Virginia is for lovers, right? These 10 towns in Virginia offer something for everyone to love! Small towns in Virginia are the state’s best feature and make it the glorious place it is to live or visit. Virginia is known for its natural beauty, history, and small-town charm. From the beautiful star city of Southwest Virginia to the rocky coast of the eastern shore, you’ll find some of the most beautiful small towns in Virginia.
We feel obligated to mention that every small town in Virginia is worth a visit as they all have their own character, uniqueness, and wonderful people. This list is a great starting point. Here are our top 10 small towns in Virginia that need to be seen.
Our Favorite Towns in Virginia
Table of Contents
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Kilmarnock is one of our favorite “rivah” small towns in Virginia. It has been growing in popularity as a getaway located on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. This town offers adorable boutique shopping, great restaurants, and panoramic water views. Be sure to grab ice cream at Stevie’s and popcorn at The Northern Neck Popcorn Bag.
We recommend taking your family and dogs to Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve. Don’t be fooled by these small towns in Virginia, many offer lavish overnight accommodations. Kilmarnock is no exception – we recommend booking a room at The Tides Inn or Kilmarnock Inn.
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Richmond, Virginia
Be sure to check out the artsy and historic capital city of Richmond, Virginia – a city that is known for its ham biscuits, pimento cheese, and craft beers. This unstuffy city offers an eclectic music scene and a nice neighborhood feel. Don’t miss the art scene, including The Virginia Museum of Fine Art, street murals, galleries, and the Institute for Contemporary Art. If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the adorable Quirk Hotel.
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke has much to offer, whether you are an avid outdoorsman or looking for a pampered getaway of culture and fine dining. For those seeking a more adventurous outdoor experience, we recommend checking out Mill Mountain Park and Roanoke Star, Carvins Cove Nature Reserve, McAfee Knob, and staying over in one of the yurts at the Explore Park.
For those seeking a more cultural, urban experience we recommend staying at The Hotel Roanoke, exploring the Taubman Museum of Art, walking through the Roanoke City Market, and visiting one of Roanoke’s delicious dining establishments: The Roanoke Weiner Stand, Lucky Restaurant, Frankie Rowlands, or Fortunato.
Middleburg, Virginia
Cana Vineyard & Winery 
Greenhill Vineyard 
The Red Fox Inn
One of the more equestrian small towns in Virginia, Middleburg is known as the Nation’s Horse and Hunt Country. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Middleburg offers the best of small-town America: local art, historic landmarks, fine cuisine, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. There are numerous luxurious accommodations to choose from: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, Salamander Inn & Spa, or the Red Fox Inn & Tavern. Livestock and horses are not the only things growing in Middleburg, you will want to check out some of their fabulous vineyards: Cana, Greenhill, Boxwood Estates, Chrysalis, and 50 West.
Read More: 6 Spine-Chilling Haunted Places To Explore
Cape Charles, Virginia
Cape Charles is one of the towns in Virginia that has grown in popularity lately. This is thanks to the home improvement blog and podcast, Young House Love, which recently brought this town to fame by renovating three homes there. This town deserves fame, as it is just adorable and so welcoming. The gridded small town offers family-friendly sidewalks and beaches. Some favorite restaurants and eateries are The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, Brown Dog Icecream, and Cape Charles Coffee House.
Washington, Virginia
The very first Washington, or Little Washington, is the epitome of wonderful, small towns in Virginia. The Inn at Little Washington is worth the trip in itself. The food and superb bed and breakfast create an experience like no other, worthy of their three-star Michelin rating! This rural town feels like you are going back in time. Must dos: Take in a show at The Theatre at Washington or indulge in libations at Gadino Cellars or Little Washington Winery and Vineyards.
Lexington, Virginia
One of the great, university-focused, small towns in Virginia is Lexington. Lexington is the home of Washington and Lee and The Virginia Military Institute. While these schools make up a great deal of the social and cultural aspects of the town, Lexington offers a lot more!
The town offers many strong connections to the Civil War and military history, the easiest way to see the historic downtown is on a carriage ride. You will see the Lee Chapel, George C. Marshall Museum, Stonewall Jackson House, and the Memorial Cemetery. There are also many great shops, restaurants, and hotels in town. If you want to spend the day outdoors, we recommend an afternoon scaling the many boulders that make up Devil’s Marbleyard.
Warrenton, Virginia
Downtown Warrenton 
The Airlie
Warrenton is another of our favorite small towns in Virginia. It offers many outdoor activities, delicious restaurants, shops, local artisans, and history. Some must-sees in this small town include: the Red Truck Bakery (which receives praise from President Obama and Oprah), The Airlie, which has wonderful restaurants and great overnight accommodations, or catch one of the Warrenton polo matches.
Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is a small town in Virginia located off of 81 in Augusta County that offers a funky, artsy vibe and is full of history and fantastic dining. Must-sees include The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, and the Frontier Culture Museum.
While there are many restaurants and coffee shops to give you plenty of dining options, a fabulous bakery and chocolate shop to satisfy your sweet tooth. You know we are all about tacos and Chicano Boy Taco is a must-eat while in Staunton. Chicano Boy focuses on serving handmade tacos and Mission-style burritos with fresh products and meticulous time-honored techniques.
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Clifton, Virginia
Downtown Clifton 
Downtown Clifton
Nothing feels at home quite like the main street of Clifton. You would never know you are minutes from Washington, DC located in Fairfax county. This small town in Virginia is a National Historic District that does not even have a stoplight. There are beautiful nature trails that surround the town, a cute, functional train stop, and many delicious restaurants. Whitehall Farm and Market offers educational tours and allows you to buy fresh produce. We recommend trying out Trummers on Main’s exquisite food, abundant wine, and incomparable cocktails – a must-try is the Titanic martini.
Small towns in Virginia are what make this state and our country great! We hope this list encourages you not to overlook towns in Virginia when planning your next vacation. Enjoy our wonderful views, delicious seafood, hospitality, and history as you tour these towns in Virginia.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out “Fun Family Adventure: Camping at Shenandoah National Park with Kids in 2021” to help you with additional Virginia travels.
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