9 Most Hospitable Towns In Virginia

Virginia's reputation for hospitality is easiest to see during the events that pull entire towns together each year. Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University and hosts the Friendly City Beer Fest every spring. Local breweries set up alongside residents who give the town its "Friendly City" nickname. In the northern part of the state, Winchester welcomes guests from across Virginia and West Virginia during its 10-day Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. The Virginia communities ahead each stand out for the festivals and gatherings that consistently welcome outsiders in.

Harrisonburg

Nicknamed "the Friendly City," Harrisonburg is a hospitable town worth a stop in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The town is known for its welcoming residents and as the home of James Madison University.

For a chance to meet some of the friendly locals, take a trip to the Shenandoah Heritage Market, which offers fresh local produce and prepared foods Monday through Saturday. If you would like to see beautiful trees and flowers from throughout the region and beyond, do not miss the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum on the JMU campus. And if you pass through Harrisonburg in the spring, make some time to enjoy the Friendly City Beer Fest. You can sample beers from local breweries and meet the friendly people who give the town its reputation.

Staunton

Staunton is famous for being the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson, one of many presidents born in Virginia, and for its friendly feel that makes it a gem in the state. This Shenandoah Valley town has a strong historic atmosphere thanks to its many historic districts and distinct architecture.

There may be no place in Virginia better for taking in a live performance than the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton. It regularly hosts plays and musicals that draw from the classics and contemporary works. Come in August if you enjoy live music for a chance to see the Staunton Music Festival, with musicians from around the world and a chance to meet many of the kind locals. The Frontier Culture Museum explores what early life was like in the region with live demonstrations and reenactments.

Lexington

Lexington is a strong pick for nature lovers, with no shortage of parks and trails. Chief among them is the nearby Natural Bridge State Park, with easy-to-walk trails and friendly rangers who can explain the significance of the region.

Once you return to town after a day hiking, you will find Lexington has an incredibly walkable downtown full of things to do. The Heliotrope Brewery serves craft beers and wood-fired pizzas that even kids can enjoy. And if you do not feel like walking, ride in style with horse-drawn carriages from the Lexington Carriage Company. July 4th is a big time for many towns in America, and Lexington is no exception, with its annual Rockbridge Community Festival on the Fourth offering parades and live music.

Luray

Luray residents are always welcoming newcomers to the town with a friendly smile. The town is home to the famous Luray Caverns, full of stalactites and stalagmites dating back millions of years. Luray also serves as the gateway to Shenandoah National Park, with more than 200,000 acres of forested countryside that ranks among the best in the eastern United States.

Inside the town, there is plenty to do and friendly locals to meet. The Luray Zoo houses rescued exotic animals and the kind zookeepers can answer your questions about the species. And if you want to get into the Halloween spirit, the DarkWood Manor offers a scary and fun haunted house experience for the occasion.

Floyd

No music lover should miss Floyd. This little town of around 450 residents has a long history of live music and a welcoming vibe. You can see exactly why so many locals stay in Floyd, and visitors come back, at the Floyd Country Store. Throughout the week it is an old-timey general store with ice cream and rustic fare. On weekends it plays host to country music and dancing that gets the whole town involved.

But music is not the only art that Floyd celebrates. The town has several galleries, including the Floyd Center for the Arts, with local pieces on display that showcase the artistic side of the community.

Cape Charles

When you want to find a town to take it easy in Virginia, look no further than Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore. This beach town on the Chesapeake Bay gives visitors a chance to unwind and relax. Cape Charles Beach is a free public beach with mild water and few waves, perfect for young children.

Once you make it back to town, you will find plenty of friendly locals and exciting spots to visit. Grab a pint at the Cape Charles Brewing Company or enjoy fresh local seafood at The Shanty. Finish your meal with dessert at Brown Dog Ice Cream. All these businesses have hospitable waitstaff who treat passing travelers as well as regulars.

Winchester

Winchester is a friendly town in Northern Virginia, best known for its annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival every spring. The 10-day event has multiple performances and dances, along with a carnival, celebrity appearances, and a 10K. The community shows its hospitality during this event, welcoming visitors from across the state and from nearby West Virginia.

Outside of the festival week, there is still plenty to do in Winchester. Old Town Winchester has many historic stores still in operation, with friendly owners always ready to answer questions about their history or products. And if you want to learn more about the area, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley has exhibits that explain the region's role in American society.

Blacksburg

Blacksburg is a great place to visit if you enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and the lively energy of a college town. Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech and has a very youthful, energetic feel. That comes through most clearly at Lane Stadium, where you can catch a Hokies football game in the largest stadium in the state at 65,632 seats.

There are other ways to enjoy the friendly atmosphere in Blacksburg during the college football offseason. The Lyric Theatre is a hotspot for local artists, who are always looking to meet like-minded people and share their work. And the Blacksburg Farmers Market gives you a chance to meet local farmers and even catch live music from time to time.

Damascus

Damascus carries the nickname "the Friendliest Town on the Trail," thanks to its nearby trail network and hospitable community. The most notable trail in the area is the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes right through town. The annual Trail Days celebration draws roughly 20,000 to 25,000 people to the area, including local artisans, food trucks, and hikers stopping by while making the trek on the country's most famous trail.

If you want to join in the outdoor spirit of Damascus, there is no shortage of opportunities. Many visitors rent a bike and ride the Virginia Creeper Trail, one of the better rail-trails in the country. Anglers will find a chance to meet some local fishers on the Fishing Trail, which is stocked with trout for excellent fishing year-round.

Friendliness Awaits in Virginia

Virginia is not just for lovers; it is where some of the friendliest people in the country live. Whether a local town is celebrating its annual festival, demonstrating its history at a museum, or welcoming art lovers, there is always a warm and friendly face ready to greet you in the Old Dominion. The next time you are in Virginia, make sure to visit these welcoming towns.