8 Most Eccentric Towns in Virginia
Virginia may be famous for historic sites like Monticello and Mount Vernon, but it's not all serious stuff in Old Dominion; this state has its quirky side, too. For those who’d prefer to wander through towns that stand out for their funky and unique characteristics, consider visiting the eccentric towns scattered across the state of Virginia. Amongst the deep-rooted history of the state are a variety of quirky cities that can feel surreal at times. Collected here are 8 of the most eccentric towns in Virginia for the people who are seeking the roads less traveled.
White Post
For people seeking an alternative to mainstream theme parks, consider heading out to White Post, Virginia. This unassuming town is home to the iconic Dinosaur Land park. With entry under $10 for all age categories, the prehistoric themed park makes for a feasible day trip compared to other mainstream parks. Wandering amongst the life-sized dinosaurs brings a new appreciation for the diversity Earth is capable of. From well-renowned dinosaurs to obscure breeds with nearly impossible-to-pronounce names, the Virginia park makes space for the massive collection of over 50 replicas. Especially with Dinosaur Land’s location right off a highway, there is every reason to add this park to the list of destinations.
White Post’s history continues beyond the walls of Dinosaur Land, as well. Although the 1700s can feel prehistoric at times, one notable place that connects the small town to its 18th century past is the White Post. According to historical records, the simple post was set in place by the famous George Washington. Before his time as a revolutionary, the young Washington used this very post to denote a route on the Old Dutch Wagon Road in 1750. Carry on the historical vibe by staying at the L'Auberge Provencale B&B, set in a beautiful historic home.
Luray
To truly enter an otherworldly place, be sure to set Luray, Virginia as a destination. Curiously, one of the mystical attractions is quite literally hidden from sight. Under the surface of Luray is The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Requiring a trek deep into the popular cavern makes the world’s biggest instrument even more of a treat to come across. With the impressive artistry and ingenuity necessary to create such a piece, the Great Stalacpipe Organ is unlike any of its surface-dwelling brethren. Yet, even without the instrument, wandering amongst the looming calcite and stalactites is enchanting enough to be worth the visit.
Keep the eccentric vacation going by going to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. Boasting to be the “best vacation ever”, this resort-style camp is built for family fun. There are classic attractions such as the 18-hole mini golf course or the multiple swimming pools; however, Jellystone Park steps outside the expectations by offering gem mining, outdoor movie theaters, jumping pillows, and other enthralling options. The Yogi Bear camp resort is accommodating to any travel preference. With lodging choices such as personal cabins or reservable RV parking, any family can fit the action-packed park into their agenda. As for outside of this park, visitors can explore local art and history through the Lurary Art Trails, where the pieces are made to feel immersive.
Ashburn
Just outside the Maryland border is the quaint town of Ashburn, Virginia. For those wishing to find a laid-back but eccentric experience that steps outside of regular expectations, consider stopping by the town of Ashburn, Virginia. One other admirable place to visit in Ashburn for those with kids is the Play Street Museum - Ashburn. This museum recreates city life in kid size ensuring that the children get to explore and use their imaginations. From doctors offices to fire stations, Play Street Museum provides a picture perfect environment for little ones to explore the real world in an age appropriate manner. This experience is equally enjoyable for children and adults alike as they make heartwarming memories.
Comic Logic Books & Artwork is another special spot in Ashburn. At this store, patrons are taken on a journey to alternative worlds full of whimsy and magic. With over two decades of combined experience, Comic Logic brings expertise into an approachable and educational community where everyone is welcomed. Considering the impressive list of reviews retelling tales of wonderful interactions had with the staff, there is no surprise that Comic Logic reaches beyond their own doors. This town might not seem so quirky at first glance, but these institutions invite visitors to open their imaginations.
Charlottesville
Located in central Virginia, an hour away from Richmond, is the exquisite town of Charlottesville. In Charlottesville, there are many alluring shops, restaurants and incredibly captivating experiences hidden all around town. The IX Art Park serves as testimony to Charlotteville’s eccentricity. This innovative community center and concert hall was converted from an abandoned textile mill. The shining star of Charlottesville’s entertainment can be found at The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience inside the Art Park. Claiming the title of Virginia’s first immersive art experience, this creative space boasts whimsical forests, kaleidoscopic caves, and even a subterranean art lounge to explore. The Looking Glass even offers free admission to community members, making it a feasible way to stay up to date on the newest exhibits and underground art.
Similarly, Decades Arcade promotes its collection of pinball machines, arcade games, and active games like air hockey. With dozens of games to choose from, patrons can be taken back to the days of vintage entertainment. Whether one has an admiration for mid-century pinball machines or nostalgia for the arcade games of the 1980s and 90s, this expansive arcade has it all. The Decades Arcade offers deals as impressive as $12 for all you can play which makes for an affordable night of fun. To match the other innovative businesses around Charlottesville, Guajiros Miami Eatery serves as a celebration of Miami’s beautifully diverse culture. Guajiros Miami cooked up a menu that captures the unique combination of the Cuban and South American cultural influences in the local dishes. This restaurant is one of the most delicious scenes to check out while in the city, and the perfect place to fill up after a day of creative activities.
Williamsburg
As a nod to Virginia’s colonial past, Williamsburg serves as a modern anchor in history that allows us to study influential places and events in retrospect. One place where visitors can familiarize themselves with history is at the Presidents Heads park. Originally gained from the bankruptcy of another museum, these massive busts have been used for a makeshift outdoor museum. Accessible through guided tours of the property, this maze of historic faces feels like falling into the distorted but magical world of Alice In Wonderland. Get photos and have an experience unlike any other at The Presidents Heads.
Williamsburg ties to the colonial past in more ways than presidents' heads. For the brave travelers, consider attending the Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour. This supernatural event explores the lives of mad men, seafaring pirates, and other real devious characters. With the company’s massive 250+ ghost tours nationwide, visitors can know that they are receiving an experience from people who live for what's beyond the dead. Finally, recharge from all of the adventures by grabbing a treat from the McKenzie Apothecary. This colonial-inspired shop offers house-made pastries, fresh-brewed teas, and delicious cups of coffee.
Vienna
As far as eccentric millionaires go, Vienna stands out for the unique traveling opportunities it offers. Take the next step up above visiting famous cities and world renowned events by launching yourself into outer space with Space Adventures. This incredible trip will take you as close as a few hundred kilometers away from the moon's surface. Break out of the traditional human life by being one of the few souls to watch the Earth appear over the moon’s horizon. Similarly, this company also offers rides to the International Space Station where you can become one of the few hundred people to see the Earth from 250 miles above the surface. If you prefer to stay on the Earth's surface, you can try a zero-gravity flight experience.
While Space Adventures is out of this world, local Vienna destinations serve as a reminder of why our small blue planet is worth being on. Tantalize your senses at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., where patrons can taste the delightful mix of spices like clove, cinnamon, qishr, and other flavors that are a foundation in Yemeni cuisine. The cultural influence of this type of coffee can be traced back hundreds of years. Because of this, the flavor profiles have also been perfected one cup at a time over those same centuries.
Manassas
Only forty minutes outside of Arlington is the charming town of Manassas, Virginia. This multifaceted location gifts visitors with a variety of experiences to choose from. As far as whimsical experiences go, Manassas provides a few options to choose from. The Magic Putting Place is a mini golf course that offers 36 holes spread across two 18 hole courses. By providing iconic courses, such as The Magic Castle which boasts fountain ponds and a real mini castle, families and friends can be completely immersed into a world of mini golfing. If visitors want more than a full day of mini golf, The Magic Putting Place also hosts after dark hours for patrons to play in the nighttime.
Similarly, Keep It Strange Comics & Collectibles cultivates a space for collectors and curious minds to indulge in the other worldly comics. The shop also offers space for local vendors and caters events which are constantly being updated. As for when it comes to local cuisine, The Black Sheep Restaurant is a showcase of what is possible when combining the culinary and social circles. Serving an assortment of wines, whiskies, and other spirits, patrons can easily explore their taste palette. Better yet, The Black Sheep also features a five-course wine dinner where visitors can fine-tune their preferences to improve future dining experiences.
Blacksburg
Amongst an abundance of small towns to choose from in Virginia, the town of Blacksburg deserves to be noted for its quirky ambiance. Tucked away beneath the West Virginia border, Blacksburg finds itself in a quiet location in which this small town thrives. Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation highlights the impressive people who helped build this town and its community. This location preserves the last remaining building of the New Town neighborhood; this community was cultivated with a passion to thrive despite the early racial tensions in the city. With an admirable amount of strength and perseverance, the residents were able to maintain a successful town of their own without persecution.
As for the modern history in the making, current Blacksburg residents have carried on the tradition of building a strong sense of community. The Lyric Theater offers a vintage movie viewing experience. The meticulously designed interior is a show of its own. The combination of elegant architecture with the newest releases creates a timeless space and makes this location worth visiting. Equally as artistic is the Virginia Tech Center for the Arts where patrons can admire some of the most enchanting live orchestras and choirs Virginia has to offer. Alternatively, Halwa Bakery & Cafe offers a place where culinary artistry meets a comfortable and cozy ambiance. The welcoming environment cultivates an environment perfect for anyone, ranging from coffee connoisseurs to studying students, to relax amongst like-minded people.
Unusual Towns in the Old Dominion
Virginia has long held historical influence over American culture, and that tradition is carried on today. Whether it is through exploring the haunted properties left behind or exploring artistic underground caverns, visiting these eccentric Virginia towns demonstrates that nothing is as mundane as it may appear to be on the surface. With incredible photo opportunities among larger than life statues and prehistoric creatures alike, traveling through this state is the perfect option for fans of the unconventional. From deep underground to beyond Earth's atmosphere, any kind of adventure is available in Virginia.
