state. If they did, they'd discover a bustling community of down-to-earth locals with a thriving arts and culture scene. Abingdon notably hosts the Barter Theater, the country's oldest operating theater. For years, this theater has continued to entertain people with diverse theatrical shows. The William King Museum of Art cements Abingdon's reputation as an arts hub, inviting enthusiasts to browse art classic and contemporary art creations from around the world.

Abingdon's sense of camaraderie and Southern hospitality is best showcased during the Abingdon Farmers Market. This friendly gathering allows tourists and local vendors to interact while trading in fresh farm produce and uniquely handmade crafts.

Cape Charles

Despite its cozy coastal setting, charming historical heritage, and bustling art culture, Cape Charles remains one of the most underrated towns in Virginia. This Chesapeake Bay enclave draws beach lovers with the pristine shores and idyllic atmosphere of Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. This natural oasis offers visitors pleasant shoreline trails and stretchy boardwalks perfect for stress-free walks. Cape Charles is an exciting destination for art enthusiasts, offering several venues showcasing unique pieces by local artists. You can choose between the Ellen Moore Gallery and Local-ISH Art for an exhilarating cultural experience.

A delectable dining scene ensures newcomers to Cape Charles can sample the famous Chesapeake Bay cuisine. The Shanty serves savory seafood prepared from freshly caught ingredients in a lovely waterfront setting.

Waynesboro

This Shenandoah Valley getaway is famous for its rich arts scene and friendly residents who take pride in a strong sense of community. Waynesboro offers exciting opportunities for the artistically inclined with visual and performance art venues. Enthusiasts in town visit P Buckley Moss Gallery to admire intimate art pieces and gather at the Waynes Theater to watch riveting stage performances. The center hosts over 300 shows annually, ensuring there is something to look forward to whenever you visit. However, Waynesboro best demonstrates its artistic side during the Fall Foliage Festival, which draws hundreds of artists nationwide.

Animal enthusiasts seeking inspiration will feel at home visiting the Wildlife Center of Virginia. This pleasant sanctuary hosts different rescued animals that deserve a genuine dose of TLC from visitors.

Farmville

Farmville's central location between Richmond and Charlottesville makes it a simple tourist stop between the two more famous destinations. While few tourists choose to explore the town comprehensively, this lovely college town doesn't disappoint those who decide on it. Home to Longwood University, Farmville has a vibrant atmosphere promising various experiences. Thanks to the university, the town is a recognized arts hub with offerings like the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. The town also delights visitors with a surreal journey back to the Civil Rights era at the Robert Russa Moton Museum, which preserves the memories of pioneer students championing the movement.

Those who prefer to get lost in the great outdoors can explore 150 acres of pristine wilderness at Wilck's Lake Park. This beautiful natural space beckons tourists to enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping opportunities in a tranquil environment.

Final Thought

These underrated small towns in Virginia expose first-timers to a more authentic side of the state while allowing them to experience rich heritage relatively untouched by mass tourism. Each community offers a unique mix of historical charm, natural beauty, and small-town welcome lacking in larger urban areas. Those seeking off-the-beaten-path discoveries in varied landscapes of Virginia, will find compelling rewards by venturing beyond the guidebooks to explore its hidden small-town gems.