Contents
Author Anietra Hamper has traveled through Virginia and finds that the charming small towns deserve as much attention for vacationers as the more popular cities in the state.
There are so many ways to experience Virginia, from the beaches on the Eastern Shores to hiking the Appalachian Trail, but visiting the small towns of Virginia provides a new kind of experience in the state. Many of Virginia’s quaint towns thrive around their main streets, which are central to their character.
You will find towns with historical significance, and beach communities that embrace a simple coastal lifestyle. You will discover some of the oldest antique stores, traditional comfort food, and the warmth of that uncompromising Southern charm in these small towns and villages.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo retreat, spending time in the quiet communities surrounding the big cities makes for an unforgettable retreat. For ideas on the best places to visit, read our list of the best small towns in Virginia.
1. Abingdon
The small town of Abingdon in Western Virginia is great for an outdoor or historic getaway. Its backdrop is the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the entire town is supported by its natural surroundings. Even many restaurants focus on using locally sourced food for their menus.
Plan a weekend outdoors hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can catch the trailhead of the Virginia Creeper Trail in the middle of town, which is a Rails-to-Trails route extending for 34 miles. It is named after the steam engine that used to “creep” up into the Iron Mountains.
In town, you can stroll along the Historic District’s cobblestone sidewalks. The 20-square block area is packed with culture and history excursions. Take in a show at Barter Theatre or peruse the galleries at the William King Museum of Art. Visit the restored 1870 railroad station, which is now The Arts Depot, and the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum, which showcases early 19th-century life.
To add to the historical experience, you can stay at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa , an elegant lodging option in Abingdon dating from 1832 and designated as a Historic Hotel of America.
2. Chincoteague
The town of Chincoteague is a small island on the Eastern shores of Virginia known for its wild ponies near the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. You can take a tour to see the ponies in their natural environment and stop in the town to visit the Museum of Chincoteague, which tells more about the area and explains the stories behind these wild horses.
Spend some time at the beach, and when you need a break from the sun visit the Assateague Lighthouse on the adjacent Assateague Island for the best views of the area. While the lighthouse is closed for climbs, you can still walk the grounds and get great photos of this iconic landmark.
One of the best ways to enjoy this coastal town is without a time schedule. Stop into the boutique shops and small dining establishments that make up the community. Be sure to stop for an ice-cream cone at the Island Creamery, which has national recognition for its frozen treats.
Another great visit in Chincoteague is the NANA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, which has a free museum with exhibits and information about some of the NASA rocket programs and missions.
3. Wachapreague
There is such charm on Virginia’s eastern shore, but the small town of Wachapreague has special characteristics that make it a nice place to visit. While you can get in some quality beach time during your visit, you will also notice some of the most pristine wetlands along the mid-Atlantic region.
The town only has a population of 200 people, and more than that likely come through here, especially during the bird migration in the spring and fall, two of the best times to visit. The Victorian-era town is eco-friendly, and you can take kayak tours through the local waters or plan an eco-tour.
Sport fishing is one of the top reasons that people visit Wachapreague, and you can book a charter and head to the Atlantic waters for marlin or tuna. One of the closest lodging options to outdoor activities is the Wachapreague Inn , which offers daily and weekly rentals.
4. Coeburn
Southwest Virginia has the town of Coeburn, which is located near the Jefferson National Forest. It is a great small-town getaway, especially for those who want to explore Virginia’s outdoors.
Some of the best hiking and biking in the area is along the Rails-to-Trails Guest River Gorge Trail, which follows the river. Other popular trails in the area are the High Knob Lake Trail and the Little Stony National Recreation Trail.
Coeburn is pleasant to visit even if you do not take in the fantastic outdoor recreation that the area has to offer. The downtown is charming and artistic. You will notice pedestrian bridges, brick sidewalks to local restaurants, and antique lamp fixtures along the streets.
Stop into some of the art galleries and see why the town is part of the Lonesome Pine Artisan Trail. Relax and enjoy music in the historic Lays Building downtown, where you are likely to hear the music that celebrates the Appalachian region.
5. Lynchburg
For people who love history, architecture, and the outdoors, Lynchburg is a fun way to see all of it. In between exploring the outdoor experiences with scenic views, you can stop into the small coffee shops to relax and get a true sense of small-town Virginia.
The small town has a number of historical sites to see including Point of Honor, the Old Court House and Lynchburg Museum, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, the National D-Day Memorial, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and the history and architecture of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and personal retreat.
The town is located on the James River with the Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop, so it is no wonder that Lynchburg has some phenomenal outdoor opportunities. There is a walking, hiking, and biking trail that follows the James River and is a popular way to enjoy the area.
Lynchburg is also known for its bluegrass and music festivals at local parks. One of the nice places to stay in Lynchburg is in the historic Craddock Terry Hotel , an old shoe factory turned boutique hotel.
6. Damascus
Damascus might be small but it earned its nickname of “Trail Town USA” for the hiking, biking, and water trails that run through it. While so many regions in Virginia cater to the outdoor experience, outdoor enthusiasts should put Damascus high on the list to visit.
The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, covered with a network of trails for which more than one-thousand bicycles are rented each year to use. Some of the best hiking and biking trails in Damascus are the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is one of the top biking trails in the United States.
Also running through the town are the Iron Mountain Trail, the Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, and the Virginia Birding Trail. If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy visiting Damascus in May during the Appalachian Trail Days Festival, when upwards of 30 thousand hikers fill area trails.
You can also plan time into your visit to go to the nearby Mount Roger National Recreation Area, which has the highest peak in Virginia. There are more than 400 miles of trails to hike, and the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway that makes for a beautiful drive with some of the best views in the area.
7. Onancock
The charming seaside town of Onancock on Virginia’s eastern shore is a relaxing getaway and one of the oldest towns in Virginia. The best way to enjoy Onancock is by foot to see the Victorian homes in the neighborhood, visit boutique shops, and talk to local artists in the galleries.
The town has an artful flare, with live theater at the restored Roseland Theatre, music, and visual arts. Plan a visit to Ker Place or the Waterman’s Museum to learn about the history of the area.
Add to your Onancock visit by taking a kayak trip through local waters, or plan to take the ferry to Tangier Island and spend a day with a different view. Onancock has the only ferry departure to the island, so it makes sense to include it in your visit. There are many waterfront restaurants in town where you can enjoy a stunning eastern shore sunset.
8. Lexington
How about a weekend getaway in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded by nature? The small town of Lexington can fill your spirit with wilderness, wildlife, and rivers. It is home to Washington Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, which make up a large portion of the social and cultural aspects of the town.
As you walk through Lexington, you will want to visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Stonewall Jackson House, the University Chapel, and the George C. Marshall Museum. You might also enjoy stopping into the Virginia Horse Center, where you are likely to catch an equine competition in progress.
Getting outdoors in Lexington can take you to the Laurel Run Trail for hiking, Devil’s Marbleyard for boulder climbing, and Goshen Pass for biking. Other outdoor options are the Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden and the nearby trails in Jefferson and George Washington National Forests.
You will enjoy the food options in Lexington, as many of the eateries offer fresh farm-to-table menus. The shopping experiences are also local-centric, with small boutiques and shops in the downtown area and no national chain stores.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Lexington
9. Tazewell
Tazewell, located in Southwest Virginia is one of the oldest and most scenic small towns in the region.
One of the best ways to enjoy Tazewell is by car or motorcycle along the 32 miles of Route 16. Locals can point you in the right direction when you get here because the route is also called the “Back of the Dragon” for its 300 curves along that stretch of highway.
A less aggressive scenic drive is along the Mountain Heritage Loop, which takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and a popular spot called Burke’s Garden, where a mountain collapsed leaving a massive bowl shape in the earth.
A unique way to learn more about the region is by visiting Sandy Head Ostrich Farms to see sustainable farming in practice. Instead of traditional farm animals like cows and chickens, this farm uses ostrich, geese, and emu.
Stroll down Tazewell’s historic Main Street to enjoy your pick of local fare, and stop into the welcome center to buy Back of the Dragon souvenirs once you experience the drive.
10. Luray
If you are up for a cabin getaway as you explore small towns in Virginia then Luray in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley should be on your list. In fact, it is considered the cabin capital of the state because of the hundreds of cabin rentals available in this natural area.
This is a nice area to visit because its wilderness landscape lends itself to a getaway that is isolated and serene or one that kicks in high adrenaline with the multitude of outdoor experiences that are available.
Your cabin getaway lets you plan day trips to visit the Shenandoah National Park; George Washington National Forest; and Luray Caverns, one of the top attractions in Virginia. You can also plan to paddle your way along the Shenandoah River, or learn fly fishing with one of several guide services in Luray.
Another set of day trips can be planned to tackle a new trail each day. There are more than 500 miles of trails running through the nearby national forests that range from a leisurely stroll to aggressive hiking. For biking, the Hawksbill Greenway is the best option in Luray.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Luray
11. Clifton
The historic town of Clifton is a small town that had its fifteen minutes of fame with the movie, Sleepless in Seattle, which was written in a home on Main Street. The town is now a National Historic District that does not even have a stoplight.
Clifton is one of those small towns that is nice to explore spontaneously and take in culture and information from the locals that you meet at comfort food restaurants. Peruse the antique shops in town to find old treasures, and stop at Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot, where you can check out the daily flavors posted on the chalkboard outside.
If you are traveling with children, you may want to plan some time with hands-on outdoor education at the Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, which has hiking trails and ropes courses that are open to the public.
12. Norton
When you drive into Norton, you might feel a sense of both city life and small-town charm. It is Virginia’s smallest city, so it is a nice place to visit if you are looking for a little of both.
A must-visit while you are in Norton is the Flag Rock Recreation Area, which has 25 acres of outdoor trails and activities. There are hiking trails like the Sugar Maple Trail and the High Knob Observation Tower and a loop system that is connected to the Flag Rock Area Trails mountain biking system. Flag Rock Recreation Area is also the best vantage point to see the city from a 1000-foot elevation.
One of the reasons Norton feels like a small town is because of its humble presence, with family-owned restaurants, serving daily specials, like The Country Cabin, where you can enjoy local live music. The venue is one of eight along Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, The Crooked Road.
13. Cape Charles
The charming little town of Cape Charles is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake Bay. In the 1800s, it was a thriving town for the railroad industry, and you will see traditional 19th-century homes along the waterfront, many that have been converted into cottages for visitors.
The center of town has many small boutique shops, antique stores, and restaurants. You are never far from the beach no matter where you stay in Cape Charles, as there is public access to Cape Charles Town Beach from every block along Bay Avenue.
For a town of only about 1,100 permanent residents, there are plenty of things to do. You can take in a round of golf at the public golf course, swim at the beach, hire a fishing charter, or just peruse the public pier and watch the sunset.
There are some unique points of historical interest in Cape Charles, like the rail barge that you might see crossing the Chesapeake Bay on its way to Norfolk; it’s the last remaining rail barge in the United States. You might want to hike some of the trails at Kiptopeke State Park or the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge.
If you are looking for a scenic drive, you should explore the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which is a 17.6-mile drive across the Chesapeake Bay.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cape Charles
14. Occoquan
The small town of Occoquan is not only a nice place to visit but it is located just outside Washington D.C., so if you have time on your agenda, you can plan several days in the area. The historical town sits on the Occoquan River, so there are views of the waterfront from almost anywhere.
Occoquan is known for its historical center and artsy community. You can take a history tour or visit the Mill House Museum on your own to see artifacts and photographs related to the town’s past.
The town boardwalk and pier are great places to spend an afternoon walking around and to experience the more than 80 small businesses, from art galleries and boutiques to family-owned restaurants.
Take advantage of the Occoquan River during your visit to plan some time kayaking. You can launch from a public ramp and have a picnic at River Mill Park. Occoquan is a designated bird sanctuary, so take your binoculars and look for species that frequent the river, like eagles and kingfishers.
15. Farmville
For a small town, Farmville has a lot going for it. The historic town has two universities and a range of activities available from the arts to the outdoors. One of the highlights of Farmville is High Bridge, which spans the Appomattox River at 125 feet.
The bridge is a converted rail trail that is a must-experience, whether you choose to hike or bike it for whatever stretch of its 31 miles that you have the energy to enjoy. If kayaking, fishing, or canoeing are more your style, you can hit some of the rivers and waterways that surround the town, like Sandy River Reservoir.
You will find all the charms of an old small town as you walk around to look at the shops and take in local history at the Moton Museum and Transportation Heritage Museum, walk the Civil Rights Trail, and visit battlegrounds at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park. Make your way back to Main Street for a bite to eat and some boutique shopping.
Map of Small Towns in Virginia
More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com
Planning Your Trip to Virginia: Visiting some of the small towns in Virginia is just one idea for a great experience. There are several options for exciting weekend getaways in Virginia, which range from a historic trip to Williamsburg to hitting the surf on Virginia Beach or getting out on the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park.
Where to Stay: Since Virginia is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains, your lodging options can complement the kind of vacation you are planning, from camping in a national forest to staying in one of the luxury resorts in the state. If you are looking for hotels in Virginia Beach there are plenty, as it is one of the top vacation destinations in the state.
Cities in Virginia: If you want bigger cities to explore in Virginia, you might want to consider the Chesapeake Bay city of Norfolk, the Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville, or scenic Roanoke.