By james art 
One of the original Thirteen Colonies and the 10sth a state that would be ceremonially admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a diverse state in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, stretching between the Appalachians and the Atlantic seaboard. During the vacations of Old Dominion’s the overcrowded metropolitan centers of Norfolk, Alexandria, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and the state capital of Richmond are top priorities for the majority of vacationers, countless pristine teenage communities are consistently overlooked. So what’s all the waiting? Pack your bags and take a blissful journey to these lesser-known towns for a true essence of all that Virginia has to offer.
Middleburg
Titled Middleburg Because of its location midway between Winchester and Alexandria, this charming town in Loudoun County was founded in 1787 by Continental Army officer and Virginia planter Leven Powell. Determined “Horse and Hunting Capital of the Nation” Middleburgh proudly maintains its equestrian heritage and is highly prized for foxhunting, show jumping and vast estates. Filled with countless century-old buildings, Middleburg’s historic district, bounded by Constitution Street and Independence Street to the west and east, respectively, spans the entire segment of Washington Street downtown. Take some time out of your busy schedules to explore impressive must-sees like Chrysalis Vineyards, National Sporting Library & Museum, Boxwood Estate Winery, Middleburg Antique Gallery, Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, Middleburg Museum, Crème de Home Goods Store la Crème , Lost Barrel Brewing, Highcliffe Clothiers shop, lodgings such as the Red Fox Inn & Tavern and premium seafood restaurants such as King Street Oyster Bar. For four consecutive days every October, the Middleburg Film Festival, which takes place among the city’s beautiful backdrops, attracts moviegoers, spectators and guests from all over the world.
Abingdon
Abingdon, the county seat of Washington County, is located in southwestern Virginia at approx. 133 miles southwest of Roanoke in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Marked Wolf Hill Tract from the beginning this quaint town was rechristened Abingdon after Martha Washington’s family estate in Oxfordshire. Spanning a significant portion of the town, the 159.5 acre Abingdon Historic District includes a variety of traditional structures dating from the late 18th and mid-20sth centuries. Sinking Spring Cemetery, Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Barter Theatre, Historical Society of Washington County – Virginia and Washington County Courthouse are popular tourist magnets in Abingdon. Likewise, the 34.3-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, which winds through farmland, mountains and forests, starts in Abingdon and is suitable for cycling and hiking fanatics.
Culpeper
The county seat of Culpeper County, Culpeper occupies the Piedmont River Valley bordered by the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers. Heritage fanatics visiting this idyllic village are enthralled by the imperial churches, exquisitely defended Civil War battlefields, time-honored estates and the Culpeper History Museum. A timeless example of a Great American Main Street, Culpeper’s revitalized downtown streets are filled with antique stores like Vintage Vibes of Virginia, handmade outdoor goods shops like The Bear & The Blade, one-of-a-kind gift shops like The Cameleer and award-winning restaurants such as Flavor on Main and Grill 309. Throughout the year, the city hosts a number of recurring events such as the Mardi Gras celebration, Independence Day celebrations, the Third Thursday Summer Concert Series, the Commonwealth Park National Horse Show, CulpeperFest and Gnarly Hops & Barley Fest.
Smithfield
Duplicated “Ham Capital of the World”, Smithfield is located in the South Hampton Roads subregion of Isle of Wight County in southeastern Virginia along the banks of the Pagan River. This laid-back town of 8,533 is known for canning and producing a specific form of country ham called Smithfield ham. Encompassing downtown and surrounding residential neighborhoods, the Smithfield Historic District includes many notable buildings such as the Thomas House, the Wentworth-Grinnan House, the Old Isle of Wight Courthouse, and more. The Smithfield & Isle of Wight Visitor Centre, the historic Church of St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum, Fort Boykin Historic Park, Isle of Wight County Museum, Windsor Castle Park, Fort Huger Archaeological Site, Cypress Creek Golf Course, William Rand Tavern (Smithfield Inn), Taste of Smithfield Restaurant and Waterfront Inn & Marina are some of the notable Smithfield sites. Take time out of your busy schedule to attend one of the annual events such as the Smithfield Farmers Market, Smithfield Olden Days and the Christmas Parade.
Irvington
Original labelled “Carter’s Creek Wharf” and later officially renamed in honor of Captain Levin Irvington, this Lancaster County paradise is located on the North Neck Peninsula on the eastern banks of Carter’s Creek where it flows into the Rappahannock River. The town entices vacationers with its 149 properties spread across 1,107.2 acres in the historic district. Plus, spend a nice afternoon cruising the Rappahannock River and watch herons, ospreys and eagles along Carter’s Creek; learn about the past at the Steamboat Age Museum and Historic Christ Church and Museum; go golfing at Golden Eagle Golf Club; shop at the city’s farmers market, retail outlets and women’s clothing stores like Dandelion Inc; enjoy fresh fish and oysters served by premium seafood restaurants such as Byrd’s Seafood Company and Fish Hawk Oyster Bar; bike to the dog-friendly Dog & Oyster Vineyard and stay overnight at The Tides Inn.
Chincoteague
Bounded by the mighty Atlantic and Assateague Bay to the east and Chincoteague Bay to the west, Chincoteague, which includes all of Chincoteague Island, is located on the northeastern tip of Virginia’s eastern shore in Accomack County. This small village serves as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island – home to the internationally recognized Chincoteague Ponies and a haven for ornithologists. Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, Captain Timothy Hill House, Museum of Chincoteague Island, Beebe Ranch, Assateague Lighthouse and Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park are some of Chincoteague’s notable places. Also check out Main Street lined with many small town businesses, Sundial Bookstore, Island Theater, ice cream shops like Island Creamery and Mister Whippy, Chincoteague Island Library, mini golf courses, comfortable bed and breakfasts like Miss Molly’s Inn and restaurants with seafood like Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks and Don’s Seafood Restaurant. Every July, thousands of revelers flock to Chincoteague to attend the Pony Swim & Auction Festival hosted by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
Cape Charles
A pristine coastal community of Northampton County, Cape Charles is located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Bordered to the north by King’s Creek and to the south by Old Plantation Creek, this primarily planned railroad community currently features numerous well-maintained waterfront properties, local businesses in the shopping center and pristine Cape Charles Town Beach. Travelers touring Cape Charles should check out the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Virginia Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles Nature Preserve, Kiptopek State Park, Cape Charles Harbor and Marina, Museum and Center for welcome to Cape Charles and the adjacent Fun Pier Cape Charles Town Beach.
Farmville
The seat of government of Prince Edward County in central Virginia, Farmville is located at the headwaters of the Appomattox River through Prince Edward and Cumberland counties. Aside from Longwood University’s main campus, Farmville has a host of fascinating points of interest that captivate residents and tourists alike. The city’s vibrant Main Street is filled with eclectic shops, trendy clothing stores, art galleries like the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, and restaurants like The Fishin’ Pig, La Parota Mexican Restaurant, and Riverside Café. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Robert Russa Moton Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts should head straight for the various open spaces like Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area, High Bridge Trail State Park, and neighboring Twin Lakes State Park and Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park. Every year on the first weekend of May, Farmville celebrates the Heart of Virginia Festival with art, local homemade crafts, music, mouth-watering food and much more.
Onancock
Home to 1,211 residents, this charming town in Accomack County is the starting point for traversing the rest of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Over the past few decades, Onancock has maintained its pristine residential character, boasting a downtown neighborhood filled with stately Victorian mansions, a unique art scene, museums like the Watermen’s Museum & Research Center on the East Shore, and cozy bed and breakfasts like The Inn at Onancock and top-notch restaurants like Market Street Grill. The 225-acre Onancock Historic District includes countless notable buildings, including the antique Roseland Theater, where during the International Film Festival, fantastic foreign-language films are available for collective viewing. Every year from May to October, visitors should board the Tangier Onancock Ferry and explore some of the Chesapeake Bay’s favorite assets.
Vachapreg
Wachapreague, named after the native Algonquin tribe of the same name, is a charming settlement in Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Surrounded by water, farmland and forest, this town of 257 permanent residents is widely known for inshore and offshore sport fishing, in addition to providing unfettered access to pristine wetlands and shell-filled barrier island beaches. When visiting this Victorian-era community, stroll the streets and stop into a variety of shops like Seaside Antiques & Art, accommodations like the Wachapreague Inn, and dining options like the Island House Restaurant & Marina. Nature lovers can spend time during the spring and fall seasons observing migratory bird species and other wildlife on the south shore of the Wachapreague, in addition to participating in recreational activities at Seaside Park and Herbert S. Powell Memorial Park.
From the alpine community of Abingdon to the coastal towns of Chincoteague and Cape Charles, the quaint little towns of the 12th most populous and 35th the country’s largest state mesmerizes millions of tourists with its assured sophistication and friendly environment. The eye-catching natural settings, gorgeous nostalgic architecture, restored Main Street, lively festivities and soothing southern nature that these Virginia towns boast are worth making them the most desirable all-weather destinations for any kind of refreshing getaway .