Ashland, VA
Ashland, Virginia, the self-styled Center of the Universe, is a Hanover County college town about 15 miles north of Richmond where CSX and Amtrak trains roll straight down the middle of downtown. Randolph-Macon College faces the shops across the tracks, the Strawberry Faire fills the campus each June, and the paved Fall Line Trail begins at Carter Park. Come for the trains. Stay because they keep coming.
Floyd, VA
Floyd, Virginia is a town of fewer than 500 people on the Blue Ridge Plateau, a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and a hub on The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Every Friday night the Floyd Country Store, open as a store since 1910, hosts the Friday Night Jamboree. Galleries, a nationally known coffee roaster and county-wide gigabit fiber round it out. Bring your dancing shoes, or at least your ears.
Middleburg, VA
Middleburg, Virginia, the Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital, is a town of fewer than a thousand people in Loudoun County hunt country, founded in 1787 on the road between Alexandria and Winchester. Washington Street holds an inn that has taken guests since 1728, a national sporting library, oyster bars and galleries, with wineries and a Five-Star resort at the edges. Dulles is 21 miles away. Bring boots, and book December early.
Lexington, VA
Cradled between lush rolling hills and steeped in American history, this charming Shenandoah Valley gem blends collegiate vitality from Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute with classic Southern grace. Brick sidewalks and storied architecture meet vibrant boutiques, acclaimed eateries, and artisanal breweries, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere cherished by young families, savvy entrepreneurs, and active retirees seeking sophisticated comforts in a small-town setting.
Discover
Perfect for a weekend getaway, this historic enclave offers charming inns like the Abigail Inn and the Georges, and culinary standouts including The Red Hen and Haywood’s. Adventure seekers enjoy scenic hikes along the Chessie Nature Trail or kayaking the Maury River, while history enthusiasts relish tours of iconic Civil War sites. Best visited in autumn’s vivid foliage or during spring blooms, evenings sparkle with entertainment at Lime Kiln Theater’s outdoor performances beneath starlit skies.
Abingdon, VA
Nestled in the rolling highlands of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is a picturesque embodiment of historic charm and artistic flair, a place where the past and present merge seamlessly. Known for its snall town arts scene, including the legendary Barter Theatre and the scenic beauty of the Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon offers a unique blend of cultural richness and outdoor adventure. This town, with its brick-lined sidewalks and tree-canopied streets, invites you to explore its storied past, from the grounds of the Muster Grounds to the cozy, upscale boutiques that dot the historic downtown. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or an arts connoisseur, Abingdon has a way of capturing hearts, making it an natural destination for visitors and residents alike
Farmville, VA
Nestled at the heart of Virginia, Farmville is a vibrant tapestry of academic life, historical depth, and natural beauty. With a population of 7,473, this two-college town, home to Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, buzzes with intellectual energy and community spirit.
Staunton, VA
Staunton, Virginia, fondly known as the "Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley," is a tapestry of historic charm and cultural richness. With its vibrant arts scene, this walkable city boasts the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson and the pioneering city-manager form of government. Staunton's picturesque downtown, lined with beautifully preserved architecture, offers a warm invitation to explore its unique shops, theaters, and local culinary delights