By james art 
They say Virginia is for lovers, but the truth is anything is welcome in this neighboring state. From big cities like Roanoke to the small towns listed below, travelers will have no trouble finding welcoming places to visit in Virginia. In fact, Virginia Beach, one of the largest cities in the state, is considered one of the most neighborly cities in America. This is because factors such as charitable giving, volunteerism, low crime rates, voter turnout and population growth were considered in making this decision. Outside of friendly faces, the state is also an excellent travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning green spaces like Seven Bends State Park tucked around every corner. Historic buildings and good food are also major draws of the old Dominion state.
Chincoteague
Hailed as the gateway to Assateague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague, Virginia is no stranger to tourists. The friendly little town sees over 1.5 million visitors each year – all eager to see the famous wild ponies on the Virgina portion of Assateague Island. In addition to island adventures and beautiful wild horses, Chincoteague offers a wide range of family activities. Animal lovers will of course want to book a trip with Captain Dan around the islands tours where they can catch a glimpse of the wild ponies, dolphins and bald eagles that live on and around Assateague Island. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts will find a good selection of trails to explore, including the Island Nature Trail and 15 miles of hiking trails available at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Those interested in Chincoteague history can visit the Chincoteague Island Museum. In addition to interesting exhibits, the museum also has a friendly and knowledgeable staff that visitors rave about.
Cape Charles
Cape Charles is a charming little town located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Customarily nicknamed Cape Virgina, the city serves as an excellent destination for seafood lovers and history buffs. A post on the city’s official website explains that Cape Charles’ collection of historic buildings is among the best on the East Coast. Those interested in exploring the buildings mentioned can begin with a self-guided walking tour through the Cape Charles Historic District. The area and surrounding neighborhoods boast beautiful old homes, some dating back to 1760. Cape Charles Lighthouse, originally built in 1828. and rebuilt in 1895, is another fine example of the well-preserved historic buildings one can find in the city. The Cape Charles Museum is also worth a visit for history buffs. After all that running around, there’s no better place to fuel up than at Shanti’s, a local seafood restaurant with a great reputation. The restaurant has hundreds of 5 star reviews. Finally, be sure to check out the stunning views, trails, and wildlife available at Cape Charles Nature Preserve.
Onancock
Despite its relatively small population of 1,200, Onancock, Virginia is home to a vibrant and attractive community. A post on the city’s official website highlights its goal to make Onancock a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike. The same post goes on to highlight ways to achieve said goal, which includes everything from enriching the arts scene to supporting local businesses. Anyone who visits the city is sure to find that this goal has been achieved tenfold. Art lovers will be in heaven here, with plenty of local galleries to explore, as well as the popular North Street Playhouse, a theater that hosts regular live performances. Another staple of the arts community is The Roseland Theatre, an old-time movie theater that feels like a blast from the past. Onancock also hosts a series of regular events that help attract visitors, including free music on the Lawn concert series, an annual crawfish feast, and huge holiday light displays.
Damascus
Kick off those hiking boots, it’s time to visit the enchanting city of Damascus, Virginia. Often referred to as “Trail Town USA,” Damascus is home to a handful of popular trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, US Bike Route 76, the Iron Mountain Trail, and the Virginia Trail. Upon arrival, hikers will want to stop at the Damascus Trail Center. Located in the heart of downtown, the Trail Center will provide visitors with local trail maps and suggested routes. Those who enjoy nature will also want to take the short 3.9-mile drive outside of Damascus to explore the beautiful Backbone Recreation Area. The biggest attraction here is Spine Rock, a solid rock with a natural tunnel carved into it. The recreation area features walking trails and a waterfall.
Woodstock
Woodstock, Virginia is a beautiful town with a small but friendly population. Several online reviews paint a pretty picture of the neighborhood atmosphere travelers will find in Woodstock, including a review of the Niche.com, which describes the city as a friendly native kind of atmosphere filled with quaint shops and welcoming stores. In addition to the city’s neighborhood vibe, travelers will find plenty of fun things to see and do here. History buffs will enjoy wandering around the Woodstock Museum. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will have a grand time making their way through Seven Bends State Park, where 9 miles of hiking trails, the Shenandoah River, and cozy picnic areas await.
Floyd
Floyd, Virginia is nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains and is well known for having a thriving music and arts scene. Anyone who has visited Floyd in the past knows that the artists and farmers who call the city home are a welcoming bunch. Travelers interested in getting involved with the community can do so easily at the Floyd Country Store. The store serves as a music and live event venue where patrons can enjoy delicious food, drinks, dancing and plenty of live performances. Other worthwhile activities in town include camping at Rocky Knob Recreation Area and soaring through the skies at Buffalo Mountain’s mountain loops.
Tangier Island
Located in the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island is a small fishing community filled with welcoming residents eager to share their culture and lifestyle with interested visitors. The island is only accessible by boat, and travelers can choose between private boat trips or a 90-minute ferry ride. Once in town, there are a handful of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including admiring the crab houses, taking a city tour and delving into the past at the Tangier Island Museum. On a sunny day, an afternoon spent exploring Tangier Beach is a must. Of course, one cannot visit the “soft shell crab capital of the world” without indulging in a crab-filled meal from Four Brothers Crab House & Ice Cream Deck.
Visit Virginia today…
Traveling can be overwhelming at times, but finding friendly locals to help guide you and offer bits of advice helps make any experience easy and memorable. In Virginia, these are the exact types of experiences travelers expect. So if you’re looking to get up close and personal with the locals on your next vacation, consider exploring these neighboring towns in Virginia.