10 Stress-Free Virginia Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Virginia, a popular state to live in and visit, is made for nature lovers, families, and yes, couples seeking a quick escape to recharge from the organized havoc of city life. Shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and rivers, the state looks over a long Atlantic coastline into the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore.

Exuding their warm southern vibes within the mountain ridges, valleys, and along the coastline, these ten towns are ideal for an express charge-up on good vibes. Catch the sparkle of the bay or venture deep into the Blue Ridge, finding pleasures through sight, taste, and a sense of adventure that lets you both relax and seize each day.

Ashland

Ashland is a favorite escape from the bustle south in Richmond into serenity. The McKinney Train Mural is a cool spot to park by and explore downtown. It comes alive annually with vendors and festival-goers in June for the Ashland Strawberry Faire, a juicy affair with a colorful parade, crafts, and kids' activities. No matter the season, you'll be stumbling over big chain hotels with southern vibes and lower prices than the city's, like the favorites Hampton Inn and Tru by Hilton.

With its sleepy demeanor and a pedestrian-friendly downtown, Ashland doesn't fall short on exciting local attractions. In fact, the reason tourists of all ages love this town is its location minutes to the north. Kings Dominion hosts a beautiful atmosphere and many rides, including roller coasters, a water park, and an Eiffel Tower replica. For something more intimate, the Ashland Theatre stages entertaining live concerts and plays while screening family-friendly films in the cinema.

Bedford

Known for its historic edge, there's a sense of place and familiarity, yet views are nothing like home with the Blue Ridge Mountains rising over the horizon. Liberty Lake Park is ideal for pet-friendly recreation, fishing, and picnics along a clean pond with beautiful views and charming ducklings. Minutes north, Clayton Nature Center sprawls riverbanks with moderate hiking trails and rugged walls of shelved rock lining the Big Otter River, with giant boulders in the water.

In addition to a handful of art and pottery shops downtown, the Bedford Wine Trail offers a chance to sample local flavors in the fresh air. Supplement a carefree escape by the National D-Day Memorial, a somber site with sculptures, fountains, and plaques centered around the fateful June 6, 1944. Between the nostalgic Bedford Motel and top-rated Tranquility Acres Inn, Liberty Station occupies a restored train terminal, turning out American comfort fare and cheesecakes in retro digs.

Cape Charles

Got oysters on your mind? In addition to fresh seafood, it is easy to achieve real coastal serenity with imposing water features on three sides and a historic backdrop that follows you along the pristine shores. As a true Eastern Shore gem, Cape Charles blends clapboard houses into the Chesapeake Bayfront. Plan to visit during the annual Cape Charles Crabby Blues Festival for a taste of local extravaganza, with a family-friendly feel, southern-style crab dishes, and classic blues.

Many enjoy standup paddleboarding, plus paddling through the nearby freshwater wetlands and a maritime dune woodland. Cape Charles Brewing Company offers a variety of locally crafted brews to cool down. Oyster Farm Resort is a popular marina and lodging option, while Northampton Hotel is along the smooth, sandy Cape Charles Beach. The beach invites coastal exploration and meditation alike, with giant "LOVE" art and a long wooden pier along a rocky breakwater, ideal at sunset.

Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach straddles Monroe Bay, its border indenting into Maryland across the Potomac River. Virginia’s second-largest sand beach technically extends into the other state with its landmark fishing pier and a rocky breakwater. Whether you're up early fishing from the municipal pier or exploring calm coves, swing by Ice House Marina to cool off. The visiting waterfowl, including swans, make it hard to leave the spread for scenery suckers. Stay put at the River Edge Inn.

There are several marinas and historic sites for diversions, including James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum, to see where and how the fifth president grew up at this exact replica of his home. Watching pink-hued sunsets is a ritual after swimming, sunning, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Opt for a site at Monroe Bay Campground on the high ground overlooking the river coast and town. Either way, you'll enjoy wide horizons and access to the hotspots.

Galax

Not just another Blue Ridge Highlands town, Galax, the “World Capital of Old-Time Mountain Music,” draws thousands for tunes in the mountain views. The legendary Old Fiddlers’ Convention takes place annually in August. For an imminent escape, the circa-1940 Rex Theater hosts a wide range of touring musical acts through the first week of November in the Historic Downtown Area, while Blue Ridge Music Center features a 3,000-seat capacity outdoor amphitheater near hiking trails.

As the home base for the New River Trail State Park, various trails stretch east, including horseback riding, plus fishing along the New River, which laces Galax to the north. Here, the favorite Cliffview Campground offers waking up in the heart of nature, with chirping birds and sun beaming through your tent. The next-door Chestnut Creek Cabins are a much-appreciated gesture among the comfort seekers, particularly after a day of rafting or paddling with New River Outdoor Adventures.

Meadows of Dan

Dating to the turn of the 19th century, this unincorporated community has a storybook appeal along the Dan River, a central feature for centuries. Named for the abundance of meadows, Meadow of Dan packs a punch in the lush outdoors. Minutes up the highway, trails fan out and up for top views through Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve. Conveniently nearby, Chateau Morrisette Winery offers a detour for pairings with American cuisine in sweeping river and mountain views.

More than just a stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the early 20th-century Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the parkway, offering reenactments, mountain music, and trails in scenic surroundings. In addition to traditional camping and cabins, the award-winning resort Primland is sought after by golfers, hikers, and zen seekers. Whether you're after the luxe experience or the bike camp and stargazing, Nancy's Candy Company is an old-fashioned candy factory not to miss.

Occoquan

Occoquan, Virginia's charming river town, is 1.5 hours north of Richmond. For an easy weekend escape, score an Airbnb or a room at one of the chains minutes down the highway. You'll be torn between the riverfront downtown, part of the historic district with several parks, and the surrounding valley treasures. From Mamie Davis Park with a charming white gazebo to River Mill Park, the public boat dock offers access to the river for kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders.

The Mill House Museum invites the curious inside the former mill administrator’s home, decorated with vestiges from the town’s colonial past. Browsing art and boutiques along Mill Street, you can drop your shopping bags at the Secret Garden Cafe, in a 1840 home with a garden patio. It is minutes across the bridge to the popular Occoquan Regional Park. Trails meander between the eponymous river and an airfield of this 400-acre Suffragist memorial park with sports fields and water recreation.

Purcellville

History, food, and craft converge in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge, giving this small town near the Maryland border a unique vibe and flavor. Boasting approximately 500 structures within its national historic district—such as banks, churches, and buildings from the 20th century—browsing turns into tastings, photography, and family fun on a mini-escape in the hills. The 45-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail is a smooth-sailing multi-use rail-to-trail bordering the historic district.

Take a breather at the beloved Franklin Park on a hilly 203 acres, with Blue Ridge views, a splash pad, hiking, and horse trails. In addition to the nearby Shannondale Springs Wildlife Management Area, trails converge into the Appalachian Trail, along the cliffs high above the river, like Raven Rocks Vista. Award-winning wineries and peaceful vineyards dot the valley of the Shenandoah River, flowing west. Feel at home and make every day count by staying at Springdale Village Inn.

Staunton

Staunton, a vibrant hub for arts and culture, is the hometown of President Woodrow Wilson, with a historic downtown where you can explore the rich legacy of America's 28th president, including his typed and handwritten letters, at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. The popular American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse is a captivating venue modeled after one in England to delight patrons with a lineup of world-class stage performances.

In addition to a thriving theater scene, Gypsy Hill Park spans over 200 acres for recreation, including a pond, picnic and play areas, a pool, a mini train, and sports facilities. Reserve a few hours for strolls and tastings through Barren Ridge Vineyards to complement an epicurean escape. You'll be stumbling over lodgings, including Red Roof Inn & Suites with an outdoor pool for under $100, Batten Green Venue & Lodging for just over, or the top-rated Inn at MeadowCroft just outside.

Woodstock

Though many Woodstocks exist in the US, there is no other like Virginia's historic town in the Shenandoah Valley—so unique that nature goes hyperwired around it. From the snaking North Fork Shenandoah River to the aptly named Seven Bends State Park, follow the river's erratic course and tie your boat to a landing at a nature hammock for a hike. Travelers enjoy seasonal raspberries along the trails, info plaques, and Woodstock Tower to see this epic river bend from a bird's-eye view.

Some of Virginia’s best antique stores, breweries, and restaurants crowd downtown, inviting visitors for a hefty dose of local charm and Shenandoah flavor. Surrounded by vineyards, farmers' markets, and scenic views across the valley, everyone just seems a little nicer here than in the city. From the iconic Cracker Barrel Old Country Store to a second-hand store with an animal rescue behind, pick a chain hotel at unbeatable prices, the Inn at Narrow Passage, or a nearby campground.

The state's vast geographic variety shapes each town, which lends a sense of belonging even to a traveler on a weekend escape. These ten getaways promise to achieve zen, using the finest of the state's natural resources and southern charm, from seafood, views, and brews to the whisper of fall brushing the valley and state forest.

The cozy Eastern Shore towns welcome tourists to attain true coastal serenity, while the mountain enclaves boast a relaxing art scene and music festivals. Boasting historic districts and award-winning wine appellations, no getaway in the Old Dominion goes without a little history, including colonial, Revolutionary, and presidential.