Virginia, a state brimming with captivating small towns, is a treasure trove for any traveler's bucket list. With a rich colonial history dating back to the nation's earliest English settlers in 1607, these towns have played pivotal roles in shaping America's past, from the Revolutionary War to cultural revolutions in music and the arts. Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, these six Virginia towns offer authentic experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
Danville: The City of Churches and Tobacco Legacy
Danville, once a bustling tobacco town, now boasts over 100 houses of worship, earning it the nickname "The City of Churches." Exploring downtown Danville on foot reveals a unique blend of the past and present. The River District, a pedestrian-friendly area, showcases 19th and early 20th-century tobacco warehouses, a testament to the town's industrial heritage. The Crossing at the Dan, a former tobacco industry structure, now hosts public events like the Danville Farmers' Market, adding a touch of modernity to this historic district.
The Riverwalk Trail, an 11-mile paved path, offers a peaceful escape along the Dan River. Along the way, you'll cross an old railroad bridge and enjoy the shorter loop walk back to the River District via one of the two Main Street bridges. For accommodation, the Bee Hotel, housed in the town's old newspaper offices, provides a unique stay with river views.
As you venture up Main Street, you'll discover Millionaire's Row, a row of stunning Victorian and Edwardian mansions once owned by the town's wealthy residents. The views from Mount Vernon United Methodist Church back along Main Street are a fitting conclusion to your Danville exploration, solidifying its place on any bucket list.
Onancock: A Gem on the Chesapeake Bay
Captain John Smith, the renowned explorer, was so captivated by the potential of Onancock and its deep waters that he declared it "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" in 1608. True to his words, Onancock's strategic location and protected harbor made it an essential commercial and fishing hub, second only to Cape Charles after the railway arrived in the 1800s.
Wandering through the Onancock Historic District, you'll encounter a charming blend of Federal and Victorian-style stores and homes, remnants of the town's heyday. Notable landmarks include the Roseland Theatre from 1913 and Hopkins & Bros. Store, constructed in 1842 overlooking Onancock Harbor. To truly experience the area's natural beauty, rent a kayak from Burnham Guides Paddle & Bike or take a ferry ride across Chesapeake Bay to the remote fishing community of Tangier Island.
Ker Place, built in 1799 and now a museum, showcases interesting exhibits on steamboat travel, oystering equipment, and the native Accomack tribe. Nearby, the elegant Onancock Inn offers bed and breakfast accommodations, while the Onancock Taphouse provides a chance to connect with locals over a refreshing beer.
Floyd: A Musical Haven in the Heart of Appalachia
Floyd is a must-visit destination for old-time music enthusiasts. Located along the Crooked Road, also known as the Virginia Heritage Music Trail, this small town has become synonymous with preserving the Appalachian musical traditions of bluegrass and mountain gospel.
Plan your visit for a weekend, and you'll be treated to the lively Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. Built in 1910, this store transforms into a vibrant hub on Fridays, with music fans of all ages dancing and singing along to impromptu performances. Locust Street, lined with music shops and venues, buzzes with energy as visitors tap and clap along to the infectious rhythms.
If you decide to extend your stay, Hotel Floyd offers convenient accommodations near the music scene and a short walk from the Floyd Farmers Market and the Floyd County Historical Museum.
Bristol: Where Two States Meet
Named after the English port city, Bristol holds the unique distinction of straddling two states - Virginia and Tennessee. State Street, appropriately named, serves as the state border, literally dividing the town in two. After a night out at watering holes like O'Mainnin's Pub or Stateline Bar & Grille, brass markers in the pavement will remind you which state you're in!
Bristol's bar scene is a testament to its reputation as the "Birthplace of Country Music." In 1927, legendary recording sessions introduced the world to Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, forever shaping the course of American music. These historic recordings, made by the Victor Talking Machine Company on State Street (now a car park with a commemorative plaque), had a profound impact on country, bluegrass, and folk music.
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, immerses visitors in the evolution of country music from its Appalachian folk roots to modern-day stars. Sessions Hotel, named in honor of the 1927 recordings, is the perfect base for exploring Bristol, offering accommodations in a former candy factory and mill built in the 1920s.
Charlottesville: A University Town Like No Other
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville stands out as a unique and special campus in the United States. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Academical Village is a masterpiece of American design. The Rotunda, inspired by Rome's Pantheon, sits at the end of the magnificent Lawn, a wide, grassy corridor flanked by original pavilions that senior students still compete for.
The Downtown Mall, a seven-block pedestrian zone along Main Street, is a car-free haven with landmarks like the New Dominion Bookshop, a fixture since 1924, and the historic Paramount Theater, a restored 1931 movie palace hosting films and concerts. Nearby, Monticello, Jefferson's mountaintop plantation, offers tours of his former home and the chance to explore the grounds, including the slave quarters.
Wytheville: A Crossroads with a Presidential Connection
Wytheville, once a mere pit stop for travelers, has transformed into a must-visit small town. Its downtown area has long been a crossroads, and its revival has earned it a place on many bucket lists. The town's connection to the White House is celebrated at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, honoring Edith Bolling, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, who was born here in 1872.
The Bolling Wilson Hotel, named after the former First Lady, serves as an excellent base for exploring Wytheville. Dining options include Graze on Main at the hotel and the quirky Log House 1776 Restaurant, offering delicious food and a unique blend of casual dining and antique shopping. For a unique dining and entertainment experience, Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, located between downtown and the interstate highways, presents Broadway-style musicals alongside tasty meals.
These six Virginia small towns, each with its own unique charm and history, offer a diverse range of experiences. From Danville's revitalized tobacco warehouses to Onancock's Chesapeake Bay setting, and from Floyd's Appalachian heritage to Bristol's country music rhythms, these destinations are truly bucket-list worthy. Add them to your list of must-visit places in "The Old Dominion" and prepare to be captivated by their charm and rich cultural offerings.
