9 Most Welcoming Towns In Virginia's Countryside
Virginia has a way of making even a short visit to one of their small towns feel like you’ve lived there forever. From cozy diners that feed hungry hikers traveling the Appalachian Trail, to vintage theaters that once accepted vegetables for admission during the Great Depression, Virginia is certainly for lovers! These are the types of communities that prove genuine hospitality is alive and well in Old Dominion. Situated far from the traffic and noise of Virginia’s bigger cities, driving the winding roads through the shaded countryside is half the fun.
Farmville
When you think of Virginia, you think of majestic mountain ranges. However, some portions of Virginia in the Piedmont region have flat, rolling hills like those in Farmville. As the name suggests, Farmville was once a thriving tobacco farming community, but tobacco farms have declined over the years. It’s now a charming community with a vibrant history. On South Main Street, you’ll find picturesque cafes and storefronts like Charley's Waterfront Cafe along the Appomattox River or the Uptown Coffee Cafe.
Home to both Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, Farmville has an upbeat college-town vibe with engaging art galleries like the Longwood Center for Visual Arts and museums like the Robert Russa Moton Museum. And if you want to explore the natural beauty of Farmville, the Twin Lakes State Park is where you can fish, hike, or swim in the summer.
Orange
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find Orange, a town steeped in history. A walk down S. Madison road offers friendly restaurants like Spoon and Spindle or Main Street Tavern. Just off Madison Avenue is the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage, detailing the life of the 4th United States president through artifacts and displays. If you’re a thrill seeker, Orange has you covered! Walking in the public parks in Orange is a great way to take in the view, but nothing beats the views from Skydive Orange, where visitors can enjoy one of the best views in the state! You just have to jump out of an airplane first.
There’s a reason that the James Madison Museum, and the main hub of Orange, is located on Madison Avenue. Southeast of central Orange is the breathtaking grounds of Montpelier, the former home of President Madison. The sprawling 2,650‑acre National Landmark offers tours of the mansion and manicured grounds. Visitors across the eastern United States flock to Montpelier to see rare American history, and stay in Orange for its delightful old-world vibes.
Bridgewater
The friendly community of Bridgewater is known for its welcoming locals, charming downtown district, and amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Bridgewater has a laid-back pace, but the nearby colleges bring a youthful energy to the area. There are more than enough cozy coffee shops, such as Sugar and Bean Cafe, The Coffee Room, and Bridgewater Coffee. You can grab a hot cup of joe and spend the afternoon exploring local parks, like 7 Bridges Park nestled on the banks of the North River.
Do you prefer to take in the sights of Bridgewater with a glass of chilled white wine in hand? Then you can’t beat the views at the Bluestone Vineyard. Located west of central Bridgewater, the establishment offers views of rolling hills as far as the eye can see, with wine tastings and a small menu to accompany your wine. But how about views from a hot air balloon? If you’re feeling brave after a glass of wine, Star Ballooning isn’t too far down the street from the vineyard. They offer once-in-a-lifetime views of the Shenandoah Valley for an unforgettable experience.
Smithfield
While many vacation-goers flock to Virginia Beach and Norfolk, the hidden gem of Smithfield lies an hour's drive north. Nicknamed Hamtown, it’s home to the one and only Smithfield Ham! It’s where you’ll find the “Oldest Edible Ham in the World”, cured in 1902 and on display at the Isle of Wight County Museum. No trip to Smithfield is complete without indulging in some of their famous ham at the Smithfield Station Restaurant, located along the banks of the Pagan River. The restaurant may be known for its world-famous ham, but it also has some of the best fresh seafood anywhere in the state!
There’s so much more to Smithfield than its cured meats! It’s certainly a draw for devoted carnivores, but the area boasts a delightful, old-world vibe with some amazing water views and public parks. Situated along the banks of the Pagan River, which gives way to the James River, visitors can explore the grounds of Windsor Castle Park. Windsor Castle is a former plantation built in the 1700s, where you can tour the old plantation, sit along the water, or hike the historic grounds. Or, travel north of Smithfield to Summerwind Vineyard, where you can sip on wine with fantastic wooded and water vistas straight out of a postcard.
Abingdon
At the base of the Appalachian Mountains is the small community of Abingdon that seamlessly marries art, nature, and historical flair. It’s home to the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile stretch of well-maintained hiking and biking trails that weave through the mountains. You can hop on the trail right from downtown Abingdon and ride it through long stretches of isolated Virginia countryside. You can also visit the Wyndale Gardens for a true taste of Southern living! Walk through fields of fragrant lavender, get up close and personal with alpacas and highland cows, or shop for sustainable produce at their farmer’s market.
Abingdon may be awash in natural beauty, but it has a vibrant arts scene! Visit galleries like The Arts Depot, or shop for old world treasures at Zephyr Antiques. It’s also home to the Barter Theater, which earned its name during the Great Depression. In hard times, the theater allows patrons to barter for their price of admission, hence the name. They used to say, “With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh”, and many patrons paid for admission with vegetables! Today, it’s a delightful theater that puts on local productions that rotate throughout the year. Although they no longer accept vegetables for admission!
Middleburg
Middleburg is one of the remote hamlets that you never stumble upon by accident. Isolated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it has a population of under 1,000, and plenty of breathtaking views to go around. Want to sip on wine in the lush Virginia countryside? Be sure to add Middleburg to your Virginia bucket list. There are amazing wineries and breweries on all sides of Middleburg, like Greenhill Vineyards to the east, Boxwood Estate Winery to the south, and Lost Barrel Brewing to the west. Nestled in the sweeping foothills of the mountains, cold brews, tasting platters, and gently rolling hills are in high supply in Middleburg.
Middleburg is a community with a rich equestrian history and is often considered the Horse and Hunt Capital of the Nation. Dive into Middleburg’s equestrian roots at the National Sporting Library and Museum, where you can browse exhibits or attend a lecture or seminar. While the community may be small and isolated, the restaurant scene is on point! Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery is a local favorite, serving up cold cider alongside burrata boards, charcuterie boards, and rotating pickle flights. If you’re in the mood for local Virginia cuisine, there’s no better spot than the Red Fox Inn and Tavern.
Damascus
Near the Virginia and Tennessee border is Damascus, known for its old-world setting and sweeping vistas in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Avid hikers will fall in love with Damascus, also known as Trail Town USA. It's home to the Virginia Creeper Trail (which connects Damascus to Abingdon) and the Appalachian Trail. Many long-distance hikers along the Appalachian Trail use Damascus as a hub to refuel and refresh, and it adds to the colorful charm of the area.
You can expect classic dining experiences at the Damascus Diner, which has its fair share of weary trail travelers looking for a home-cooked meal. If you’re not up for the long treks along the Creeper Trail or Appalachian Trail, Damascus has adorable, smaller parks that highlight the natural beauty of the area. Damascus Town Park, situated along the calm shores of Beaverdam Creek, has hiking trails, picnic tables, a caboose, a gazebo, and a rustic bridge.
Lexington
It’s hard to deny the allure of Lexington. Steeped in 19th-century elegance, the downtown streets feel like stepping back in time. The painted brick storefronts, the landscaped sidewalks, and the white church steeples that pierce the sky deliver serious movie-set vibes. Home to the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University, it has both a historical setting with a youthful vibe.
Downtown shopping is not just quilt shops and antique stores, it’s places like Reeves Museum of Ceramics, game stores like Just Games Lexington, and modern coffee shops such as Coffee Corner. There’s a rich history to Lexington, too. You can tour the former home of Stonewall Jackson and the Stonewall Jackson House, or even visit the crypt of Robert E Lee in the Lee Chapel and Museum at Washington and Lee University.
Luray
Natural wonders await in Luray, both above ground and below! Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Massanutten Mountains, Luray is a small town with a big heart. Below the surface in Luray is the Luray Caverns, the largest cave system in the eastern United States. Aside from a stunning display of stalagmites and stalactites, the cave houses the Great Stalacpipe Organ. It spans over 3 acres in the cavern and is considered the largest instrument anywhere in the world. It’s not a natural wonder, however, and was made by Leland W. Sprinkle by carving down stalagmites to create specific notes.
Above ground, you can explore the Garden Maze at Luray Caverns. The maze is made up of 8-ft.-tall hedges shaped into a maze, accented by beautiful fountains, tunnels, and even a lookout tower. On the other side of Luray is Lake Arrowhead Park and Recreation Area, which is a very popular spot among the locals. You can swim, fish, hike, or relax in the beach area. After a day of exploring the area, be sure to swing by the Speakeasy Bar and Restaurant for a great meal before you leave!
Feel at Home in Virginia’s Friendliest Corners
These humble communities scattered throughout the countryside of Virginia have a way of making you feel immediately at home. Whether you’re touring old plantations, exploring the Virginia Creeper Trail, or going on a wine tour in Middleburg, some of the best adventures in Virginia lie in the places you least expected. When you’re ready to hit the open road and fall in love with Virginia’s hidden countryside hamlets, you can’t go wrong with any of these humble towns. You may come for the beauty of the mountains or a unique attraction, but you’re bound to leave with a few new friends!
