15 Best Small Towns in Virginia That You Need to Visit
Ready to explore some of the most charming small towns in Virginia? Whether you find yourself visiting iconic heritage sites or exploring the many recreational trails in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains – Virginia is ripe for exploration.
It’s time to hit the roads less traveled. Explore the small towns that are vibrant and full of charm. Road trip along the scenic byways and break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and really discover the small-town gems.
If you’re thinking about a weekend getaway and looking to explore somewhere unique and new in VA? Then don’t miss what I consider to be the best small towns in Virginia.
From the Atlantic Coastline to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Here are 15 small Virginia towns that are totally worth visiting.
1. Williamsburg
Welcome to the “colonial capital” of Virginia. Don’t miss exploring the beautiful historic town of Williamsburg. Known for its living history, thrilling theme parks, botanical gardens, and parks.
The town’s main attraction is Colonial Williamsburg, a living historic town and museum where visitors can explore everything from touring 18th-century buildings and gardens to watching the many trade demonstrations such as forging and weaving of fabrics.
For the thrill-seekers, be sure to spend a day at Busch Gardens, a theme park filled with the best jaw-dropping rides, attractions, wildlife encounters, and more.
Top Highlights
Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Williamsburg Winery, and Water Country USA
2. Roanoke
Roanoke is a beautiful small town just southwest of Virginia. It’s known for its enormous neon star called the Mill Mountain Star. The large star sits on the summit of Mill Mountain, overlooking the town below.
Roanoke is a great place to visit and can easily be explored in a weekend getaway.
Roanoke’s top highlights include its downtown shopping district, museums & art galleries, plus many hiking & biking trails within the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I find the best time to visit Roanoke is in the fall. Enjoy the changing of leaves throughout the parkway and the nearby lakes. Afterward, why not go apple picking at the nearby orchards?
Peaks of Otter Winery and Orchard is great for wine tasting and apple picking. The winery is located only 8 miles from the parkway and is open daily from 12 to 5 pm.
Top Highlights
Mill Mountain Star Trail, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Roanoke Pinball Museum, and the Taubman Museum of Art
3. Lexington
With only a population of 7000, Lexington really captures that charming small-town feel.
This town is all about its universities, outdoor escapes, and history. It has quite a number of historic landmarks, such as the Stonewall Jackson House, the former residence of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.
And the University Chapel & Museum at Washington & Lee University. Built by Robert E. Lee, an American Confederate general and former president of the school.
This place is a history lovers paradise!
Top Highlights
Stonewall Jackson House, Devil’s Backbone Brewery Outpost, Hull’s Drive-In Theater, and the Miller’s House Museum
4. Harrisonburg
Surrounded by the hills of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is one of those small, pleasant towns you just need to visit.
Local farmer’s markets, historic architecture, art exhibits, and galleries are just a small part of Harrisonburg’s energetic culture.
I highly recommend kicking off the weekend lavender picking at the White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple Wolf Vineyard. A beautiful family-owned farm featuring over 6000 lavender plants.
Shop the farm’s handmade products, such as soaps, lotions, and essential oils, all made from pure lavender.
Top Highlights
White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple Wolf Vineyard, Harrisonburg Farmers Market, Downtown Harrisonburg, and the James Madison University Mineral Museum.
5. Jamestown
A trip to Williamsburg isn’t complete without a quick stopover in Jamestown. Packed full of history, Jamestown is home to the first English settlement in North America way back in 1607.
Wander and explore the Jamestown history museum with recreations of the Powhatan Indian village and one of the three ships that transported the English colonists to Jamestown.
Top Highlights
Jamestown Settlement, Billsburg Brewery, and Jamestown Beach
6. Staunton
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains, Staunton is known for its thriving arts and culture scene and rich history. It was founded in 1747 and is considered one of the oldest towns in the Shenandoah Valley.
Spend the afternoon exploring the many unique shops and restaurants that line Staunton’s historic Main Street. Experience live glass-blowing demonstrations and wine tastings, or enjoy a fun night of theater at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Oh, and did I mention the food? Staunton has a hot reputation for its local food. Be sure to check out these top restaurants, such as Wright’s Dairy-Rite, Taste of India, Chicano Boy Tacos, and The Split Banana.
This place makes for one of the best weekend getaways in Virginia.
Top Highlights
The Blackburn Inn, Blackfriars Playhouse, Woodrow Wilson Library and Museum, and Wrights Dairy-Rite.
Read More
Weekend Guide to Staunton, Virginia
7. Culpeper
One of Virginia’s best small towns. Culpeper is home to some of the best wineries, including Mountian Run Winery, Old House Vineyards, and a small local Moonshine Distillery called Belmont Farm Distillery.
It’s the perfect t place to spend the weekend with plenty of things to do, from watching movies in the old Culpeper Theater to exploring the many trails at the old Brandy Station Battlefields.
Culpeper was also declared the “Prettiest small town in Virginia” by Architectural Digest and it’s not hard to see why.
Top Highlights
The Museum of Culpeper History, Mountain Run Winery, Lake Pelham, Belmont Farm Distillery, and Ceder Mountain Battlefields
8. Charlottesville
Charlottesville, also known to many as C’ville, is the gateway to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s home to the famous Monticello plantation, a national landmark and former residence of Thomas Jefferson.
The University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, is another town highlight offering free daily tours of the grounds.
Despite Charlotteville’s slightly larger scale, you can easily explore this lively town over two days.
Don’t miss some of Charlottesville’s top highlights, including its downtown mall, local wineries, and surrounding Shenandoah National Park.
Top Highlights
Charlottesville Downtown Mall, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Carter Mountain Orchard, Shenandoah National Park, and the University of Virginia
9. Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a place of tranquility and relaxation!
Located in the county of Bath, Hot Springs is home to one of America’s most famous resorts, the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa.
A luxury resort featuring world-class golf, exceptional dining, and one of the oldest alpine ski resorts in the United States.
The resort offers 483 guest rooms and suites, along with two championship golf courses, a luxury spa and salon, an outdoor pool with a lazy river, and two water slides.
Over the decades, this historic hotel has hosted many American presidents and royals, including Thomas Jefferson and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
10. Chincoteague Island
Located along Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a quaint little beach town called Chincoteague Island.
It’s mostly known for its National Wildlife, clams, and oyster beds, but what makes this Virginia coastal town stand out is its famous wild ponies.
Fun fact: Chincoteague’s wild ponies are so common that the Chincoteague Fire Department holds a special event called the “Pony Swim.”
They round up about 200 ponies from Assateague Island and lead them through the Assateague Channel onto Chincoteague Island. This unique event is held annually in July and is totally worth checking out.
Chincoteague is definitely one small town in Virginia not to be missed!
It offers quite a diverse range of wetlands and wildlife, beautiful sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets. Basically, it’s the perfect beach escape.
Top Highlights
The National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague National Seashore, Assateague Lighthouse, and the NASA Flight Facility Center
11. Abingdon
Abington gives off that friendly, small-town appeal that you can’t help but love. It’s one of those bucket list small towns you have to visit.
Abington’s top highlights include its historic Barter Theatre, Virginia Creeper Trail, and the Martha Washington Inn.
However, If you’re looking to explore off the beaten track, why not check out some of Abington’s best-kept secret spots, such as Backbone Rock, a rock tunnel that was blasted through to make way for the railway.
Or Hidden Valley Lake, a large lake located atop the mountains at around 3,500 feet in elevation. The perfect spot for hiking & fishing.
Top Highlights
Virginia Creeper Trail, Barter Theatre, Martha Washington Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Abington
Read More
The Ultimate 4-day Outer Banks Itinerary
12. Onancock
Only a short 43-minute drive from Chincoteague is one of the coolest small towns in VA called Onancock.
Its beautiful waterfront & marina offers quite a variety of tiny shops and restaurants.
Onancock is quite small and is best explored by foot. Take a walk around and admire the beautiful Victorian-era homes that line the streets of the town.
That said, the best thing to do in Onancock is to get out on the water, hire a kayak or paddleboard for the day and visit the local wineries, or jump aboard a boat tour to the surrounding islands.
Top Highlights
Ker Place, the waterfront and marina, boat and kayaking tours
13. Natural Bridge
You might think Natural Bridge is one of those small towns that really doesn’t have too much going on.
However, Natural Bridge’s top highlights are a little more hidden away than usual, so hidden, in fact, you may not even know they are there.
Natural Bridge is home to two major attractions, the Caverns at Natural Bridge and the Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia’s newest park featuring a 90-foot rock arch formation.
Spend the weekend exploring the deep underground caverns and view the many rock formations with unique features.
Then, head over to the Natural Bridge and follow the hiking trail through the arch and alongside Cedar Creek.
Just the sheer size of the Natural Bridge and Caverns is enough to leave you in awe!
Top Highlights
Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge Hotel, and the Caverns at Natural Bridge
14. Bristol
Surrounded by the South Huston Lake on one side and Holston River on the other resides a small town called Bristol. Also known as “The Birthplace of Country Music”
Now, you might argue that Bristol is actually in Tennessee, but in fact, the town actually sits on the state line between Virginia & Tennessee. So you have Bristol, Virginia & Bristol, Tennessee, both of which are the same town, which is pretty cool.
The best place to start exploring is downtown Bristol. Be sure to check out State Street with the town’s iconic double yellow state lines and the historic Bristol sign, which has been around since 1915.
Then head on over to the Paramount Center for the Arts, where you will find The Birthplace of Country Museum and many other locally-owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
Top Highlights
Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol Train Station, and State Street
15. Covington
Covington is another small historic town in Virginia that’s definitely worth checking out.
The town was named after General Leonard Covington, a United States Army General and former United States Representative from the 1800s.
Covington is a nature lover’s escape! Spend the day exploring the many nature trails and waterfalls, such as the Falling Springs Waterfall and the Jackson River Scenic Trail.
The top highlight you won’t want to miss is Humpback Bridge. It’s an old wooden bridge that was built back in 1857 and is now the only covered bridge remaining in the United States.
The best time to visit the bridge is in the fall, it just looks absolutely incredible among the autumn leaves.
There you have it! Let me know below if there are any other cute towns in Virginia that I should add to this list.
I have been living in Virginia for five years now, and I’m so happy I got to explore these beautiful, unique small towns whilst being here.
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