10 Of The Quietest Virginia Towns
Throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, travelers come across discover plenty of quiet places. There is Damascus, the “Trail Town USA” that leads the way into a scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Out at Meadows of Dan, folks can escape to a tranquil oasis of leafy woodlands and colorful wildflower fields. Over at Luray, a subterranean world of majestic caverns meets the mighty mountains of Shenandoah National Park. Heading to Lovettsville, visitors can taste the exceptional harvest of Northern Virginia’s own wine country. Down at Irvington, folks can sail away at this cool nautical village near the foot of Chesapeake Bay. Wherever folks prefer to visit, there is truly no shortage of peaceful and inviting options across Virginia where you can tune out the troubles of the outside world.
Damascus
Around 140 miles north of Charlotte (North Carolina), Damascus has gained a reputation as “Trail Town USA” with its many illustrious paths leading to and through the Blue Ridge Mountains. More specifically, Damascus is the only Virginia town and one of just three in the United States (alongside Hot Springs in North Carolina and Hanover in New Hampshire) that the Appalachian Trail runs directly through. In addition, the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a former railroad track that now serves as a mixed-use hike-and-bike path. And for even more adventures in open nature, it’s a short drive east to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a gorgeous mountain preserve with some 400 miles of trails, 11 campgrounds, and the 5,729-foot-tall Mount Rogers that’s Virginia’s highest peak.
In case all the exploring in the mountains builds up one’s appetite, it’s a nice drive out to Rhea Valley Farmstand, a family-run and self-serve farm stand that often offers homemade goodies like cinnamon rolls, freeze-dried fruit candy, and sourdough bread. And for some more local hospitality, The Speckled Trout Outpost offers convenient and comfortable guest rooms in town, plus they offer guided hiking and fishing outings into the nearby wilderness.
Galax
Situated just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 65 miles northwest of Winston-Salem (North Carolina), is the curiously named and stunningly scenic village of Galax. Though the town is named for the Galax urceolata groundcover plant that is commonly found in this stretch of the Appalachians, it’s easy to envision a more out-of-this-world experience while exploring New River Trail State Park, a perfect place for animal lovers to visit and potentially spot local wildlife like white-tailed deer, belted kingfishers, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Also in the area, folks will find Crooked Creek Wildlife Management Area, a 1,882-acre preserve open for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Then, to the south, the Blue Ridge Parkway leads to the Blue Ridge Music Center, a multi-purpose park with an outdoor amphitheater that regularly hosts community concerts, along with the fascinating Roots of American Music Museum and a network of hiking trails. And for another side of Galax’s history and culture, Matthews Living History Farm Museum preserves early 20th-century vintage farm equipment and a welcoming home for longtime farm animals like Gulf Coast Native Sheep.
Heading back towards Blue Ridge Music Center, A Place by the Parkway offers a perfectly quiet backdrop in the Blue Ridge backcountry with a quaint collection of old-school cabins with contemporary amenities like complimentary wifi internet, in-unit air conditioning, and full bathrooms.
Meadows of Dan
Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Virginia’s Piedmont Plateau is the uniquely and accurately named hamlet of Meadows of Dan. Just 78 miles northwest of Greensboro (North Carolina), visitors can escape to beautiful wilderness parks like Rocky Knob Recreation Area, which has some 15 miles of hiking trails and prime opportunities to spot springtime wildflowers in bloom. Also nearby is Mabry Mill, one of the most-photographed landmarks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, thanks to its picturesque historic grist mill set in a lush corner of woodlands. For more rugged mountain wilderness to hike, Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve spans 2,121 acres of pristine Appalachian backcountry, home to 15 rare plants and a subalpine environment rarely found this far east of the Rocky Mountains.
For anyone wanting a more civilized-feeling outing, it is a nice drive up (with a designated driver) to Chateau Morrisette, one of Virginia’s oldest wineries and one offering a highly acclaimed lineup of varietals like Petit Manseng, Vidal Blanc, and Chambourcin. And for the ultimate in Blue Ridge-style luxury, The Lodge at Primland is an Auberge Collection resort with a fabulous assortment of upscale lodge-style rooms and suites. Even better, the resort also offers 18 holes of world-class golf at The Highland Course at Primland and a full menu of treatments at The Joy of Wellbeing spa.
Afton
Afton might be a tiny village hidden in the Blue Ridge foothills west of Charlottesville, yet this tiny town packs a whole lot of big flavors in the heart of the “birthplace of American wine.” Top highlights include the exceptional lineup of reds, whites, rosés, and even sparkling wines at Flying Fox, as well as the family-owned Hazy Mountain Vineyards and Brewery with its jaw-dropping tasting room. For something a little different, Blue Mountain Brewery is a down-home farm brewery growing their own hops and crafting oh-so-satisfying staple and seasonal beers. And for a full escape into a more natural paradise, Afton is right by Rockfish Gap at the south end of Shenandoah National Park.
Whether visitors come to Afton for the fine wines, craft beers, or the beautiful Appalachian Mountain scenery, The Farmhouse at Veritas is a wonderful place to set up a local base camp. Situated on the grounds of Veritas Vineyards and Winery, The Farmhouse has six luxuriously appointed bedrooms, along with The Garden House restaurant and the easiest access to tastings at the winery.
Luray
If anyone’s ever done long road trips through Virginia’s Appalachian backcountry regions, they may remember seeing signs advertising Luray and its caves. Indeed, the Luray Caverns are worth the stop to tour the eastern United States’ largest network of subterranean caves with the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ (made with stalactites), 10-story-high cathedral-like rooms, and a gorgeous array of crystal-clear mirrored pools. Beyond the caverns, Luray also places travelers within very easy reach of Shenandoah National Park and some incredibly beautiful spots like the Marys Rock Summit Trail and Stony Man Mountain (the second-highest peak in the park). And for an even more adventurous mountain climb, Duncan Knob is worth the scramble to reach the panoramic mountain and forest views at the top.
After a long day hiking and/or driving around Shenandoah and the other nearby mountain preserves, it’s a nice journey back into town to check into the Hotel Laurance. This newly renovated boutique hotel took an 1830 mercantile building and transformed it into a serene oasis with spacious and stylish suites.
Lovettsville
Lovettsville may only be 55 miles northwest of Washington, DC, yet this Northern Virginia town sits at the heart of the idyllic Loudoun County wine country. Visitors can get a great taste of the local bounty at Hiddencroft Vineyards, a family-run winery that proudly makes wines with grapes sourced almost entirely (as in, 97%!) from their own estate vineyards. In addition, folks can make an appointment to visit the nearby Corcoran Vineyards & Cider, a boutique vineyard that specializes in Port-style and dessert wines, plus they make their own hard ciders with Virginia-grown apples. For some heartier fare, Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese is worth the stop for their fine artisan cheeses, caramel sweets, housemade gelatos, and other special treats. And for those who simply want to get out and experience some great outdoors, it is an easy drive up to Sweet Run State Park, a lovely end of the Blue Ridge foothills near the West Virginia state line with 11 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of equestrian trails, and fishing at Gordon Pond.
Just down the road from the state park lies Homestead 1870, a magical place that might just be the perfect encapsulation of Loudoun County. Guests will enjoy a spacious farmhouse with a large family room and a full kitchen, and they will stay right on the farm grounds where they can check on the farm animals, taste Homestead’s farm-crafted meads, and try other farm-made products like raw honey, fresh eggs, and handmade goat milk soaps.
Mineral
Once upon a time, Mineral was a humming mining town. But now, this lakeside village unearths an oasis of tranquility that is only 50 miles northwest of Richmond. The main attraction here is Lake Anna, and Lake Anna State Park is the perfect spot for camping, fishing, boating, and swimming at the lake. Then, on the west end of the lake, The Sandbar is a pleasant spot to wade in the shallow water, play some partially-submerged beach volleyball, and simply relax on the soft sand. After a long day playing at the lake, visitors can head over to The Lions Den and enjoy a delicious dinner at this former railroad general store that was originally built in 1837. And for a fun yet grown-up atmosphere, the Prospect Drafthouse at Coyote Hole serves premium Virginia-made craft beers and hard ciders.
Whether one seeks a fun and active weekend or some maximum peace and quiet by the lake, Throttle Therapy Lake Anna is a fantastic retreat space. This 93-acre farm has two guest houses available to book, and it has its own extensive network of tracks and trails for ATV riding, mountain biking, and simple hiking in this lush forest environment.
Irvington
Perched on Virginia’s Northern Neck, where the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers meet Chesapeake Bay, is the charming waterfront village of Irvington. Thanks to this location, Irvington is a boater’s paradise, and Rappahannock River Yacht Club welcomes visiting sailors to make a landing, rent a boat slip, and take advantage of amenities like their swimming pool, kitchen, and laundry room. But even for those who don’t arrive by boat, there is still plenty to see and do around town, including exploring the Northern Neck’s maritime heritage at the Steamboat Era Museum, and spotting works by local artists at Red Fish Gallery. And once folks work up an appetite, they can head over to The Office Bistro for a menu full of tasty local seafood and hearty American pub-style fare.
When travelers crave the ultimate in bayside bliss, it is hard to beat the classic nautical elegance of The Tides Inn. This resort occupies a quiet corner by a secluded cove, and it offers everything from custom sailing excursions and seaplane rides to a lovely shoreline trail and a full-service spa that makes it oh-so-easy to detach from the worries of the outside world.
Smithfield
Right across the James River from Newport News is Smithfield, a small Virginia town with plenty of big, tasty treasures. No trip here feels complete without a stop at the Isle of Wight County Museum to see the world’s oldest ham, the world’s oldest peanut, and more fascinating exhibits revealing the region’s culinary backstory. Then, for a proper taste of what makes this town special, the Taste of Smithfield restaurant serves genuine Smithfield ham and plenty more old-school Southern cuisine. After filling up on all that tasty grub, it is a short stroll over to Windsor Castle Park, a 208-acre preserve by the Pagan River that is great for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and simple, quiet moments in the woods. And just outside of town, Summerwind Vineyard is a family-run winery that offers remarkable award-winning wines and delicious house-made food in a pleasant park-like atmosphere.
Back in town, visitors can retreat to the ideal waterfront environment at Smithfield Station. Not only does the hotel have comfy, cozy rooms and suites, but it also has its own award-winning restaurant, and it even has a highly acclaimed marina that provides easy access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Chincoteague
Regardless of whether one’s a lifelong fan of Misty, or simply someone simply in need of an easygoing beach trip, Chincoteague really does look and feel like a storybook fairy tale come to life. This coastal town (around 177 miles south of Baltimore, Maryland) may be best known for serving as the backdrop for Marguerite Henry’s 1947 children’s book Misty of Chincoteague and the 1961 film Misty adapted from the book, and the Museum of Chincoteague Island is the perfect spot to begin exploring the real-life stories behind the legendary lore. For more local history, folks can check out the Captain Timothy Hill House and tour this circa 1800 log house, featuring images of ships carved into the logs. Meanwhile, the Chincoteague Island Nature Trail offers an easy and serene walking path around the local wetlands and woodlands. And for the ultimate in coastal scenery, it’s an easy journey across the bridge to Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for some 15 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of maritime forest, pristine sand dunes, and Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches.
Returning to town, travelers can settle down and enjoy the soothing vibes at BluFin Bungalows & Marina. The boutique inn now offers year-round accommodations at their cool and well-designed waterfront bungalows, and they have a full on-site marina offering boat slip rentals along with boat rentals, jet skis, and even pontoons.
Relax in These Quiet Virginia Towns
With the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the United States Capitol just across the Potomac River, Virginia has a whole lot going on. Yet, at the same time, it is also a state that can provide plenty of peace of mind. Out in the mountains, there’s the “Trail Town USA” that leads guests up a rugged path to natural tranquility, along with a town that digs deep into a subterranean world of wonders. A short drive from Washington, DC, Northern Virginia has its own highly acclaimed wine country. And over by Chesapeake Bay, folks will find the tasty town with its world-famous ham, as well as a coastal village that served as a backdrop for a beloved children’s book and movie. Virginia may hold a loud and proud position at the center of United States history, but it’s also the place to experience plenty of quiet moments.
