9 Old-World Towns to Visit in Virginia
The storied Commonwealth of Virginia holds centuries of history within its borders, from colonial settlements to revolutionary battlegrounds. However, some of the state's most enchanting treasures rest not in its bustling cities but in quaint towns seemingly lost in time. Dotting Virginia's varied landscapes like images from another era are delightful hamlets lovingly preserving classic architecture, local lore, and tight-knit community ties.
Virginia's Historic Triangle, with hamlets like Williamsburg and Jamestown, feels like a blast from the past, offering newcomers an enchanting journey through time. From the valleys of the Blue Ridge to the banks of the Chesapeake, these welcoming towns to visit in Virginia let you step back centuries through charming main streets, relics of the past, and cultural heritage alive today.
Williamsburg
By the 1630s, colonial settlers were establishing homes in the Williamsburg region, which saw the town become the original capital of the Virginia colony in 1699. At Colonial Williamsburg, guests can step back in time and experience Williamsburg as a capital. This 300-acre living history museum harbors museums, old homes, landmarks, and sites vividly depicting life in the 18th century. You can even ride on a horse-drawn carriage and encounter reenactors dressed in Colonial-era clothing. Stop at the Governor's Place to witness the opulence royals used to live in and inspect furnishings from the 1700s.
After a deep dive into the past, consider spending quality time with family at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This 422-acre amusement park spoils visitors of all ages with unadulterated fun on coasters, thrill rides, water slides, and live shows.
Jamestown
Jamestown was the original capital of the New World and the site of North America's first permanent English settlement. Travelers can inspect the ruins at the Jamestown Settlement and explore America's storied beginnings. They can also learn about the lives of the locals before the arrival of the British and their eventual interactions. Meanwhile, touring Historic Jamestown lets you inspect an archeological dig of the settlement's actual location and walk the grounds graced by the iconic Pocahontas and Captain John Smith.
Remember to pass by the Jamestown Glasshouse and check out America's maiden English industry. The site maintains archaic furnace ruins and hosts glassblowing demonstrations in a 17th-century glass factory.
Winchester
The first record of Winchester dates back to 1670 when John Lederer visited the region. Its rich history shines at every turn, thanks to a treasure trove of landmarks dating back to the Colonial era. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley best recounts the region's heritage. It is housed in a 50,000-square-foot facility with 4 galleries and a museum with assorted artifacts and memorabilia. Stop by Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters for a peak into Winchester's Civil War times. The Gothic Revival-style home stores an impressive portfolio of war memorabilia.
Meanwhile, strolling through the rustic streets of Old Town Winchester is a must-have experience. The 45-block corridor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features buildings from 2.5 centuries ago with restaurants and shops.
Petersburg
Petersburg started as a trading point named Peter's Point in the 1600s, where indigenous tribes and colonists would trade for assorted goods and foods. Wandering around Historic Old Towne Petersburg exposes you to the past era through a cluster of 18th to 20th-century structures. Take some time to inspect Peter Jones Trading Station, the most historic site along the corridor, stretching back to the 1660s. Elsewhere, Petersburg National Battlefield tells the interesting story of how the town was seized in the mid-1860s during the Civil War.
Another notable Civil War gem worth the trouble is Centre Hill Mansion House. The beautiful brick Greek Revival mansion was constructed in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV and featured in the movie Lincoln.
Charlottesville
One of the most exciting towns to visit in Virginia, Charlottesville has something for all its visitors. History enthusiasts can particularly look forward to an immersive journey, starting at Monticello. This former plantation home of America's third president, Thomas Jefferson, explores the president's life between 1743 and 1826. A short distance from Monticello, you'll come across another historic gem, James Monroe's Highland. This rustic structure was the home of America's fifth president.
Besides its history, Charlottesville boasts a vibrant arts and culture landscape. Enthusiasts from across the region are drawn to the Paramount Theater, where they can watch engrossing productions by professional performers.
Abingdon
This Washington County community has a colorful past. It was founded in the 1770s, and its name is usually associated with Lord Abingdon. It is notably home to the Abingdon Muster Grounds. It was at this site that volunteer Virginia militia gathered before joining the Revolutionary War. Abingdon is famous for its lively arts community. Wandering its downtown neighborhood provides ample opportunities for the artistically inclined, and you can catch entertaining live productions at Barter Theatre. This Main Street gem is the country's oldest professional theater in operation and stages everything from plays and drama to musicals.
Visitors will love meeting the friendly locals and learning about their culture at the Abingdon Farmers Market. The setting is always festive when local crafters and growers invite residents to shop for their various merchandise.
Staunton
Originally settled in 1732, Staunton is rooted in Virginia history and impresses tourists with its proactive art culture. Many know the town as the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson. His former family home currently houses the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Inside the facility, you'll find a selection of personal items and family artifacts documenting the rich legacy of America's 28th president. A rare cultural encounter awaits at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse. This theater hub hosts classic Shakespearian plays and modern productions around the year.
If you love quirky attractions, consider touring the Camera Heritage Museum. The venue's whimsical collection of cameras, portraying the evolution of cameras, is sure to intrigue first-timers.
Lexington
This tiny college community in Rockbridge County was named after Lexington, Massachusetts, where the first shot of the American Revolution was heard. It is home to the Virginia Military Institute, which welcomes vacationers to the VMI Museum for a unique lesson about American combat history. Meanwhile, the Jackson House Museum demonstrates Lexington's links to the Civil War. The 19th-century home belonged to Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and contains old furnishings depicting the period just before the Civil War.
Finally, you can cap off your itinerary with a tour of Miller's House Museum. This magnificent facility focuses on preserving and interpreting Lexington's transportation and industrial heritage through relevant artifacts and archives.
Smithfield
Smithfield might be famous for its ham, but this Wight County village has a wealth of history for newcomers to uncover. You can start by exploring the beautiful Isle of Wight County Museum. The building has interactive exhibits chronicling the county's past, highlighted by a turn-of-the-century store. Smithfield houses several well-preserved historical landmarks that still maintain their original state. St. Luke's Historic Church and Museum is an excellent example, completed in 1675. Virginia's oldest brick church offers a unique perspective of the area.
Historians will also be interested in the Schoolhouse Museum, which is an important cultural spot highlighting the city's African-American heritage. The structure was built in 1932 to educate black children.
Final Thought
Whether seeking the sophisticated charm and Thomas Jefferson's enduring influence in Charlottesville or the historic homes and agricultural roots still reflected in Smithfield's colonial ambiance, towns to visit in Virginia are a welcoming portal into the state's distinguished ancestry. Visitors can immerse themselves in small-town life through working farms, museums, and social programs that have thrived for generations in the United States. All exemplify how the Commonwealth expertly blends history education with modern comforts, ensuring Virginia’s old-world treasures remain accessible and appreciated.
