Virginia’s charm lies not only in her natural scenery but in her abundance of small cities, towns, and villages. Many of these areas have been recognized, not only by Virginians but by nationwide publications and travel guides. With many award-winning places to choose from, we’ve selected a few of our favorites, along with a few that may not have garnered national attention, but have certainly caught our eye. If you’re looking for new places to visit in the coming year, these charming towns in Virginia are just the ticket.

1. Abingdon
Abingdon, VA, USA
eek the cat / flickr
With just over 8,000 residents, Abingdon is a quaint Virginia town with a rich history with ties to the Cherokee Nation, William Byrd, and Daniel Boone. Named after Martha Washington’s ancestral home in England and home to the elegant Martha Washington Inn and Spa, Abingdon became a town in 1778. Today, its historic downtown hosts a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the Barter Theatre and the William King Museum, as well as many other galleries, antique shops, and museums. 
2. Floyd 
Floyd, VA 24091, USA
Visit Floyd, VA / Facebook
With a population that hovers around 500, this charming town in Virginia offers small town living at its finest. Located in Southwest Virginia, Floyd holds a surprising treasure trove of arts and music. From the regular Friday Night Jamboree at The Floyd Country Store to headlining music festivals like Floydfest, this tiny town brings in artists and performers from all over the country. The historic downtown provides a wide array of shops, many of them featuring locally made arts and crafts, pottery, and locally grown foods.
3. Staunton
Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Staunton is another of Virginia’s small town gems that has garnered praise at national levels. Named one of the best small towns in the United States by Smithsonian Magazine, one of the best main streets in the country by Fodor’s Travel, and "One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the United States" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Staunton is well-deserving of the recognition. Founded in 1732, this lovely little town in the Shenandoah Valley provides history and culture with sites like the American Shakespeare Center and The Frontier Culture Museum, as well as historic architecture, specialty shopping, premier dining, and nightlife opportunities. 
4. Charlottesville
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Bob Mical / flickr 
Although technically a city, Charlottesville is often viewed as a town for its quaint, close-knit feel and small geographical size. Frequently named one of the top places to live and visit, not just in Virginia, but in the nation, it's easy to fall in love with this charming town in Virginia. As the hometown of Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville hosts both his academic village at the University of Virginia, as well as his historical plantation home at Monticello. With a charming downtown, beautifully preserved homes and buildings, museums, and monuments, Charlottesville provides history and culture, both in town and in the surrounding areas. 
5. Chincoteague
Chincoteague, VA, USA
Zach Frailey (The Uprooted Photographer) 
Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this town’s reign as one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America." First settled in the 1700s, Chincoteague gained the spotlight in the 1960s with the publication of "Misty of Chincoteague," a story about one of the island’s now-famous wild ponies. Today, Chincoteague is best known for its Annual Pony Swim and Auction but it also offers pristine beaches, amazing seafood, boat tours, home tours, and an all-around chilled-out beach town experience.
6. Smithfield
Smithfield, VA 23430, USA
Greg Vassilakos (Own work) [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to recognition, few things could be nicer than to be named one of "America’s Happiest Seaside Towns." This quaint town in Virginia is known for its world-famous ham and boasts a long history as part of the Virginia Colony beginning in 1634. Founded on the Pagan River near Jamestown, Smithfield eventually became the "Ham Capital of the World." So, is it good food that makes this town so happy? Perhaps, but an incredible community spirit certainly helps. With concerts in the park, community BBQs, and countless other local events, this town makes the most of its stunning historical downtown, featuring sites like the Smithfield Inn, as well as historic homes, schools, and churches.

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7. Cape Charles
Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA
HeatherMG / flickr 
The town of Cape Charles sits near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Founded in 1884, the town was originally a planned community intended to support a new railroad and the Little Creek-Cape Charles Ferry. Today, with a population just topping 1,000, Cape Charles maintains its quaint, post-Victorian charm. After walking the town streets lined with old-fashioned shops and restaurants, including an old-school soda fountain, head to the Cape Charles Museum to explore the town's history, or simply walk the quiet neighborhood streets and soak in Cape Charles' seaside charm.
8. Clarksville
Clarksville, VA 23927, USA
Clarksville Lake Country Chamber / Facebook
Set on the banks of Kerr Lake in Southside Virginia, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. Featuring a historic district that is on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia's Historic Register, Clarksville is surrounded by natural beauty that includes the lake, as well as the nearby Occoneechee State Park. With historical architecture, locally owned shops and businesses, and annual events like the LakeFest festival, Clarksville provides ample opportunity for visitors and residents alike to enjoy its laid-back charm and personality.
9. Crozet
Crozet, VA 22932, USA
Bob Mical / flickr
Crozet, VA 22932, USA
Bob Mical / flickr
If the surrounding countryside doesn’t stop you in your tracks, the charming little town of Crozet will. Situated roughly between Charlottesville and Staunton at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crozet is known for its abundant outdoor opportunities, including hiking, parks, and award-winning wineries. But the town itself is worth a visit, featuring historic buildings, rustic streets, and quaint local shops. With a population around 5,500, Crozet fits the bill for anyone looking for one of the most charming small towns in Virginia.
10. Scottsville
Scottsville, VA 24590, USA
Charlottesville Tomorrow / flickr 
What Scottsville lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. There may be fewer than 700 residents in this charming Virginia town, but according to the town website, there are more than 150 commercial, residential, religious, factory, and warehouse buildings that offer nationally recognized historical significance, including the old historic courthouse where Thomas Jefferson himself once practiced law. Situated along one of the most beautiful stretches of the James River just between Albemarle and Fluvanna counties, Scottsville is a haven for canoeing, tubing, fishing, and hiking. 
11. Waterford 
Waterford, VA 20197, USA
chrisbb@prodigy.net / flickr 
Founded in 1733 by Pennsylvania Quakers, Waterford was once a thriving mill town along Catoctin Creek and served as the second largest town in Loudoun County before the Civil War. After the war, the town's economy went downhill, but the old building and farms were not demolished. In the 1930s, a handful of old Waterford families began buying and restoring buildings and by 1970, Waterford and 1,420 surrounding acres were added to the list of National Historic Landmarks. Today, the majority of the town's building date before 1840, offering a uniquely preserved look at life in early rural Virginia. Every October the village hosts the Waterford Fair, a three-day festival including home tours, craft exhibitions, artisan demonstrations, Civil War re-enactments, and more.
12. Berryville
Berryville, VA 22611, USA
Jim Landerkin / flickr
Located in Clarke County, Berryville was founded in the mid-1700s. The town is the site of where John Morgan, a Revolutionary War hero, would take on rowdy, young locals brave enough to fight. Because of this legend, and a bawdy tavern located nearby, the area was originally known as "Battle Town." Today, this historic town in Virginia has calmed down and is home to a thriving community and many historical sites. Highlights of this pretty little Shenandoah Valley town include the Holy Cross Abbey (a Trappist Monastery) and Rosemont (former home of Governor Harry F. Byrd), as well as many local businesses, legendary battlefields, and charming historic sites. 

Let us know what scenic small cities, towns, or villages you would add to the list. If these charming towns in Virginia inspire you to see more of the state, gas up the car and take this road trip to some of the most scenic towns in Virginia.

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charming towns in Virginia

Jackie Ann | September 21, 2022

What is the most naturally beautiful town in Virginia?

Virginia tends to get a reputation for having a ton of history, and while that’s true, it’s the state’s natural beauty that will really capture your heart. Whether you’re just looking for a change of scenery or a new place to live, there are so many charming towns in Virginia that are overflowing with natural beauty. Take Hot Springs, for example. With the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and iconic warm mineral springs, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this tiny town to admire the scenery. Further north, towards the West Virginia border, you’ll find the scenic town of Hinton. This little town boasts incredible mountain views just about everywhere you look and if you don’t mind jetting over to West Virginia just a short drive away, you can check out Sandstone Falls, one of West Virginia’s widest waterfalls. 

Which town in Virginia has the best restaurants?

One of the best things about living in Virginia is that you’re never too far away from a delicious meal. While major cities like Virginia Beach and Arlington undoubtedly have some incredible restaurants, there’s something to be said about those small-town restaurants in Virginia. If you really want to experience an old-fashioned meal, then you should make your way to Abington. With a population of about 3,000 residents, this charming little town in Virginia boasts over 30 independently owned restaurants. From authentic Greek cuisine to big, juicy burgers, you’ll find a little bit of everything in this delightfully charming town. 

What is the oldest town in Virginia?

The oldest town in Virginia is Jamestown, which was settled in 1607 and became the first permanent settlement in the New World. Along with Williamsburg and Yorktown, Jamestown is part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia and is a must-see town for history buffs. From historical sites to beautiful natural areas, Jamestown offers a little bit of everything. For a super fun day loaded with history, spend a long weekend checking out some of the other historically significant towns in Virginia like Petersburg, Williamsburg, or Onancock. 

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