8 Off-The-Grid Virginia Towns To Visit In 2025

According to the Virginia Rural Health Plan, 88% of the state’s land is rural, yet only 26% of its residents live in rural areas, leaving much of Virginia’s land sparsely populated. As a result, discovering remote towns is not as difficult as it might seem. Towns like Chincoteague and Luray serve as gateways to wildlife refuges and national parks, while others, such as Floyd, are key preservers of Virginia’s music heritage. If you are looking to explore some of the state’s untouched beauty and culture, these eight off-the-grid towns should definitely make it onto your travel itinerary this year.

Clifton

Although Clifton is just a 40-minute drive from Washington DC, the atmosphere could not feel more different. Travelers can easily unwind by visiting Paradise Springs Winery, which features an 18th-century log cabin on the property and a variety of red and white wines to sample. Just a 4-minute drive from the winery, visitors will reach Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, which has eight trails for horseback riding and hiking. Heading back toward town, Peterson's Ice Cream Depot is a beloved stop, offering more than 30 flavors of ice cream. While in the town center, make sure to explore some of the local boutiques or antique stores, like Virginia Mercantile, which sells candles, soaps, moisturizers, china, and other home goods.

Occoquan

Home to a little over 1,000 residents, the riverside community of Occoquan is the perfect destination for a weekend of kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking. Travelers hoping to get out on the water can launch their kayak from the town’s kayak ramp, located under the Route 123 bridge, which offers direct access to the Occoquan River. Interestingly enough, the entire town is designated as a bird sanctuary, meaning that visitors should keep their eye out for blue herons, ospreys, eagles, kingfishers, and Canadian Geese, among other species. There are plenty of trails for a walk or hike around town, such as River Mill Park, a one-acre park along the river with a paved walking trail. In the heart of Occoquan’s Historic Old Town, visitors can grab a bite at The Secret Garden Cafe after a day outdoors, where they can try signature dishes like Korean-style braised short ribs and Mediterranean bruschetta.

Chincoteague

As the gateway to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague is a must-visit for travelers hoping to experience native wildlife, particularly the renowned Chincoteague Wild Ponies. Some of the wildlife that travelers can spot on the refuge include more than 275 bird species, ghost crabs, and the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel. For your best chances of seeing the island’s wild ponies, consider signing up for an excursion with one of the area’s local tours, such as Chincoteague Island Adventures, which will take passengers aboard a 24' Carolina Skiff to explore the waters of the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. If you enjoy fishing, you may also want to sign up for a fishing charter with Huntress Charters, a local charter service that offers offshore, back bays, and wreck fishing experiences. Even if you are not an angler, you can still try some fresh seafood at one of Chincoteague’s local seafood restaurants, such as Captain Zack’s Seafood, which serves favorites like fried oysters, crab cakes, and steamed clams.

Luray

Luray is near some of the region’s most incredible natural marvels, including Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park. Travelers visiting Luray Caverns will encounter 10-story-high cathedral ceilings, towering limestone formations, and an underground lake that creates an optical illusion. Shenandoah National Park, meanwhile, offers the ultimate mountain experience, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains with over 500 miles of trails to explore. With the Shenandoah River winding through Luray, travelers can paddle it by kayak or canoe with Shenandoah River Outfitters, which offers a variety of river experiences. After a day on the water, summer visitors can spend the night at the Inn of the Shenandoah, a charming inn housed in a historic 1885 home.

Orange

Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Orange is a friendly agricultural community with a rich culinary scene and delicious wines. Travelers wanting to try some of the region’s wine can visit the tasting room of Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, which produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Manseng, and Pinot Gris, among other varieties. For a memorable meal, visitors can grab a bite at Forked on Main, which prepares its dishes with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Main Street Tavern is a nice alternative if you are craving pub food, serving burgers, nachos, tacos, and an extensive list of beers. For an exciting weekend of mountain biking, off-roading, or hiking, add Throttle Therapy at Lake Anna to your itinerary, a 93-acre farm with numerous trails located just minutes from the lake.

Abingdon

Despite having a population of just roughly 8,300 residents, Abingdon has been rated as a top town for its food scene, art scene, and natural attractions by various magazines. One of the town’s outdoor highlights is the Virginia Creeper Trail, which begins in Abingdon and stretches 34 miles through rolling farmland, making it a great excursion for cyclists. One of the state’s most famous stages, the Barter Theatre, is also located in town. Dating back to 1933, the theater now draws in over 160,000 visitors each year, with upcoming performances including Hamlet, Pete the Cat, and Million Dollar Quartet. To experience a taste of Abingdon’s food scene, consider dining at Summers Roof and Cellar, which, as the name suggests, offers both a cozy cellar and a rooftop setting, depending on your mood.

Floyd

The small town of Floyd is located along the gorgeous Blue Ridge Plateau and serves as a major stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s music trail. One of the town’s most iconic music venues is the Floyd Country Store, which hosts a variety of music events throughout the week, including the renowned Friday Night Jamboree. Despite its more remote location, the area comes to life during the annual FloydFest each July, with headliners this year including Mt. Joy, The Black Crowes, and Gov’t Mule. To appreciate some local art or sign up for a painting or ceramics class, make sure to visit the Floyd Center for the Arts. The Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, meanwhile, is just a 20-minute drive from town and is abundant in plants and wildlife, home to 15 rare plant species, nine significant nature communities, and three rare animal species.

Warrenton

The historic town of Warrenton offers access to over 100 wineries in the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for a day of winery hopping. Two highly rated wineries within the city limits are Molon Lave Vineyards and Winery and Mediterranean Cellars. Molon Lave, open daily for tastings, offers visitors the chance to try a flight of the vineyard’s kosher wines. Just a 20-minute drive away, Mediterranean Cellars is open Friday to Monday and has both indoor and outdoor seating for tastings. If you are a fan of history, consider visiting some of the historic landmarks in town, such as the Old Jail Museum, which was constructed in 1808 and operated as the town’s jail until 1966. The Warrenton Cemetery is also full of history, dating back to 1854 and featuring the gravestones of many prominent citizens, politicians, and soldiers.

Final Thoughts

It is natural to crave a break from the hustle and bustle. If you find yourself seeking an escape, you will be glad to know that you do not have to go far. Travelers seeking a weekend of kayaking or birdwatching will love destinations like Occoquan, while towns like Abingdon and Floyd offer fantastic arts and music scenes. Regardless of how you define an escape, rest assured that you will find the relaxation you need in these eight towns.