These 12 Towns In Virginia Have The Best Main Streets
Virginia is one of the most storied states in the United States. A part of the original 13 colonies, Virginia played a role in the Revolutionary War and later the Civil War. It is home to some of the country's most renowned estates, including Mount Vernon and Monticello. It also neighbors the country's capital of Washington, D.C., just across the Potomac River. Yet while the story of Virginia is big, there is plenty to be enjoyed in its small towns. These twelve towns boast incredible main streets where you can soak in the state's history, enjoy cultural hotspots, or spend a day shopping among buildings that have stood since the 1800s.
Staunton
At the heart of Staunton lies Beverly Street, a vibrant corridor where history, culture, and small-town charm meet. This area is Historic Downtown Staunton, featuring nearly 300 businesses, 30 restaurants, and numerous local shops. Zynodoa Restaurant is situated on Beverly and offers farm-to-table dining with a Southern flair. This upscale urban location is located in an elegantly appointed, historic building in the heart of downtown.
Nearby, the Camera Heritage Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of photography, featuring cameras dating back to the 19th century. Just around the corner, those looking to end their day with a live performance can find the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, which hosts plays such as the Shakespearean classic "A Christmas Carol" and "As You Like It."
Lexington
Main Street in Lexington runs through the middle of downtown, and guests will quickly find unique historic sites to enjoy. The Jackson House Museum is a 1800s period home associated with the Confederate general, Andrew Jackson. Guests can see the home in its original condition, as it was when it was built, and learn about the events that shaped Jackson's life.
Just down the street, guests can head to Downtown Books. This cozy, family-owned store features a carefully curated book selection. After finding your latest read, you can head just next door to Pronto Caffe and Gelateria, where, while enjoying your new book, you can sit back with homemade gelato, coffee, or pastries. The Gelateria is part of The Gin Hotel, a historic hotel that has been restored to feature elegant suites ideal for overnight stays.
Middleburg
Washington Street serves as a unique destination for art lovers in Middleburg, Virginia. Along the street, you can find The Byrne Gallery, which showcases fine art in a variety of media. Paintings line the walls, but guests can also find jewelry pieces and sculptures. Nearby, Artists in Middleburg works to support art within the local community. Besides hosting rotating art exhibits, this organization also offers classes in painting, sketching, watercolor, and other art forms. Those seeking unique pieces to take home will want to visit the Middleburg Antique Gallery. If the local art inspires you, you can find a painting to take home, or perhaps find furniture or decorations to add a unique flair to your house.
Charlottesville
Those arriving in Charlottesville will have plenty of unique cultural attractions to find, starting at the Ting Pavilion. The Pavilion hosts events throughout the year, including seasonal Christmas lighting and live musical performances. Just down the street is the Freedom of Speech Wall, a 54-foot-long slate wall that allows guests to use chalk to leave their own messages, becoming a temporary part of the town. Just off the main road, visitors can enjoy a glass of wine at Tastings of Charlottesville. This combination wine shop and wine bar allows visitors a chance to dine in this finely decorated restaurant and take home a bottle of their favorite wine.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a moderately sized city, but the area most people think of as its main street is Caroline Street, located just north of the city’s Main Street. Along Caroline Street, guests can enjoy walks along the Rappahannock River while enjoying the walking lanes of Riverfront Park. A walk down Caroline will lead visitors through Historic Fredericksburg, where they can find hundreds of 18th- and 19th-century buildings that house shops and restaurants. Another landmark stop to see along the way is the Rising Sun Tavern, first built by George Washington's younger brother around 1760. Today, it serves as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by to see costumed interpreters tell the story of the tavern through the centuries, from its time as a Washington family home to its role as an inn and, finally, as a museum.
Abingdon
Guests in Abingdon will be charmed by the unique shopping and dining opportunities along Main Street and the surrounding Historic District. A local restaurant, The Tavern, serves salmon and upscale American and German dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, alongside specialty cocktails, in a building first constructed in 1779 that offers a unique dining experience. Just down the street, guests can enjoy a live performance at the Barter Theatre, featuring seasonal performances like 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and dramatic performances such as "A Few Good Men." Those staying the night will enjoy The Martha Washington Inn and Spa, where guests can indulge in elegant dining, luxurious spa treatments, and overnight stays in unique rooms housed in an inn that has stood since 1832.
Cape Charles
Cape Charles is a paradise for ocean lovers. The main street of Cape Charles is Mason Avenue, which runs parallel to the Cape Charles Harbor. Diners and shoppers can walk from building to building while enjoying waterside views. An up-close view of the bay can be found at the end of Mason, at Cape Charles Beachfront. Guests can head out onto the sandy shores and take a dip in the shallow waters, while anglers can head out onto Cape Charles Fishing Pier to cast a line out on the bay. Afterward, it is not a long walk to The Shanty, a casual eatery with locally caught seafood, live music, and waterfront views.
Winchester
Winchester is yet another city where the real main street experience is found not on Main Street itself, but along the Loudoun Street Walking Mall. Visitors will find plenty of places here to dine and shop. A unique destination in the area is Exotic Himalayan Handicrafts, which specializes in items from Tibet, India, and Nepal. Around the corner, you can find The Tea Cart Tearoom, housed in the Old Water Street Inn, which was first constructed in 1840. Guests can enjoy the British tradition of tea time in an elegantly appointed Federal-style home. Not far away, visitors can find the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum. Housed in the historic Frederick County Courthouse, the museum specializes in artifacts depicting the contentious times of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley.
Culpeper
Main Street in Culpeper passes through the Culpeper Historic District, making it an ideal destination for history lovers. Not far off Main, you can find the Museum of Culpeper History. Housed in a historic train depot, the museum showcases the history of Culpeper, spanning from the time of the dinosaurs to the arrival of colonists and the Civil War. There are also several historic structures around the district, such as the Burgandine House, first constructed in 1749, and one of the oldest buildings in town. While in Culpeper, though, you should not miss the chance to visit Lake Culpeper. A public boat ramp allows visitors to set out on the water, and anglers will appreciate the opportunity to fish for crappie and catfish. Lake Culpeper Adventures rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and paddleboats for those who want to explore the reservoir.
Farmville
Farmville's main street runs north to south through the entire town, making it somewhat less walkable but still inviting to see. One of the best clusters of shops and dining locations is where Main Street meets 3rd Street. Sassy Sisters, a particularly entertaining store to visit, offers a wide range of accessories, clothing, and home decorations for guests. Around the corner, you can find The Farmville Mill. While this is a wedding venue, it is also a unique spot to visit, as it was first built in 1838 and sits along the Appomattox River. Hikers along the High Bridge Trail can get a view of the Mill and the nearby river shore. Back on Main, art lovers can stop in at Longwood Center for the Visual Arts for a stroll through their collections. The exhibit covers topics such as family through the medium of painting and photography.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague is one of the more unique destinations in Virginia. Located on an island of the same name, its Main Street runs along the waters of the Chincoteague Channel and Black Narrows. The first, most obvious stop should be to Downtown Chincoteague Waterfront Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the water. Steps away at Don's Daughter, diners can enjoy oysters, shrimp, and fish while taking in the waterside views. If you want to see a piece of history while on the island, you can head to the opposite end of Main Street to find the Captain Timothy Hill House. The house is the oldest on the island, having been first built around 1800, and is a rare surviving example of long-plank log construction brought to the area by northern European immigrants.
Smithfield
Smithfield enjoys one of the most lovely Main Streets in Virginia. Starting next to the Pagan River, gusts can head down Main to the Isle of Wight County Museum. The museum depicts the county's history through interactive exhibits, like a replica of an old country store. Just next door at Wharf Hill Brewing Company, you can enjoy a classic meal of fish and chips over a drink. From there, it is just a short trip over Little Creek into Windsor Castle Park. The park sits along Cypress Creek, and guests can get great views of nearby Eagles from the Eagle Nest Observation Platform. Guests can also head out onto the fishing pier to cast a line or set out onto the water by kayak after spending time on the hiking trails.
The Best Main Streets In Virginia
Virginia is a diverse place with so much to see and do, and its many small towns reflect that diversity. Some of these towns showcase their history through museums and historic destinations that have stood for centuries, such as Culpeper's Burgundian House. Other towns are shopping and dining hotspots or offer quick access to must-see outdoor locations, like Windsor Castle Park. If you are in Virginia and want to see some of the best main streets in the state, then make one of these 12 towns your next stop.
