9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Virginia
Virginia's most rewarding stops often sit a turn or two off the main road. Towns like Sperryville wait quietly at the edge of the Blue Ridge, and Ivanhoe drowses along the New River, where an 1882 iron furnace once ran day and night. Out on the Eastern Shore, Onancock and Cape Charles keep their harbors and historic districts largely to themselves. The nine towns below pair real history with trails and back-porch scenery. Here's where to wander.
Sperryville
Despite its small size, Sperryville is easily accessible to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. It is also a perfect place to hike around Old Rag Mountain or White Oak Canyon. The town has an Old World feel, with historic 19th-century buildings and preserved landmarks throughout the Sperryville Historic District. Visitors can see local sites such as the George William Cooper House and Hopkins Ordinary, then stop by Copper Fox Distillery, a local landmark known for American whiskeys. Tour the Sperryville distillery and grab a drink along the creek. For an overnight stay, Hopkins Ordinary offers rooms in an 1820s inn with an in-house brewery in its original cellar. Be sure to bring binoculars, as views of the Blue Ridge Mountains add to the relaxing atmosphere.
Cape Charles
This area is famous for the Cape Charles Historic District, which also features the commercial section of Mason Avenue. It gives off a 20th-century vibe with its series of boutiques, restaurants, and preserved buildings, such as the Northampton County Trust Bank. Tour the Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center, housed in a former power plant, to see exhibits, videos, and core samples tied to the Chesapeake Bay impact crater. Between stops, the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve is the perfect place to spot wildlife. The 29-acre preserve has about a half-mile boardwalk through rare coastal habitat and maritime loblolly pine forest, ending near an overlook of Chesapeake Bay. Speaking of memorable views, the Cape Charles Water Tower holds 300,000 gallons of water. That is no small feat.
Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe is a quiet, rural community in the Appalachian Mountains, winding through the hills of Wythe County. This community promotes a rural-suburban life that moves more slowly than most suburban towns. Along the New River, markers at the Ivanhoe Furnace tell the story of an 1882 blast furnace that once produced about ten tons of iron per day. New River Trail State Park and the Ivanhoe Birding Trail offer gentle routes for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing along one of the world's oldest rivers. With its 55-acre wildlife preserve, the area is a popular spot for butterflies, orioles, and warblers found in the forests and wetlands. The Foster Falls Historic District is a former 1800s iron-mining and boomtown that once housed an iron furnace and hotel. Now, it is an ideal recreational spot for weary hikers, bikers, and campers.
Abingdon
Abingdon is a historical town known for its arts and craft scene, with a plethora of art galleries and museums along Main Street. Also along Main Street, Barter Theatre honors its Depression-era roots, when patrons could pay for admission with produce. Today, the theater draws visitors for year-round professional productions and remains one of the longest-running theaters in the country. The Abingdon Historic District adds more character to the walkable downtown, with Main Street landmarks such as Barter Theatre, the Martha Washington Inn, and the Washington County Courthouse. The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of walking and shopping. This area is also accessible to the peaceful hiking paths of the Wolf Creek Trail. For more nature, hike in Channels State Forest, where the 721-acre Channels Natural Area Preserve protects the Great Channels, a maze-like cluster of 400-million-year-old sandstone crevices. It is the perfect spot to seek tranquility and kick up your heels.
Occoquan
In southeastern Prince William County is another 19th-century escape that is home to locally owned art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and businesses. This town has a walkable area, but is also a few minutes from the Lorton Amtrak Auto Train. Around Mill Street, Occoquan has more than 80 small and family-owned businesses, including restaurants, art galleries, salons, boutiques, and riverfront shops. Downtown Occoquan mixes galleries and local stores with restaurants such as The Secret Garden Cafe, a long-running spot in a historic building on Mill Street. Located along the Occoquan River, the town is accessible to River Mill Park, a one-acre riverside park with a walking trail, event pavilion, river views, and a "LOVE" sign. Another notable landmark is the Mill House Museum, a stone-and-brick building that is one of the few remaining structures from the historic flour-milling industry. Also in this area is John Ballendine's famous Rockledge Mansion, built in 1760. This Georgian-style home overlooking the river is one of the most historically significant antebellum structures.
Fancy Gap
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the gateway to Fancy Gap. This parkway is designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road for hiking and agriculture along the mountain crests. A short drive from Fancy Gap, the Blue Ridge Music Center sits on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax and celebrates the musical culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This space houses an outdoor amphitheater and museum that teaches visitors about traditional American music. Farther north along the parkway, Mabry Mill is a classic photo stop with a historic mill, blacksmith shop, and seasonal cultural demonstrations. Built in 1911, the Queen Anne-style Historic Sidna Allen House features stained glass, turrets, and a dramatic connection to Carroll County history. The landmark is associated with Sidna Allen, a member of the Allen family convicted after the 1912 Carroll County Courthouse shooting in Hillsville.
Chincoteague
Located along Virginia's Eastern Shore, Chincoteague became one of the state's premier summer beach towns with its laid-back island-town lifestyle. It offers kayaking on the waters and relaxing on the beach at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary is home to migratory birds and the famous Chincoteague Ponies. Seasonally, visitors can climb 175 steps up Assateague Lighthouse's spiral stairway for coastal views of the surrounding islands. Main Street is also where visitors can find the Captain Timothy Hill House, a circa-1800 home and one of the island's oldest surviving structures. All the while, the Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront is a popular community hub for relaxing in the Adirondack chairs and soaking up views of the bay.
Onancock
This historic harbor town, called the "Gem of the Shore," has maritime roots and a walkable downtown lined with shops and dining options. Along Main Street is the popular Hopkins and Brother Store, a waterfront landmark dating to 1842. Today, the building houses Mallards at the Wharf, a waterfront restaurant overlooking Onancock Creek. Dine on fine seafood while taking in views of the harbor. Nearby is the Onancock Wharf & Marina, located along Onancock Creek. This is a premier destination for kayaking, watching the sunset, or catching the seasonal ferry to Tangier Island. Along the way is Ker Place, a Georgian-style mansion that is known for its lush herb garden, antique furnishings, and rotating exhibits. Step back in time with the historic Onancock School, now a local community and arts center. Visitors can also explore exhibits on Eastern Shore watermen and local maritime heritage inside the Historic Onancock School.
Copper Hill
Copper Hill is a rural community in Floyd County, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This historical community was named after the copper deposits mined in this area. This area offers access to hiking, mountain biking, and the Lost Mountain Overlook. It also offers panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley. Copper Hill makes a quiet base for Blue Ridge Parkway outings, including Lost Mountain Overlook and the Rocky Knob Recreation Area. The Rocky Knob Recreation Area is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering 15 miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, and rest areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can also challenge themselves on the Black Ridge Trail. For a Tuscan-style winery experience near the parkway, visitors can make a side trip to Villa Appalaccia Winery in nearby Floyd.
Get Off the Beaten Path in Virginia
Of course, there are plenty more small towns and rural communities to visit in Virginia. Some encourage visitors to get to know their neighborhood communities and neighboring counties since everything is close-knit and accessible. Virginia has many destinations known for their rich history, arts and culture, natural landscapes, and notable dining. Check off the ones you want to see and keep this list with you for your next trip to Virginia.
