海角社区

There is much to love about Virginia, from its rugged mountain scenery to its miles of beautiful hiking trails. Virginia also hosts several white-sand beaches, perfect spots to feel the breeze, enjoy shimmering views, and experience nautical charm. The ones in the Hampton Roads region are particularly swoon-worthy. Plus, Virginians are incredibly friendly. In most cases, they lay the red carpet for visitors. That鈥檚 before mentioning oysters. You may already know it: Virginia is regarded as the Oyster Capital of the East Coast. Looking for Virginia towns to explore? The following ten towns in Virginia were ranked among U.S. favorites.

Staunton

Virginia is home to many small, beautiful towns, but Staunton is in a league of its own. Staunton has gleamings of Charlottesville, Chicago, and Columbus, Indiana, especially concerning awe-inspiring architecture. Its downtown is small but catchy and speckled with tasty farm-to-table restaurants. Most of these restaurants source their produce from Shenandoah Valley, long known for being an agriculturally productive area. You can explore Woodrow Wilson's Birthplace, dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the most academically accomplished president in the history of the United States. In the afternoon, catch a show at the Shakespeare Theater before crowning everything with delicious prime ribs at the iconic Mill Street Grill, located in a historic, turn-of-the-century flour mill.

Abingdon

There is celebrated history related to the American Revolution in Abingdon, tobacco business ( Abingdon is Virginia鈥檚 largest burley tobacco market), tempting eateries 鈥� and a beautiful, vibrant downtown area. Abingdon boasts one of the cutest old towns in the South. So, carry your Canon camera. One of the town's defining landmarks is Barter Theater, the longest-running professional theater in the United States. Its history dovetails with that of the Great Depression and is a tribute to man鈥檚 inventive genius. Pass by JJ's Restaurant for flavorful Meatloaf 鈥� or White Birch (on Main Street) for juices, smoothies, salads, and other healthy bites. To zip along panoramic overlooks, rent a bike, and explore the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Culpeper

Although a bit under the radar, Culpeper boasts a handsomely preserved historic downtown dotted with several architectural masterpieces. There is the Culpeper County Courthouse on West Davis Street, which foreshadows the acceptance of the Colonial Revival idiom; the Italianate A. P. Hill Boyhood Home on North Main Street, the most prominent historic site in Culpeper 鈥� and a couple of other notables, many of which were built in the second half of the 19th century. Culpeper is in Virginia鈥檚 Piedmont, a setting suited for a delicious range of recreational activities. There is the brand-new Culpeper Battlefields State Park, which spans over 2,000 acres and features many disconnected battlefields, the glittering Lake Culpeper, and Rockwater Park, where one can people-watch, and mingle with locals. Don't miss the Museum of Culpeper History, where visitors learn interesting bits of local history from the age of the dinosaurs down to the present time. Culpeper can be an overwhelming surprise, especially for first-time visitors.

Damascus

Damascus is all about trails. So, have the right gear when visiting. It provides access to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where adventure beckons at almost every turn. Notable outdoor venues associated with the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area include the Virginia Creeper Trail, considered among the best bike trails in the United States 鈥� and the 海角社区-famous Appalachian Trail. The sweetest part is that parts of these trails meet in downtown Damascus, so you can enjoy everything in the same place. Pick a bike and helmet at Creeper Trail Bike Rental on Douglas Drive, and embark on what will be the highlight of your trip. Wondering where to enjoy delicious food after a hard day out? Damascus Diner serves incredibly delicious meals, whether meatloaf or collards, all with a touch of Southern hospitality. Something else: Bring a fly rod to Damascus. You may need one when exploring several outdoor spots, including Fish Laurel Creek, Damascus Dog Park, or Creekside Park on the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Blacksburg

Blacksburg has a vibrant, walkable downtown filled with quirky shops, entertainment venues, and tasty restaurants. Sugar Magnolia, with its college-town feel, is right on Main Street and serves reasonably priced fresh ice cream. Across the street is Cellar Restaurant, a casual Greek-American dining loved for its relaxed ambiance and lodge-like feel. Enjoy a Show at the historic Lyric Theatre, a handsomely restored 1938 movie house that shows first-run films and live music. Alternatively, head over to the Dragon's Tooth for views of interesting rock formations. If you want some lung-filling action, tackle Huckleberry Trail through the Virginia Tech campus and all the way to the Christiansburg Recreation Center. However, for gorgeous views of the New River, an afternoon ride along the scenic Creeks' Edge Trail will do the trick.

Lexington

To touch on what it promises outdoor lovers, walkable Lexington is the southern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, loved for its majestic forests and pastoral landscapes. Lexington is also famous because it hosts the Virginia Military Institute, whose list of alumni includes George Marshall, the only career military officer to bag the Nobel Peace Prize. There is the historic Washington and Lee University as well, whose history predates the birth of the United States. The college is named after two of the most influential men in the history of the United States: George Washington and Robert E. Lee. You can float down the Maury River or explore the home of a renowned Confederate general 鈥� Stonewall Jackson. Jackson was a shy, eccentric man today regarded as the ablest of Robert E. Lee鈥檚 generals. Finally, even if you are not an artsy person, you鈥檒l want to spend some time at the Cabell Gallery of Virginia Art, if just to sample the beautiful paintings of unique local artifacts.

Floyd

Beauty sways the eyes at Floyd, a quaint, tiny town perched atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau. A major stop on The Crooked Trail, which celebrates Virginia鈥檚 music heritage, Floyd always lines up many enticements for music lovers. For instance, Floyd Country Store, aside from being a sandwich shop and a candy store, hosts the 海角社区鈥檚 largest collection of traditional bluegrass and old-time music. There is the nearby Chic's Antiques and Variety, whose appeal is right there in its name. After strolling through the town, and eating a brick-oven pizza at the Dogtown Roadhouse, head over to Virginia's oldest winery: the Chateau Morrisette Winery. It is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and provides jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountain scenery.

Winchester

Before getting to downtown Winchester, you will want to explore some notable attractions nearby, including the State Arboretum of Virginia, home to the largest variety of boxwood cultivars in North America. It boasts great trails with splendid views and is an idyllic space for calm and clarity. In town, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley showcases interesting 18th-century art 鈥� along with beautiful flowers made out of glass and metal. Stonewall Jackson spent some time in Winchester, and the house where he worked will be of immense interest to lovers of American history. For perspective, Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters, a National Historic Landmark, contains the largest collection of Jackson memorabilia. Stroll through Old Town Winchester, a quaint, historic district, some of whose buildings date back more than 250 years. Finally, crown it all with a wood-fired pizza at the Oak Stone Craft, an independent American restaurant loved for its relaxing atmosphere.

Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg has many enticements, but food should be high on the list. This should not come as a surprise, especially because Harrisonburg is in the agriculturally productive Shenandoah Valley. This is not some made-up stuff. We are talking about over 80 locally owned restaurants and more than 200 in total, whose range of flavors will tantalize the most discerning palates. If you have been looking for a good Thai Restaurant, the Thai Harrisonburg Restaurant will bring your search to a fitting end. Alternatively, head over to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger. Sit on the outside patio to enjoy the breeze and the views across. Check if there is a show at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts as you explore an institution named for the man credited with creating the basic framework of the U.S. Constitution.

Hot Springs

If the word 鈥淪prings鈥� rings a bell, you know Hot Springs is big on soothing waters and hence, the perfect place for reviving mind and body. The exciting part is that Warm Springs is right next door, which in many aspects is a vacation twin. Come plunge into tepid waters, and fill your lungs with fresh, crisp air. At the Omni Homestead Resort, you will stay where 23 U.S. Presidents have visited. Over in Warm Springs, you can bathe in the waters Thomas Jefferson once bathed in. Check out Troddenvale, a beautiful watering hole tucked softly in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Spend some time at the cute, little museum at the Bath County Historical Society. Other spots to hit include the gift shop at the Warm Springs Gallery & Garden Cafe and Flag Rock Trail, especially if looking for some leg-burning action.

The Takeaway

For a history buff, visiting Virginia does not require any nudging. It is called the Old Dominion for a reason. We are talking about the home state of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and several other Founding Fathers. Several sites in the state are almost sacred, including Monticello, described as 鈥渢he autobiographical masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson.鈥� There is something for the outdoor lover, the seasoned foodie, the music enthusiast 鈥� and the regular guy. If looking for a Virginia town to visit, go to Staunton, arguably the best small town in Virginia. Still, the rest of the towns highlighted here have features and attractions you may not find elsewhere.