9 Most Inviting Towns in Virginia

Rather than giving yourself “liberty or death,” as Patrick Henry once declared in Richmond, why not give yourself a refreshing tour of Virginia's nine most inviting towns? In a state that inspired and influenced the American Civil War and Revolution, there is a diverse and exhilarating bucket list of small towns worth exploring. The seaside ponies of Chincoteague are a sight to behold, and the foreboding caves of Luray are sure to engage in the most adventurous of travelers with exciting underground journeys. Cape Charles and Fredericksburg are among many notable locations preserving the legacies of freedom and equality in America. If you had to choose, give yourself some liberty than death, and use your liberties to explore the most inviting towns in Virginia.

Chincoteague

Saddle and gallop on majestic wild ponies in the town of Chincoteague, situated on the island of Chincoteague. In the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge specifically, you will need express permission to observe or get close to the wild ponies of the island. Most importantly, you will also need permission to visit Wallop Island, where the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) sends occasional supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Chincoteague is mostly known for its oyster industry, and one can learn all about this proud fishing heritage at the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Meanwhile, the Assateague Lighthouse is a good place to survey the whole island and more, while grand lodgings such as the Anchor Inn, Marina Bay Hotel & Suites, and The Reef are undeniable resting spots for you to cherish your stay in Chincoteague.

Smithfield

Smithfield is one of the many Virginian small towns that protect the local history that shaped both the state and the nation of America. In the Victorian grounds of Windsor Castle Park, travelers will be walking on a living past amidst the 18th and 19th-century edifices of the area. You might also come across one of the dozens of bronze statues sculpted by critically acclaimed George Lundeen. The oldest ham in the world, created in 1902, can be found at the Isle of Wight County Museum, and St. Luke’s Historic Church Museum is Virginia’s oldest brick church. Pagan River is surrounded by numerous battlefields during the American Civil War. As for lodgings like the Smithfield Inn and the Mansion at Main, you can feel relaxed and safe in the delightful town of Smithfield.

Lexington

Scottish, Irish, and German immigrants founded a town called Lexington in a region once occupied by the Native American Saponis, Monocas, and Tutelos. The Shenandoah Valley and the Maury River bear the ancestral relics of these ancient Native Americans, and among the mesmerizing features in Lexington is a 215-foot-high limestone arch called the Natural Bridge. These days, Lexington is famous for its fertile fields, where a prototype of the first mechanical reaper can be found at McCormick Farm. To better appreciate Lexington’s past, tour the Sam Houston Wayside and Goshen Pass Wayside, two structures that commemorate the town’s local heroes. Lastly, explore the Miller’s House Museum for more highlights on Lexington’s past. You will not feel unwanted and uninvited when staying in the Abigail Inn, The Georges, or Grace House.

Staunton

Only around 40 minutes from Lexington, Staunton invites travelers with a historic train ride from the Virginia Scenic Railway. From this lackadaisical locomotive journey, you can survey the breadths and depths of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. At one point, you can stop by at the Frontier Culture Museum to either learn of the events that founded Staunton or watch the local and lively performances of the region. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum depicts the life and times of President Woodrow Wilson. Elsewhere, Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route is connected to the Great Road and Philadelphia. For those who require a place to stay in Staunton, look no further than the Avid Hotel Staunton, Howard Johnson Express Inn, or The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center.

Farmville

Farmville is an exquisite and excellent locus of education, especially when getting a better insight into the contributions Virginia made to the US. Approximately 65 miles from Richmond, where Patrick Henry gave his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, Farmville is notably the home of the prestigious Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College. The American Civil War can be better contextualized and understood at the High Bridge Trail State Park and Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park, where mementos of ferocious battles remain. The Appomattox Court House is also a vital site to visit as it was there that the Civil War leaders signed a treaty to end the war. Meanwhile, the Robert Russa Moton Museum highlights the turbulent 1950s when Civil Rights awareness was struggling to take hold. Need a place to stay the night? Give yourself a break at hospitable lodgings like the Hotel Weyanoke, Hilton Tru, or The Manor Cottages.

Luray

Subterranean adventures await in the welcoming town of Luray. Only 90 miles from the capital city of Washington D.C., Luray is home to the vast Luray Caverns, the largest cave system in the eastern US. These caverns were once old mining quarries for precious gemstones, and the Stonyman Mining Company Gem Sluice gives you a hands-on experience of what sluicing is like.

Above in the surface world, Hawksbill Creek and Lake Arrowhead are splendid bodies of water for recreational activities. From atop Old Rag Mountain, you can get a pristine view of the Shenandoah Valley. And in establishments such as The Hawksbill House, Cardinal Inn, and Hotel Laurance, you can feel safe and sound in the welcoming town of Luray.

Cape Charles

Cape Charles is one of the earliest colonized areas in the original Thirteen Colonies. Years since its establishment, liberation, and development into a modern community, Cape Charles has been crucially situated in the Bay Coast Railroad to serve as a hub for trade and commerce in Virginia. The Cape Charles Memorial Library, the oldest library on Virginia’s eastern shore, elaborates on the town’s significance for Viginia’s development. Further proof of the town’s trading heritage can be found in the 17.6-mile bridge over the Chesapeake Bay called the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. This same bridge not only connects Cape Charles to many nearby communities but also leads to the splendid Shore National Wildlife Refuge and Kiptopeke State Park. No need to worry about where to spend your evenings in town because the Northampton Hotel, Fig Street Inn, and Hotel Cape Charles have you covered.

Occoquan

Venture into the alluring town of Occoquan, a Doeg settlement once called Tauxenent that even President Thomas Jefferson and the legendary explorer John Smith visited. With its location in the Occoquan River, Occoquan gives travelers impeccable access to several nearby landmarks such as the River Mill Park and Lake Ridge Park. Besides these bucolic and arboreal playgrounds for recreation, Occoquan contains many Victorian edifices in the designated Historic District. The Mill House Museum highlights the significance of Occoquan’s grist mills for both the town and the state of Virginia, and if you want to peruse more of the town’s welcoming history, keep your eyes open for the many historical markers located all over Occoquan’s streets and avenues.

Fredericksburg

In Fredericksburg, see for yourself the small town that experienced the final ferocious battles of the Civil War. One can find the graveyards of over 17,000 Union soldiers at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park—individuals who died in several battles in the year 1862, the year 1863 near Chancellorsville, and in 1864 in the Battle of Wilderness and the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. Fredericksburg also houses the Mary Washington House, Ferry Farm, and Historic Kenmore—structures with personal importance to George Washington and his family. They have historic ties to the Washington family. And if you are intent on exploring Fredericksburg along the Rappanohock River, remember to book a room at either The Silk Mill, Kenmore Inn, or Silver Collection Hotel.

In Conclusion

As one of the oldest states and regions in the US, Virginia preserves many of the virgin forests and quintessential American charm that have delighted foreigners from near and far. While the bustling metropolises of Roanoke and Richmond have much to entice, Virginia's most inviting small towns beckon travelers with the history that shaped America and the modern features that are sure to soothe your worn and weary attitudes. Experience the Atlantic Ocean's embrace at Chincoteague and go spelunking in Luray's caverns. Journey into the Shenandoah Valley to explore vibrant settlements such as Abingdon and Lexington. There is no need to feel shut off and unwanted in these locations because these are the most inviting towns in Virginia for you to explore in 2024.