10 Finest Small Cities in Virginia

Middleburg

Middleburg is a powerhouse vacation spot in Virginia, albeit a small one. Referred to as the “horse and hunt capital of the nation,” the city is full of historical past, tradition, and structure you merely can’t stroll or drive previous with out snapping an image. The principle 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 a number of 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 quick drive away.

Lexington

Lexington may 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 troublesome to explain this a part of Virginia as something aside from a picturesque small city. Dwelling to Washington and Lee College and Virginia Army Institute (VMI) plus a roster of native companies you may navigate to through vintage brick sidewalks—I really like Lex Operating Store, Purveyors on Fundamental, and Lexington Mercantile—Lexington is filled with vitality, attraction, and distinctive experiences. Lime Kiln Theater combines all three of these traits, providing an annual summer season lineup of reside performances from its legendary out of doors venue (an outdated limestone quarry and kiln).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 Finest Awards and a favourite resort amongst golfers, hikers, and vacationers looking for a luxe out of doors expertise. Meadows of Dan additionally lays declare to some of the photographed spots on the parkway (the historic Mabry Mill), an old style sweet manufacturing facility, and several 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 advanced since I final referred to as it dwelling. Once 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 ready to open later this 12 months). What hasn’t modified, although, is Bedford’s unbelievable proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, its admiration of historical past, or its walkability.

Earlier than heading as much as hike one among 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 Struggle 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. It’s possible you’ll initially be drawn to this a part of the state for water views and recent seafood, however Cape Charles will rapidly display 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 purchasing in at Peach Avenue Books, Gull Hummock Connoisseur Market, and Moonrise Jewellery. In fact, 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 can simply spend every week—if not longer—and by no means develop bored. In the event you like to get out on the water and fish, you gained’t discover a higher place to spend your time. In the event you choose to learn on the seashore, take lengthy sandy walks, or go shelling, it’s your dream trip vacation spot. You can even time your go to for late July, when the annual Pony Penning happens; 2025 marks 12 months 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 consists of 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 referred to as The Crooked Street. Individuals come from far and extensive to hearken to bluegrass music on the weekly Friday Night time Jamboree at Floyd Nation Retailer or attend FloydFest, a multiday music pageant 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 among the greatest native farms and farm shops.

Abingdon

You don’t have to journey to Virginia’s greatest cities to expertise a various culinary scene; some of the 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, replenish with tonkatsu ramen at Foresta, or get your caffeine repair at The Lady & The Raven.

Wytheville

In the event you’re highway 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 Large Walker Lookout), however Wytheville additionally has a 100-year-old diner with well-known sizzling canines, Skeeter’s World Well-known Sizzling Canine, and some of the well-known bike trails on this a part of Virginia, The Claw of the Dragon.

Woodstock

A few of Virginia’s greatest 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 a protracted weekend. Poke round Spring Hole Antiques, sip wine at Muse Vineyards or beer at Woodstock Brewhouse, have a chew 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.