Spring Itineraries for Five Historical Places in Virginia

With just a little research on where to visit in Virginia, you’ll find that Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, and Monticello are huge history draws for tourism in Virginia. But there are plenty of significant destinations in Virginia that get a little less fanfare—and more importantly, smaller crowds.

If you want to discover a few of Virginia’s historical gems without waiting in long lines or making reservations weeks in advance, add these locations to your itinerary.

Wise

With the Coal Heritage Trail running through Wise County, much of the town’s history deals with Virginia coal mining. Once a booming coal mining area, the town still has some operating coal mines.

In addition to coal, Wise is a mountain town, with strong roots planted in Appalachia philosophy. Visitors will find that the traditions, culture, and heritage of southwest Virginia are still a part of everyday life in Wise. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the nearby state and national parks, including Breaks Interstate Park, located in Dickinson and known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” The Clinch River, running through Wise, is a popular outdoor destination for kayakers and canoers. For a glimpse of some of Virginia’s best scenery and wildlife, take a drive through the winding Appalachian backroads that surround Wise.

Stay at: The Inn at Wise is a historic gem in southwest Virginia that is over a century old, but the renovated interior gives an impression of elegance rather than age. Find more lodging options in Wise.

Dine: Get crisp pizza with a wide array of delicious toppings at Moon Dog Brick Oven. This pie-crazy restaurant doesn’t stop at brick-oven slices; they serve pizza muffins and decadent dessert pizza, too. Not into pizza? Try one of these other restaurants in Wise.

Other Nearby Historic Destinations: Tour the Harry W. Meador Coal Museum and the Southwest Virginia Museum for a walk-through glimpse at early mountain living in Virginia. The Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum in Tazewell is another interesting destination for visitors looking to learn more about the coal mining process, while the Richlands Coal Miners’ Memorial pays tribute to workers who lost their lives in the mines. 

Outdoor Activities: Go off-roading on the Spear Head Trails—60 miles of trails built specifically for ATVs and dirt bikes. 

Fun Fact: Film fans can discover some of the same landmarks made famous by author Adriana Trigiani in her book "Big Stone Gap," named after the real town less than 30 minutes from Wise. In 2013, she returned to her hometown to turn the novel into a movie. "Big Stone Gap" tells a (somewhat) fictional account of growing up in a small southwestern Virginia town and stars Whoopi Goldberg, Ashley Judd, Patrick Wilson, Jenna Elfman, and Jane Krakowski.

Westmoreland

Westmoreland sits at the top of the Northern Neck, a coastal Virginia region bordered by the Potomac River to the north, the Rappahannock River to the south, and the Chesapeake Bay to the east.

Because of the peninsular geography, visitors find that a great deal of the historical accounts in the area involve water. For instance, Captain John Smith once journeyed up the Rappahannock as a captive of the Powhatan Indians and made landfall on the Northern Neck. This is the first recorded history of a European arriving in the Northern Neck of Virginia.

Many important Virginians were born and raised in Westmoreland, including Presidents George Washington and James Monroe. The fourth President of the United States, James Madison, was also born nearby on the Northern Neck in Port Conway. Today, Westmoreland and the Northern Neck region is well known for fishing and agriculture.

Stay at: The Colonial Beach Plaza Bed and Breakfast combines Victorian stylings and hometown comfort, making for a relaxing atmosphere. Another option are the guest houses at Stratford Hall, where visitors can stay in accommodations and explore over 2,000 acres of untouched nature, all located on the sprawling grounds of the Lee family estate. Stay at the Belle Grove Plantation Bed & Breakfast in King George for an elegant experience on the banks of the Rappahannock River. 

Dine: While almost an hour away, The Chesapeake Restaurant the impressive menu at the Tides Inn in Irvington is worth the drive. 

Other Historic Destinations: Washington’s first home has not survived over the years, but site hosts the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, which is open to the general public. The birthplace of Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall, is still standing and holds daily tours. Another notable spot is Gunston Hall, the residence of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and a framer of the United States Constitution.

Outdoor Activities: Learn how to navigate the Chesapeake with Norton’s Sailing School.

Fun Fact: The Northern Neck is the birthplace of three of the first five U.S. presidents. It seems like the wildlife is aware of this fact; eagles flock to the Northern Neck in some of the highest numbers seen on the eastern seaboard.

Floyd

Originally a town where trappers, traders, and hunters gathered, Floyd’s historical significance has spread to include music, culture, and a strong literary scene. The town sits on the famous “Crooked Road,” the heritage music trail where mountain songs and religious roots helped shape new musical genres.

For a look at how Floyd contributed to the American music scene, stop by Floyd Country Store on the weekends. There, you’ll find live music and dancing during the Friday Night Jamboree, Americana tunes played on Saturday afternoons, and traditional mountain music played each Sunday. No matter what time of year you visit Floyd, live music will always be on the schedule.

Stay at: There are a few options for accommodations located right in Floyd.  If you are looking for unbeatable scenery, there are several parkway overlooks close to the Woodberry Inn in Meadows of Dan where you can get a front-row seat to nature’s gorgeous views.

Dine: Wine fans should consider Chateau Morrisette, where delicious meals are paired with their excellent wines, made right on the property. For a more budget-friendly option, try Mabry Mill Restaurant in Meadows of Dan, less than a 30 minute drive from Floyd. The restaurant is located right beside the historic Mabry Mill, an iconic Virginia landmark, and offers Southern favorites along with hearty breakfast options that are served all day long.  

Other Historic Destinations: Nearby Mabry Mill is a restored sawmill, gristmill, woodworking shop, and blacksmith shop. Learn forgotten skills like spinning, weaving, and seat caning during your visit to the mill.

Outdoor Activities: Fairy Stone State Park is open year-round and has numerous trails for hiking, as well as rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, and hydro-bikes available to rent and take out on the park’s lake. Camp overnight at the on-site campgrounds or rent a cabin for the entire family. Discover a spectacular view of the Virginia mountains (as well as a very romantic backstory) from Lover’s Leap, a popular viewpoint in Meadows of Dan.

Fun Fact: The area has a whimsical culture that differs from the surrounding counties, largely due to a popular hippie movement that thrived there in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Staunton

Named “One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the United States” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Staunton is known for its historic architecture. There are six historic neighborhoods within Staunton that are protected by local ordinances that prevent contemporary styles from encroaching on the striking architecture.

In addition to preserved buildings, you’ll find many other historic sites in Staunton. The Frontier Culture Museum reconstructs farm life in both Europe and America over the centuries, teaching visitors about harvests, livestock care, blacksmith work, and other aspects of life on a 17th, 18th, or 19th-century farm. Head to President Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace and take a tour of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, the only Presidential Library in Virginia.  

Stay at: The Historic Berkeley Place, a historical mansion with modern conveniences, is right across the street from Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace. The Montclair is a bed and breakfast in downtown Staunton run by gracious hosts Sheri and Mark Bang.  Another downtown lodging is the Frederick House, a small hotel that provides comfort and charm along with a full hot breakfast every morning.

Dine: Award-winning Zynodoa serves Southern cuisine that emphasizes local ingredients. The farm-to-table menu is filled with care and changes almost daily. Find more dining options in Staunton.

Other Historic Destinations: To see some of the first models of their respective kinds, visit the Camera Heritage Museum and the Jumbo Antique Fire Engine Museum.

Outdoor Activities: Staunton is only a few miles from the popular hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the sweeping views of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive.

Fun Fact: Staunton came out of the Civil War as one of the only towns in the region virtually untouched by battles. Many of the 18th and 19th-century buildings still stand, untouched by the destruction of the war.

Fredericksburg

When George Washington’s family left Westmoreland, they packed up and moved to Fredericksburg. This area holds history from an array of time periods, dating back to when Native Americans occupied the territory.

Fredericksburg acted as a munitions hub during the Revolutionary War, has five major battle sites from the Civil War, and was an important region in Black history as well. James Monroe also lived in Fredericksburg before he moved to Charlottesville, and there is a commemorative museum where visitors can find the President’s belongings, writings, and even clothing. Robert E. Lee’s acquaintance with the area was more than passing; the Confederate general fought several battles here, using the Rappahannock River to the north of the town as a defense line. Along with the battlefields in town, the nearby sites at Chancellorsville and Wilderness can all be visited in one day, making the area a huge attraction for Civil War buffs.

Stay at: There are several luxurious, historic lodging options around Fredericksburg. The Ironclad Inn is nestled in Fredericksburg's historic downtown, offering comfortable rooms, a walled garden patio, and an on-site Bourbon Tasting Room.

Dine: If quality farm-to-table meals speak to your soul, add FOODE to your list. Don't forget to stop by its nearby "hip little sister," Mercantile.

Other Historic Destinations: It seems like every time you turn around in Fredericksburg, you can find even more history. Historic Kenmore, built by George Washington’s sister and her husband, shows how pre-Revolutionary War merchants in the area lived in both wealth and status. The John J. Wright Educational & Cultural Center Museum teaches visitors about Black education in the area and its transformation during integration. At the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, you can study common medical practices before the Revolutionary War, including the use of leeches for curing ailments.

Outdoor Activities: Take a leisurely stroll along the Rappahannock Canal Walk or get out on the water for some canoeing, boating, or kayaking at Lake Anna State Park.

Fun Fact: About ten miles outside of Fredericksburg in Chancellorsville, there is a grave where Stonewall Jackson’s arm is buried, which he lost in perhaps the most notorious account of “friendly fire” ever recorded.

Virginia is absolutely full of history, and planning a trip around these lesser-known historical destinations will give you a peek behind the scenes of our country’s origins.