The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Virginia’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
With charming small towns, beautiful beaches, incredible parks, museums, and more, it’s no wonder why so many people love spending time in Virginia. Truly, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in the Old Dominion. Whether you’re looking for big city life, bustling shops, and world-class facilities, or you prefer the peace of rural living with country stores and cafes, you’ll be impressed with what Virginia has to offer. To help you make the most of your time in Virginia, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best local attractions.
The Best Small Towns In Virginia
It's hard to imagine what Virginia would be like without its charming and unique small towns. Filled with history and character, these destinations never fail to impress. Not only will you find some of the friendliest folks around, but you'll also experience authentic Virginia living. One of the best small towns in Virginia is a place known as Chincoteague. Established in the mid-1700s, this town is most famous for its annual pony swim. Other equally memorable small towns in Virginia include Abingdon, Smithfield, Middleburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Occoquan. Have you ever experienced these delightful Virginia small towns?
The Must Visit Book Store In Virginia
If you love browsing rows upon rows of books, there's a destination just outside of Harrisonburg that belongs on your radar. The Green Valley Book Fair is a giant, 25,000-square-foot bookstore filled to the brim with all kinds of reading material. It's only open for certain weeks at a time, enticing book lovers from all over the state. Would you browse this incredible Virginia bookstore with nearly half a million books?
The Unique Park In Virginia
One of the best ways to experience Virginia is by paying a visit to a local park. National parks, state parks, and even regional parks all offer the opportunity to engage with the landscape. At the top of the list of unique parks in Virginia is Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson. Not only is the park located near the highest peak in Virginia, Mount Rogers, but it's also home to an incredible network of high-altitude hiking trails and even wild ponies. Would you spend the day hiking alongside wild mountain ponies?
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Virginia
Should you find yourself in the Richmond area, you'll want to make a point of signing up for a Riverfront Canal Cruise. This 45-minute tour will offer you the opportunity to explore Richmond's canal system in a totally unforgettable way. Narrated tours offer a historical perspective, and you'll enjoy fascinating architecture and stories along the way. Would you take a ride on this gondola-like canal boat through Richmond?
The Most Charming Food Market In Virginia
There are loads of charming markets located throughout Virginia, from must-visit farmers markets to flower markets and even antique markets. If you're someone who loves authentic southern cooking, then Granny B's Market in Farmville belongs at the top of your itinerary. This market boasts some of the best fried chicken in town, and it's not unusual to find a line forming outside of the door during lunchtime. Equally delicious is the Brunswick stew served here. Would you stop by Granny B's Market for an unforgettable home-cooked meal?
The Magical Train Ride In Virginia
There's nothing like a scenic trail trip to inspire appreciation for Virginia's beauty. Fortunately, there are plenty of trips to choose from. One of the most scenic is the Amtrak route to the northern Virginia town of Fredericksburg. This trip will take you over the Rappahannock River, offering breathtaking water scenery you won't soon forget. Who would you take this magical train excursion with?
The Longest Bridge In Virginia
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a 17.6-mile structure that connects the Tidewater region of Virginia to the Delmarva Peninsula and Eastern Shore. Constructed in 1964, this bridge-tunnel is one of the most magnificent feats of architecture in the entire state. Crossing the bridge isn't a journey for the faint of heart. Not only will you be driving over the water, but you'll also be driving under it via the tunnel portion. It takes about 25 minutes to travel the entire length of the bridge-tunnel. Would you dare drive the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Virginia
Virginia is home to countless museums, many of which are dedicated to historic events or artwork. There are plenty of lesser-known museums, though, and they are definitely worth a visit. One in particular is the Roanoke Pinball Museum. It's here you'll find an impressive collection of pinball machines dating back several decades. In fact, some of them can still be played! Have you ever been to Virginia's one-of-a-kind pinball museum?
