The tourism slogan, "Virginia Is For Lovers," was created in 1969, and its meaning still rings true. As with its cities, the Commonwealth has many towns whose attractions will make you develop a fondness for them. Here are 14 small beautiful towns in Virginia whose beauty includes their pleasing scenery and charming offerings that will keep visitors engaged.

UPDATE: 2023/02/05 20:40 EST BY JOANE ACAR

More of the best small towns in Virginia

There are so many wonderful places to visit in Virginia. Some of the best towns in Virginia range from coastal towns to ones set in the mountains. The article was extended to include 4 of Virginia's gorgeous towns that cover diverse areas of the state.

14 Chincoteague

Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is a famous town in VA and one of the unique places for the best weekend getaways in Virginia. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. This area used to be recognized for its oyster industry, and visitors find leftovers of that today. The Assateague Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Virginia, also makes this town special. There are relaxing cafés and restaurants offering a comfortable afternoon.

Related: 10 Animals You'll See At The Virginia Safari Park

13 Onancock

The small town of Onancock is a wonderful place to visit on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Named the ‘Gem of the Eastern Shore’ by John Smith, it is known as a paradise for budget travelers. Visitors also take boat cruises and view the town’s historic buildings and churches. The Roseland Theater is also another attraction worth visiting in Onancock, offering a live show. Water sports enthusiasts embark on some fantastic kayaking adventures to Tobacco Island.

12 Farmville

Home to famous universities, Farmville is located in Prince Edward and Cumberland Counties, only miles away from the city of Richmond. The chilled-out town is also famous for historical sites like Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park and museums. It’s excellent for a family vacation where people can go kayaking in the lakes and rivers, camping, zip-lining, hiking, fishing, and picnicking in beautiful parks after digging the town.

11 Woodstock

Not to be mistaken with Woodstock, New York, where the well-known festival took place, Woodstock, Virginia is a precious small town in Virginia set in Shenandoah County. While it is not as popular as other towns in the area, it is located by the stunning Shenandoah National Park and on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Travelers visit one of the town’s main interests, such as the Woodstock Museum of Shenandoah County, where they witness exhibits dating back to the 18th century.

10 Charlottesville

Charlottesville
Charlottesville/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
People walking around in Charlottesville.

Based in Central Virginia, within the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a center for dining, public art, and nature spots.

The Ix Project is the location of the IX Art Park Foundation, a nonprofit that hosts arts-related programming. At their location, The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience brings visitors through an interactive and colorful enchanted forest with a kaleidoscopic cave. Other events here include a Farmers Market on Saturday and Free Art Making sessions at their Outside Art Room.

The Wool Factory is within a former textile manufacturing complex turned mixed-use building and is a trifecta of food and beverage offerings. Buy some pastries or products such as wine from The Workshop, a cafe, and shop, or dine within Broadcloth, an elegant restaurant with an ever-changing menu, or at Selvedge Brewing, a small-batch Virginia craft brewery. The Dairy Market is a food hall within a former dairy plant with a culinary mix of vendors and restaurants. Charlottesville’s Main Street is a walk-around spot with shops and eateries, including The Nook, a diner.

Among other properties, the Quirk Hotel in Charlottesville is a hip boutique property with not only a lounge, rooftop, and restaurant but also a gallery. The Oakhurst Inn is near the University of Virginia, with a cafe and bar setting that’s as cozy as its guestrooms.

Charlottesville is about a 10-minute drive to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, his historic estate. Also, right outside of Charlottesville, there are wineries such as King Family Vineyards in Crozet; the property also is the location of polo matches.

9 Alexandria

Alexandria
Alexandria/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
People walking around Alexandria

Located under half an hour from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is within Northern Virginia along the Potomac River waterfront. It has its share of U.S. history, along with many modern things to do.

People spend a weekend in Alexandria's Old Town, aligned with cobblestone streets and Colonial-era buildings, but this downtown spot is happening. This district has specialty shops along King Street mile, including fiber space, a store selling yarn and other products relating to knitting and crocheting, and Old Town Books, an independent bookstore. The Old Town Farmers Market, the oldest market in the United States that’s continuously held at the same location, happens on Saturdays.

Another cool neighborhood is Del Ray, which also has a farmers market and a strong dining scene. Near Del Ray, Alexandria’s Arlandria neighborhood represents the many Salvadorians who have come to live here; the neighborhood can also be known as Chirilagua. It’s also known for The Birchmere, a famous music hall whose acts have included The Bacon Brothers and Ray Charles.

Check out Alexandra’s Waterfront, which can be seen not only on foot but on the Potomac River. Take a water taxi or cruise by City Cruises run by Hornblower that can include stops at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and in Washington, D.C. Along with temporary art installations, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a former naval munitions plant now gallery space with regular exhibits.

8 Cape Charles

Cape Charles
Cape Charles/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
An overhead view of Cape Charles

Along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles is situated on a peninsula that, in part, faces the Chesapeake Bay. This Victorian-era coastal destination is best known for its outdoor surroundings, in particular, with the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge North of the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel; this refuge welcomes migrating songbirds, raptors, and monarch butterflies passing through amid its diverse topography of marshlands, maritime forests and fresh and saltwater ponds. Another perk is that Cape Charles Town Beach doesn’t require an entrance or parking fee.

Take a selfie in front of the Love Sign, a fixture made of pieces such as an old tire, a kayak, and crabbing pots.

Oysters are a Virginia food find, and in Cape Charles, try them at The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery at Kings Creek, a waterfront establishment preparing fresh catches. And dining can be best any time during your visit, from starting off with breakfast at Cape Charles Coffee House to a special dinner at Ambrogia Caffè & Enoteca. Or go even further with a trip out to the island of Chincoteague or the harbor town of Onancock.

7 Abingdon

Abingdon
Abingdon/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Scene from Abingdon

In Southwest Virginia, amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon has a cool downtown and many options for experiencing nature. This one-time wilderness town is linked to First Lady Martha Washington, the wife of George Washington, through being named after her family’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire. In Abingdon, you can stay at Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a landmark hotel in the center of town.

Hike, run, or bike along Abingdon’s portion of the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail connects to stops such as the Abingdon Vineyards, where you can relax and enjoy wine tasting. Other spots for suds include the Wolf Hills Brewing Co. and Tumbling Creek Cider Company, while The Tavern is Virginia’s oldest bar and still provides a historic dining experience. Or start off your Saturday morning at the Abingdon Farmers Market by shopping for locally grown or made provisions.

Learn about the region’s connection to the American Revolutionary War through the Abingdon Muster Grounds, which are the northern trailhead for the Overmountain Victory Trail, a 330-mile National Historic Trail. It traces the route used by the patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780, which helped alter the outcome of the war.

6 Lexington

Lexington
Lexington/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Lexington

Referred to as the southern gateway to Shenandoah Valley, Lexington is the location of two higher ed institutions - the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.

The outdoors can be experienced near Lexington. Around seven miles from Lexington, the House Mountain is a popular hiking trail that is strenuous; it’s described on AllTrails.com as being two trails that fork at what’s said to be the "Saddle" area. Not far from Lexington, The Appalachian Trail runs alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia’s Rockbridge County.

The Uncas Nature Trail is within the city limits of the Lexington Barrens and Bluffs Conservation Site, a 400-acre area habitat. The Cheesie Trail is a seven-mile, public access walking trail between Lexington and Buena Vista and along the former Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad right of way.

As for dining, popular picks include downtown locations such as Bistro on Main, The Red Hen, and Haywood’s.

Related: A Guide To The Virginia Living Museum & What To See There

5 Staunton

Staunton
Staunton/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
A street scene in Staunton

As another destination within the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton has a historic downtown that’s quite packed with restaurants, stores, and places to stay. It’s also the site of the Downtown Staunton Christmas Parade (2022’s event falls on November 28.). Dining at places such as Clocktower Eats & Sweets, Gonzo’s Pollo, Gloria’s Pupuseria, Cranberry’s Grocery, and Eatery, and Aioli is a must.

With buildings dating back as far as the 18th century, Staunton has a fine collection of Victorian architecture. It also has six historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places, including Beverley (its downtown district) and the Wharf Historic District.

Stanton also has quite an artsy side. Its history involves its stance during the 19th century as a rail junction where travelers stopped. These visitors had access to vaudeville and opera as entertainment. Today, this tradition in Staunton continues. Staunton has the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse and the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art.

It is also the location of the Staunton Music Festival, where in August, world-class musicians perform ten consecutive days and nights of eclectic chamber, vocal, and symphonic music. Sunspot Studios is a gift gallery and glass studio offering live demonstrations daily.

4 Winchester

Winchester
Winchester/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Street scene in Winchester

Winchester has some or is close to Civil War-related sites, including the Kernstown Battlefield on the Pritchard-Grim Farm and the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum. Its cool claim to fame is the Patsy Cline Historic House. You can take a tour of the home of this iconic country music singer, as the house shows her early days before her stardom.

Old Town Winchester is the heart of this town, as this district has buildings that are over 250 years old. A pedestrian mall is where you can dine from your choice of cafes or browse through shops. During warmer months, cool off at Old Town Winchester Splash Pad, with spray heads coming up and down during the day and then getting bursts of color at night.

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival takes place over the course of 10 days, from late April through early May, and celebrates this seasonal blossoming through various events and offerings. Various farms are within or near Winchester, too. The town also has five breweries, such as Broken Window Brewing Company, two wine bars, and a cidery. There are three wineries, including Misty Mountain Meadworks, a small Virginia farm winery, and the oldest operating meadery in the state.

3 Middleburg

Middleburg
Middleburg/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Scene from Middleburg

This village in Virginia’s Loudoun County is referred to as America’s horse and hunt country capital. Middleburg also has the National Sporting Library and Museum, with a collection focusing on equestrian, angling, and field sports. The Red Fox Inn, additionally in Middleburg, goes back to 1728 and is said to be one of the oldest continuously run inns in America.

If you’re into art and antiques or interesting finds, Middleburg has many shops with collectibles. Among them, the Community Shop Consignment & Thrift carries high-end art, jewelry, and other curated pieces.

Your dining options in Middleburg are plentiful. The Upper Crust is a bakery known for a treat called “cow puddles” along with other baked goodies, while Middleburg Common Grounds can get your morning or afternoon pick-up going with coffee, breakfast sandwiches or wine, pastries, or casual lunch. Goodstone Inn & Restaurant has been ranked on “best” lists with OpenTable and “Wine Enthusiast” Magazine; it is on the outskirts of town but still worth the trip.

Among other wineries, Boxwood Winery is a historic landmark farm known for sustainably growing traditional Bordeaux varietals.

2 Floyd

Floyd
Floyd/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
street scene in Floyd 

Located atop the Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd might surprise you in that it's a musical destination. It’s a major stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail, in particular at the Floyd Country Store. This country store is the venue for performances such as their famous Friday Night Jamboree.

FloydFest is the annual five-day world music and arts festival taking place in July. Other events include the Little River Poetry Festival, which focuses on poetry, hiking, kayaking, and community.

Also, with music, County Sales is a treasure trove of bluegrass and old-time music amid cDs and cassette tapes, books, and videos. Floyd also has a crafty side with many stores and galleries, and the Floyd Artisan Trail June Tour links to these places via activities open to the public. There’s also a mixture of food and beverage preferences, from the Blue Ridge Diner to the Chateau Morrisette Winery.

1 Leesburg

Leesburg
Leesburg/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Scene from Leesburg

In the heart of Virginia’s Loudoun County and its county seat, Leesburg is a part social hub, historic district, and outdoor spot. With Loudoun County referred to as D.C.’s Wine Country, Leesburg is the location for over 10 participating wineries.

Among them, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard is set on a fourth-generation run farm tracing back to the 1800s. The farm introduced grapes in 2002 and today offers on-site wine tastings of their intentional Rosé, whites, off-dry whites, and reds. Stone Tower Winery offers tastings and tours amid this family-owned hilltop winery producing French varietals.

Leesburg has some green spaces with a number of parks. The Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park is full of nature trails and wooded areas along with historic structures; after climbing an overlook, find a vista for views of the Potomac River. An Arts & Cultural District is complete with galleries and live music on the Green, plus their famous metal sculpture, LOVEwork. Restaurants are just as colorful. Among them, Shoes Cup & Cork is housed within a former shoe store with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Stay at the Lansdowne Resort, with a trio of golf courses, a spa, and four year-round and three seasonal dining concepts.