Everyone knows about the most popular tourist attractions in Virginia. You’ve likely been to Monticello and Mount Vernon or spent some time in Colonial Williamsburg or beautiful Virginia Beach. However, I spent a month traveling around the state looking for interesting and unique things that don’t often get much attention from tourists. Here are some of the unique things you should see in Virginia.
1. National Museum of the Marine Corps
Triangle, VA
This place is absolutely amazing! As if the building itself isn’t remarkable, the interactive features and in-depth displays will blow you away. The museum tells the history of the U.S. Marine Corps and highlights some of its most notable operations with large scale exhibits.
2. The Barter Theater
Abingdon, VA
The pride and joy of Abingdon, the Barter Theater has been around since 1933. As the longest running professional Equity theater in the U.S. – the Barter humbly began offering shows with 35 cent admissions (or an equivalent amount in produce). The shows are first class with incredible set designs.
3. Floyd Country Store
Floyd, VA
Located less than 10 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway is the cool small town of Floyd, Virginia. Its most notable attraction is the historic Floyd Country Store. While any time is a great time to pop in for a bite to eat or to shop for a locally made product – the store’s Friday Night Jamboree is famous worldwide!
4. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Bedford, VA
Not many people know that Thomas Jefferson had a private retreat near Bedford, Virginia. Poplar Forest isn’t nearly as popular as the busy Monticello property in Charlottesville. However, this is where the former president and founding father escaped to spend quiet time alone with his family. Even famous dignitaries weren’t invited here. The property is beautiful and visitors can tour the house without the long lines and huge crowds.
5. Patsy Cline’s House
Winchester, VA
Patsy Cline became famous while living in this modest two-story Winchester house after an appearance with broadcaster Arthur Godfrey in 1957. She performed the song “Walking After Midnight” on Godfrey’s talent show competition which helped Cline score her first hit single. Guided tours are offered, but be sure to check ahead for the current schedule on their website.
6. Big Walker Lookout Tower And Store
Wytheville, VA
Big Walker Mountain is located in the heart of southwest Virginia. At the top of the mountain is the iconic BW Country Store and its 100 foot tall observation deck. The deck has incredible 360 degree views of local farms and the Jefferson National Forest.
7. Breaks Interstate Park
Buchanan County, VA
This underrated park, often called the Grand Canyon of the South, offers amazing scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Breaks Interstate Park is nestled between the Virginia and Kentucky borders with lodging available from cozy cabins to traditional outdoor camping. It’s also a hot spot for ATV adventures and leaf-peeping scenic hikes during the fall season.
8. Homestead Creamery in Franklin County
Burnt Chimney, VA
Some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted I discovered during my recent “Small Town Tour” across Virginia! Homestead Creamery is a must if you’re traveling through Franklin County or the historic town of Rocky Mount. They have a cute little market store where you can grab a bite to eat, shop their locally made dairy products, or yes – enjoy some incredible ice cream flavors!
9. High Knob Fire Tower
George Washington National Forest (VA/WV)
If you’re staying near Harrisonburg, this scenic viewing spot is an easy drive for a morning or afternoon hike. Though it’s technically a short hike to the fire tower, be aware that it’s a steep incline and a bit tougher than you’d think. (However, I did see people of all ages along the way.) At the top, the historic fire tower from the 1930s can be climbed for beautiful 360 degree views of both Virginia and West Virginia.
10. National D-Day Memorial
Bedford, VA
A sprawling memorial to tribute the bravery, achievements, and sacrifices of Allied soldiers that stormed the beaches of Normandy in June of 1944 during World War II.
11. Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Bristol, VA
Bristol is known as the birthplace of country music and this museum does a great job of telling the stories of early songwriters and musicians from this region. The famous “Bristol Sessions” are well documented here with lots of great interactive displays and exhibits.
12. George Washington’s Birthplace
Colonial Beach, VA
In 1792, America’s first president and founding father George Washington was born in Colonial Beach along the Potomac River. While the original home is no longer there, the property is absolutely beautiful. And it’s huge! There are over 500 acres of trails, a garden, interpretative buildings, and animals. Admission is free and it’s run by the National Park Service.
13. Mill Mountain Star
Roanoke, VA
As the largest, free-standing, man-made, illuminated star in the world, the Roanoke Star is one of the most photographed attractions in middle Virginia and the scenic overlook at the base of the structure is a popular stop for an incredible view of the region. You don’t even have to hike, you can literally drive your car up to a parking lot behind the star. If you enjoy hiking, there are also trails you can take up the mountain.
14. Mendota Fire Tower in Russell County
It’s a doozy of a drive, making your way up the mountain via small and winding roads. But the views are pretty spectacular. You can’t climb this fire tower as it’s fallen into disrepair but you can still enjoy the scenery from its base. As of now there are no trail markers and you’ll have to park on the side of the road – but GPS should take you to the right spot. You’ll see a green gate in front of what appears to be an old and rocky service road. (Don’t drive on it!) This will lead you to the tower. It’s about half a mile – but directly uphill. Bring good hiking shoes!
15. Virginia Creeper Trail
Abingdon, VA
This wonderful trail is popular for cyclists but you can also walk or run! Rent a bike at Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop and enjoy the ride! You can begin the Creeper Trail in Abingdon and enjoy terrific scenery all the way to the town of Damascus. Unfortunately, after Hurricane Helene in October of 2024 – 18 miles of the trail that extended to Whitetop were destroyed and will need to be rebuilt. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the trail and supporting these small towns!
16. Dr. Pepper’s Grave
Rural Retreat, VA
Dr. Pepper – not the inventor of the soft drink but the supposed namesake – is buried at the Mountain View Cemetery in Rural Retreat, Virginia. The story goes that this Dr. Pepper once employed the man that would wind up moving to Waco, Texas and opening the drug store where the soda was invented by pharmacist Charles Alderton.
17. Nancy’s Candy Company
Meadows of Dan, VA
What I thought was a typical tourist trap along the Blue Ridge Parkway was actually one of the best homemade candy stores I’ve found on the road. The peanut butter cups were insanely delicious! I’m glad I happened to look at one of my roadside attractions apps as I was stopped a few miles down the road from Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Nancy’s Candy Company is totally legit.
18. Burger Bar
Bristol, VA
The last place legendary singer Hank Williams was seen alive was at the Burger Bar in historic Bristol, Virginia. The longtime burger joint sits directly across from the Tennessee state line and has been a popular spot for music lovers and fans of Hank for decades. They still make great food!
19. James Monroe Boyhood Home
Colonial Beach, VA
America’s 5th president was born here in 1758. James Monroe was the last of the “founding fathers” to reach the country’s highest elected office. His birthplace and childhood home has been recreated and a small museum on site provides some history and artifacts. The property also has some wonderful walking trails.
20. Woodrow Wilson’s Presidential Limo
Staunton, VA
Another presidential birthplace in Virginia is located in the city of Staunton. Woodrow Wilson was born here and the house is open for tours and serves as a small presidential museum. Wilson’s actual presidential limo is arguably the best artifact on display. He loved the vehicle so much that his friends purchased it for him from The White House after his time in office concluded.
21. The Moonshine Capital of the World
Rocky Mount, VA
I absolutely loved the tiny town of Rocky Mount! It earned the nickname “moonshine capital of the world” due to its fascinating history during prohibition. It has a super cool downtown and local breweries and restaurants for a fun day trip or weekend visit. Be sure to check out The Claiborne Bed & Breakfast if you’re making plans!
22. Desi Bridge and Clinch River Walk
Cleveland, VA
It’s a tiny town in Russell County but Cleveland has a neat swinging bridge at Town Park that leads to a nice boardwalk along the river if you’re looking for a spot to stretch your legs. Tank Hollow Falls is nearby.
23. Carl’s Frozen Custard
Fredericksburg, VA
Carl’s has been around since 1947 and has some amazing frozen custard in the town of Fredericksburg. I stopped after spotting its vintage marquee and hoped for the best. Their menu is pretty simple – vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. (Though do have a handful of toppings for sundaes.) Definitely worth a stop!
24. The Log House 1776 Restaurant
Wytheville, VA
This is a popular and unique spot for dining in the town of Wytheville – with a rustic and cozy atmosphere that leaves you feeling like you’re back in the 1700s. The menu is full of many comfort foods and delicious homemade desserts and drinks. It’s got a pretty amusing gift shop and bar as well. The place is huge!
25. Mabry Mill
Meadows of Dan, VA
This historic mill is a popular spot for photos along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. There’s also a restaurant and some other historic buildings on the property. Check their website to see if the restaurant is open as it was closed for 2024.
26. Patsy Cline’s Grave
Winchester, VA
About 10 minutes from Patsy’s childhood home is her final resting place. Her grave is located at Shenandoah Memorial Park in Winchester. It’s easy to find and located directly behind the main building near the road and entrance. The legendary musician and singer died in a plane crash in 1963.
27. Western Front Hotel
St. Paul, VA
Even most people in Virginia probably don’t know about this tiny town in the southwest part of the state. The Western Front Hotel is less than an hour from places like Abingdon or Bristol. Here you can enjoy a really cool hotel stay with spacious rooms and set out for a day of fun outdoor recreation like hiking or kayaking. The area’s ATV trails are some of the best in the region.
28. Watch Airplanes at Gravelly Point Park
Arlington, VA
This was so cool! This small park sits almost directly at the end of the runway north of Reagan International Airport near Washington DC. There’s plenty of parking and a spacious park to have a picnic, throw a frisbee, or set off on a bike ride or walk. I tried (and failed) to get some good photos of planes flying over my head — but it’s tougher than I thought to do solo! (Bring a photographer friend with you!)
29. Mary Washington’s Home
Fredericksburg, VA
George Washington purchased this house for his mother in 1772. Washington and many historic dignitaries visited the home while she was living in Fredericksburg. The house is now a museum and guests can see her bedroom as well as some of her personal belongings.
30. George Washington’s Ferry Farm
Fredericksburg, VA
Though the original house where Washington grew up is no longer, a replica is available for visitors to tour and learn about a future president and founding father of the United States. Washington was 6 years old when the family moved here to Stafford County.
31. Stand In Two States At Once
Bristol, VA
The state lines of Virginia and Tennessee run right down Main Street in the city of Bristol. Bristol is known as the birthplace of country music and home to the famous Burger Bar where Hank Williams was last seen alive. Visitors can (safely) stand in the middle of the street and spot metal markers that point out which state you’re standing in!
32. Booker T Washington Monument
Westlake Corner, VA
The site of the 207 acre tobacco farm where Booker T Washington was born into slavery in 1856.
33. Stonewall Jackson’s House
Lexington, VA
Visitors can tour the residence of Confederate general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson from 1858 to 1861. It’s located in the historic district of downtown Lexington.
34. LOVE High Heel Shoe
Lynchburg, VA
Placed in front of a former shoe factory (now the Craddock Terry Hotel) this giant high heeled shoe is one of the hundreds of “LOVE” signs and sculptures around Virginia. You can actually climb inside it!
35. Edith Boling Wilson Birthplace
Wytheville, VA
There are very few historic sites dedicated to former First Ladies – less than ten. One of them is the birthplace of Edith Boling Wilson – the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson.
36. Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn
Floyd, VA
This is a great throwback to the early days of travel when roadside motor lodges were all the rage. Tuggle’s Gap Roadside Inn is a cool spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway with renovated rooms and a great breakfast offered to guests! Only a short drive to historic downtown Floyd. It first opened in 1938!