5 Small Towns to Visit in Virginia

It might be tempting to bury your head in your work, but taking a short vacation now and then is a great way to relax, refocus, and recharge. If you need inspiration for your next trip, here's a short list of some of the best cities in Virginia for day trips.

 

Abingdon

On the scenic drive to Abingdon, you'll pass some of Virginia's most beautiful scenery, including the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Once there, you'll discover the town's charm and many things to do. Ready to explore?

Abingdon is full of historic sites and outdoor activities, including the landmark Barter Theater (Virginia State Theatre), which opened in 1933 and is still in operation today. Many hiking trails lead to stunning natural areas, such as Grayson Heights State Park, where wild ponies roam free.

You can enjoy world-class dining, unique shopping, and year-round cultural events in town. When visiting this wonderful small town in Virginia, plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions are nearby.

Smithfield

If you are interested in history and colonial heritage, Smithfield is the ideal place to visit. Known for the production and storage of Smithfield hams, the town is also home to the Isle of Wight County Museum, which houses prehistoric fossils and Native American artifacts.

If the outdoors is your thing, head to Fort Boykin Historical Park, which overlooks the James River. Be sure to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities from the viewpoints.

After a few days of exploring the city, consider a day trip to nearby attractions, including Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg.

Staunton

It's not called the Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley for nothing. When you visit Staunton, it's like stepping back in time. The city is a National Historic District and has numerous attractions and museums for students and history buffs to explore. Places to visit include:

Belle Grove Plantation: This 18th-century house was built in 1797 by Major Isaac Hite. It had a formal garden and outbuildings, including slave quarters and corn troughs.

American Shakespeare Center: See world-class Shakespeare performances at this downtown Staunton theater that uses Elizabethan stage techniques for added authenticity. The Blackfriars Playhouse replicates William Shakespeare's chamber playhouse, the only one in the Western Hemisphere.

Mary Baldwin University: Walk the university's campus; founded as an all-girls school in 1842 and is the oldest Presbyterian institution of higher education for women. Mary Baldwin is named for her mother, Mary Julia Baldwin, the first female college president in the United States.

 

Lexington

Lexington is a scenic town nestled in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its natural beauty and Civil War history, "Southern Paradise" offers a variety of outdoor activities and adventures.

Washington and Lee University was founded here in 1749 as Augusta College and was later renamed the university in honor of George Washington, who donated $20,000 to the school. The Virginia Military Institute is another local institution with a long history.

Lexington is also home to the Lee Chapel and the Lee Museum, the basement, and the offices of Robert E. Lee since his tenure as then-President of Washington College.

The picturesque city center has many restaurants, cafes, and antique and vintage shops. While there, sign up for a Lexington Ghost Tour, where you can walk the streets of Lexington and hear ghost stories by candlelight.

Royal front

Located at the intersection of I-66 and U.S. Rt. 522, Front Royal is a small town in Warren County with just over 15,000 people. About 80 miles from Washington, D.C., on the north bank of the Shenandoah River. The city is divided into two parts: the Front Royal, near the river, and the Front Royal Elevation, on the hills.

Front Royal takes its name from an old French fort, "Le Front Royal" (meaning "Royal Front"), which was built by soldiers near what was then Le Clerc Milieu and named after a friend of George Washington; he used to own the land there. The fort was part of Lord Dunmore's War during the American Revolutionary War. However, it didn't last long and fell into disuse after British troops were driven out of Virginia in 1778.

During your stay, you can visit the Skyline Caverns, a group of geological caves, and marvel at their wonders. The shelter is open year-round and offers guided tours for the whole family. Skyline Caverns also hosts weddings, birthday parties, and other special events and has a gift shop.

The caves were discovered by accident in 1937 when the property owner was looking for limestone for his cement business. During World War II, the cave was used to store ammunition for a nearby naval base. In the 1960s, Skyline Caverns began hosting concerts with artists, including the Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, and Van Morrison.

Final Results

Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway, a family vacation, or a place to raise a family, small towns across the state are waiting to be explored. Enjoy your exploration!