11 Overlooked Towns In Virginia Worth Visiting
When planning your vacation, consider some often-overlooked towns in Virginia with hidden, undiscovered treasures. Take a sip from the country's first craft whiskey distillery, or stand on a Civil War battlefield in historic Culpeper. Virginia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and countless rivers and lakes. Hike Draper Mountain in Pulaski, shop for hand-crafted pottery and leatherwork in Rocky Mount, or explore caverns in Front Royal. These small towns offer art, culture, and relaxing escapes far from the noise and stress of big-city crowds.
Culpeper
Culpeper has plenty to offer even the most seasoned of travellers. For starters, Belmont Farm Distillery is America's first craft whiskey distillery and offers fresh copper pot-still whiskey for your tasting pleasure. If you're up for it, sample their original, signature product, Virginia Lightning, a 100-proof corn whiskey that packs a punch like the moonshine of yesteryear. For something a bit more refined, you can't go wrong at It's About Thyme, a restaurant where you can enjoy all the European-inspired foods you love.
Those in search of some outdoor recreation can wander over to Lake Culpeper Adventures. Here you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and have some fun on the 225-acre lake, where you can swim, paddle, and even fish to your heart's content. Take time to visit Culpeper Battlefields State Park and enjoy a self-guided tour. Learn about the Civil War battles fought in and around Culpeper as you stand on historic ground. If travelling with kids, however, you must stop at Spring Haven Farm to play with goats, pigs, and alpacas.
Pulaski
Pulaski is a town where you can go hiking along the trails of Draper Mountain, enjoy the fresh air, take a picnic with you, and delight in the stunning scenery in front of you. Go to the Pulaski Theatre and be entertained in this lovingly restored, historic little theatre, which was originally opened in 1911. When it's time to refuel, try the fresh, authentic Mexican fare at Purple Cactus Tacqueria, or have a casual bite at Tha Dawg House, where they specialize in tasty burgers, fries, corndogs, and other classic American comfort foods. Broussard's General Store is truly amazing. It has breakfast, lunch, coffee, homemade candy, and ice cream, along with handcrafted items from local artisans, and even live music if you're lucky.
Rocky Mount
When you come to Rocky Mount, your first stop should be the busy Farmers Market. Fresh produce from local farms, homemade preserves, jams, and jellies, and mouthwatering baked goods are all on display Tuesdays and Saturdays year-round, and local products from artisans who have honed their craft to perfection guarantee you will take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. You can also hear live music or be entertained at the Harvester Performance Centre nearby.
No matter what day of the week it is, you can shop at Basket Creations & More, where you will find all the beautiful things this area is known for, such as pottery, glass, leather, and much more. If you like to shop for clothes, the Southern Sparkle Boutique offers a pleasing selection for women at affordable prices. When you're ready to call it a night, the Early Inn at the Grove is in an old historic building with all the comforts of home.
South Boston
One of the biggest draws and most exciting attractions in this small town is the South Boston Speedway. It has been around since 1957 and hosts about 12 events annually, including NASCAR races, promising high-octane fun for the whole family. For something a bit more serene, you could hike along the Tobacco Heritage Trail, where you will immerse yourself in the old trails on an abandoned railroad property with stone markers remaining as a reminder of the region's complex history and a once-thriving cotton and tobacco industry. Meanwhile, for a mouthwatering breakfast or lunch, check out Southern Plenty's fantastic, creative menu.
Vienna
There is a lot of history in Vienna, and by visiting the Freeman Store and Museum, you can explore a building that was built in 1859. It has been a family home, a store, a post office, and an eatery, and is now a museum. For those who love nature, the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will give you 95 acres of lush flora to admire. There are always seasonal displays, so any time of the year you come will be enjoyable. The ornamental sections, like the Korean Bell Garden, will make you appreciate the artistry of the landscape designers who created this beautiful space. For a taste of the town's European roots, Maple Avenue Restaurant will surprise you with its delicious brunch and dinner menu.
West Point
This town is at the point where two rivers meet, so leisure time paddling down the waterways is very popular. There are many points of entry, such as the West Point Boat Ramp, to access the Mattaponi River. A visit to Mattapony Reserve, a Native American restaurant on one of the oldest recognized reservations in the United States, offers the chance to taste all-natural, award-winning wines and savoury dishes made from grass-fed bison with a view of the river. Maybe you want a lovely gift to take home. If so, go to the shop at Divin' Off The Dock, where you will find a wide range of jewelry, clothing, and home decor. If extreme adventure is your idea of fun, No Limits Skydiving offers tandem skydiving every day for thrill-seekers.
Front Royal
As the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, you will be able to really appreciate the Blue Ridge Mountains when you get out and explore Front Royal. Whether you choose to hike, go horseback riding, or paddle the river, nature is at your literal doorstep. For something truly off the beaten path, take a tour of the Skyline Caverns, and you will be amazed at this colorful underground phenomenon. If you like looking for wildlife, then Skyline Drive at marker zero of the only public road that goes through Shenandoah National Park will give you an opportunity to look for deer, bears, and even wild turkeys.
After all your outdoor activity, you will most likely have worked up an appetite. Grab lunch at Talk of the Mountain for crab cakes and other seafood delights, or end a satisfying day of exploring this wonderful town with a great meal at Houlihan's, located in the DoubleTree by Hilton, which serves classic food in a comfortable setting.
Christiansburg
Downtown Christiansburg is a great place to relax and walk around, just soaking up the atmosphere, but there are also plenty of shops to explore, including those at Uptown Christiansburg, an inviting mall where you can grab a snack and browse for gifts and souvenirs. Do you love antiques and are always on the lookout for something collectible to add to your home? Then you must stop at Antiques on Main, located in a three-story heritage building on the main street. There are numerous antique dealers here with toys, kitchen items, lamps, and other treasures at reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, the Montgomery Museum of Art & History is a place where you can take the family for a fun and educational experience. Learn about traditional Appalachian instruments and browse regional art. Kids will enjoy the varied collections, and there are always events here, like the plein air art and market event or workshops with well-known artists.
Bridgewater
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Bridgewater is a college town with a lively arts and culture scene. The Sipe Centre presents a range of live shows, so you can plan ahead and get tickets to concerts and plays, and they also screen weekly movies. For those who love nature, Wildwood Park offers relaxed, tranquil trails for a quiet retreat or birdwatching, as well as several picnic spots along the North River.
If you are a wine lover, you can visit Bluestone Vineyard, where you can sample blends and varietals made from locally grown Virginia grapes. They have at-the-bar tastings, and you can pair tasty snacks with your wine. After all your wandering around town, when you are ready to stop for a bite to eat, El Charro offers a delicious variety of authentic Mexican dishes.
Wytheville
This scenic town is the gateway to a well-known motorcycle route called The Claw of the Dragon. It is 350 miles of loops through the Blue Ridge Highlands and is famous with motorcycle enthusiasts for its skill-testing roads among the beautiful mountains of Virginia. If you are a hiker or mountain biker, you will like the trails of the Crystal Springs Recreation Area. You can relax, walk, or ride the well-marked trails, and admire the beauty of nature at your leisure.
While you explore the downtown area, you will find small community stores with artisan crafts and special pieces not found anywhere else, like those at The Eclectic Pearl Mercantile. For some mouth-watering, authentic Southern barbecue, stop and eat at Graze On Main in the Bolling Wilson Hotel. Taste the shrimp and grits or the coffee-rubbed ribeye steak, and sample the side dishes, and you will know you are experiencing real southern home cooking, made with love.
Blacksburg
Blacksburg is a historic town, founded in 1798 and set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can explore parts of the famous Appalachian Trail and, for a glimpse into the region's tumultuous history, you can tour the Smithfield Plantation. This colonial home shows an accurate portrayal of life in the 18th century for both landowners and enslaved people.
In the downtown area, The Artful Lawyer is a gallery that showcases local art located inside a regional law firm, with a retail store next door. To explore the region from a different perspective, you can sign up to go horseback riding at Winterfrost Farm. Their ride-a-rescue trail riding tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels.
When you travel to these often overlooked towns, you will begin to appreciate their individual charms and even quirks. Where else would you sip on Virginia Lightning but in Culpeper? And for thrill seekers, there is sky diving in West Point or trail riding in Blacksburg. These towns each have a flavor all their own. Visiting the caverns in Front Royal or just strolling along the streets of Christiansburg, you will realize that Virginia's hidden gems are full of treasures waiting to be found.
