9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Virginia
Virginia is one of America's most beautiful states, and tucked among the bustling cities you may have heard of, like Richmond and Williamsburg, are many scenic small towns just waiting for you to explore. Here, we'll introduce you to these towns' many natural and historic landmarks and a few unique shops and restaurants you won't want to miss.
Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon is located in a region of Virginia known as the Blue Ridge Highlands, and if you enjoy hiking, this town offers lots of options to get out and explore. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a top choice! It follows the route of an old steam engine that frequented the area and is filled with the Virginia Creeper vine that grows along the way and turns bright red and orange in the fall. Parts of the trail lead to excellent trout fishing areas, and the path is also accessible to dogs, horses, and cyclists.
After an invigorating day outside, you can rest and relax at the elegant Martha Washington Inn and Spa or catch a show at Barter Theatre--one of the longest-running professional regional theatres in the nation.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Virginia borders the Atlantic Ocean, and for those who love beaches, Cape Charles is a destination worth noting! In fact, some say that it's one of the best beach towns in Virginia. Cape Charles Town Beach is the only public beach on Virginia’s Eastern Shore that doesn’t require an entrance or parking fee. The Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve and Savage Neck Dunes are two parks with hiking trails that are accessible to all skill levels.
Cape Charles is well known for its clams, oysters, and crabs. So if you love seafood, you'll definitely find plenty of it here. Soft shell crabs are in season from May through September. March through November is best for hard crabs. And wild oysters are best from October through March.
If you're an avid bird watcher, head to the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. You'll see millions of songbirds, raptors, and butterflies converge as they fly south. The gardens of Eyre Hall, dating back to 1800, offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century.
When you're ready to relax, check in to the Fig Street Inn, a boutique style inn and Bed & Breakfast with every amenity. Sleep tight!
Smithfield, Virginia
Smithfield has been named "one of the 50 best small southern towns." If you're lucky, you may have enjoyed some Smithfield ham, which this town is well known for. In fact, people say that the air here actually smells like bacon! Only 10 square miles in size, the town offers a historic center where you'll see more than 70 buildings of architectural importance, including homes from the Colonial, Federal and Victorian periods.
Stop by the Isle of Wight County Museum to see the World's Oldest Ham and the World's Oldest Peanut! The museum's interactive exhibits also educate visitors about colonial history, the Smithfield ham industry, and the Civil War. Finish the day with a delicious dinner of fried green tomatoes and ham and biscuits at the historic Smithfield Inn, built in 1752, where George Washington once slept!
Culpeper, Virginia
Architectural Digest has called Culpeper "the prettiest town in Virginia," and it has something for everyone. History buffs will enjoy exploring one of the several preserved Civil War battlefields and can tour the Brandy Station, which includes the famous Graffiti House, once a Civil War headquarters. A hospital that also serves as the visitor center displays unique historic artifacts and exhibits. If you prefer indoor learning, the Museum of Culpeper History also provides a treasure trove of exhibits about the city's heritage.
Mountain bikers will love the popular Burke Farm Trail System, a privately owned property with 300-acres of trails which offers options gentle enough for beginners and challenging enough for advanced riders. For a small fee, which helps pay for the upkeep of the trails, you'll navigate bridges, log obstacles, scenic creeks, steep climbs, and rock gardens. Not into biking? Pack a picnic and head to Lake Culpeper, where you can try your skill at stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing. To end the day, enjoy great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the 100-year-old Hazel River Inn Bed and Breakfast, which also features a gourmet restaurant.
Luray, Virginia
For a one-of-a-kind experience, pile the family in the car and head to Luray, famous for the internationally known Luray Caverns--a spectacular underground labyrinth of cathedral-sized rooms with 10-story-high ceilings and massive limestone formations. Your admission ticket includes several additional attractions, including the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, the Toy Town Junction, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village, a replica of a 19th century farming community consisting of restored historic buildings, flower gardens, and a small vineyard.
If you're in the mood for some outdoor fun, head to the Shenandoah River where you can swim or canoe, or hike one of the many trails in the Shenandoah National Park. Brookside Cabins offer quaint, affordable lodging, and Brookside Restaurant serves up delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, complete with Virginia ham and homemade peanut butter pie.
Tangier Island, Virginia
For an adventurous day trip, hop on a sea plane or boat to Tangier Island. This unusual town is only 1.5 square miles in size, and almost everyone gets around by bicycle, motorbike or boat. People who live here make their living oystering, crabbing, and fishing in Chesapeake Bay, as they have for thousands of years. In fact, most are descendants of John Crockett and others from Cornwall who settled here in 1686.
Tangier Island is more conservative than most Virginia towns. There's no alcohol allowed, no mobile phone reception, and no police! But you'll have fun exploring--and you might even find one of the arrowheads left by the Pokomoke Indians who were here even before the settlers arrived. During the summer months, there are several great restaurants to choose from, including Hilda Crockett's Chesapeake House and Fisherman's Corner, which serve local Chesapeake Bay crab cakes and blue crab, and Lorraine's is open year round to serve the 500 or so residents of this unique town.
Wytheville, Virginia
There is so much to see and do in Wytheville that you may have a hard time planning your visit. The African American Heritage Museum should definitely be on your list. Built in 1882 as a place to educate African American children, it remained in operation until 1952, just prior to desegregation. There's a children’s library that exhibits the photographs and stories telling the history of education of African Americans in Wythe County. Admission is free. Visitors in spring and summer will want to enjoy Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, a 210-acre property that's packed with fragrant trails and paths for wandering, including formal walled herbal display garden, a Lavender walk, Thyme, Oregano and Lavender collections, a water garden, a Cottage garden, a Wildlife habitat garden, a Japanese Meditation garden, and a Tea Garden--plus a store that sells natural products made from the plants they grow!
Have you ever heard of "The Claw of the Dragon"? If you're an avid biker, chances are you have! It's one of the most popular destinations in the South for motorcycle enthusiasts. Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains and through seven Virginia counties, one of the route's highlights is the top of Big Walker Mountain, where you can climb a 100-foot tower and enjoy spectacular views. The tower, called Big Walker Lookout, is also accessible by car on the Big Walker Mountain National Scenic Byway, which is the bypass for I-77. Have an ice cream cone at the Country Store before heading on your way!
Chincoteague, Virginia
If you're passionate about horses, lighthouses, and birdwatching, this is the place for you! Learn all about Chincoteague's exciting history of Indians, settlers, pirates, ponies, oysters and buried treasures by taking one of the town's guided "Step Through Time" daily tours that begin in the historic downtown. Other recreational options include biking, hiking, boating, crabbing, clamming, fishing, and kayaking. You can also ride a bicycle or walk on a short trail that leads to Assateague Island for a close look at historic Assateague Island Lighthouse, whose light can be seen 19 miles out at sea.
People here love to celebrate, so depending on what time of year you visit, you might happen upon the Chincoteague Seafood Festival, the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, or the Chincoteague Oyster Festival. The Inn on Main is a great place to spend the night, just a few minutes away from the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge where you're likely to spot lots of wildlife, including deer, racoon, many species of birds, and the wild ponies made famous by the book "Misty of Chincogeague" and the movie "Misty." If you're lucky enough to visit during the last week of July, you can see the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim, when over 100 foals and adult ponies cross the Assateague Channel over to Chincoteague. Don't forget your binoculars!
Bedford, Virginia
One of Virginia's most charming small towns is located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the most unusual destinations is the Bedford Museum and Geneological Library. Its permanent exhibits highlight the history of Bedford and Bedford County, including Native American, Black History, World War I and World War II.
Bedford is also home to the National D-Day Memorial, a tribute to the American and Allied forces that fought in the Normandy Invasion. This Memorial, situated on 50 acres, overlooks the town of Bedford which suffered the greatest loss per capita on June 6, 1944, than any other in the United States. Tours are self-guided and require tickets. WWII veterans and active-duty military are admitted without charge. Visit the historic Greens Drug Store on the Northeastern corner of E. Main and N. Bridge Streets to see a photographs of each "Bedford Boy" who sacrificed his life for his country.
Vsitors eager to experience nature can look to nearby Smith Mountain Lake--especially at sunset. Bring your sweetheart, a bottle of champagne, and you're all set.
Everyone says that "Virginia is for Lovers." And it's true. Whether you're looking for a beautiful beach, an unforgettable sunset, a historic battlefield, a quaint island, a delicious seafood meal, or a little bit of all of the above, we've got you covered!
