8 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Virginia
Sitting right in the middle of the United States' Eastern Seaboard, Virginia abounds in scenery so epic that one can easily imagine fairy tales happening here. In the case of one town on the Eastern Shore, it actually did inspire a long beloved children's book and feature film. Moving across Chesapeake Bay, there's a cozy waterfront village that takes coastal living to lofty new heights. Up in Northern Virginia, travelers can revel in the refined yet sporty atmosphere of the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital." And out in the Appalachians, visitors will discover a historic mill town and the "birthplace of country music" that always seems to hit the right note.
These may be among the eight fairy-tale small towns in Virginia, but these places always go big in real-life culture and natural beauty.
Bristol
Set in the southwestern corner of Virginia, roughly 113 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee, Bristol brings new life to the old-school sounds of country music. At the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, folks can step back in time to the 1927 Bristol Sessions that turned the traditional sounds of local folk music into a "big bang" that continues to reverberate across the realm of American country music. For an even more interactive musical experience, it's worth the drive up to the Carter Family Fold to experience one of their legendary weekend shows. And in case anyone can use some adult beverages alongside local music and additional fun and games, Squabble State Hard Cider & Spirits is the place to go for dry ciders made with Virginia-grown apples.
Though Bristol might not seem like a traditional "fairy tale" kind of town, a stay at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards will have everyone rethinking that assumption. Set on their own working vineyard and winery, Nicewonder is the perfect place for gourmands seeking the best in locally crafted wines and Appalachian-style fine dining. In addition, guests can expect elegantly appointed accommodations, a fantastic full-service spa, and privileged access to the award-winning, Tom Fazio-designed Virginian Golf Club.
Meadows of Dan
Located along a particularly idyllic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, around 63 miles north of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Meadows of Dan is a special little town that must be seen to be believed. A key highlight here is Mabry Mill, an early 20th century wooden mill with a slow-moving water wheel that's such a photographer's delight. Another gem is the Round Meadow Creek Trail, a great path to hike for gorgeous views of the namesake creek and opportunities to spot local birds in the wild. And a short drive north leads to Rocky Knob Recreation Area, a scenic preserve with some 15 miles of hiking trails leading around rolling meadows, rugged mountains, and forest.
Meadows of Dan abounds in fairy tale-worthy landmarks, but none is quite like The Lodge at Primland. After all, guests can actually check into this Auberge Collection boutique resort set on a 12,000-acre estate and try everything, whether an exhilarating ATV ride around the property or soothing treatments at the Primland Spa. From there, they can retreat to their own room or suite that's decked out with special touches like Frette linens, Dornbracht bathroom fittings, European glass mosaic tiles, and flat-screen TVs.
Afton
Set in the fruitful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains west of Charlottesville, Afton provides the best of both worlds in terms of rugged Appalachian vistas and refreshing wine country splendor. A little farther west is Rockfish Gap, the southern gateway to Shenandoah National Park and its seemingly endless expanse of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty. Then, for those wanting a more genteel take on local life, they can head out, with a designated driver, to Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery and Flying Fox Vineyards to try some fabulously flavorful local wines.
For those wanting even more wine country hospitality, they can head out to Veritas Vineyards and Winery. Not only does this property have an inviting tasting room, but they also operate their own Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast with luxurious accommodations set right by the verdant vineyards.
Luray
Situated in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Luray offers a whole lot more than the eye can see, at least until folks go deep to truly see it all. This town has long been best known for the Luray Caverns, an intricate cave system that's adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, mirrored pools, and even the Great Stalacpipe Organ that Guinness World Records considers the world's largest musical instrument. Right across the street from the caverns, there's more to explore at Shenandoah Heritage Village, a seven-acre re-creation of a 19th century agricultural village that includes restored historic structures. And a little way's east, Bear Mountain Ziplines brings the thrills at their 50+ acre forest campus with ziplines, a climbing wall, and a full high ropes course.
To complete a Luray getaway, folks can stay at Piney Hill Bed & Breakfast Cottages just south of town. The property has two private cottages that provide all the comforts of home alongside a hot country-style breakfast delivered to guests' doorstep every morning.
Middleburg
Those on the hunt for a different kind of Northern Virginia trip will discover a sporty small town in Middleburg, the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital" that's only 44 miles west of Washington, D.C. Anyone wanting to know more about Middleburg's hunting heritage can head over to the National Sporting Library & Museum to check out their world-renowned library and their on-site fine art collection. For an even more immersive experience, visitors can book a lesson at Foxrock Stables and try horseback riding in a safe and stress-free environment. And right in the heart of town, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern has served as the community's premier pub and dining room since 1728.
A few blocks north of Middleburg's central village, Salamander Middleburg stuns as one of the region's Forbes five-star destination resorts. Here, all 168 rooms and suites come with an outdoor patio or balcony, along with Supima cotton linens, terry-cloth bathrobes, Nespresso coffee machines, and wireless bluetooth speakers inside. In addition, the property has multiple top-tier dining establishments and the state's only Forbes five-star rated spa.
Irvington
About 71 miles east of Richmond, Irvington sets sail in epic style where the Rappahannock River flows into Chesapeake Bay. In town, folks can step back in time at the Steamboat Era Museum, walk into the original 1894 Potomac pilothouse where captains once navigated the open waters, and find plenty more historic nautical artifacts. Then, there's Sewlovelee, a lovely local quilt shop offering custom batiks, designer fabrics, and other unique souvenirs. And for another taste of the local culture, The Colonnade at The Hope & Glory Inn serves exceptional chef-driven Virginia seafood.
Heading out to the waterfront, The Tides Inn is a beautiful luxury resort where guests can book local cruises and rent Duffy boats to try their own sailing excursions. Meanwhile, on property, folks will enjoy nautically-themed accommodations, delectable dining at the Salt & Meadow and Fish Hawk restaurants, and even curated experiences available to book, like oyster farm outings and seaplane flights.
Smithfield
Just 26 miles northwest of Norfolk, Smithfield might just be Virginia's tastiest town, as it's the home of a certain world record-holding ham. Yes, really, the Isle of Wight County Museum has on display the world's oldest ham, one that was originally cured in 1902! For some more edible tradition, visitors can hop over to Taste of Smithfield Restaurant and try some genuine Smithfield ham, not 124 years old, alongside other Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and étouffée. And a short jaunt north of town, Summerwind Vineyard is a family-run winery that specializes in estate-grown wines and has a friendly tasting room open every weekend except in January.
Set right by the Pagan River, Smithfield Station provides a whole lot more local hospitality, including award-winning cuisine at their on-site restaurant. Even better, the resort also has a full-service marina with easy access to Chesapeake Bay, along with a wide variety of rooms and suites to suit groups of all sizes.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague takes fairy-tale charm to a whole nother level, as this Eastern Shore town inspired a beloved children's book and full feature film! In 1947, the world got to know this town via Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague, and 14 years later the movie Misty brought this classic story to life on the silver screen. Those hoping to learn more of the real stories behind Hollywood lore should head over to the Museum of Chincoteague Island to view historic exhibits and sign up for a tour of the Beebe Ranch where the horses at the heart of Marguerite Henry's stories actually lived. Then, to spot ponies in a more natural environment, travelers can pop over to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and also look out for herons, hawks, falcons, crabs, clams, and other wildlife at this 14,000-acre preserve that stretches all the way to the Atlantic Ocean shore. And speaking of seafood, Ricky's Seafood & Produce is the place to stop in town for freshly caught and prepared crabs, clams, shrimp, lobsters, scallops, and much more.
Now open year-round, BluFin Bungalows & Marina makes a great place to stay whenever one fancies an outing to Chincoteague. Folks can choose from waterfront bungalows with beautiful bay views, or floating bungalows that actually sit above the bay and are available through October. And for those sailing their way here, BluFin also has their own marina offering boat slips for rent.
In Virginia, Fairy Tales Continue to Come to Life
The Commonwealth of Virginia may be best known as the "Mother of Presidents" and as the crossroads of major wars that shaped the trajectory of the United States, but it's also a state with a more easygoing and whimsical side. After all, Bristol is the "birthplace of country music" where traditional tunes continue to be played with pride. Then, there's Meadows of Dan, the former mill town along the Blue Ridge Parkway that's absolutely worth the stop. Within a short-ish drive from Washington, D.C., Middleburg wins best in show as the region's storied equestrian hub. Shifting down to the Hampton Roads, Smithfield always seems to be cooking something good in the shadow of the world's oldest ham. And out on the Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is the coastal town at the center of the famed story of Misty.
No matter what exactly you consider the ideal fantasy trip, Virginia is a state where your fairy tale vacation can really come true.
