Virginia’s rich history, colorful culture, and beautiful scenery draw visitors from around the country to experience its charm. Home to iconic sites like colonial Williamsburg and battlefields of the Civil War, the Old Dominion harbors even more delightful destinations in the landscapes between. Away from the bustling cities and off-the-beaten-path, its small towns harbor the true heart and soul of the state. The best small towns to visit in Virginia promise to brighten your summer further with fun experiences.
From Blue Ridge Mountain enclaves to riverside villages and cozy settlements along the Chesapeake Bay, these hidden gems showcase Virginia’s raw character through historic architecture, traditional events, and ambiance tied to their natural surroundings. Consider adding the following delightful destinations to your itinerary on your next Virginia travels.
Chincoteague
Known for its wild ponies and sugar-white sand beaches, this charming gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge promises exciting beachside experiences. Local outfitters delight visitors with rare adventures, especially the Assateague Explorer tours, leading to encounters with wild ponies, eagles, shorebirds, marine creatures, and other exciting wildlife. The Assateague Island Lighthouse is a standout feature within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and attracts tourists eager to pose for a photo within the conspicuous shoreline landmark.
Traveling families can access unadulterated fun for all ages at Maui Jack’s Waterpark, which features water slides, swimming pools, delicious treats, and more kid-friendly activities. It is the perfect summer hotspot for family fun outdoors.
Cape Charles
Beach escapes abound in Virginia, and Cape Charles is among the best places to visit in the summer. Boasting sandy shores, water views, golf courses, and lovely art, this Northampton County gem ensures your vacation is jam-packed with fun activities. The 50-acre Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve harbors a mix of habitats with a relaxed atmosphere, inviting tourists for unassuming walks along the shore, a refreshing dip, and sunbathing to take in the breathtaking scenery over the horizon.
Travelers can explore local history at the quaint Cape Charles Museum, home to an exciting selection of exhibits and artifacts that bring the town’s captivating history to life. Cape Charles allows art lovers to sample beautiful pieces of art by local creatives at the Ellen Moore Gallery and Local-ISH Art.
Farmville
This delightful college town with unique charm offers a bustling atmosphere that encourages newcomers to discover its rich heritage, culture, and heritage. Farmville’s small-town feel shows across its quaint downtown, where a lazy stroll reveals historic treasures like the Robert Russa Moton Museum. This National Historic Landmark takes you back to an era that birthed America’s student-led civil rights movement. Downtown Farmville is also home to a decent art scene, allowing guests to witness fabulous works at the Longwood Center for Visual Arts, which exhibits local and regional artists.
Cozy summer weather is perfect for a relaxed game of gold at the Manor Golf Club. Its relaxed setting with lush surroundings is the perfect way to spend quality time outdoors with friends or family in Farmville.
Buchanan
This historic river town in Botetourt County boasts spellbinding natural beauty, punctuated by the Blue Ridge Mountains’ picturesque peaks and the James River’s calm waters. Buchanan is famous for its bridge, a conspicuous town landmark straddling the James River. Walking across the 366-foot-long Buchan Swinging Bridge is a popular tourist activity, placing you in the perfect position to soak up stunning views. Remarkable aquatic adventures, courtesy of Twin River Outfitters, let visitors get on the water for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting trips down the James River waters.
Meanwhile, the Buchanan Theater welcomes guests to enjoy the latest summer flicks or enthralling stage performances in a historic venue. Built in 1917, the theater continues to capture audiences with its family-friendly productions.
Abingdon
Historic vibes meet trademark Southern hospitality in this artsy small village of Washington County. Abingdon houses a friendly fold of about 8,500 residents, who readily welcome strangers to experience its rich offerings. This warmth is evident during the Abingdon Farmers Market, as farmers and craftsmen across the region lay out their assorted wares for willing buyers. A bustling local arts community entertains tourists with live stage shows at the historic Barter Theater, which, since its 1933 opening, has been the country’s longest-running theater.
South Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace promises an immersive cultural experience tailored for the whole family. This vibrant outdoor market provides access to an eclectic scene where visitors can browse local arts, dance to live music and sample local dishes.
Bedford
A treasure trove of pleasant experiences awaits summer vacationers in this charming Blue Ridge Mountain enclave. Bedford has a quaint Welcome Center that familiarizes first-timers with the top attractions in the town, making for the ideal first stop. Notable points of interest include the National D-Day Memorial, a somber site honoring American veterans from the Second World War. Meanwhile, the Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library preserves over three centuries of history through a vast collection of archives, documents, and artifacts.
Visitors can take advantage of the fine summer weather to hike relaxed trails through dense forests and scenic meadows at Falling Creek Park. The site has a family-friendly atmosphere and various recreation amenities curated for outdoor moments.
Culpeper
Tracing its beginnings to 1759, Culpeper is one of the most underrated towns to visit in Virginia. This town invites tourists to enjoy an exciting journey back in time alongside other exciting experiences. The Museum of Culpeper of History provides background on the town, hosting a diverse artifact collection documenting people, places, and notable events throughout the years. While there are multiple historical markers to discover in Culpeper, none is more prominent than its oldest home, Burgandine House. Built in 1700, it presents a unique perspective of the earlier years in the town.
History aside, Culpeper houses an eclectic wine and dine scene comprising many restaurants, pubs, and wineries. Sample sumptuous Southern flavors at Grass Roots before downing it with a glass of wine from Mountain Run Winery.
Charlottesville
Home to the University of Virginia, tourists can expect to have their plate full for their summer vacation in this upbeat college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville charms with diverse attractions, including treasured historical landmarks like Monticello. This antique treasure represents the primary plantation of America’s Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson. Art enthusiasts can look forward to world-class performances at the Paramount Theater, which stages popular musicals, plays, concerts, and other stage shows.
Those looking to access the beautiful outdoors can take on the Saunders-Monticello Trail, which features an 89-acre park with deciduous woods, an arboretum, a pond, and wildlife opportunities.
Urbanna
An escape to the Chesapeake Bay, this waterfront town promises a quiet summer retreat flanked by beautiful water views and a relaxing coastal atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a cozy outdoor experience at Watermans Park, relaxing in a secluded environment while taking in beautiful vistas of the Rappahannock River. Touring the Urbanna Seafood Market & Raw Bar is a hidden local gem where tourists can mingle with friendly local farmers and sample the famous Chesapeake Bay cuisine.
Meanwhile, those with an affinity for collecting souvenirs can find unique treasures at the Urbanna Harbor Gallery & Art Services. The venue sells an assortment of local crafts, collectibles, and vintage items to add to your collection.
Front Royal
This four-season destination welcomes summer vacationers to explore rich natural scenery, offering a rare escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley National Park. Front Royal delivers amazing underground adventures at Skyline Caverns, which features a series of mystic geological caves with dramatic stalagmites and stalactites. The town harbors a fair share of exciting history at Balthis House. This Federal-style dwelling in the heart of the historic district offers a window into the 18th and 19th-century Front Royal.
The Warren Rifles Confederate Museum offers a detailed look into the history of the Shenandoah Valley. Its visitors can uncover more history. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy remarkable wine-tasting opportunities at Chester Gap Cellars.
Final Thoughts
Summers in the Old Dominion offer the perfect season for exploring the state’s wealth of romantic gems steeped in history and natural beauty. From Blue Ridge hamlets to Potomac villages and Chesapeake Bay enclaves, these lovely towns to visit in Virginia provide a glimpse of the diverse yet uniformly charming destinations spread throughout the Commonwealth. Whether among the colonial architecture of Abingdon, bubbling breweries of Charlottesville, or scenic byways of the Shenandoah Valley, visitors will surely experience the Commonwealth’s Southern hospitality and find endless inspiration soaking in the rich cultural ambiance.
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