9 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Virginia
Need some slow-paced moments and a lackadaisical break from everyday chaos? Then, head on over to the most slow-paced towns to visit in Virginia. Where the ferocious battles of the American Civil War and American Revolutionary War took place, explore the many towns that have fought to gain a good semblance of peace and tranquility in one of the oldest regions of the US. Those interested in nature can also explore Virginia’s abundant outdoors, with landmarks like Luray Caverns and the Natural Bridge State Park offering unique experiences. Whether you admire history at Cape Charles and Fredericksburg or watch rockets fly off from Chincoteague, you will feel relaxed and luxurious spending your wonderful vacation in the slow-paced small towns worth visiting in Virginia.
Fredericksburg
One of the reasons why Fredericksburg, located on the Rappahannock River, is such a slow-paced town is because it has earned its much-needed respite for being one of the last battlefields of the American Civil War. Over 17,000 soldiers have lain in their peaceful slumber at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Aside from the American Civil War, Fredericksburg also has ties to the American Revolutionary War in that it was the former hometown of President George Washington and his family. The Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore are such places belonging to the Washington family, as is the Mary Washington House, which was the abode of George Washington’s sister. For those curious to learn more about Fredericksburg, you should book a room at The Silk Mill, Kenmore Inn, or Silver Collection Hotel.
Chincoteague
On the pleasant island of Chincoteague, a neighbor to Assateague Island, sits the eponymous small town of Chincoteague. Where the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) sends supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) from Wallop Island and where the oyster industry is most abundant in Virginia, Chincoteague contains a bevy of unique and surprising delights for everyone to admire. You might not be able to ride on wild ponies in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge without permission, but these minute equines are nonetheless adorable to spectate. Regarding historic landmarks, the Assateague Lighthouse and the Museum of Chincoteague Island have all the exhibits and information you need to understand the island’s past better. If you wish to see more of Chincoteague, you should book a room at the Anchor Inn, Marina Bay Hotel & Suites, or The Reef.
Smithfield
Along the Pagan River and about 30 miles from the cities of Norfolk and Chesapeake, the small town of Smithfield is a slow-paced getaway from most of Virginia’s city hassles. Immerse yourself in the Victorian eras of the 18th and 19th centuries by treading through the immaculate Windsor Castle Park. At the Isle of Wight County Museum, you get to know all about the town’s history and ogle over the oldest ham in the world since 1902. On the other hand, Saint Luke’s Historic Church stands as the oldest brick church in Virginia. Do be mindful of the many bronze statues all over Smithfield created by critically acclaimed sculptor George Lundeen, as well as the many historical markers around the Pagan River that pinpoint the many battles fought in the American Civil War. As for accommodations, you can seek all you need at Smithfield Inn, known for its comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
Lexington
When immigrants from Germany, Scotland, and Ireland left Europe and entered Virginia, they established a small town called Lexington to be their new home in the New World. From the Shenandoah Valley, all the way to the Maury River were lands once occupied by the Saponis, Monocas, and Tutelos, and many of their indigenous relics can still be seen today. For a dramatic entrance into Lexington, head over to the 215-foot-high limestone arch called the Natural Bridge. Afterward, you might want to see a prototype of the first mechanical reaper at the McCormick Farm. The Miller’s House Museum, the Sam Houston Wayside, and Goshen Pass Wayside all provide a comprehensive narrative of Lexington’s many local heroes and histories. As for lodgings, the Abigail Inn, The Georges, and Grace House create a calm environment while staying in Lexington.
Occoquan
Formerly a settlement of the Doeg people called Tauxenant, the small town of Occoquan has proven its amicable occupation along the Occoquan River with its many scenic landscapes and features. Many travelers, from President Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, have found the occasion to explore Occoquan’s many sublime landscapes, as best seen in River Mill Park and Lake Ridge Park. The town’s designated Historic District contains a collection of Victorian-era architecture that showcases the livelihoods and attitudes of Occoquan’s early pioneers, just as the Mill House Museum focuses on the usefulness of the town’s grist mills. Many more historical markers are dotted all over Occoquan’s thoroughfares, so be sure to watch for many more splendors and spectacles in the slow-paced town of Occoquan.
Staunton
Staunton, about 36 miles from Lexington, entertains newcomers with a number of laidback activities for anyone to try out. From historic train rides on the Virginia Scenic Railway and treks through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is no stranger to the beauties and bounties of Virginia’s outdoors. Those traveling on the Great Wagon Road or coming from the city of Philadelphia should definitely take the Heritage Migration Route for a more scenic experience.
Once in town, you can tour the Frontier Culture Museum, which serves as both an informational center to learn all about Staunton’s inception and a venue for some of its many local performances. One might also be interested in learning all about former President Woodrow Wilson at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. Need a place to stay the night? No worries because the Avid Hotel Staunton, Howard Johnson Express Inn, and The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center will satisfy all your requirements for a lovely home-away-from-home.
Farmville
Farmville certainly has the lackadaisical airs and attitudes typical of a slow-paced small town in Virginia. But there are occasions when you feel quite excited and enthusiastic about its many remarkable features. For instance, two of Virginia’s promising academies, Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, can be found in Farmville. Some of the fiercest battles of the American Civil War, waged at both the High Bridge Trail State Park and Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, can be perceived in Farmville. And the site where Civil War leaders like Ulysses S. Grant signed a treaty to stop the conflict—the Appomattox Court House—is Farmville. There are many more historic wonders to see in the town, such as the Robert Russa Moton Museum with its Civil Rights awareness movement from the 1950s. Only about 65 miles from the city of Richmond, where Patrick Henry gave his historic speech, let the hours flow sluggishly by while staying at the Hotel Weyanoke, Hilton Tru, or The Manor Cottages.
Cape Charles
Allow time to slip you by when you are staying in one of the earliest colonized settlements of the Thirteen Colonies—the town of Cape Charles. Because of its location on the Bay Coast Railroad, Cape Charles has been a major hub of industry and transportation in Virginia. It has seen many visitors come and go, and many who have visited Cape Charles can attest to its humble and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are admiring the Cape Charles Memorial Library—one of the oldest libraries in Virginia—or crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel over the Chesapeake Bay, you will be remiss if you miss out on all that Cape Charles has to offer. After venturing into the wildernesses of the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge and Kiptopeke State Park, you should refresh and recharge in eloquent establishments such as Northampton Hotel, Fig Street Inn, or Hotel Cape Charles.
Luray
Approximately two hours from the capital city of Washington D.C., the slow-paced town of Luray features the world-famous Luray Caverns. Renowned for being the largest cave system in the eastern U.S., the Luray Caverns were originally mining quarries that quarrymen used to extract precious minerals. Today, tourists can get hands-on experience of how sluicing works at the Stonyman Mining Company Gem Sluice. Other attractions in Luray aside from its caverns include the trails and treks near Hawksbill Creek and Lake Arrowhead, as well as vantage points on Old Rag Mountain for a better view of the Shenandoah Valley. If you wish to see more of what Luray has to offer, then it is recommended to seek out lodgings in places like The Hawksbill House, Cardinal Inn, and Hotel Laurance.
Conclusion
Go beyond the metropolitan splendor and fast-paced lifestyles of Richmond, Roanoke, and other big cities in Virginia and instead seek reprieve and relaxation from the slow-paced towns worth visiting in the state. With Chincoteague’s magnificent seashores and wild ponies, Occoquan’s grist mills and landscapes, and Farmville’s historical significance, these slow-paced small towns each have unique attractions that you can always have in the world to peruse. This year, give yourself and your traveling companions a meditative and meandering adventure through these slow-paced small towns to visit in Virginia.
