Virginia's 6 Most Laid-Back Towns For 2025
Brushed by the Appalachians, Virginia is a veritable state with Southern grace, historic charm, and a touch of importance in the air next to Washington, DC, the nation's capital's high-end delights. Change pace and scenery, slow down and unwind in this beautiful fall weather through the small, laid-back towns, with a mild winter and soulful culture.
All home to under 20,000, these six add a curated experience to the tantalizing outdoors, where the intense natural splendor only enhances the peaceful appeal within. There's no pretense along the peaceful streets to escape that in your daily routine from the city and decompress through scenic natural beauty leading up to this holiday season.
Abingdon
Home of the Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon is a tempting idyll in the state's southeast corner, where you can catch the trail by the tail from Watauga Trail Head, chase waterfalls, and enjoy impressive gastronomy in the historic downtown. Tucked away just off Route 80, the over 30-foot Falls of Logan Creek is easy to miss along a gravel creekside through the woods. Follow the rushing sounds for 1/4 of a mile right atop the cascade, braced in nature and steps downstream from the main falls.
Whether you dive deeper into the nearby nature preserve or save your strength for the Creeper Trail, popular for dog walks, hiking, and biking, it is okay to exert yourself and come hungry seeking hospitality at the Tavern. Abingdon’s oldest building serves European-inspired entrees with a Southern touch downtown. Soak in the historic charm on a stroll through local shops and the stately William King Museum of Art, offering free entry and impressive displays throughout, plus a library.
Big Stone Gap
First called Mineral City and incorporated as Big Stone Gap in 1882, this former copper mining town was named after a large water gap in the valley that separates it from Appalachia to the north. This geographic vantage lends unique sightseeing opportunities. The lush green mountains brace your stroll through history and attractions lining the Powell River with nature pockets along the lush banks and charming spots to unwind, like 404 Cafe and Creamery for breakfast, coffee, and ice cream.
Just west, the Powell Valley Lookout is a scenic highway pullout on a bridge with sweeping mountain vistas. See the collection of artifacts from the area at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, plus a fantastic gift shop. South of town, Devil's Bathtub is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder in the South that will take your breath away with a popular waterfall and its clean natural pool. Take a moderate loop trail for a dip in the cold, blue-green waters, and dry off along rounded boulders.
Floyd
Home to less than 500, what Floyd lacks in demographics, it compensates for in personality, uniting hippie culture and Appalachian music in authentic mountain views, with old mills and stone churches nodding at simpler times. The artsy town with friendly hospitality is celebrated for natural and culinary adventures. In addition to the Little River for fishing, kayaking, and cute B&Bs lining the banks, you can browse galleries, the Floyd Center for the Arts, and the Book House.
This little haven of natural beauty in southwestern Virginia drums to its own beat and eye-popping sunsets atop the Blue Ridge Plateau. Floyd is ripe for outdoor discoveries along the proximate 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, like the Rock Castle Gorge Overlook within the Rocky Knob Recreation Area. As a key stop on the Crooked Road, the historic country store on Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail hosts Friday Night Jamboree, spilling musicians onto the streets.
Mathews
Mathews County claims more shoreline than any other on Chesapeake, with public launches and beaches for sunsets, fishing, and historic sites, like New Point Comfort Lighthouse. The bay's third-oldest lighthouse, the tenth-oldest in the US, is viewable from the pier at the New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve, with wildlife along the natural Mobjack Bay. Commissioned by Jefferson in 1804, you can sail past its 55-foot octagonal sandstone silhouette, up the river, and dock at the town's wharf.
The county seat on the East River, which flows into Mobjack Bay, offers easy highway access and welcomes boaters at Williams Wharf Landing. Treading the long Main along the East River, you'll discover a secret foodie hotspot, with BBQs and patios. In addition to the area's longest-running weekly farmers market on Saturdays from April to October, with artisans and farmers on the historic courthouse green, the annual Mathews Christmas Parade is themed “Jingle on the Bay!” in 2025.
Middleburg
Not even cracking a four-digit population, Middleburg is a real hustler for history, culture, and architecture in Virginia. Even the atmosphere feels photogenic along Washington Street's stone buildings, brick sidewalks, and an array of businesses you can't help but peek in. The stately 4-story fieldstone Red Fox Inn & Tavern dates back to 1728 at the heart of town, with uniquely appointed rooms and suites across cottages and buildings, modern amenities, and a European-style courtyard.
Every turn downtown and beyond reveals an opportunity for pictures. Just north of downtown, Salamander Middleburg sprawls in all its glory as a luxe country resort on 340 acres, under one mile from the National Sporting Library and Museum, with an art collection. Surrounded by estate wineries and vineyards, Greenhill Vineyard is a dog-friendly property with a tasting room and bar around the corner from a vast open field park, where you can stretch your legs and let your pup run free.
Wytheville
Wytheville blends nostalgic appeal downtown at the intersection of I-81 and 77 with quirky attractions and nearby thrills to suit every traveler, with budget lodgings, a boutique luxury hotel, and an award-winning historic B&B. The town's trademark Bolling Wilson Hotel welcomes pets at no extra charge across the street from a museum honoring one of the First Ladies of the US (1915 to 1921). The 1823 federal-style Haller-Gibboney Rock House sports holiday decor, with displays and period interiors.
Check out the Wytheville Balloon Water Tower, like a rainbow-striped hot air balloon, then escape the buzz downtown. Wytheville's Oldest Church is tucked to the side on Nye Rd., a tiny, beautiful, and peaceful place to pause for a photo and reflect. Just north, Big Walker Lookout offers access across a swinging bridge and up the 100-foot steel viewing tower for mountain panoramas in five states. Adrenaline junkies enjoy a renowned motorcycle trail, weaving into curvy mountain backroad terrain.
Virginia is made for visitors, packing a punch as "the Mother of States." Each with a distinct atmosphere, the small towns layer a laid-back appeal with showstopping attractions and mountain views to discover the Old Dominion state on your terms.
From Floyd's Crooked Road attractions to the Devil's Bathtub near Big Stone Gap and Mathews' holiday parade, you'll rewind, unwind, and recharge, ultimately discovering the diversity of the state between the peaks, Shenandoah, and the bay, and history as deep as the founding of the nation.
