7 Standout Main Streets In Virginia
Virginia sits between North Carolina and Maryland, in the heart of the Appalachians and Ridge Mountains. Virginia's natural beauty spills over into many of its small towns. These towns are also historical gems with roots dating back to the earliest days of America. Many of the small towns in Virginia showcase this unique combination of beauty and history. Consequently, there are few places better to spend time than on these seven small town main streets.
Main Street, Charlottesville
In Charlottesville, a great way to spend the day is at the Ting Pavilion at the east end of the street. This amphitheater seats thousands and features lawn seating for live performances, including indie rock bands, as well as soul, jazz, and folk music. West of the pavilion, you can find the New Dominion Bookshop. The Bookshop is the oldest independent bookseller in the state and has a wide selection. If you drop by, you may even find authors discussing their latest works. Heading west, you can find Hamilton's at First & Main, which serves lunch and dinner ranging from fried oyster salads to wild mushroom and herb ravioli. Finally, just north of Main, you can find Market Street Park. This stretch of green is a cozy park, a small natural oasis set apart from the surrounding urban area, where you can step off the street and take in some fresh air.
Railroad Avenue, Ashland
There is a lively time ahead for anyone visiting Ashland, where things kick off at the intersection of Railroad Avenue, Thompson Street, and England Street. An interesting piece of history and an iconic symbol of the city is the Secretariat Monument, which marks the perfect spot to start your day. The stunning bronze monument stands in honor of the Triple Crown legend, who was raised by Ashland native Chris Chenery. Just a block down along England, you will find the Ashland Theatre, which recently celebrated 75 years of entertaining audiences. Cover bands performing Led Zeppelin and film celebrations of classic 1950s films are just some of the events the theatre hosts. Back on Railroad, you will find The Caboose Market & Café, which serves up farm-to-table offerings including the Caboose Burger or hot dogs du jour. Speaking of Caboose, the Ashland Museum, located behind the restaurant, portrays Ashland's history dating back to 1836 and is famed for its Red Caboose, a 1926 caboose that served the rail line until 1974.
Main Street, Lynchburg
Visitors to Lynchburg's Main Street are in for a great time along the James River. Just a block north of Main is Art Alley, a unique feature of the city. Colorful paintings line the walls and the ground, and incredible outdoor galleries are hosted for guests. The alley is the spot to visit if you are looking for an Instagram-worthy moment. Back on Main, you can find Steve Francis Fine Art. This gallery is designed to showcase a diverse range of art pieces in various mediums, featuring themed exhibits that reflect the artist's life and unique perspectives.
Main Street, Lexington
Lexington's Main Street intersects with Nelson Street, offering a multitude of activities for both residents and visitors. History lovers will want to step just off Main to visit the Jackson House Museum. An 1800s house that was once home to General Andrew Jackson, the House Museum is a window into the history of Lexington. Guests can take self-guided tours of the house, gardens, and gallery to learn more about the context of the Civil War and life in the Shenandoah Valley. After visiting this must-see historic spot, head down Main for some shopping. Downtown Books is a family-owned bookstore in historic downtown, carrying a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction. The bookstore is the perfect place to get your latest read before heading next door to Pronto Caffe & Gelateria, where you can enjoy your latest selection while enjoying a cup of coffee or latte. You can also opt for one of Pronto's sandwiches or pastries before heading back out onto Main.
Washington Street, Middleburg
Middleburg may be small, but its roots run deep, having been first established in 1787. Consequently, you will not want to miss a chance to visit the Middleburg Museum, located just a few steps off Main. The museum's focus is on preserving the town's history. The image collection captures life throughout the town's history. Even the museum building, known as the Pink Box, has stood since between 1800 and 1820, making it one of the oldest structures in town. Returning to Main, you will find Red Fox Fine Art adjacent to The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. The art gallery specializes in 19th- and 20th-century sports paintings and sculptures, with many exhibits featuring natural landscapes and paintings of both hounds and horses. Of course, if you are spending the night in your own, the Tavern is an iconic part of Middleburg. Standing since 1728, the inn features five restored historic houses for guests. The central building, the Red Fox, features tavern suites on the third and fourth floors that overlook Main Street. The tavern is also an intimate dining spot that specializes in four-course game and seafood.
Main Street, Buchanan
Although Buchanan is fairly small, it is hard to deny its natural beauty and history, both of which can be found on Main Street. Guests can easily catch sight of the surrounding Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains as they walk through town. Along Main, you can find many historic sites. The Trinity Episcopal Church was first completed in 1842 and is the longest-standing church in town. It stands alongside many other historic structures along Main, and a simple walk through town will reveal one historic building after another. As you walk, if you want to cross the James River, then the Buchanan Swinging Bridge will lead you across. It is the most prominent architectural structure in the town and the only swinging bridge crossing the river, with portions of the bridge dating to 1834. Before you cross, drop into the Buchanan Fountain and Grille, which takes you back in time to see what a 1950s drugstore, complete with original soda fountain, would have looked like.
Beverly Street, Staunton
You will not find a shortage of things to do while walking along historic Beverly Street in Staunton. A quirky first stop to make while you are here is the Camera Heritage Museum, which will be particularly intriguing to those who enjoy taking lots of photos. The museum invites guests to take a self-guided tour into the history of cameras, with over 7,00 cameras dating back to the 19th century on display. Those in the mood for a performance can instead head down two blocks and find the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse just off Main Street on Market. The Center hosts a range of performances, including chilling mysteries like "The Hound of the Baskervilles" or tales of life and loss in "Our Town." Heading back down Beverly, you can find Remedy Burger, a great place to end the day over unique burgers like the Broccoli Burger. Or simply enjoy a traditional cheeseburger while savoring a soda float.
Virginia is a beautiful state with an abundance of things to see and do, offering something for everyone. From the unique Camera Museum in Staunton to the historic streets of Buchanan, the towns that fill the state each have something to offer. Best of all, these towns come together on walkable streets, where you can always find something to do. The next time you are in Virginia, head over to one of these seven standout main streets.
