8 Idyllic Small Towns In Virginia To Visit In 2025
With over 3,300 miles of shoreline and 22 National Park Service sites, there is plenty to see in Virginia. To complement the state’s natural scenery, many of its small towns also have bold personalities, home to Victorian-era communities, nationally recognized culinary scenes, and cute mountain music festivals. If you are seeking an adventure in one of Virginia’s most idyllic small towns this year, the following eight towns should be on your radar.
Cape Charles
Established in the 1880s, Cape Charles is a Victorian-era community along the Chesapeake Bay. As you stroll through the historic district, you will find plenty of interesting architecture, such as the Historic Palace Theatre, an Art Deco-inspired building that dates back to 1942. To explore the town’s surrounding natural beauty, head out to Kiptopeke State Park, a 562-acre park home to dolphins, migratory birds, and nesting birds. Kayaking, hiking, biking, and fishing are a few of the popular activities here. The Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve is another great area for outdoor recreation, covering 29 acres with a large boardwalk that winds through some of the preserve’s natural habitats.
Abingdon
Named by USA Today as having one of the best small-town food scenes, Abingdon is filled with innovative restaurants. The Tavern is the first restaurant to have on your radar, established in 1779 and serving traditional German fare as well as signature dishes like stuffed filet mignon, Culver duck breasts, and crab cakes. For a cup of hot coffee, a freshly baked pastry, or a southern meal, grab a bite at The Girl & The Raven, a local coffee roaster and cafe. In addition to its culinary scene, Abingdon is also highly esteemed for its art scene. In the evening, travelers can catch a show at the Barter Theatre, which has been putting on shows since 1933.
Chincoteague
Home to a herd of wild horses, Chincoteague feels like a town out of a fairy tale. Travelers wanting to see these horses for themselves can arrange an excursion with a local tour agency, such as SaltWater Pony Tours, which takes visitors out to the Assateague and Chincoteague Islands via boat to see the horses, along with other wildlife like dolphins, osprey, and bald eagles. If you prefer to explore the waters at your own pace, consider booking a rental with Sea Rock Water Adventures, which offers pontoon, fishing skiff boats, and jet ski rentals. If you love blueberries, you might enjoy visiting Chincoteague during the annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival. Taking place from July 24 through July 26, attendees can enjoy fresh blueberries as well as fine arts and crafts vendors throughout the weekend.
Smithfield
All throughout Smithfield, visitors will find buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One notable example is Windsor Castle Park, where a manor house dating back to 1725 resides, listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Travelers can further immerse themselves in this history by lodging at the Mansion on Main, a bed and breakfast housed in a charming 1889 Victorian home. After exploring the area’s history, unwind with a glass of wine at SummerWind Vineyard, a family-owned and operated spot offering both indoor and outdoor seating, along with occasional events at the winery.
Luray
Luray is located near some of the state’s most incredible natural wonders, including Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns. Covering more than 200,000 acres and offering approximately 500 miles of hiking trails, Shenandoah is an adventurer’s dream, with cascading waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, wooded hollows, and wildlife such as black bears, deer, and songbirds. To escape the summer sun and heat, head underground to Luray Caverns. These caverns have received millions of visitors over the years, showcasing 10-story high, cathedral-like ceilings and impressive limestone formations. Visitors can further immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty with an overnight stay at Skyland, a cozy lodge set on 27 acres of wilderness, offering renovated premium rooms, suites, and detached cabins.
Front Royal
Just a half-hour drive from Luray, travelers will find Front Royal, another gorgeous, four-season mountain town. Golfers can begin their trip at one of the town’s scenic golf courses, such as the Front Royal Golf Club, which dates back to 1938 and has four holes right along the Shenandoah River. Afterward, celebrate your golf victory with a glass of wine at Chester Gap Cellars, a small estate winery that has a beautiful tasting room that overlooks the mountains and valley. Travelers may also want to plan their trip to Fort Royal at the end of August, when the Appaloosa Music Festival takes place! Occurring on August 30 and August 31 at Skyline Ranch Resort, this festival, which will be celebrating its 10th year this year, features two days of roots tunes.
Crozet
Home to just over 9,000 residents, Crozet has an impressive art scene to explore. The Crozet Artisan Depot is at the heart of the art community, a gallery located in the town’s historic train depot that features works from over 90 artists. Twice a year, Crozet also hosts an Arts & Crafts festival in Crozet Park, which brings over 120 artists to town to exhibit their work. For those who appreciate the art of brewing, Starr Hill Brewery is a must-visit, offering a nice taproom to enjoy a drink, along with periodic live music and community events that reflect the town’s creative spirit.
Ashland
Nicknamed the “Center of the Universe” by locals, Ashland is less than two hours from several major metropolitan areas, including Washington, DC, Charlottesville, and Norfolk. Travelers can easily disconnect from city life by visiting one of the area’s local farms, such as Hanover Vegetable Farm, which has a nursery, garden center, and farm shop. The farm also hosts occasional concerts and events, allowing visitors to enjoy some great entertainment in the countryside. There are several farm-to-table restaurants to check out as well, with the Caboose Market and Cafe being a highly rated option. This restaurant serves seasonal dishes depending on ingredient availability, with some of the current dishes on the menu including smoked salmon dip, grilled cheese, and a farm-grown, ground beef burger. Interested in Ashland’s history? Stop by the Ashland museum, which exhibits its railroad and government history through artifacts, photographs, and maps.
With so much astounding natural beauty across the state, choosing Virginia’s eight most idyllic small towns to visit in 2025 is no easy task. However, these towns stand out as some of the most charming, with local vegetable farms, wild horse herds, and historic, art deco theaters. Depending on the time of year, you also might catch one of the towns’ art or music festivals! Regardless of the town that you ultimately decide to visit, you are sure to have a memorable experience this year.
