Virginia is home to so many bucket-list-worthy small towns that you could easily fill a book with them. Boasting fascinating colonial pasts stretching all the way back to the country’s first English settlers in 1607, the Commonwealth’s must-visit towns have featured prominently in everything from the Revolutionary War to cultural revolutions in music and the arts. Whether you’re interested in visiting preserved battlefields, following the state’s country music trails, or seeking some outdoor adventure, these six towns provide truly authentic Virginia experiences that are worth adding to your bucket list.
Danville
Known as the City of Churches for its more than 100 houses of worship, the former tobacco town of Danville is a lot of fun to explore on foot. Downtown Danville centers around the River District, a pedestrian-friendly area where 19th- and early 20th-century tobacco warehouses still dominate the townscape.
Stretching from Main Street east along Bridge Street, the River District is where you’ll find the Crossing at the Dan, an impressive old tobacco industry structure that’s now used for public events like the Danville Farmers’ Market. The adjacent Danville Science Center is also a part of the Crossing and features cool interactive displays about topics such as water, energy, and even the cosmos (be sure to visit The Dome with its state-of-the-art digital experiences).