The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Virginia
They say Virginia is for lovers, and it is easy to see why. The smoky Appalachian Mountains arc hundreds of miles throughout the state, and coastal plains are in the state’s east, more picturesque than one can shake a stick at. With so much natural charm, there is lots to love in this Eastern wonderland. Hidden behind Mother Nature’s caress are lovely little towns chock full of whimsy and history just waiting to be discovered. Verdant green mountain trees and crystal clear streams punctuate the small-town charm that Virginia is known for. When planning your next trip in and around the commonwealth, consider these towns as a stop to take in Virginia’s scenery.
Sperryville
With under 500 permanent residents, Sperryville is proof that bigger is not always better. Found in the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains, there is hardly a corner in the town of Sperryville where the region’s natural beauty is not on display. As the gateway for the Shenandoah National Park, there are 200,000 acres of scenery to explore at all times. If visiting the park, be sure to cruise along Skyline Drive. It covers over 100 miles of Virginian wilderness with many overlooks that are a treat for the senses.
Sperryville is more than a launching pad into Virginia’s parks, however. The town is rustic and storybook in the best way possible. Antique shops, distilleries, and quaint cafes abound in this storybook mountain town. This region’s distilling tradition is rich, and the Copper Fox Distillery is a great example full of amazing drinks.
Staunton
Staunton is roughly an hour and a half away by car from Sperryville and certainly worth the drive. Settled in 1732, Staunton was once the capital of Virginia during the American Revolution when lawmakers fled Richmond and Charlottesville to escape hostilities. Today, the town is known for its rich theatrical tradition, wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture, and as the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.
Those willing to see the beauty in local culture adore the American Shakespeare Center, the only authentic replica of the famed English Blackfriars Theatre in the world. Or, take a stroll through the historic downtown area. With multiple historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places here, Staunton has plenty of history to discover. Moreover, the town is home to the Staunton Music Festival and a charming annual Christmas parade, and there are plenty of other events taking place throughout the year worth timing your visit for.
Harrisonburg
The town of Harrisonburg is enviably located within arms reach of Virginia’s glorious natural bounty. With the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah National Parks to its east, Massanutten Mountain a half-hour’s drive away, and George Washington National Forest a little farther to the west, Harrisonburg is never lacking in the great outdoors. Bike, run, hike, and enjoy all that the mountainous Virginia landscape has to offer in Harrisonburg.
The town is the self-proclaimed cycling capital of the Shenandoah Valley, and it may be true. From easy paved trails throughout town around the James Madison University campus and Purcell Park to more intense trails, this is a biker’s paradise. In town, the gorgeous Hotel Madison and exhibits about the region’s Mennonite history contrast with the axe-throwing bars and art galleries to be discovered. Harrisonburg truly has something for everyone.
Farmville
No, not the video game. This Central Virginian town boasts a comprehensive array of attractions, including historic sites, modern entertainment, and the great outdoors. Formerly an industrial town, Farmville has received a serious facelift, bringing it into the 21st century without losing touch with its roots. Here, visitors can find craft beer, shopping, kayaking, fishing, and more in this blend of old and new. For example, outdoor enthusiasts love to paddle down the Appomattox River, traveling the same route tobacco barges once did.
History buffs will want to spend an afternoon at Farmville’s famous historical sites like Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park and the Moton Museum, a national historical landmark and a part of civil rights history. The Three Roads Brewing Company and Virginia Tasting Cellar are just two craft beverage hotspots in town, but by no means the only ones. With so much to do and see, Farmville is truly a feast for the senses.
Abingdon
This picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain town near the Tennessee border is known for having some of the best food in the nation. Fun fact: Abingdon has more eateries per capita than New York City, so foodies are highly encouraged to sample the local flavor at places like The Girl & The Raven or stop by the tasty wineries found nearby.
History lovers will be pleased to hear that the Abingdon Historic District is home to architecture dating back to the turn of the 18th century. The famed Barter Theatre, where patrons can still barter for their admission, and the William King Museum of Art are two unmissable sources of Abingdon. If you are looking to stretch your legs, Grayson Highlands State Park, the Virginia Creeper Trail, and Backbone Rock are all a short distance from town. Abingdon’s portion of the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail deposits trippers at the Abingdon Vineyards, the perfect reward for a day of riding or hiking.
Chincoteague
The town of Chincoteague is known for a few things as Virginia’s only resort island: the wild ponies of neighboring Assateague Island, pristine beaches, and a picturesque lighthouse that is not to be missed. This town on Virginia’s eastern shore is a former hub for oysters that has transformed itself into a bustling little town full of plenty of reasons to shuck, jive, and swoon.
The Assateague Island National Seashore is perfect for a summer getaway at the beach. Find the wild ponies that this area is renowned for by following the many nature trails at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Speaking of ponies, the Chincoteague Pony Festival is a big hit with visitors nationwide. If you are looking for the perfect subject for a photo shoot, look no further than the Assateague Lighthouse, one of the most striking in all of Virginia.
Onancock
This town was founded over 300 years ago, but do not let that fool you. Onancock is a gem of the eastern shore in more ways than one and absolutely worth stopping over at. For history enthusiasts, Onancock has a retro movie theater from the 50s and plenty of art galleries to peruse. The Victorian waterfront homes that line the path to the Chesapeake Bay are a visual high point in Onancock, as is the Roseland Theater.
The nearby Tangier Island is accessible by air and sea from Onancock, but once there, golf carts and bikes are the most popular ways to explore it. Afterward, there is no place like Tangier Island for an unforgettable sunset. On the other hand, kayaking to Tobacco Island is an excellent way to explore the waterways of the Eastern Shore without adding to your carbon footprint. As the sun sets, stop by the iconic Liar’s Bench next to the Harbormaster House for an incredible view of the fishing boats coming in to dock.
Culpeper
Found only an hour and a half from the nation’s capital, Culpeper is both central to nearby cities and desirable in its own right. The walkable downtown is dotted with rustic architecture, art galleries, boutiques, and great places to eat. The Museum of Culpeper History offers all the information you could need about the town’s history, but the best way to learn about it is by exploring.
The Culpeper National Cemetery is perfect for Civil War history buffs. The cemetery is the internment place for over 10,000 people, many of which were Union soldiers who perished at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Next, a ten-minute drive from town to the nearby Brandy Station reveals the Graffiti House, an in-tact relic and one of the area’s few pre-Civil War buildings. Soldiers wrote throughout the house’s interior, which is how it got its name. Lastly, the Auburn Farm Sunflower Patch has 15 acres of sunflowers to pick, a four-acre corn maze, craft vendors, and games for kids.
Clarksville
If relaxing at the lakeside is your idea of heaven, look no further than Virginia’s lakeside town of Clarksville. Here, 50,000 acres of lake and 850 miles (1,370 km) of shoreline are available to explore and enjoy. Thus, fishing, sailing, jet skiing, and lakeside camping are popular pastimes, showcasing the beautiful scenery abound. Moreover, the town hosts numerous festivals yearly, such as Lakefest in July and Lake Country Wine Festival in April. Nearby, Buggs Island Lake is a huge draw as it plays host to multiple fishing tournaments, and we cannot forget to mention the Hydroplane Challenge fast boat race.
Clarksville’s surrounding area has plenty to do as well if you get restless. Prestwould Plantation is an enormous 18th-century plantation home that is like stepping into a time machine. As the day ends, Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery and Buggs Island Brewing Company offer a modern taste of Virginian culture.
Galax
Called the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Galax is everything a mountain town should be. The town’s musical history is long, and there may be no better place to experience Bluegrass. Bluegrass music festivals and the world’s largest Old Time Bluegrass Fiddler's Convention can be found in Galax. The town has music in its soul and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in its backyard.
Meanwhile, nature lovers can ride alongside the New River Trail, which is over 50 miles of trail that runs parallel to Virginia’s legendary New River. The trail starts in Galax and covers dozens of landmarks, from historic bridges to lush forests. Shutterbugs will want to cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit what may be the most eminently photogenic spot on the parkway: Mabry Mill.
Wrapping Up
Well, there you have it. Whether you are a lover of Bluegrass, wineries, lakes, or mountains, Virginia is for you. Winding and relaxing rivers course through the idyllic Virginia landscape, and there is plenty of excellent hiking to be done here as well. Drive through mountain passes and delve into the tranquil waterways of Virginia on your next visit to these towns. With Bluegrass music festivals, historic landmarks, and untouched natural beauty in equal measure, it is clear why there is so much in store just waiting to be discovered.
