The outdoor enthusiasts will love the place. It is a beautiful town with several well-known walking trails in the surroundings: Appalachian, Virginia Creeper (pictured), and Iron Mountain Trails make it a well deserving "Trail Town USA." When hunger calls, the variety to eat ranges from cheap and cheerful Damascus Old Mill Inn to a brew or two with live music at the Damascus Brewery.
Bedford, Bedford County
Although easy to skip on your drive between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont plateau, this town overflows with classic Americana charm. While in town, stop by the National D-Day Memorial, and pay tribute to the brave men who were casualties of this monumental WWII battle and the Bedford Boys Tribute Center where you will see items from the brave few men and their families. Bedford's pleasant Main Street serves as the ideal spot to take a shopping spree or have a relaxed afternoon ramble.
Farmville, Prince Edward and Cumberland Counties
This college town in central Virginia has a good blend of old-school Virginia sites and outdoor recreation – Farmville is the kind of charming, historic spot that can still provide outdoor adventure. Located on the border of Prince Edward and Cumberland counties, this Central Virginia town of Farmville is home to the dramatic, 125ft-high High Bridge over the Appomattox River where locals take in views and cycle and hike. There’s also a museum worth checking out, detailing the story of 1951’s Moton school strike, one of the early civil rights events involving a non-violent protest.
Smithfield, Isle of Wight County
Providing beautiful waterfronts overlooking the River James, Smithfield is a lovely place to spend time and is certainly unique. It is the world's only ham producing town because of the local firm Smithfield pork products, and as a result, you will find numerous meaty specialities sold in shops and eating establishments throughout Smithfield. You absolutely have to visit St Luke's Historic Church & Museum (shown in the picture), a stunning landmark from the 17th century with much to tell you about the history of the town throughout the past 400 years.
Onancock, Accomack County
As you'd expect, in this relaxed harborside town that's the perfect gateway to Chesapeake Bay, fishing, sailing, and kayaking attract many visitors, but they are not all that Onancock has to offer by any means. For starters, artists thrive in a marvelous art scene filled with tiny, niche galleries and shops selling local, handcrafted articles. And you should not miss the marvelous, small cinema—the Roseland Theater—which almost always screens interesting international arthouse films.
South Boston, Halifax County
If you want a laid-back haven to use as your base for discovering southern Virginia, the cozy and close-knit community of South Boston is sure to impress. The sports enthusiast will appreciate South Boston Speedway, a short and fast track which features regular NASCAR events. Main Street is dotted with an appealing selection of independent shops and eateries, from local pizza joint to various southern-style restaurants.
Norton, Wise County
It may be the Commonwealth of Virginia’s smallest incorporated city, but Norton may compensate for it in quantity with a blend of satisfying attractions. You’ll discover beautiful, natural attractions like Flag Rock Recreation Area or the Upper Norton Reservoir; enjoy quality family fun and games at the bowling alley or movie theatre; and grab tasty treats at restaurants catering to your taste for Mexican, pizza or American classics.
Coeburn, Wise County
Nestling into the Appalachian Mountains of SW Virginia, Coeburn offers residents good access to the great outdoors. Just down the road, the scenic Little Stony National Recreation Trail passes Little Stony Falls, the lovely high knob rec area with one of the highest elevation campgrounds around. A racetrack even hosts cool and unique auto races on weekends if that is something that floats your boat.
Cape Charles, Northampton County
The perfect place to come if you're longing for a dreamy beach town that's truly unhurried and laid-back. The Cape Charles is the eastern shore Virginia town home to a wooden fishing pier, a Late Victorian era historic district, and a natural sandy beach. With no huge resorts and calm clear waters, many come to enjoy water sports, hike, and go sailing in their travels. Many can indulge in shopping for crafts in the boutiques downtown, not to mention exploring several of the preserved houses.
Warrenton, Fauquier County
One of the prettiest buildings in Warrenton is this court house from the 19th century, which architects built on the site of a first building from 1795. Warrenton's Old Town has many interesting historic buildings, such as the building of Old Jail and a Presbyterian church that served as a hospital in the American Civil War. The town also attracts a traditional farmers' market, and it has some interesting bars that make it ideal for an escape into the country.
FAQ's
1. What are the best small towns to visit in Virginia for a getaway?
Popular choices span different regions, including mountain-backed Abingdon and Floyd, historic Lexington and Staunton, coastal escapes like Cape Charles and Onancock, and horse-country favorites like Middleburg.
2. When is the best time of year to visit these quaint towns?
Spring and autumn are widely considered the ideal seasons, particularly for places in the Shenandoah Valley or wine country like Leesburg, offering comfortable walking weather and vibrant foliage.
3. Which towns are best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers?
Damascus is known as "Trail Town USA" for sitting at the intersection of several major paths including the Appalachian Trail, while Farmville offers great access to the multi-mile High Bridge Trail State Park.
4. Are these Virginia small towns easily accessible for a weekend trip from major cities?
Most are within a two-to-three-hour drive from major hubs like Washington D.C., Richmond, or Roanoke, making them convenient choices for quick weekend itineraries or multi-stop road trips.
5. Do these destinations require a car to get around?
While downtown districts like Old Town Alexandria, Staunton, or Onancock are remarkably walkable and pedestrian-friendly, having a car is generally recommended to fully explore surrounding rural attractions, vineyards, and scenic byways.
