These 12 Towns In Virginia Feel Like Home
There is a unique allure about the small towns of Virginia that you never come across in the hustle and bustle of its cities. Between their slow pace of life and green natural surroundings, they provide tourists with a comfortable environment for an easygoing vacation. Thanks to a strong sense of community and accommodating locals, tourists feel a sense of belonging as they explore various area attractions.
Whether you are shopping at a weekend farmer's market in Abingdon or strolling the rustic and isolated streets of Smithfield, these hidden gems are a far cry from the chaotic scenes synonymous with the major metros. So, if you are seeking a wholesome holiday with family or friends, the following towns in Virginia feel like home.
Falls Church
This urban village in Northern Virginia mixes small-town charm with big-city access to provide travelers with the best of both worlds. Falls church's relaxed atmosphere encourages social gatherings at every opportunity, whether during a lively musical performance at the State Theatre or a pint of beer with friends at Audacious Aleworks Brewery. Every Saturday, the Falls Church Farmers Market injects a sense of vibrancy into the community as dozens of local vendors take over the downtown.
Falls Church welcomes newcomers to get a glimpse of its earlier days with a tour of the Cherry Hill Farmhouse. This stunning Greek Revival mansion was built in 1845 and represents life in the bygone eras. You can check out its period antiques and rustic tools that townspeople used.
Rocky Mount
Popularly known to locals as the "Moonshine Capital of the World," this vibrant community in Franklin County entertains tourists with electric musical performances at the Harvester Performance Center. This downtown hub hosts acclaimed international acts inside a classic venue with two stages. Rocky Mount's walkable downtown area has an infectious vibe with several family-friendly attractions. Guests and locals always flock to the Rocky Mount Bowling Center to drink, eat, and bowl.
The town is dotted with peaceful green areas where everyone can relax and enjoy the fresh air. Among these is the Mary Bethune Park, which presents an array of fine amenities such as picnic tables, walking trails, and playground equipment.
Kilmarnock
This unassuming community on the mouth of the Rappahannock River has been around since the 17th century, and promises vacationers an exciting journey through time at a comfortable pace. A visit to the Kilmarnock Museum paints a picture of the rich heritage harbored by the town. This important venue stockpiles artifacts and memorabilia that chronologically interpret regional history.
Walking down the streets of downtown Kilmarnock, you notice a couple of galleries, evidence of its lively art scene. Patty Richards Art showcases how local artists manipulate different media to create artistic masterpieces. Meanwhile, Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve acts as a getaway to the great outdoors, providing a 204-acre playground where hikers, wildlife watchers, and picnickers can engage in their favorite pastime.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague's welcoming atmosphere is punctuated by the sunny days, sand-swept beaches, and mouth-watering seafood. This popular island destination lies on the Chesapeake Bay shores and offers a breakaway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Spread across 14,000 acres of coastal paradise, the park is a habitat for different animal species, including beautiful wild ponies. Visiting families are spoilt for choice when it comes to fun in Chincoteague. Nevertheless, many are drawn to the unadulterated aquatic fun promised by Maui Jack's Waterpark.
Fascinating island history awaits first-timers at the Museum of Chincoteague Island. This resourceful site narrates the community's unique chronology using rare artifacts and memorabilia, reflecting as far back as the 1700s when the times arrived.
Abingdon
Abingdon offers a charming balance between the arts and history. This Blue Ridge Mountains community was once home to the Cherokee Nation. Today, you can find fabulous stories about its rich past at the Historical Society of Washington County. Inside the buildings, piles of archives, memorabilia, and relics transport guests back to the past years. The Abingdon Farmers Market brings out the warmth of the area faithfuls by offering vacationers a chance to interact with exuberant farmers, vendors, and crafters.
Art lovers come from within and without to catch a compelling performance at the historic Barter Theatre. Established in the early 20th century, this cultural hub hosts everything from concerts and plays to dramas.
Lexington
This picturesque village of Rockbridge County sits against the wonderful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush Shenandoah Valley. It offers numerous opportunities for extroverted adventurers, who can explore the great outdoors with a trek along the Chessie Nature Trail. This delightful pathway straddles the Maury River course, cutting through open fields, woodlands, and farmsteads. The town's historic district vividly depicts the old days in Lexington using its collection of antique buildings. A tour of Jackson House Museum offers a unique perspective of life for former Confederate General Stonewall Jackson.
Travelers who seem unsure of where to start their itinerary can stop by the Visitor Center of Lexington. Receptive staff at the facility make visitors feel at home as they interest them with brochures and other documents about Lexington's best things to do.
Luray
Luray is a gem in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, nationally recognized for being the home of the Luray Caverns. This ecological wonder features a system of caves that amaze adventurers with their elaborate crystalline formations and cathedral-sized rooms. It also housed the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which produces soothing music when played. A short walk from the caves will bring you to the pleasant Luray Zoo. This vital sanctuary harbors rescue animals, including primates, birds, and reptiles that require genuine TLC.
Multiple annual festivals, meanwhile, visitors can expect fun engagements anytime they come around. The Page Valley Sunflower Festival is an excellent time to be in Luray with family and features various types of kid-friendly entertainment, including pony rides and live music.
Middleburg
Middleburg is a gated community in Loudoun County with a reputation for being the Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital. Every year, enthusiasts camp at this small town to witness exciting equestrian sports and events, a heritage that is well explained at the National Sporting Library & Museum. The area's historic district houses significant landmarks like the Middleburg Museum, which tells the stories of Native Americans, African-Americans, the Civil War, European settlers, and other aspects that cumulatively make up Middleburg's history.
Middleburg's backcountry is covered by sprawling vineyards, promising oenophiles numerous tasting opportunities. If you enjoy a glass of wine every once in a while, visit Greenhill Vineyards for delicious homegrown wines.
Smithfield
Besides being one of the friendliest small towns in Virginia, Smithfield is among its most historic. Incorporated in the 18th century, it boasts an elaborate historic district with a maze of vintage red-brick buildings. St. Luke's Historic Church & Museum is a perfect example of Smithfield's enduring heritage and has continued operating since opening in the 1600s. Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight County Museum preserves and relays the town's dynamic past. It showcases various artifacts inside a turn-of-the-century store, including the world's oldest ham.
Downtown is also where the weekly Smithfield Farmers Market plays out. This fun gathering of local vendors sees everything from handcrafts and produce to antiques displayed along the streets for potential buyers craving a shopping experience.
Cape Charles
Famous festivals and delicious seafood make Cape Charles a popular gathering point for vacationers along the East Coast. This makes all the sense, considering its lovely setting on the pristine shores of the Chesapeake Bay. You can find beachcombers strolling along the smooth sands of the Cape Charles Beachfront to revel in the area's serene scenery. Also, the Cape Charles Brewing Company treats newcomers to great-tasting beers locally crafted whenever they need something to cool them down.
While the town is known for its lineup of events throughout the year, the annual Cape Charles Crabby Blues Festival is a must-attend. This family-friendly extravaganza offers a taste of the famous Chesapeake Bay cuisine, featuring southern-style crab dishes while jamming to classic blues.
Warrenton
Between its curious museums, green parks, and trendy restaurants, Warrenton has something to excite all types of visitors. The town brings out its rustic charm through the Fauquier History Museum. Housed inside an early 19th-century jailhouse, guests can comb through artifacts and archives about Warrenton's colorful past. Several welcoming diners in the town square welcome tourists to taste delicious dishes while interacting with friendly patrons. Among these, Cafe Torino and Bakery is popular for its authentic Italian eats and romantic setting.
Those who want to enjoy the open spaces can head to the Warrenton Branch Greenway for some quality time outdoors. This urban oasis accommodates joggers, walkers, and runners as it winds through a secluded green area.
Ashland
Ashland is where city dwellers go to when they want to escape the choking crowds and contrast crowds of the state capital. Sleepy and serene, this Hanover County municipality houses a pedestrian-friendly downtown with fun local attractions. The Ashland Theatre is notable for screening family-friendly films and staging entertaining live concerts and plays. Every June, festival goers descend upon the downtown streets for the annual Ashland Strawberry Faire, which features a colorful parade, craft exhibitions, and kids' activities.
Furthermore, historians in Ashland will enjoy uncovering the town's hidden past at the Ashland Museum. Its rich collection of exhibits preserves and presents Ashland's physical, cultural, and railroad history.
Virginia's rich history and culture make it a popular destination for tourists exploring the East Coast of the United States. But while most end up in big cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach, these small towns in Virginia provide an authentic feel for the Old Dominion. This guarantees visitors remarkable experiences that will make them want to come back for more, whether you want to uncover lost history in Warrenton or experience longstanding culture in Cape Charles.
