Take This Road Trip Through Virginia's Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience
By Beth|Updated on September 07, 2023(Originally published September 08, 2022)
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
If you ask us, nothing is better than a road trip through Virginia. It’s an opportunity to expand your horizons, clear your mind, and introduce you to roads less traveled. And that’s precisely the goal of this road trip we’ve curated for you, which will take you through the best of Virginia’s small towns. Not only will you learn more about all these small towns in Virginia that make up the backbone of Old Dominion, but it’s also a pretty incredible drive. With some of the most breathtaking sites around, this small town road trip in Virginia is one you won’t soon be forgetting. And our ultimate road trip packing list will help you make sure you’ve got everything you could need!
You can check out the full itinerary on Google Maps. It requires about nine hours of driving, but don't worry: the sights you see will make all the time stuck in the car fly by!
This road trip through the coolest small towns in Virginia begins in the lovely Staunton. With a population of around 25,000, you'll find plenty to explore and lots of local charm. There's quite the cultural scene here, and it's also one of the most beautiful towns in Virginia.
Our small town road trip begins in the lovely town of Staunton, Virginia. With a population of nearly 25,000, Staunton has plenty to explore and lots of local charm. From the iconic Stonewall Jackson Hotel to the American Shakespeare Center, Staunton is one of the most unique spots in the state. You'll love meandering through town, noticing the architecture and grabbing a cup of coffee from one of the local shops.
Your next stop is Crozet, which can be found just 12 miles west of Charlottesville in picturesque Albemarle County. This town is a good bit smaller than your first stop. With a population of around 6,000 people, it's certainly a small town.
In addition to the breathtaking landscapes you'll drive through here, you'll definitely want to get out and walk around town a bit. Make sure to make a stop by Crozet Pizza, the local old-school pizza parlor. It's delicious!
Farmville is located right in the heart of Prince Edward County. It's got a population of just over 8,000. You won't be surprised to see beautiful farmlands surrounding this small, but vibrant, town.
Two historic colleges, Hampden-Sydney and Longwood, are located in the area, and each has a beautiful campus. Another stunning spot you'll want to see is the High Bridge Trail State Park. This multi-use trail is 2,400 feet long and spans the mighty Appotomox River.
South Boston is in Halifax County and has just over 8,000 residents. It was formerly known as Boyd's Ferry and historically served as an important railroad town for both the Richmond and Danville Railroads.
The historic downtown area is filled with gorgeous red-brick buildings, many of which are boutiques, shops, and cafes that are perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon. It's one of our favorite Main Streets in Virginia.
Galax serves as a picturesque welcome for those en route to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This small town of just over 7,000 has a lively historic downtown district. It may be in the middle of nowhere, but it's one of the most gorgeous areas in Virginia.
One of the most unique aspects of Galax is the town's mountain music tradition. The town annually hosts the Old Time Bluegrass Fiddler's Convention, bringing in folks from all over the state. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy spending time along the New River Trail.
This small town road trip in Virginia concludes with none other than the ever-so-charming town of Lexington. Lexington is most well known for housing Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institution.
However, the town's character reaches far beyond academics. The Shenandoah Valley makes for a lovely backdrop against the historic brick buildings and winding roads you'll find here. Be sure to treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Lexington's many fine dining options. It's the perfect way to wind down and reflect on your trip.
How many of these stops have you visited before? Are there any other great small towns in Virginia you wish had been featured? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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Lisa Sammons|September 13, 2022
What are some of the best small towns in Virginia to visit on a road trip?
Small towns are the heart and soul of Old Dominion and we've got so many great ones. Some of the small towns in Virginia have minuscule populations that are so tiny you've probably never even heard of them, but plenty of others are a little bit bigger and have lots of wonderful attractions.
What are some of the best small-town restaurants in Virginia?
Staunton has some pretty amazing small-town restaurants in Virginia. The population is under 25,000, but it's got just as many great places to dine as many larger cities.
