9 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Virginia

Nicknamed the "Mother of States," Virginia is known for its rich history and picturesque outdoors. However, sometimes what a state is less known for can become a major draw for tourists. Unlike the famous tourist destinations, the Old Dominion harbors a fair share of quirky communities that embrace their oddities. From marveling at giant dinosaurs in White Post to hunting paranormal occurrences in Petersburg, Virginia is full of eccentric enclaves waiting to be explored.

While these offbeat destinations may not make the front-page headlines, they offer visitors something far more memorable, a rare glimpse into the unusual and whimsical heart of small-town Virginia. Whether you're a sucker for the strange or have a penchant for the bizarre, these eccentric towns in Virginia promise an unforgettable adventure.

Norton

This sleepy village in Wise County raises eyebrows whenever it hosts the Woodbooger Festival, a strange celebration honoring a mythical creature resembling sasquatch. According to local folklore, Woodbooger roams the untamed wilderness of southwest Virginia, and townsfolk gather at the Flag Rock Recreation Area to celebrate a popular tradition. Activities range from presentations by Bigfoot experts and interesting forums to a woodbooger night search. Also, participants engage in themed contests, canoe rides, guided hikes, craft vending, live music, and good food.

Norton is a certified adventurer's paradise, and visitors can select from various activities at High Knob Recreation Area to enjoy the great outdoors. The lush playground offers opportunities for hikers, campers, fishing, and paddling. Meanwhile, silver screen lovers can have a unique movie experience at Central Drive-In Theatre, which screens first-run films in an outdoor location.

Wytheville

Wytheville is famous for hosting one of the most eccentric pre-Halloween bashes you can ever attend. On the last Saturday before the big day, Mayhem on Main, a zombie-themed festival, takes over Main Street Wytheville, as participants dress in costumes and vivid makeup. A zombie parade and flash mob descend upon the vibrant corridor in a quirky show, featuring costume contests, pumpkin decoration, sidewalk trick or treating, haunted tours, obstacle course run, and zombie laser tag hunt.

On any other day when the main drag is less crowded, guests can explore the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to learn about the fascinating legacy of America's former first lady. Alternatively, they can watch an entertaining live music show at the Millwald, which boasts top-of-the-range audiovisual equipment.

Gloucester

Gloucester transports guests into a world of myth and legend in old-world Europe during the Gloucester Renaissance Festival. Participants put on their best costumes to drift out of reality and participate in an array of quirky but fun activities. The event is filled with pomp and color, from living history reenactments to Viking games, swordsmanship demonstrations, and axe-throwing contests. Additionally, the Masquerade Ball invites guests to dance the night away and learn fascinating facts about the Middle Ages.

Main Gloucester remains vibrant beyond its famous festival. At the Gloucester Museum of History, tourists can comb through more than 3,000 historical items, from agricultural tools to documents, in an 18th-century building. Elsewhere, the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester connects the community with the arts using engaging exhibitions.

White Post

White Post turns heads with its strange roadside installations at Dinosaur Land, bringing to life prehistoric giants in a unique outdoor gallery. Established in 1963, this eccentric attraction features dozens of larger-than-life dinosaur models. Apart from the visual spectacle the statues provide, the park provides a unique perspective of natural life in the prehistoric days, serving as an educational venue designed for all ages. Guests can also find cute dinosaur-related merchandise, including toys, jewelry, t-shirts, and collectibles.

The town offers plenty of casual shopping opportunities at the Shen-Valley Flea Market. This busy indoor and outdoor market attracts more than 200 regional vendors who sell everything from food and crafts to second-hand products. Meanwhile, a fun time with family awaits at Mac's Roller Rink, which features roller skating, arcade games, air hockey, and pool.

Radford

Home to Radford University, this vibrant community in Montgomery County hosts one of the most haunted spaces in the country. Many paranormal investigators visit St. Albans Sanatorium annually with the hope of experiencing ghostly happenings. The former sanatorium was once the home of thousands of patients who experienced despicable horrors that eventually led to its closure. Today, rumors of hauntings bedevil the rustic building, whose eerie hallways and stuffy air remind guests of its troubled days.

Beyond the hauntings, Radford is better known for its outdoors, beckoning adventurers with hikes and picnics at Bisset Park. The area harbors lush greenery with a serene atmosphere, similar to Wildwood Park. It is popular among picnickers and birders seeking to escape the urban bustle.

Luray

Luray qualifies as one of the most eccentric towns in Virginia thanks to the Luray Caverns. This geological wonder incorporates a series of mystical caves with weird crystalline formations to grant visitors an unforgettable underground experience. Towering stalactites, columns, mirrored pools, and stalagmites leave first-timers in awe, transporting them into an alternative universe. Situated within the cave, the Great Stalacpipe Organ is the world's largest instrument and produces rare musical bliss by gently striking the stalactites.

Not too far away, visitors can head to the Luray Zoo to view exotic wild animals from various parts of the world. The refuge hosts almost 250 animals, including 80 reptile exhibits. Luray also transports tourists to the 1800s at the Shenandoah Heritage Village, a 7-acre complex of old buildings and gardens depicting Victorian-era life.

Petersburg

About 30 minutes from Richmond, Petersburg is a historical municipality steeped in Civil War heritage and dotted with historical markers and landmarks at every corner of its downtown. However, fans of the dark and mysterious come to see the Tombstone House and explore its haunted history. The rustic home was constructed in 1934 using tombstones from a nearby graveyard. Surrounded by the burial spaces of over 2,000 Union soldiers, the building is naturally expected, and previous visitors have talked about paranormal happenings during their tour of the location.

The Petersburg National Battlefield preserves the sites of the longest battle of the Civil War, lasting over 290 days and claiming approximately 70,000 casualties. War aside, golf lovers can let loose with a challenging session at Dogwood Trace Golf Course, whose 18-hole course offers a fitting challenge for both amateur and seasoned players.

Staunton

Every September in Staunton, tourists from across the region join townsfolk for a journey into fantasyland during the Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival. This family-friendly event thrusts fiction enthusiasts into the world of magic and wizardry by celebrating notable scenes from books and movies like Harry Potter. Attendees wear eccentric costumes and engage in various activities, including wand dueling and navigating a wizard maze against the stunning backdrop of Staunton's Victorian architecture.

Staunton's also invites theater lovers to watch a classic play inside a replica of a classic Shakespearean indoor stage at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Meanwhile, presidential historians have an excellent opportunity to learn about Wilson's rich legacy and early life at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a living history museum that offers guests an authentic feeling of life in Colonial Virginia. Serving as the territory's first capital, the town maintains its original feel through a well-preserved historical complex, harboring rustic shops, houses, and similar buildings across a 300-acre Colonial Williamsburg. Guests will encounter costumed reenactors and buggy rides, providing a vivid perspective of life at the time. One of the highlights is to check out the Governor's Palace, whose stately facade and opulent interior epitomize the luxurious life of English royals and governors.

Every end of the year, the Grand Illumination lights up the sky over the colonial capital as gunshots and fireworks fly into the air, and decorations fill the historic location. Williamsburg balances its historical immersion with a modern experience at Busch Gardens, where a 420-acre amusement park spoils guests with over 50 thrill rides and roller coasters.

If you are searching for an out-of-the-ordinary travel experience, these eccentric towns in Virginia offer a break from the usual in the United States. They celebrate their quirks and oddities with charm and creativity, inviting visitors to explore a different side of the state. From quirky festivals in Gloucester to unusual landmarks in White Post, each town tells its own colorful story. By embracing the weird and wonderful, they encourage visitors to step outside their comfort zones and explore attractions they wouldn't encounter anywhere else, culminating in some of the best memories.