10 Greatest Small Cities in Virginia

Middleburg

Middleburg is a powerhouse vacation spot in Virginia, albeit a small one. Often called the “horse and hunt capital of the nation,” the city is crammed with historical past, tradition, and structure you merely can’t stroll or drive previous with out snapping an image. The primary thoroughfare, Washington Avenue, is lined with stone buildings, brick sidewalks, and companies that look as if they might star in a Hallmark film. There are additionally fairly just a few first-rate lodging in Middleburg, making it an extra-charming weekend retreat. The stately Purple Fox Inn & Tavern, which has roots courting again to 1728, sits prominently in the midst of city, and each Salamander Middleburg and Goodstone Inn & Restaurant are only a brief drive away.

Lexington

Lexington would possibly technically be categorized as a metropolis, however as quickly as you enter the historic downtown, an space listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, it’s tough to explain this a part of Virginia as something apart from a picturesque small city. Dwelling to Washington and Lee College and Virginia Navy Institute (VMI) plus a roster of native companies you possibly can navigate to by way of vintage brick sidewalks—I like Lex Working Store, Purveyors on Principal, and Lexington Mercantile—Lexington is filled with vitality, allure, and distinctive experiences. Lime Kiln Theater combines all three of these traits, providing an annual summer season lineup of stay performances from its legendary out of doors venue (an outdated limestone quarry and kiln).

Meadows of Dan

Meadows of Dan is greater than only a cease on the Blue Ridge Parkway; it’s a small city that deserves a hearty dose of recognition. For starters, that is the place you’ll discover Primland, a repeat winner in Journey + Leisure‘s World’s Greatest Awards and a favourite resort amongst golfers, hikers, and vacationers trying to find a luxe out of doors expertise. Meadows of Dan additionally lays declare to probably the most photographed spots on the parkway (the historic Mabry Mill), an old school sweet manufacturing unit, and a number of other endearing locations to seize one thing to eat—together with Primitive Espresso Market, Jane’s Nation Cafe, and Poor Farmers Market.

Bedford

The city of Bedford has considerably developed since I final referred to as it house. After I was youthful, I couldn’t have imagined there could be an artwork gallery with an expertly curated collection of native work (Goose Creek Studio), an all-day cafe with a flavorful menu of sandwiches and different lunch staples (City Kitchen & Provisions), or a boutique resort (Lodge Fauna is about to open later this yr). What hasn’t modified, although, is Bedford’s unimaginable proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, its admiration of historical past, or its walkability.

Earlier than heading as much as hike considered one of three peaks that make up the Peaks of Otter—Flat High, Sharp High, and Harkening Hill—pop into Mountain Fruit & Produce for apple fried pies and native jam. Spend a day studying World Warfare II historical past on the Nationwide D-Day Memorial, then enterprise again to city to get your steps in round “The Loop,” a three-mile pedestrian sidewalk that gives walkers with a pleasant stretch of scenic views.

Cape Charles

There are two small cities on the Jap Shore that I like to recommend—the primary is Cape Charles. Chances are you’ll initially be drawn to this a part of the state for water views and recent seafood, however Cape Charles will shortly exhibit its attraction is multifaceted. Spend a day at Cape Charles Seaside, discover freshwater wetlands and a maritime dune woodland at Cape Charles Pure Space Protect, and get some procuring in at Peach Avenue Books, Gull Hummock Connoisseur Market, and Moonrise Jewellery. After all, it wouldn’t be a real Jap Shore journey with out oysters, so strive to not go away with out having dinner at The Shanty.

Chincoteague

One other Jap Shore favourite, Chincoteague is the kind of small city the place you possibly can simply spend every week—if not longer—and by no means develop bored. If you happen to like to get out on the water and fish, you received’t discover a higher place to spend your time. If you happen to favor to learn on the seashore, take lengthy sandy walks, or go shelling, it’s your dream trip vacation spot. You may as well time your go to for late July, when the annual Pony Penning happens; 2025 marks yr 100 for the custom. The occasion brings locals and vacationers to the realm as Virginia’s herd of untamed ponies is moved from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. It contains the well-known Pony Swim, the place the animals swim the six-minute journey throughout the Assateague Channel.

Floyd

Creativity performs a defining function within the tradition of many small cities in Virginia, and nowhere is that this extra obvious than in Floyd. The mountain city is positioned atop the Blue Ridge Plateau, and it’s one of many greatest stops alongside Virginia’s heritage music path, also called The Crooked Highway. Folks come from far and vast to take heed to bluegrass music on the weekly Friday Night time Jamboree at Floyd Nation Retailer or attend FloydFest, a multiday music competition in July. Different causes to plan a go to to Floyd embody Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, which claims to have Virginia’s highest and longest zip line, and loads of native bites—observe the Floyd Farm Path to find a few of the finest native farms and farm shops.

Abingdon

You don’t have to journey to Virginia’s greatest cities to expertise a various culinary scene; probably the most spectacular eating locations is a small city tucked within the southwest nook of the state. You’ll wish to come hungry to Abingdon, the place the meals choices lengthen past a few native favorites. Inside The Tavern, housed in Abingdon’s oldest constructing, the group serves up European-inspired entrees, all whipped up with a Southern contact. Dine on cheeseburger egg rolls or fried oyster tacos at Jack’s 128 Pecan, refill with tonkatsu ramen at Foresta, or get your caffeine repair at The Lady & The Raven.

Wytheville

If you happen to’re street tripping alongside I-81, schedule in a while to cease in Wytheville, a small city with a number of claims to fame. Not solely does it have one of many smallest church buildings within the U.S., a water tower painted to resemble a rainbow-striped sizzling air balloon, and a 100-foot-tall lookout tower with panoramic views (discovered at Massive Walker Lookout), however Wytheville additionally has a 100-year-old diner with well-known sizzling canine, Skeeter’s World Well-known Scorching Canines, and probably the most well-known motorbike trails on this a part of Virginia, The Claw of the Dragon.

Woodstock

A few of Virginia’s finest vintage shops, breweries, vineyards, eating places, farmers markets, and scenic views are hidden away in small cities throughout the state. Living proof: Woodstock, Virginia. This historic city within the Shenandoah Valley is good for an extended weekend. Poke round Spring Hole Antiques, sip wine at Muse Vineyards or beer at Woodstock Brewhouse, have a chunk to eat at Woodstock Backyard Cafe, and peruse the native produce at South Avenue Barn Market (open year-round on Saturdays). Extra adventurous vacationers also needs to make a degree to discover close by Seven Bends State Park or hike as much as the Woodstock Tower.