Small towns are the heart and soul of Virginia. While cities always have their allure, there’s no denying the charm, unique attractions, and slower pace of life that you’ll discover in less-populated communities. And while any one of Virginia’s small towns is worth checking out, we’ve pinpointed five that have totally captured our hearts.

  1. Lexington

Steele Burrow / Aurora Photos / Getty Images Lexington, VA 24450, USA

Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images For history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, it doesn’t get much better than Lexington, Virginia. Home to two major colleges, this town has a major small-town appeal. The walkable downtown area’s restaurants, galleries, cafes, and boutique accommodations are all reasons enough to plan your weekend getaway.

  1. Farmville

Visit Farmville, VA / Facebook Farmville, VA 23901, USA

Visit Farmville, VA / Facebook Our next lovable small destination is situated in the heart of Virginia. Farmville is another small town with a distinctive college vibe, but there are truly adventures for all ages here. From High Bridge Trail State Park to the massive Green Front Furniture warehouses, you’ll definitely need some comfortable walking shoes when planning your visit.

  1. Alexandria

Grace Cary / Getty Images Alexandria, VA, USA

Grace Cary / Getty Images Alexandria is a postcard-perfect town whose historic buildings will charm and impress you. Tucked away on the Potomac River, historic Old Town has some wonderful dining options and great local stores to peruse. In fact, it might just be one of the most walkable small towns in the state! In the summer months, don’t forget to check out the Farmers Market, a tradition since the days of George Washington.

  1. Chincoteague

Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images Next stop: Chincoteague Island. Part of Virginia’s Eastern Shore region, this area is famous for its wild ponies, marshy landscapes, and fishing industry. While you’re there, be sure to spend some time exploring the breathtaking and pristine Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Chincoteague, VA, USA

  1. Abingdon

Visit Abingdon VA / Facebook Abingdon, VA, USA

Visit Abingdon VA / Facebook Last but certainly not least, Abingdon is a southwestern Virginia town with loads of character. Interestingly enough, if you were to travel from Chincoteague to Abingdon, it would take nearly 8 hours of driving time! Abingdon is famous for its proximity to some of the region’s best outdoor attractions: endless Blue Ridge Mountain hikes and the Virginia Creeper Trail.

What are some of your favorite small towns in Virginia? Feel free to share them with us in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!

Steele Burrow / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

Lexington, VA 24450, USA

Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images

For history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, it doesn’t get much better than Lexington, Virginia. Home to two major colleges, this town has a major small-town appeal. The walkable downtown area’s restaurants, galleries, cafes, and boutique accommodations are all reasons enough to plan your weekend getaway.

Visit Farmville, VA / Facebook

Farmville, VA 23901, USA

Our next lovable small destination is situated in the heart of Virginia. Farmville is another small town with a distinctive college vibe, but there are truly adventures for all ages here. From High Bridge Trail State Park to the massive Green Front Furniture warehouses, you’ll definitely need some comfortable walking shoes when planning your visit.

Grace Cary / Getty Images

Alexandria, VA, USA

Alexandria is a postcard-perfect town whose historic buildings will charm and impress you. Tucked away on the Potomac River, historic Old Town has some wonderful dining options and great local stores to peruse. In fact, it might just be one of the most walkable small towns in the state! In the summer months, don’t forget to check out the Farmers Market, a tradition since the days of George Washington.

Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images

Next stop: Chincoteague Island. Part of Virginia’s Eastern Shore region, this area is famous for its wild ponies, marshy landscapes, and fishing industry. While you’re there, be sure to spend some time exploring the breathtaking and pristine Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Chincoteague, VA, USA

Visit Abingdon VA / Facebook

Abingdon, VA, USA

Last but certainly not least, Abingdon is a southwestern Virginia town with loads of character. Interestingly enough, if you were to travel from Chincoteague to Abingdon, it would take nearly 8 hours of driving time! Abingdon is famous for its proximity to some of the region’s best outdoor attractions: endless Blue Ridge Mountain hikes and the Virginia Creeper Trail.

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