10 Stress-Free Virginia Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Virginia has leaned on its "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan since 1969, and the affection is easy to understand. The Commonwealth is packed with towns built for slowing down. Some sit high in the mountains with dark skies and live bluegrass. Others center on a historic main street or a quiet stretch of shoreline. Each of the ten below makes an easy, stress-free weekend. Pick one and let the pace drop.
Staunton
In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton pairs beautiful mountain views with small-town vibes. The intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive is just shy of 20 miles away with hundreds of trails for various levels of hiking promising gorgeous views of the valley. If driving is more your speed, stop at any of the many overlooks for the views.
Beverly Street, the downtown hub, is home to boutiques and highly rated restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous, Ghosts of Staunton Ghost Tours offers walking tours with a spooky, historical flair. The Blackburn Inn is the perfect lodging spot and place to unwind, with an in-house spa and southern charm. Catch a rendition of a famous Shakespeare play at American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse where you'll be able to step back in time being fully immersed in the show.
Cape Charles
Ready to dip your toes in the water? Located on the Chesapeake bayside of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Cape Charles offers the saltwater feel with calmer shorelines, shallower water and little to no waves making it the ideal spot for relaxing. Before diving into the water, be sure to snap your picture with the artistic, signature "LOVE" sign located on the beachfront.
Cool off with a cone of ice cream, enjoy seafood with a seabreeze, stroll the shops on Main Street or go out fishing on the Eastern Shore. The quiet, lowkey energy will be sure to melt away your stress. The Fig Street Inn is walking distance to Main Street for food and shopping and offers peaceful, quiet bed and breakfast lodging.
Lexington
Lexington is in the center of Rockbridge county and is bursting with historical culture and artistic charm. History is no stranger to Lexington, home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. Spend some time buffing up on your Civil War trivia with a visit to the VMI Museum or the Stonewall Jackson House. Or take a stroll around campus and be sure to visit University Chapel. Reserve your room in the heritage rich Washington Building, one of the many houses within The Georges, and relax in luxury with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Lime Kiln Theater is the hot spot for live music and a host of plays and storytelling gatherings. The theater is best known for their summer concert series that hosts bluegrass, folk and Americana music on their outdoor stage. Wander Main Street, pop into the art galleries, have an espresso and read or enjoy a southern comfort meal at a top rated, farm to table restaurant. With its mix of small town charm and relaxation, Lexington is a great place to unwind for a weekend and go home feeling refreshed.
Middleburg
Being about an hour west of Washington D.C., Middleburg is the ideal spot to rest and recharge. Savor the elegance by booking the Salamander resort where you'll enjoy a five-star stay. The resort includes a Forbes Five-Star spa, a full equestrian center where you can horseback ride, outdoor lawn games, indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary breakfast that can be served in room and luxury onsite restaurant.
Middleburg is located in Virginia's wine country so there is no shortage of vineyards for sampling delicious wine and relaxing while appreciating the countryside. For the history buffs, the Middleburg Museum & Visitor Center offers the cultural buildup of the town and how it came to be. Night Fox Pub is an exceptional spot to unplug and savor a craft cocktail. The pub also offers a selection of pub fare, caviar, family style sides and salads. It's the spot to stop, hang out, and settle in.
Abingdon
No trip to Abingdon is complete without a stop at the Barter Theatre for a show. They earned their name because they once accepted goods in exchange for admission and it is the longest running professional theater offering a wide variety of Broadway style plays. Abingdon is home to the 34 mile bike trail, The Virginia Creeper Trail, that offers dense forests, 47 original railroad trestles and those expected Virginia mountain views. You can bring your own bike or simply rent one and explore the wonders of nature.
If food is the way to guarantee you a stress free weekend, Abingdon is the place for you. With over 30 locally owned restaurants, they proudly have more per capita than New York City. And make sure to end your nights in the luxurious, historical Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Whether you choose a suite or a superior room, you're sure to feel new when your weekend is over. Stopping in at the in-house spa is a treat where they offer a full menu of services and pools and jacuzzis where you can enjoy a complimentary mimosa or hot tea poolside.
Floyd
Floyd is home to Appalachian bluegrass music and that small town, southern charm making it a wonderful place to relax for a weekend. Being a major stop on Virginia's Crooked Road, Floyd hosts two venues on the music trail. Each spot features live music each day of the weekend to appeal to the masses. The Appalachian town is also known for arts and culture where something colorful is around every turn.
But art isn't the only beautiful scenery here with the Blue Ridge Parkway an easy drive away, where you'll get those mountain views and thick forest. Sneak away to your own little cabin in the woods at Chestnut Springs Cabin Retreat where that rustic, mountain charm invites you to relax and unwind.
Meadows of Dan
Meadows of Dan is the postcard-worthy town of Virginia that screams relaxation with its mountain views and quiet community. It is home to one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill. You'll find a functioning water-powered gristmill and working blacksmith shop making it a perfect place to stop and snap a memory. Hiking, fishing, camping or just driving around to view scenery are ideal activities here in the small community.
Meadows of Dan houses one-of-a-kind shops and eateries like Poor Farmers Market where you'll be able to bring home local jams, produce and even eat lunch. The Lodge at Primland is a must-visit hideaway. The resort sits high in the mountains and offers a host of activities for relaxation. Go hiking, fishing, horseback riding, ATV riding, get a massage at the spa or even stargazing to leave your worries behind.
Monterey
Grab your blanket and lay down under the Milky Way while your stresses slip away while you're in Monterey. This small mountain town in Highland County has little light pollution and offers star parties to view the night sky and leave you with a unique worry-free experience. Find yourself soaking in the serenity of the countryside at Monterey Inn. Leave the stress of cooking behind and enjoy the personally prepared breakfast and cozy rooms sweep you away.
Be sure to plan your trip for March when the famous, annual Highland County Maple Festival is going on. Browse arts and crafts vendors to bring home a souvenir and don't leave without the notorious maple donut. October is a great time to visit with the Hands & Harvest Festival happening. Similar to the Maple Festival, Hands & Harvest offers a variety of vendors and delicious eats while you take in the fall foliage in Virginia's mountains.
Luray
Have you ever heard a song played on stalactites? Luray Caverns, the largest cavern in the eastern United States, is home to the world's largest musical instrument, the Great Stalacpipe Organ. The one-of-a-kind instrument uses rubber mallets to tap the naturally formed stalactites and make beautiful, echoey music. It's a must see.
Luray sits just outside Shenandoah National Park, which offers abundant hiking opportunities and peaceful views. River Bluff Farm Bed & Breakfast is a relaxing place to unplug and disconnect from your day to day stressors. With its small size and woodsy setting, you'll feel relaxed in no time.
Fredericksburg
Pack yourself a lunch and take it down to Alum Spring Park to enjoy after a walk with a waterfall view. Fredericksburg offers no shortage of inspiring outdoorsy scenery with its many parks and the Rappahannock River. Take a stroll in Fredericksburg Antique Mall and Clock shop and uncover treasures to take home. Or stop in at one of the many independently owned bookshops like Riverby Books, to find a good read.
Tour Virginia's oldest operating distillery, A. Smith Bowman, and learn a little history while sipping on famous bourbon. Or visit one of the host of museums located in town like Rising Sun Tavern, originally built as a home for Washington's brother. The Richard Johnston Inn, a restored bed and breakfast in the historic downtown, is an ideal place to settle in for the night.
Where Virginia Slows Down
Whether you're gazing at the stars in Monterey, listening to bluegrass in Floyd, savoring wine in Middleburg or relaxing by the water in Cape Charles, these ten towns show how many different ways Virginia knows how to unwind. No matter your travel style, each one invites you to slow down, recharge, and head home with a fresh perspective.
