What Locals Love Most About Living in Virginia
Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke, McAfee Knob offers one of Virginia’s most iconic hiking experiences. Just about 30 minutes northwest of Roanoke, this rocky outcrop juts dramatically over the Catawba Valley, providing sweeping panoramic views that stretch for miles. The trail to McAfee Knob is a moderate 8.8-mile round trip, winding through rhododendron thickets and hardwood forests. What makes this spot truly special is its sheer ledge, which seems to defy gravity, popular among photographers and nature lovers alike. Early fall is the perfect time to visit, as the changing leaves frame the vista in fiery reds and oranges, while spring brings a lush, floral resurgence.
In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, the Luray Caverns reveal a subterranean world that has fascinated visitors for over a century. About an hour and a half west of Charlottesville, these caverns showcase towering stalagmites and shimmering pools like the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which produces haunting music from striking formations. The cool, constant temperature inside—around 54 degrees Fahrenheit—makes it a year-round escape from the heat or chill above ground. Unlike Virginia’s mountain trails, this experience invites you to explore the ancient geology beneath the surface, offering an otherworldly perspective on the state’s natural history.
Downtown Alexandria, a short drive south of Washington, D.C., buzzes with colonial charm and vibrant waterfront life. The historic Old Town district is lined with 18th-century brick townhouses, cobblestone streets, and bustling markets. Visitors and locals stroll along the Potomac River, stopping at waterfront parks or enjoying fresh seafood at one of the many dockside restaurants. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former naval munitions plant turned artist studios, offers a unique glimpse into Alexandria’s creative pulse. Alexandria’s blend of history and modern culture makes it a favorite for those who appreciate a lively, walkable town rich with stories from the nation’s early days.
In southwestern Virginia, the small town of Abingdon, located about 45 minutes from Bristol, is a cultural gem known for its vibrant arts scene and historic significance. The Barter Theatre, America’s longest-running professional regional theatre, draws crowds with productions that celebrate Appalachian storytelling and drama. Beyond the stage, the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail provides a scenic escape, particularly popular in autumn when the trail’s 35-mile stretch through forests and farmland bursts into color. The town’s combination of arts, history, and access to nature gives residents a well-rounded lifestyle infused with Southern Appalachian heritage.
Chincoteague Island, off Virginia’s Eastern Shore and roughly two hours east of Norfolk, offers a tranquil retreat famous for its wild ponies and serene salt marshes. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge provides miles of flat, easy trails for birdwatching and spotting the famous ponies roaming freely. Summer evenings bring spectacular sunsets over the Assateague Channel, while spring is prime time for migratory birds. The island’s unique coastal ecosystem and the living legacy of the ponies create a peaceful, unhurried rhythm that locals cherish amid the busy tourist seasons.
Richmond, Virginia’s capital, pulses with a thriving craft beer scene anchored in its Scott’s Addition neighborhood. Just a few minutes from downtown, this district has transformed from an industrial zone into a lively hub of breweries, cideries, and taprooms housed in repurposed warehouses. Sampling local brews while chatting with brewmasters embodies Richmond’s blend of history and modern innovation. Autumn is especially appealing here as the cooler temperatures make outdoor patios and beer gardens inviting places to linger. Scott’s Addition reflects the city’s youthful energy balanced by its deep-rooted past, offering a taste of Virginia’s evolving urban culture.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, visitors can explore an impressive collection that spans centuries and continents, including one of the nation’s finest Fabergé egg collections. Located just a few minutes from downtown Richmond, the museum’s galleries showcase both classic and contemporary art, with extensive collections of American, European, and African works. The museum’s spacious sculpture garden is particularly lovely in spring when flowers bloom and the weather invites outdoor contemplation. This cultural institution provides a serene space for locals to connect with global art traditions without leaving the state.
On the Northern Neck peninsula near Fredericksburg, the small town of Colonial Beach offers a laid-back riverfront escape along the Potomac River. About an hour east of Fredericksburg, this beach town is beloved for its wide sandy shores, historic fishing piers, and waterfront parks. Summers here are lively with boating and fishing, but the quieter off-season reveals a peaceful charm perfect for kayaking or cycling along the scenic Virginia Byway routes. The town’s easy access to water and its nostalgic vibe create a coastal retreat distinctive from Virginia’s mountain and urban settings.
Near the southern edge of the state, the Blue Ridge Highlands region centers around the town of Galax, about an hour southwest of Roanoke. Galax is a hub for traditional Appalachian music, especially old-time and bluegrass. The annual Old Fiddler’s Convention attracts musicians and fans, but even year-round, local venues and community halls offer impromptu jams and concerts. The nearby New River Trail State Park, a 57-mile rail-trail corridor, provides a flat route for biking or hiking along the scenic New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America. This blend of musical heritage and outdoor adventure is a cornerstone of life in this part of Virginia.
In the Tidewater region near Norfolk, the Norfolk Botanical Garden spans 175 acres of themed gardens and natural landscapes. Only a short drive from downtown Norfolk, the garden features collections such as Japanese, rose, and butterfly gardens, as well as miles of walking trails. Seasonal blooms draw visitors year-round, but spring’s azaleas and magnolias are especially spectacular. The garden offers a quiet refuge where locals can immerse themselves in horticultural beauty and escape urban bustle, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural history woven into modern city life.