This Quiet Virginia Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026

The decorations are packed away, and the holiday buzz has faded. Instead of letting the January slump get the best of you, give yourself something to look forward to by planning your next adventure! Virginia is full of famous spots, but Pearisburg is the place to be if you are after a quieter and more underrated experience this year. This small town, home to fewer than 3,000 residents, sits in the foothills of the Pearis Mountains, along the New River, and provides prime access to a beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail. Established in the early 19th century, it is also designated as a National Historic District, resulting in some incredible historic architecture. So get ready to leave the city behind this year and discover the hidden beauty of Pearisburg!

Hiking & Paddling Trails

Pearisburg’s location near the Appalachian Trail makes it a fantastic spot for hiking. One of the most popular local routes is Angel’s Rest, a scenic section of the trail situated just west of town. The hike to the summit of Pearis Mountain is a challenging route, with steep elevations that rise from 2,000 to 3,550 feet. Your effort is rewarded at the top with breathtaking panoramas of the New River Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or SUP boarding, you also might enjoy a day exploring the New River Water Trail. This trail extends for 37 miles throughout southwest Virginia in Giles County and has boat access just north of town at Hale’s Landing, allowing you to get out on the water conveniently.

A Living Time Capsule

After exploring the surrounding rivers and trails, save some time to immerse yourself in the town’s history at the Pearisburg Historic District. This village dates back to the early 19th century, with architecture that beautifully preserves over two hundred years of the town's story. The district alone features 19 notable buildings, including the prominent Giles County Courthouse, which dates all the way back to 1836. Other buildings to check out include the old Western Hotel, built around 1829, and the Christ Episcopal Church, which was originally constructed in 1910, later rebuilt in the 1920s following a fire. While most buildings in the historic district are 19th and early 20th-century structures, one exception is the 1940 Pearis Theater, which has an Art Deco facade. You certainly won’t get bored strolling through town!

Dining & Lodging

Make sure to come to Pearisburg hungry, because there are some great restaurants around town. For breakfast, you can grab a quick bite and coffee from Sugar + Flour, a local bakery that serves avocado toast, croissant sandwiches, oatmeal, house coffee, cold brew, and more. If you’ve been craving some southern cooking, you’ll love visiting the Happy Hog for lunch or dinner, which serves classics like country-fried steak, barbecue, catfish, chicken sandwiches, and smashburgers.

If you’re thinking about extending your stay in Pearisburg, the Lilly Valley Inn is an excellent choice. This European-inspired boutique inn is surrounded by rolling hills and provides beautiful views of the New River from every suite. You can also enjoy an elegant breakfast prepared by French-trained Chef Lilly each morning. For those looking to sharpen their talents, the inn even offers periodic cooking classes.

Shops & Markets

To round out your Pearisburg experience, consider picking up a local souvenir. Luckily, there are several boutiques and shops downtown to browse. The Pearis Mercantile is one of the most beloved shops in town, selling everything from jewelry and gifts to home decor and seasonal items. If you’re looking for a new outfit, you can also swing by Simply Charming Boutique, which sells an array of dresses, tops, bottoms, and shoes. Travelers who plan their visit between May and October may also be able to visit the Pearisburg Community Market. This seasonal market runs every Saturday and on the third Thursday of each month, featuring local produce, artisan goods, delicious food, and live music.

Continuing Your Adventure

If you just aren’t ready for your trip to come to an end, why let it? You can discover some wonderful towns near Pearisburg if you are looking to extend your journey a bit longer. Pembroke is less than a 10-minute drive east of Pearisburg and is notably home to the Cascades National Recreation Trail, a four-mile round-trip trail that leads to a stunning 66-foot waterfall in Jefferson National Forest. Golfers will love Pembroke as well, home to Castle Rock Golf & Recreation, which overlooks the New River with an 18-hole course.

If you continue heading east, you’ll reach Blacksburg, which lies about 20 minutes from Pembroke and 30 from Pearisburg. Home to Virginia Tech, this university town is quite lively, boasting attractions like the Hahn Horticulture Garden, a six-acre display garden on the university campus, and the Lyric Theater, which hosts plays, concerts, and movies to the public.

Shake Up Your Travels This Year

If you are hoping to shake up your routine this year, an adventure off the beaten path might be in the cards. Pearisburg is the perfect destination for such a trip, flying far under the radar compared to other mountain towns in the state. Not only can you enjoy a day of hiking and paddling, but you can also just as easily stay in town, savoring a morning coffee and shopping to your heart’s content at a local boutique or mercantile. You might even discover a gem of your own during your travels!