8 Best Small Towns In Virginia For A Crowd-Free Summer
Virginia’s peak tourist season is the summer, when soft, white sandy beaches, miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails, lazy rivers ideal for paddling, and a vibrant food and wine scene attract massive crowds. Popular spots like Virginia Beach alone welcome almost 1.5 million tourists each year, which can make finding a town to relax a little challenging.
However, whether you are a sun seeker, wine lover, outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, you can find less-traveled Virginia locations to unwind. Here are the eight best small towns in Virginia for a crowd-free summer.
Strasburg
Strasburg’s idyllic location in the Shenandoah Valley makes it the perfect base for lovers of the great outdoors. With access to the peaceful Shenandoah River, you can spend hours paddling, angling, or even floating while taking in the views. Hiking is another way to explore the vast landscape, with Signal Knob in the George Washington National Forest offering breathtaking views of Strasburg. Towering at 2,106 feet, the trail and viewpoint are named after the lookout used by Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War.
If you prefer a more laid-back summer day, Star in the Valley Estate Winery offers a peaceful retreat to take in the majesty of the valley. This family-friendly spot combines everything you want in a summer outing: good wine, stunning views, and picnic-friendly grounds. Meanwhile, foodies will discover an assortment of tempting dining experiences, including the unique concept at Box Office Brewery. Located in the renovated 1918 Strand Theater, authentic 1930s movie posters hang in the theater’s former lobby, and small-batch beer flights are served on old movie reels. Savor the flavors of craft-made brews paired with elevated pub fare, or enjoy a flight to the tunes of live music.
Cape Charles
Cape Charles is far less traveled than Virginia's most popular coastal resorts. Situated on the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, the town is on the calm side of Chesapeake Bay. If you love beach vacations, every street ending at Bay Avenue offers free access to Cape Charles Town Beach. En route, take a stroll in Cape Charles' Historic District to browse shops and immerse yourself in the cool town vibe. Ice cream is a must on any summer excursion, and Brown Dog Ice Cream is a downtown staple. Dreamy, small-batch ice cream featuring locally inspired flavors is served up by the scoop in cones or cups with sundae-style toppings, along with a creative selection of milkshakes.
Cape Charles Distillery is made for après-beach cocktails, where small-batch spirits elevate creative libations. They also serve gorgeous, fresh-caught shellfish and oysters at their raw bar. For a first-class meal overlooking the water, The Shanty is self-described as serving “rustic, yet refined, southern seafood” fresh off the boats of the Chesapeake Bay. A stroll on the beach is one of the best spots to admire the sunset, the perfect end to a perfect summer day.
Tazewell
Sleepy Tazewell is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia and is home to the “Back of the Dragon.” Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route covers 32 miles along Route 16 with over 300 curves, thrilling hairpins, and challenging switchbacks, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. In town, Back of the Dragon Brewery is a gathering place for road warriors to share stories over cold beers and hot pizza.
Start your tour of downtown with an exceptionally good cup of coffee prepared by skilled baristas, along with a sophisticated menu of beautifully crafted sandwiches and baked goods, courtesy of The Well Coffee Bar & Café. Then, Cavitt's Creek Park is just 12 minutes away, where the lake and 300 acres offer days of summer recreation. The quiet park has it all, from birding to fishing and paddling to picnicking. If you enjoy roughing it, you can also choose from a selection of campsites and cabins.
Tazewell is also home to Virginia’s highest valley, Burke’s Garden. Often called “God’s Thumbprint” after the distinct bowl shape, the valley sits at the top of a mountain. The scenic drive is a stark contrast to the back of the dragon but offers an easier way to experience the pristine views of Tazewell County.
Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach is a natural wonder boasting exceptional summer sunset and sunrise views on either side of the peninsula. In the evenings, the low light pollution gives way to sparkling skies alight with stars and unobstructed views of the cosmos. During the day, the entire town is a bird sanctuary with opportunities to spot diverse species of waterfowl and admire hawks and bald eagles soaring overhead. With just 2.6 miles to explore, the town’s attractions are all within easy walking distance.
Spend a morning or afternoon appreciating the wall murals and street art, including the charming bronze statues of a man and woman in period costumes located at the North entrance to the boardwalk. Known as the Nashville of the Northern Neck, Colonial Beach is a great destination for music lovers. Several local bars feature live music, and weekend events at places like Dockside Restaurant and Tiki Bar are popular.
Circa 1892 is a wonderful spot to enjoy specialty wine, upscale sandwiches, and beautifully laid-out charcuterie boards. The cheese shop, wine boutique, and café offers a high-end selection of wines, cheeses, chocolates, cigars, and gourmet foods where you can join fellow sophisticates in a very casual, comfortable setting.
Onancock
Onancock is a less popular gateway to Tangier Island, sitting along the picturesque Onancock Creek. Its deep port makes it very boater-friendly, while the quaint Victorian architecture and cluster of art galleries add to its charm and allure. To get a feel for the town’s artsy vibrance, a visit that coincides with the Second Friday Art Stroll will allow you to explore the galleries, boutiques, and shops during extended business hours on the second Friday of each month. Find inspiration at the many galleries on Market and North Streets, or stop in for a glass of wine or tempting meal at Bizzotto's Gallery Café. The 1920s-era building features gallery-style walls of locally curated art and houses the town’s longest-standing family-run restaurant, known for authentic-style Italian.
You can also combine a love of architecture with history at Ker Place, a Federal-period Georgian-style house built at the turn of the 18th century. The formal home of a rich merchant family, this elegant mansion and grounds have been restored to their original appearance, complete with the colors of the day, intricate plaster and woodwork, and period-appropriate furnishings that reflect plantation life in the area. For a coastal excursion, book a seat on the local Onancock-Tangier Island Ferry to spot passing fishing boats, take in the stunning views of Chesapeake Bay, and spend the day exploring the island.
Yorktown
Yorktown is part of Virginia’s “Historical Triangle,” which includes Jamestown and Williamsburg, and it tends to be the least crowded of the three. History buffs will enjoy Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park. This area of the park is the last major battle site of the Revolutionary War, where General Charles Lord Cornwallis’ British army surrendered. Watch live artillery demonstrations and the Fife and Drums of York Town perform historic music. You can also visit the restored historic Moore House, where the British army's terms of surrender were negotiated in 1781.
The American Revolution Museum’s outdoor living-history areas and 18th-century decor are the backdrop to the museum, where visitors can “muster” with period-costumed troops in a re-created Continental Army encampment. You can also pitch in at the re-created Revolution-era farm, helping with typical chores of the day. When you're ready to rejoin the modern world, head for drinks or a meal at the Yorktown Pub across from Yorktown Beach and minutes from the Battlefield. Sample fresh local seafood and elevated pub grub, or sip custom cocktails and local craft beers with front-row seats to the beach.
Woodstock
Although Woodstock is nestled in the scenic “seven bends” of the Shenandoah River’s north fork, it tends to see its largest crowds when leaf peepers head to the valley. As one of Virginia’s oldest towns, visitors can spend hours discovering charming homes and buildings, including the oldest active courthouse west of the Blue Ridge. The Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse was constructed in 1795 and has had various updates since that time. The adjacent Lawyer's Row now serves as a museum and visitor center.
While strolling the town, pop into the Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts (VECCA) on Main Street to explore the work of local artists and meet the featured artist of the month. The community gathering spot is all about the creative process, whether it is visual, musical, or the written word. Then, grab lunch to-go from Flour & Water for handcrafted, scratch-made baked products and in-season ingredients from local suppliers. Head to Seven Bends State Park, just a few miles from the historic downtown area, for a day of hiking or water activities, or simply claim your spot for a picnic while admiring the spectacular views.
Floyd
Floyd is a quiet town in southwestern Virginia along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although the town’s rich culture can attract summer crowds, avoiding popular summer festivals and the Friday Night Jamboree provides a chance to explore Floyd during calmer periods. The Floyd Center for the Arts celebrates the craftsmanship and artistry of the Appalachians. The renovated barn includes the Hayloft Gallery, featuring the work of regional artists and artisans, while the Falcon and Breezeway galleries feature new exhibits every two months or so. Meanwhile, Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve is known for its diverse landscape and expansive views from its treeless summit. Head out early to secure a parking space and cover the short but somewhat challenging trail to an extremely rewarding 360-degree view.
After a day of exploring, treat yourself to an old-fashioned ice cream at the Soda Fountain in town at the Floyd Country Store. The 1950s drugstore vibe is reminiscent of summer evenings sipping malted milkshakes and hand-crafted sodas or sharing ice cream sundaes with a friend. The Mountain Road Wine Experience takes you through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains to discover Floyd’s Chateau Morrisette. The family-friendly winery boasts serene views of the mountains and a lovely chateau with soaring ceilings, where you can sample their award-winning wines, take a tour, and delight in their world-class menu with a stunning view.
Although Virginia might be for lovers, the Old Dominion state appeals to everyone. With so much to offer, Virginia tends to attract crowds of summer revelers, whether you want to spend a day at the beach, are interested in Virginia’s rich history, need to reconnect with nature, or want to sample local spirits and cuisine. If you're looking for a quieter escape this time around, these eight small towns in Virginia are the best destinations for a crowd-free summer.
