The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Virginia
In Richmond, just a short drive from downtown, the Shockoe Slip district invites visitors to explore some of Virginia’s most storied culinary traditions. This historic cobblestone neighborhood, once the heart of the tobacco trade, now buzzes with vibrant restaurants where you can savor the city’s unique take on Southern fare. Here, the legacy of Virginia ham—the salt-cured and aged delicacy that became a regional staple—shines through in dishes that highlight its smoky, savory depth. Sampling this ham in Richmond’s eateries offers a direct connection to the centuries-old tradition of ham curing perfected in nearby Lexington, a process that dates back to the 18th century and shaped Virginia’s identity as a leader in pork products.
About two hours west of Richmond lies the charming town of Lexington, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. This area is renowned for its artisanal curing of country ham, but to see the craft up close, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at the Stonewall Jackson House provides a rich historical context. While not a food venue per se, the museum’s exhibits touch on the agricultural roots of the region, including the importance of pork and ham in daily life. Visitors intrigued by culinary heritage often take the nearby driving routes through the valley’s farms where local smokehouses still produce the famous Lexington-style country ham, known for its rich flavor developed through weeks of curing and smoking.
Heading southeast, Norfolk’s historic Waterside District offers a lively waterfront setting to experience Virginia’s seafood bounty. Here, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are king. The area’s crab shacks and seafood markets showcase the distinct flavor of blue crabs harvested from the Chesapeake Bay, whose briny sweetness has made crab feasts a cherished local ritual. The best months for crabbing are late summer and early fall, when the crabs reach peak size and flavor. The Waterside District’s bustling atmosphere, with views of the Elizabeth River, makes enjoying freshly steamed crabs an event that blends place, tradition, and taste.
Driving about three hours southwest of Norfolk, the small town of Abingdon sits near the Virginia Highlands Festival grounds and offers a gateway to Appalachian culinary traditions. Here, the focus turns to country-style biscuits paired with sorghum molasses, a sweet syrup made from pressed sorghum cane. At local farmers markets and historic inns, you can sample biscuits made from recipes passed down through generations, embodying the mountain region’s simple yet hearty food culture. The rolling hills and crisp fall air of Abingdon provide a perfect backdrop to savor these flavors, tying the food to the landscape that sustains it.
In the coastal town of Williamsburg, roughly an hour east of Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district offers an immersive glimpse into 18th-century dining. The taverns and kitchens here recreate recipes that reflect the early Virginian palate, including the introduction of peanuts as a snack and ingredient. The Peanut Soup served in one of the period taverns connects visitors to the Atlantic trade networks and agricultural experimentation of the colonial era. Experiencing this dish within the meticulously restored streets and buildings of Williamsburg makes the flavor a living history lesson, especially enjoyable during the mild spring and fall seasons when outdoor performances and garden tours complement the culinary experience.
Farther north, in the scenic Northern Virginia countryside near Middleburg, visitors find the vineyards and tasting rooms that have helped put Virginia wine on the national map. The Middleburg American Viticultural Area is a key region for exploring the state’s burgeoning wine culture, with wineries crafting distinctive Viognier and Cabernet Franc varietals. Sampling these wines during a vineyard tour along the scenic byways near Washington, D.C., especially in the early autumn when the vines are heavy with ripe fruit, offers a sensory connection to the state’s terroir. The rolling hills and historic estates make this an elegant setting to appreciate how Virginia’s wine industry complements its culinary heritage.
In the heart of Virginia Beach, the oceanfront boards and local eateries celebrate another drink deeply tied to the state: the Virginia craft beer scene. Breweries like Smartmouth Brewing Company bring a coastal spin to brewing with hop-forward ales inspired by the Atlantic’s maritime climate. Sampling their flagship brews in a taproom overlooking the ocean blends the sensory pleasures of sea breezes and fresh hops. The city’s summer months, with lively beach festivals and brewery events, are ideal for diving into this vibrant segment of Virginia’s food and drink culture.
Finally, up in Charlottesville, just over an hour west of Richmond, the Downtown Mall provides a lively culinary corridor where farm-to-table restaurants highlight Virginia’s seasonal produce, including the famous peanuts and apples grown in the nearby Piedmont region. The vibrant farmers market held on the mall each weekend offers a direct link to the agricultural bounty of the area. Dining here in autumn, when apple orchards are in full harvest, and local kitchens feature cider and baked goods, gives visitors a taste of Virginia’s diverse culinary landscape shaped by its varied climates and soils. The combination of historic architecture and contemporary gastronomy makes Charlottesville a must-visit for food lovers exploring the state’s roots.