海角社区

Nicknamed 鈥淥ld Dominion鈥� for its status as the first area of what is now the USA to be claimed by the British, Virginia also has the distinction of being the 10th US state to join the Union back in 1788. This long, rich history has resulted in the state being home to some of the most interesting places to visit on the East Coast of America.

Dotted around the state are numerous small towns that have managed to not only stay true to their historic roots but also embrace Virginia鈥檚 beautiful landscape. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the spectacular Atlantic coastline, Virginia鈥檚 most interesting small communities have plenty to offer the curious traveler. To help you in your research, check out our list of the most unique Virginia towns to discover.

Williamsburg

Although Williamsburg is one of the best-known small towns in Virginia, its historic significance and incredible preservation efforts make it one of the most unique places to visit in the entire USA. Williamsburg was founded in 1632 and grew rapidly to become the capital of what was then Virginia Colony, a title it held from 1699 to 1780.

Pay a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, the city鈥檚 historic district, today and you鈥檒l think you鈥檝e traveled back through time all the way to the American Revolution. This remarkable living history museum features countless historic buildings dating from this period of American history, including authentic businesses and workshops. Guides dressed in traditional period costumes provide a fascinating look at the past.

Saltville

The small town of Saltville is located in the Appalachian Mountains just a few miles north of Virginia鈥檚 border with North Carolina and is well worth learning about. Despite its relatively small population of just 1,790 residents, Saltville has played a role in US history that far outweighs its size. Founded in the mid-1700s and named after the nearby salt marshes, it grew in importance with the establishment of salt mines later in the century.

So important was Saltville during the Civil War that two major battles were fought here for control of the mines. These days, Saltville鈥檚 salt marshes are home to a rich diversity of wildlife. A visit to the Museum of the Middle Appalachians with its displays relating to the history of the region and its importance to the prehistoric creatures who once roamed the area is another must-do.

Duffield

The tiny town of Duffield, with a population of just 73 souls, is home to an array of interesting geological features. Perhaps the most unique of these is Natural Tunnel State Park. Carved through the rock over millennia by a fast-flowing stream, this fascinating natural tunnel is so large that it was used by railway companies as a shortcut through the otherwise impassable rockface here. It鈥檚 still in use today.

The best vantage points are found close to the visitor center and are particularly thrilling if you鈥檙e lucky enough to catch a train exiting the tunnel. Better still, visit during the attraction鈥檚 annual Railroad Day, and you鈥檒l actually be able to walk through the tunnel on foot as all trains are stopped for the day.

Luray

Few places on America鈥檚 East Coast are as pretty as Virginia鈥檚 Shenandoah Valley. This area of outstanding natural beauty is where you鈥檒l find the small Virginia town of Luray. 聽Not only does Luray make an excellent jumping-off point from which to explore the Massanutten Mountains to the West and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, but it鈥檚 also where you鈥檒l find the spectacular Luray Caverns.

Just a mile away from the downtown core, this network of caverns and caves is the largest such formation on the East Coast and is home to the famous Great Stalacpipe Organ and its 鈥渟inging鈥� stalactites. Said to be the 海角社区鈥檚 largest musical instrument, this 3.5-acre cavern hosts an organ that actually taps select stalactites which then literally hum along with the organ when it鈥檚 played.

Cape Charles

Cape Charles is the southernmost tip of Virginia's beautiful Eastern Shore and has much to commend it to curious travelers interested in exploring unique small towns on Virginia鈥檚 Atlantic coast. The entirety of this town of 1,180 residents is included on America鈥檚 National Register of Historic Places for its impressive collection of well-preserved Victorian-era buildings.

Established in 1884 on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles is also popular for its stunning views and beaches. Another unique feature here is the town鈥檚 collection of interesting concrete ships. Known as the Concrete Fleet, these nine wartime vessels were literally constructed from concrete and were sunk just offshore in 1948 to serve as a breakwater. They also serve as a nesting place for birds.

Warm Springs

While it鈥檚 hard to say exactly just how big the population of Warm Springs is 鈥� figures range from a low of zero to as many as 738, depending on the source 鈥� there鈥檚 no quibbling over the fact it鈥檚 among the most remote small towns in Virginia. Established in 1761 initially as a bathhouse around the hot springs that burbled out of the Blue Ridge Mountains here, it was first and foremost a place where men (and men only) would gather, with women only being permitted a few decades later.

Visit today and stay at accommodations such as The Inn At Warm Springs and you鈥檒l still see evidence of the old bathhouses constructed over the thermal springs. You can even enjoy a dip in the pools, towels provided.

Dayton

Here鈥檚 one for volcano fans. Located in the midst of the fertile farmland of the Shenandoah Valley, the town of Dayton is where you鈥檒l find Mole Hill. But don鈥檛 let this seemingly innocent name fool you. Mole Hill, located just four miles from downtown Dayton, is, at 47 million years of age, one of Eastern USA鈥檚 youngest volcanoes.

While you can鈥檛 get too close these days as the tree-covered hillock that remains is surrounded by private residences and farmland, this unique landscape feature is particularly attractive to photograph in the fall months. Be sure to also explore the Dayton Historic District, home to no less than 154 well-preserved old buildings, some dating back as far as 1888.

Wrap Up

While there鈥檚 no end of attractive small towns to visit in Virginia, be sure to explore some of the lesser-known communities spread across the 鈥淥ld Dominion鈥� state. From their historic colonial-era architecture to fascinating features carved by the elements, these unique Virginia towns are well worth visiting.