9 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Virginia
Virginia is a historic and beautiful southern state bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is jam-packed with history: Colonialism, presidential, and the nation's. The topographically diverse landscape ranges from coastal towns to mountain ranges and four distinguishable seasons. The small towns around Virginia encapsulate the best of their regions with natural and cultural attractions. Small villages like Williamsburg feel like stepping into a time machine with historic battlefields and live reenactments of American history. These are nine of Virginia's most captivating small towns, each with individual character and appeal.
Cape Charles
The natural landscape around the peninsula town of Cape Charles makes it a stunning destination. It is located on the Eastern Shore, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay, Plantation Creek, and King's Creek. It is also home to stunning preserves like the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge and Kiptopeke State Park.
The wildlife refuge is a barrier island with protected migratory birds, maritime forests, and salt and freshwater ponds. Kiptopeke was explored by famed Captain John Smith in 1608 and provides easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. Cozy lodges are also in the park, perfect for a relaxing weekend in nature. Cape Charles has a quaint commercial district featuring locally owned shops and restaurants, like The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, for a charming evening in town.
Lexington
The colonial town of Lexington was named after the famous Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which sparked the Revolutionary War. It is also home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. This quaint town's historical significance is one of the most prominent in the nation, and most landmarks have been preserved.
The town is also notable for its cultural sites and vast architectural masterpieces, especially in the Lexington Historic District. A shining example of the Federalist style is the Jackson House Museum, which showcases the life and career of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and the Washington Building, ca. 1789. Virtually everything in Lexington is historical and tells how the nation was founded.
Abingdon
Abingdon is noteworthy in the Blue Ridge Mountains for its artistic culture, culinary scene, and historic downtown. The landmark Martha Washington Inn and Spa combines history and the town's cultural side. The 1832 luxurious structure is a portal to the 19th century that offers well-known professional spa services and one of the top lodging options in town.
Another notable landmark is the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia. The legendary venue has been open since 1933 and hosts over 150,000 guests annually. Those seeking natural charms will not be disappointed, as the scenery around Abingdon is stunning. The Virginia Creeper Trail, named after a 1970s locomotive, is a pleasing way to soak in the landscape. Rent a bicycle or take a stroll to see some of the best landscapes in Virginia.
Staunton
Historic Staunton is one of the best small towns in Virginia to visit. The mix of small-town atmosphere, cultural vibe, and vintage downtown with modern attractions is irresistible. Among the many historical attractions is The Frontier Culture Museum, the largest open-air museum in the Shenandoah Valley. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum celebrates the life of the 28th president, one of the most famous Stauntonians.
After exploring the region's history, unwind at a renowned winery. Accordia, Ramulose Ridge, and Ox-Eye Vineyards are among the notable vineyards in the area. Another facet of this captivating town is its abundance of charming bed-and-breakfast inns, like the superb Batten Green. The 12-acre property features manicured lawns, historic structures, and rooms for up to 28 guests.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are part of Virginia's Historic Triangle. The "Colonial Capital" is revered for its historical preservation and live reenactments of 18th-century America. Colonial Williamsburg is a fantastic site, nearly untouched by time. Here, you will find artisans, actors portraying the nation's founders, and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
The town proper is lively, with plenty of attractions and modern points of interest. Merchants Square is the epicenter for entertainment and local restaurants like Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill. Williamsburg is captivating because of its well-preserved history intermingled with charming and modern comforts.
Jamestown
Historic Jamestown has a history dating back thousands of years, and it can be experienced in this fascinating village. It is home to the first English settlement ruins in North America and the ruins of the 18th-century Ambler Mansion. Jamestown Settlement welcomes thousands of visitors everywhere because of its live reenactments, exhibits, and sense of American history.
Jamestown settlement is a recreation of the original 17th-century settlement with life-size recreations of a 1610-1614 fort, three ships, and Paspahegh Town. The town demonstrates the Powhatan way of life with reenactments, interactive exhibits, and recreated reed-covered houses. Jamestown is near the top of the list of most historic destinations in America, and the recreated scenes and educational resources make it one of the most captivating towns in Virginia.
Yorktown
Yorktown is another historically captivating town in Virginia, one of the first eight shires of the colony at the end of the 17th century. It is also famous for being the location of General George Washington's historic battle against the British in 1781. This history is retold at Colonial National Historical Park, and other Revolutionary History is displayed at the American Revolution Museum./
The historic atmosphere immerses the culinary and shopping scene, too. MobjackCoffee Roasters and Petite Cafe on Main Street is located in the landmark Cole Digges House, ca. 1730. It is one of the original structures in Yorktown and part of the Colonial National Historical Park. This sparsely populated village is ideal for long weekends because of its many attractions, lodging, and dining options.
Tappahannock
Tappahannock is a tranquil town on the Chesapeake Bay, famous for its fresh seafood and coastal town feel. It is also on the Rappahannock River, and kayaking and canoeing are among the most prominent activities, primarily at the Rapidan River Civil War Paddle. The tour combines paddling with Civil War, Native American, and Colonial history with a guided tour through famous crossings like the 1863 Chancellorsville Campaign.
After a day of paddling, Tappahannock has many culinary attractions, one of its many claims to fame. The first evening should be spent at the 1710 Tavern. Operational since 1710, the rustic tavern offers a fine dining menu with quaint furnishings and a historical atmosphere. Landmark bed and breakfast inns like the Essex complete the vibe. The Greek-Revival masterpiece was completed in 1851 with front and back porches, a heart of pine flooring, and 1840s quarters in the back.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is known for its Civil War and Colonial history and is home to four battlefields at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The park, dubbed America's Battleground, was the climax of the Civil War and has many exhibits and monuments that tell the tragic tale of the battles waged here. Along with its incredible history, Fredericksburg is also famous for chef-owned restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions in the historic downtown district.
The 40-block district includes 350 17th—and 18th-century structures along Caroline and William Streets, the oldest of which was built in 1737. Noteworthy restaurants in the area include the award-winning Fahrenheit 132 and the Italian Orofino. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop should not be missed among the many historic sites. The 18th-century shop was Mr. Mercer's original location, and he is credited with saving many lives before he gave up his practice to fight in the Revolutionary War. Fredericksburg's history is stunning, and the community has done a fantastic job preserving the sites for all generations to marvel at.
Virginia offers stunning topography and natural beauty, but the small towns make the state memorable. Historical and cultural points of interest surround the small hamlets, and there is always something to discover. The historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown is one example.
Besides the history, Virginia has charming and welcoming towns that are fun to explore. The shady streets, entertainment centers, local shops, and eateries keep visitors returning. What makes Virginia fascinating is its abundance of character, evidenced in the smaller hamlets, and these towns are among the most captivating.
