7 Best Towns In Virginia For A Two-Day Recharge
Virginia is made for lovers, vacations, and two-day escapes. No wonder this versatile state with mountain ranges, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Chesapeake Bay shore is like a miniature version of America. Plan a two-day camping trip or escape along the Virginia Craft Beer Trail, then make a "post-it" in your brain for the next two-day retreat in another charming community.
Each bursting with southern hospitality, you'll feel recharged, relaxed, and ready to dive into the organized havoc back home. Framed by the hazy Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains at the horizon, the distinctive bluish tint, like the sea, and the sprawling forests scenically fit the theme to "cool" off and successfully avoid a burnout.
Clarksville
Clarksville is an easy escape for southern Virginians along the Roanoke River, where it splits into what makes Virginia’s Lake Country. Surrounded by several regional airports, minutes from North Carolina's border, even out-of-staters make a habit of visiting Virginia's only lakeside town on Kerr Reservoir, aka Buggs Island Lake. The river draws anglers, their families, and friends. Across the bridge, Occoneechee State Park is a lakeside reprieve for camping, hiking, and horses on over 2,700 acres. Down the highway, campers enjoy Longwood Park.
Nail your perfect escape during the annual Virginia Lake Festival, a free, upcoming two-day event on July 18th and 19th, with hot air balloons, crafts, live music, food, and fireworks. Can't make it? Lake Life Live is an award-winning concert series held May through October with family-friendly entertainment downtown. Clarksville Regional Museum feels like you've stepped into a home back in time. Cooper's Landing Inn & Traveler's Tavern is a persistent favorite, as are places like Buggs Island Brewing Company.
Kilmarnock
Established in 1664, Kilmarnock quickly evolved from a self-sufficient community to the economic hub of Virginia’s Northern Neck region that it is today. Watermen’s Way is a public art project. Honor the watermen of the entire Chesapeake Bay by scavenging for the 15 pairs of boots throughout town, each personalized by a local artist to reflect distinctive lifestyle aspects. For the seafood workers everywhere across the country, sit down at one of the many seafood eateries between breweries and wine shops.
Boasting over 55 unique businesses, you're sure to find a keepsake from a local art gallery, boutique, or gift shop along the walkable Main Street. Take a break at the beautiful Town Centre Park with public art, a splash pad, and summertime concerts. Kilmarnock Inn is a top choice for local history and hospitality in one, where each cottage carries the name of a Virginia-born president. With the seashore so close, you can even walk or bike to the bay or the Corrotoman River for boating, fishing, sunsets, and relaxing in nature.
Leesburg
The Loudoun County seat is an attractive little burg next to the Maryland border, bookended by two historic mansions. The historic downtown is decorated with public murals, statues, and a sculpture garden. Between its bustling feel and prices you wouldn't believe, like the highly reviewed Red Roof Inn, everything points to a memorable weekend. Minutes south, Oatlands Historic House and Gardens features an 1803 Greek Revival mansion with a magnificent English terraced garden, whose owner commenced the emancipation of many of the slaves.
Leesburg Animal Park draws families for its exotic species and a petting zoo with camels and llamas. Whether you like oysters, tacos, or fresh farm-to-table food, King Street, the restaurateurs' row, is the place to be, while Leesburg Coffee Corridor is artisanal coffee nirvana. Stay in history at the Leesburg Colonial Inn, which offers deals, and make every morning count at Dolce & Ciabatta Bakery. The Marshall Plan's architect lived nearby at Dodona Manor. The outdoorsy enjoy the 21-acre Olde Izaak Walton Park, its pond with a fishing pier, trails, and a dog park.
Mathews
Presiding over more shoreline than any other county on the Chesapeake Bay, this friendly river community may feel overwhelming for a weekend escape. The lack of commercialization plays into magical moments and unblemished views around each turn. Drop by Bay School Community Arts Center, with a rotating gallery, then pack a picnic from the deli store for a stroll along the East River to the Williams Wharf Landing. It is an ideal place to relax, launch a kayak or paddleboard, fish, grill, and hang out until sunset.
The Inn at Tabbs Creek can be your perfect stay with fantastic water views on three sides. It is minutes from the Main's handful of delicious eateries, the county seat visitor, and the Mathews Maritime Museum with a gift shop. Perhaps coincide your visit with one of the annual events like the upcoming Music on Maple on July 11 and October 10. The longest-running farmers market is taking place in the area, with local artisans and farmers selling crafts on Saturdays through October. The party at the Wharf is planned for spring.
Onancock
Onancock is one of the Eastern Shore's most popular for watersports, sightseeing, cruising, seafood, and reeling. Established deep in the south since 1680, this active port town is worth the hype. To make the most of the weekend, take up a sailing lesson or excursion, then relax at one of the town's outdoor patio cafés, like From Mallards at The Wharf. With kayak and paddleboard rentals and the Tangier Island ferry, just 12 miles out in the bay, it is all possible thanks to the five-mile sheltered shoreline separating it from the open Chesapeake Bay.
Onancock is perfectly manageable on a walk or a bike ride along the tree-shaded lanes, starting at the Eastern Shore Watermen's Museum and Research Center with a selfie by the love sign. The jade-colored Charlotte Hotel and Terra Mare Restaurant offer individualized rooms with handcrafted furniture, a complimentary airport shuttle, and a hot breakfast, 2.3 miles from Chesapeake Square. Ker Place, a Federal-period piece, puts an interesting spin on local history. Watch the fishing boats come and go in the company of osprey and great blue herons.
Salem
This busy college town, home to Roanoke College, is framed by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Home of the Boston Red Sox Class A baseball team, “Virginia’s Championship City” also hosts Virginia’s largest free gate fair and regular music events. Escape the crowds onto the city's ever-expanding network of scenic Greenway trails, then dive in for a meal or antiquing along the Main. Salem's versatile galleries and shops are a modern complement to the scenic beauty around.
The Read Mountain Preserve offers five miles of hiking trails and a summit with valley views. Lofts at Downtown Salem is a popular choice at the heart of it all, next to the campus, its theater, and the city park. Salem Museum is a beautiful, rust-colored building within a notable home that preserves local history. Whether you're in for the trails or some of the state's best sports entertainment, Roanoke's suburbs are sure to keep you happily engaged. Salem can be even more rewarding during the quieter summer season.
Waynesboro
At the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, Waynesboro has a small-town feel with big outdoor opportunities. The feeling of long tradition and warm welcomes embraces you within the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The memories of scenic driving on Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive will long outlast. Even after a two-day recharge, you'll leave with memories of a true Appalachian Trail community, paddling, biking, hiking, or perhaps having caught trophy trout in the South River.
Shining through with a walkable downtown, soak in the beauty, history, and cultural amenities. The divine vaudeville-era Wayne Theatre is surrounded by shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Peppered with murals from the annual Virginia Street Arts Festival, experience the iconic street in between savoring Waynesboro’s history and culinary creations. There are three breweries to get your drink on along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. For teetotalers, Blue Ridge Bucha is one of the East Coast's premier kombucha taprooms.
Surrounded by state park forests with twisty rivers, Virginians are relentless in chasing the scenery along the shaded trails, fishing, and scenic drives, thanks to the state's divine nature and famous landmarks. From the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake, there's no pressure to hike the Appalachian Trail or make every stop along the iconic parkway.
Encompassing vineyards, presidential history, and a few surprises along the way, each town is a welcoming reprieve in a wholesome sense. Soak in every ounce of paddling down the Roanoke River, boating out mid-lake, and breathing in those forests and valley views. Despite the short allotted time, you will leave feeling rested and pumped on life.
