With fine dining, nightlife, shopping districts, and more, city living has its advantages. But if you're looking for a more relaxed way of life, complete with starry skies, open fields, and no signs of traffic, it's the small town scene that calls. Here in Virginia, you can often get the best of both: small towns with plenty to offer. So if you're looking to get away from it all, here are the 10 best places to go for peace and quiet in Virginia.
1. Linden
West of the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C., Linden is one of the most peaceful towns in Virginia that is home to apple orchards and vineyards. The town is truly tiny, with just a handful of gas stations, restaurants, and one post office. One of the most charming spots in town is known as the Apple House, which serves homemade pies and other goodies.
2. Madison
Madison's population is just around 300, according to the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Madison County and thus the location of the historic courthouse building. In addition to charming places to dine, Madison is the home to a handful of vineyards and AirB&Bs, making it the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway.
3. Eastville
Located in Northampton County, Eastville is a small town in the southern portion of Virginia's Eastern Shore, and an ideal place to go for peace and quiet in Virginia. Since the 1600s, the town has served as the county seat and is known for holding the oldest continuous court records in the country. Photographed above are the breathtaking gardens at Eyre Hall.
4. Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is a small town in Virginia within Botetourt County. It's located along the beautiful James River between Iron Gate and Buchannon. Situated nearby is Roaring Run Recreational Area, a beautiful area for waterfall hiking and admiring the surroundings.
5. Scottsville
Scottsville was incorporated as a town in 1818 along the northern section of the James River, known as Horseshoe Bend. In the 18th century, Scottsville served as something of a state capitol, as the center of much of the state's commerce and trade. The downtown district is charming and an inviting place to meander as you learn more about the history of this small town in Virginia.
6. Marion
Tucked away in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Highlands, Marion is named for Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War officer. It's been designated as one of America's Main Street Communities, further proof of the town's livability and charm. Some of the main attractions of Marion include the Lincoln Theatre and the General Francis Marion Hotel, a boutique accommodation located downtown.
7. Big Stone Gap
Big Stone Gap is located in Wise County, with a population of approximately 6,000. It's a community that was formerly known as "Mineral City," due to its rich supply of iron ore and coal deposits. Big Stone Gap is home to many museums as well as breathtaking hikes, showing off the town's incredible natural landscape.
8. Salem
Located just outside of Roanoke, Salem is the charming small town that is home to Roanoke College. It's a town that offers peace and quiet aside from the sporting arenas. Other attractions include the Salem Fair and the Blue Ridge Mountain Festival.
9. Warm Springs
Warm Springs is a beautiful small town located within Bath County. Some of its historic sites include the historic Germantown, the Inn at Gristmill, and the Jefferson Pools. Photographed above, these pools contain naturally warm waters that are said to have healing properties. Whether you believe that or not, one thing is certain: it's one of the best places to go for peace and quiet in Virginia.
10. Pulaski
Pulaski was officially incorporated in 1886 and named for Count Casimir Pulaski, who was a Revolutionary War hero from Poland. The small downtown includes the historic courthouse, post office (photographed above), and a fine arts center. Charming shops like Grandma and Grandpa's Place are filled with authentic antiques.
With so many incredible small towns in every corner of Virginia, this list only begins to scratch the surface. If you're interested in learning about more peaceful destinations, be sure to read about these 14 peaceful small towns in Virginia.
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