8 Best Towns In Virginia For A Two-Day Recharge

Virginia's Atlantic coast, Chesapeake Bay, and Appalachian Mountains set the backdrop for a two-day recharge. Virginia's historic towns soothe people with their historic inns decorated with period furnishings and art galleries housed in old freight stations, while still offering access to Virginia's varied landscape. These eight Virginia towns span the Eastern Shore, Piedmont, and Appalachian Mountains, each offering a chance to step into some of the state's most storied communities.

Chincoteague

Chincoteague is a small fishing town located on the island of the same name on the northeastern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Its maritime history can be discovered at the Museum of Chincoteague Island, where exhibits contain artifacts from the town's oyster and seafood industry and model vessels from its early sailing history. Don's Seafood Restaurant has been a staple since 1973, serving patrons its specialty dishes, such as crab cakes, flounder, oysters, and clams. Miss Molly's Inn is a Victorian-era bed and breakfast that has maintained its character while incorporating modern conveniences like in-room climate control and televisions. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge covers over 14,000 acres of beaches, dunes, marshes, and maritime forests where many bird species and a wild pony population live.

Williamsburg

Moving away from Virginia's Eastern Shore, Williamsburg offers insight into the state's past. Especially at sites like Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that transports visitors back to the 18th century, where they can wander among dozens of original and reconstructed buildings, homes, and shops populated with costumed interpreters. Servers at the King's Arms Tavern, which Jane Vobe first opened on Duke of Gloucester Street in 1772 and which Colonial Williamsburg later reconstructed on its original site, are also dressed in the fashion of the 18th century. The restaurant is decorated with period furnishings and features live music. Bicentennial Park is a quiet green space in town laced with brick walkways and dotted with benches. The Williamsburg Inn is an elevated resort equipped with gourmet dining, outdoor pools, tennis courts, a golf course, and a fitness suite and spa.

Urbanna

Remaining close to the Chesapeake Bay, Urbanna is on the Rappahannock River. The Urbanna Museum and Visitors Center is housed inside one of the oldest surviving tobacco-trade mercantile buildings in the United States. The museum features an exhibit pertaining to the town's oyster history. Sample Urbanna oysters for yourself that are sourced directly from the Rappahannock River, as well as fresh fish, crab, shrimp, and more at the Urbanna Seafood Raw Bar and Market. The Chesapeake Inn has a landscaped garden to unwind in, a spa and sauna to enjoy, and free kayak rentals to explore the water. Waterman's Park is a quiet park on the edge of town with views of the Rappahannock River.

Middleburg

Moving into the Piedmont Region, Middleburg is regarded as the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital". The National Sporting Library and Museum contains literature, archival material, and art related to angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeple chasing, foxhunting, and flat racing. Keeping with the horse theme, Lost Barrel Brewing is located on a horse farm where visitors can sip on craft beer while enjoying views of the horses in their paddock. The Red Fox Inn and Tavern has been in operation since 1728, making it the oldest continually operated inn in the United States. It features 22 rooms, suites, and cottages, as well as a tavern and a pub. Mt. Defiance Historic Park is the site of the Battle of Middleburg. History and nature enthusiasts alike can go on self-guided hiking tours of the grounds.

Culpeper

Culpeper is southwest of Middleburg, in the rolling foothills of Virginia's Piedmont Region. Lake Culpeper covers 255 acres with forested and sloped banks along its shores. It is a prime fishing destination with boat ramps. The Museum of Culpeper History has extensive permanent and rotating exhibits that detail dinosaur activity in the area dating back millions of years, American Indian life before European settlers arrived, the American Revolution, the Civil War, both world wars, and 20th-century displays about life in Culpeper. The Lord Culpeper Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Culpeper. It is within walking distance of many restaurants, including Piedmont Steakhouse. Housed inside a restored 1890s brick building, the restaurant has both main and balcony-level dining areas.

Charlottesville

Towards Charlottesville, the landscape shifts into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The top of Carter Mountain Orchard provides views of both the Piedmont and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can pick their own fruit seasonally and browse a selection of jams, jellies, and pies. Monticello is the former home of Thomas Jefferson, which he designed and built himself. The house and its botanical gardens are open for daily tours year-round. Keswick Hall was built in 1912 as a luxurious family home but has since been converted into a resort and country club with facilities including tennis and pickleball courts, pools, and a spa. The Virginian is the oldest restaurant in Charlottesville. It is open daily for lunch and dinner, and is famous for its mac and cheese.

Lexington

As the Blue Ridge Mountains give way to the Shenandoah Valley, Lexington combines mountain scenery with some of Virginia's most historic institutions. The VMI Museum houses a collection of 20,000 artifacts, including the mounted hide of Stonewall Jackson's most celebrated horse, medals of honor, and exhibits detailing the story of the nation's first state-sponsored military college. The Georges is an 18-room boutique inn spread over two buildings on Main Street, blending historic architecture with modern, lavish amenities. The Southern Inn is a casual eatery that specializes in classic American cuisine. The Cabell Gallery exhibits works by local and regional artists across a variety of media, including painting, jewelry, and art glass.

Abingdon

Continuing into the Appalachian Mountains, Abingdon offers one of Virginia's most relaxed historic settings. The Martha Washington Inn and Spa dates back to 1832. Its antique furnishings complement its modern facilities, such as its full-range spa. The Art Depot is housed inside a former freight station. It contains three galleries where people can view rotating exhibits or gather to observe regional artists' work in various media. The Tavern Restaurant is the oldest building in Abingdon, built in 1779 for stagecoach travelers. Today, it is a casual eatery with an extensive menu of food and drink. Hike, bike, jog, or horseback ride a portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail, which begins in Abingdon.

Two Days, Eight Towns

These historic destinations demonstrate that a two-day recharge does not need a full agenda. Rather, their appeal stems from wandering through historic downtown districts, exploring local histories, and appreciating the landscapes that shaped Virginia. Together, these eight towns highlight the best way to recharge over two days in Virginia.