Here Are The 16 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Virginia
For all of the amazing historical homes, beautiful churches, and incredible natural wonders Virginia has to offer, don’t think that’s all there is to us. I mean, beauty and elegance are nice and all, but sometimes things just get weird. The following list of the weirdest places in Virginia shows you a few of the more “unusual” attractions our lovely state has to offer. Don’t get me wrong – there’s still history and beauty to spare! It just might not take the form you’d expect. Have fun exploring the weirdest places in Virginia!
You simply can’t pass the Disneyland-style sign and NOT stop. I mean really. Who can resist giant fiberglass dinosaurs locked in battle? And if that doesn’t grab your attention, then surely the 70-foot long giant squid will do the trick. A 20-foot high King Kong gorilla, perhaps? For more than 50 years, Dinosaurland has entertained visitors, rubber-neckers and locals alike. Be sure to see all that Dinosaurland offers here.
2. Drug Enforcement Administration Museum, Arlington
Just say no to drugs, but absolutely say yes to visiting the DEA Museum. Just across from the Pentagon, it’s a truly fascinating look into the DEA, drug addiction and drug law enforcement in America. Exhibits include a replica pharmacy, a head shop and a crack house. Be sure to stop by the gift shop for your very own DEA paraphernalia – that’s your Christmas shopping sorted right there. Visit them at DEA Museum.
3. The World's Oldest Ham at the Isle of Wight Museum, Smithfield
Remember how just the other day, you were wondering where you could go to see the world’s oldest ham? Look no further than the Isle of Wight Museum. Home of P.D. Gwaltney’s famous "pet" ham (he made a collar for it and took it to shows – no joke), this museum highlights the history of Smithfield ham, which dates back to 1902. The ham has been featured in the Guiness Book of World Records and remains the oldest edible ham in the world. Plan your visit here!
4. The Grave of “Stonewall” Jackson’s Arm, Ellwood Plantation, Wilderness
When General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops during the Battle of Chancellorsville, his left arm was so severely damaged that it had to be amputated. A chaplain saw the amputated arm on a pile and, evidently, thought Jackson’s arm to be far too superior to go in just ANY pile of body parts, so he took it to be buried at his brother’s estate, Ellwood. The arm was given a proper Christian burial and a headstone (although there are questions as to whether the arm is still in the same grave today).
You’ve seen where Stonewall Jackson’s arm is buried, but where, oh where, can you see the skin of his dead horse, you ask? Lexington, of course. Little Sorrel, Jackson’s faithful steed throughout the Civil War, became a legend in his own right. When Little Sorrel finally went to the big farm in the sky, a taxidermist sewed the skin together and stuffed the hide to resemble a living Little Sorrel. The results remain on display at the VMI Museum, while Little Sorrel's bones are buried on the school’s Parade Ground in front of Stonewall Jackson’s statue. Learn more at the VMI Museum.
6. The Pest House Medical Museum at the Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg
The "Pestilence" or Pest House is cited as Lynchburg’s first "hospital," and by hospital, we mean quarantine facility for people with contagious diseases like smallpox and cholera. The Pest House was built in the 1840s and used as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. In 1862 Dr. John J. Terrell noticed the appalling conditions of the place and instituted significant reforms. Visitors can still see his surgical table, "poison chest," "asthma chair" and chloroform mask in the carefully preserved building. The cemetery also contains the Hearse House and Caretakers Museum, the Station House Museum, a chapel and the Mourning Museum. Click here to plan your visit.
I think this one pretty much speaks for itself. Marking the location of Hugo’s Skateway (now Rollerworks Family Skating Center), the 10-foot roller skate made of wood and plaster has been a favorite photo op for travelers along Highway 17 in Fauquier County since it was built in the 1980s. It has seen better days, but let’s be honest – a 10-foot roller skate just off the highway is always going to get your attention.
With its ghostly statue and sombre mausoleums, Hollywood Cemetery has long been considered a haunted site. Some of the more famous spirits include a vampire said to live in the mausoleum of W.W. Poole, the ghost of a little girl who plays with the cast iron dog set to watch her grave and a moaning spirits that come from a pyramid built in 1869 to honor the 18,000 enlisted Confederate troops buried there. All that aside, a walk through the beautifully manicured gardens of this historic graveyard is oddly peaceful - and well worth the visit. Visit Hollywood Cemetery to learn about visiting hours and walking tours.
Can’t make it to Graceland this summer? No worries. Beginning in the 1980s, Don and Kim Epperly of Roanoke decided to immortalize their love of Elvis with a miniature Graceland in their own front yard. Complete with replica buildings and a bronze statue of The King himself, the tribute still stands, but admittedly fell into disrepair after Don Epperly grew to sick to care for it. Thanks to the efforts of the Salem Garden Club and now Epperly’s son, Mike, the site has been cleaned up a bit and visitors can still catch a site of Graceland in all of its (miniature) glory.
10. Shenandoah Caverns: Bacon and Parade Floats…of course, Quicksburg
Giant Bacon. And now that I have your attention, let’s talk Shenandoah Caverns. Shenandoah Caverns is home to the Giant Bacon formations – formed by dripping minerals that resemble everyone’s favorite breakfast treat. And thanks to owner Earl Hargrove, outside the caverns is just as awesome as inside. Walk through the Yellow Barn and see a 35-foot high treehouse that is home to 5-foot squirrels (not real ones, thank goodness), peruse 27 full-size float parades from The Rose Parade, Inaugural Parades and more, and finally, check out Main Street of Yesteryear for department store window displays from the 1940s and 50s. Find out hours and directions by visiting Shenandoah Caverns.
Willy Ferguson of Ferguson's Metal Fabrication in Staunton either has REALLY tall friends or is REALLY into gardening. Either way, this metal-working artist created a giant watering can and accompanying flower pots to grace the intersection where I-64 joins I-81. The "lawn ornaments" created quite a controversy when they were first installed in 1999, but today, serve as a city landmark.
Dedicated in 2010, Wythville's Smallest Church came about from an experience that its founder, Brian Wolford, had at a similarly tiny church in Georgia. After realizing how close he felt to God being in such a small space, he set about creating his own Small Church. And when I call this one "weird," it's more just "unusual" due to its 12 x 16-foot dimensions. But with the intention of providing a place of peace and solace for anyone who passes by, this church certainly seems to be fulfilling its mission. Visit Wytheville's Smallest Church to learn more.
They say a man’s home is his castle – but for John Miller, a castle was his home. Tired of working for others, John Miller quit his job in 1986 and set about livin’ the dream – and that meant building Bull Run Castle, a castle/antique store/bed-and-breakfast combo right off Route 15 in Loudoun County. Miller has since sold the property and it is closed to the public. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look! It may not be Windsor Castle, but it definitely provides a distraction from the afternoon commute.
In 1912, Richmond millionaire and philanthropist, James Dooley, built Swannanoa as a summer home. The Italian Renaissance Revival villa featured the most lavish, modern fixtures available, such as Georgian marble, gold plumbing fixtures, an elevator, electricity and a 4,000 piece Tiffany stained-glass window made in the likeness of his wife, Sally May Dooley. Today, the house is privately owned, but hosts small group tours, open houses and weddings - as well as more than one paranormal investigation. Find out how you can visit at nelsoncounty-va.gov.
Located in downtown Richmond, just a few blocks from his childhood home, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum opened in 1922 and continues to show the world’s finest collection of Poe's furniture, artwork, family photographs, first-edition books and manuscripts. The "Poe Shrine" can be found behind the house in the Enchanted Garden, an historical garden inspired by his poems. I’m not sure what sort of omen it is to get married at the Poe Museum, but the garden frequently hosts weddings, as well as a monthly "Unhappy Hour." I am sure the two are not related. Learn more at www.poemuseum.org.
You thought I was going to forget this one, didn't you? Nope. Just saving the best for last. There are few who don't know about this replica of England's Stonehenge built entirely from styrofoam. As one of the most popular and beloved "weird" Virginia attractions, Foamhenge has received national attention since artist Mark Cline first built it as an April Fool's Joke in 2004. Foamhenge was originally built in Natural Bridge, Virginia, but now can be found at Cox Farms in Centreville. Visit the Cox Farms website to learn more.
From roadside attractions to off-the-beaten-path discoveries, we know that Virginia is full of weirdly wonderful sites. What are your thoughts on our list of the weirdest places in Virginia? What’s the strangest place you’ve ever visited in the state? We would love to hear about it in the comments below!
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Address: 700 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Address: Isle of Wight, VA, USA
Address: 36380 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508, USA
Address: Lexington, VA 24450, USA
Address: Bealeton, VA 22712, USA
Address: Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Address: 605 Riverland Rd SE, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Address: Shenandoah Caverns, VA 22847, USA
Address: Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Address: Wytheville, VA 24382, USA
Address: Swannanoa Ln, Afton, VA, USA
Address: 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
Address: Centerville, VA 23421, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
weirdest places in Virginia
October 29, 2020
Beth C.
Where can I go in Virginia that only the locals know about?
Virginia is chock-full of unique places to discover, some of them famous the world over while others tend to fly under the radar. If you're curious to explore the latter, those places that only the locals know about, we've got a great list for you to consider. Some of the best hidden-away destinations in Virginia include Virginia's Little Switzerland, also known as Highland County, Caledon State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Burke's Garden in Tazewell County, also known as God's Thumbprint, Carvin's Cove in Roanoke, the Devil's Bathtub, Breaks Interstate Park, and White Oak Lavender Farm. Learn more about these hidden gem destinations in Virginia.
What's the weirdest place in Virginia?
The article above outlining some of the strangest places in Virginia has left off one of the most peculiar in the state: the abandoned Renaissance Fair. It's important to note, though, that it's not really possible to visit the abandoned fair in person. For one, it's completely overgrown and also happens to be on private property. Located near Fredericksburg, this quirky destination was once a replica of a small Renaissance town where locals could watch live performances. The fair was open between 1996 and 1999, when, because it didn't get as much attention as expected, was forced to close. If you're curious, you can read more about the wonderfully bizarre abandoned Renaissance Fair in Virginia.
What are some famous Virginia roadside attractions?
Curious to explore some additional roadside attractions in Virginia? You've come to the right place! You could spend an entire lifetime exploring all the weird and wonderful attractions Virginia has to offer. Some spots that belong on your radar include the Great Stalacpipe Organ at Luray Caverns, the Raven Room in Charlottesville, Bunny Man Bridge in Fairfax Station, Crozet Tunnel in Afton, Kiptopeke's Concrete Fleet at Kiptopeke State Park, Barboursville Ruins outside of Charlottesville, and the Witch of Pungo Statue in Virginia Beach.
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Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
