Central and Western Virginia
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Central and Western Virginia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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21. Historic Smithfield Plantation
Almost a century before Virginia Tech's founding in 1872, the Historic Smithfield plantation was built in what was then the frontier wilds. Aristocratic colonist and Revolutionary War patriot William Preston moved his family to the estate in 1774, a year before the war began. Among his descendants were three Virginia governors and four U.S. senators. Today costumed interpreters, authentic period furniture, and Native American artifacts reveal how different life in the New River valley was more than two centuries ago.
1000 Smithfield Plantation Rd., Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060, USA540-231–3947Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Mon., Tues., and Thurs.–Sat. 10–5; Sun. 1–5., Closed Wed., GPS not recommended -
22. James Madison Museum
The James Madison Museum presents a comprehensive exhibition on the Founding Father most responsible for the Constitution (Madison became president in 1809). The collection includes some of the china and glassware recovered from the White House before the British torched it during the War of 1812. The fourth president's tiny Campeachy chair, an 18th-century piece made for him by his friend Thomas Jefferson, shows how short he was.
129 Caroline St., Orange, Virginia, 22960, USA540-672–1776Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5.50, Closed Mon. and major holidays, Free parking behind museum at corner of Caroline and Church Sts. -
23. Legacy Museum of African-American History
This museum's rotating exhibits focus on such themes as health and medicine, education, business, the civil rights struggle, and the contributions African Americans have made to society, the arts, and politics.
403 Monroe St., Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504, USA434-845–3455Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5, Wed.–Sat. noon–4, Sun. 2–4, and by appointment, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
24. Luray Caverns
Not only is this the largest cavern in the state, it also features the world's only "stalacpipe organ," composed of stalactites (calcite formations hanging from the ceilings of the caverns) that have been tuned to concert pitch and are tapped to create an echo. The organ is played electronically for every tour and may be played manually on special occasions. A one-hour tour begins every 20 minutes. Beyond the organ, Luray Caverns holds plenty of natural beauty, like the Dream Lake that perfectly mirrors back the stalactite formations. It's an easy addition to Skyline Drive, just 9 miles west on U.S. 211.
101 Cave Hill Rd., Luray, Virginia, 22835, USA540-743–6551Sight Details
Rate Includes: $26, Mid-Mar.–mid-June, daily 9–6; mid-June–Labor Day, daily 9–7; Labor Day–Oct., daily 9–6; Nov.–mid-Mar., weekdays 9–4, weekends 9–5 -
25. Mabry Mill
Mabry Mill, north of Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Parkway's junction with U.S. 58 at milepost 176, 55 miles south of Roanoke, is one of the parkway's most popular stops for photographers. There is also a restaurant and gift shop on site.
266 Mabry Mill Rd., Virginia, 24120, USA276-952–2947Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, May–Oct., daily 8–6 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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26. Market Square
Market Square is the heart of Roanoke, with Virginia's oldest continuous farmers' market, a multiethnic food court inside the restored City Market Building, and several restaurants, shops, and bars. Open year-round, visitors will find local produce, meats, cheeses, plants, flowers and baked goods at market stalls and a variety of gifts and local products at specialty stores.
213 Market St., Roanoke, Virginia, 24011, USA -
27. McGuffey Art Center
DowntownHoused in a converted 1916 school building, McGuffey Art Center contains the 2nd Street Gallery and the studios of painters, printmakers, metalworkers, and sculptors, all of which are open to the public.
201 2nd St. NW, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, USA434-295–7973Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Tues.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. 1–5 -
28. Mill Mountain Zoo
Sharing the mountaintop with the star is the Mill Mountain Zoo. Asian animals are center stage here, including a rare Siberian tiger, snow leopards, and red pandas. Ride the Zoo Choo train on the weekends, weather permitting.
JP Fishburgn Pkwy., Roanoke, Virginia, 24014, USA540-343–3241Sight Details
Rate Includes: $9, Daily 10–5, Zoo Choo only runs on weekends -
29. Montpelier
Just outside Orange is the lifelong residence of James Madison (1751–1836), the fourth president of the United States. He grew up here, lived here with his wife, Dolley, and retired here after his presidency. A massive renovation was completed in 2008, removing parts of the mansion added by its 20th-century owners, the duPont family. In her will, Marion duPont Scott left the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation with the stipulation that it be returned to its original state. The mansion is now restored to its early 19th century Madisonian state, a project that totaled $24 million. Some of the Madisons' possessions, as well as a tribute to the "Father of the Constitution," have been set up in an Education Center on the grounds. The walking tour includes a stop at the cemetery where James and his wife, Dolley, are buried. Exotic conifers planted by the duPonts dot the meadowlike grounds, and a walking path wanders amid an old-growth forest. The annual Montpelier Hunt Races, a steeplechase, have been held here since 1934 on the first Saturday in November.
11350 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station, Virginia, 22960, USA540-672–2728Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20, Apr.–Oct., daily 9–5; Nov.–Mar., daily 9–4, Closed Nov.–Mar., Not located in Montpelier, VA -
30. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Bringing together fine and decorative art collections and multimedia presentations, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley reflects the region's cultural history. Designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the museum's modern exterior belies the four centuries of historical artifacts, fine arts, and decorative arts on display inside its mammoth 50,000 square foot space. In contrast, the Glen Burnie House and gardens, adjacent to the museum, are a gracious walk through the 18th and 19th centuries. The 1736 Georgian country estate that was the home of Winchester's founder, Colonel James Wood, is surrounded by 25 acres of formal gardens. Collections within it include a gallery with furniture, fine arts, and decorative objects gathered by the last family member to live in the house, Julian Wood Glass Jr., who died in 1992. Another gallery assembles shadow-box rooms and miniature furnished houses.
901 Amherst St., Winchester, Virginia, 22601, USA540-662–1473Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 for museum, house, and gardens, Museum Tues.–Sun. 10–4, house and gardens Apr.-Dec.., daily 10–4, Free Blue Star admission for military families Memorial Day to Labor Day -
31. Natural Bridge of Virginia
About 20 miles south of Lexington, this impressive limestone arch (which supports Route 11) has been gradually carved out by Cedar Creek, which rushes through 215 feet below. The Monacan Native American tribe called it the Bridge of God. Surveying the structure for Lord Halifax, George Washington carved his own initials in the stone; Thomas Jefferson bought it (and more than 150 surrounding acres) from King George III. The after-dark sound-and-light show may be overkill, but viewing and walking under the bridge itself and along the wooded pathway beyond are worth the price of admission. On the property are dizzying caverns that descend 34 stories, a wax museum, a toy museum, and an 18th-century village constructed by the Monacan Indian Nation.
15 Appledore La., Lexington, Virginia, 24578, USA540-291–2121Sight Details
Rate Includes: Caverns $18, caverns and bridge $20 -
32. New Market Battlefield Historical Park
At New Market, the Confederates had a victory during the late date of 1864. Inside the Hall of Valor, in the 260-acre New Market Battlefield Historical Park, a stained-glass window mosaic commemorates the battle, in which 257 Virginia Military Institute cadets, some as young as 15, were mobilized to improve the odds against superior Union numbers; in the end, 10 were killed. This circular building contains a chronology of the war, and a short film deals with Stonewall Jackson's legendary campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. A farmhouse that figured in the fighting still stands on the premises. The battle is reenacted at the park each May.
8895 George Collins Pkwy., New Market, Virginia, 22844, USA540-740–3101Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Daily 9–5 -
33. P. Buckley Moss Museum
Seven miles east of Staunton, the P. Buckley Moss Museum is a free full-scale gallery of paintings and drawings by one of the Valley's most recognized artists. Moss, who moved to Waynesboro in 1964, was inspired by the quiet dignity and simplicity of the "plain people"—those in the Mennonite communities of the Shenandoah Valley—and has made these neighbors her subject matter. Don't miss the large-scale dollhouse built into a staircase. Her studio, a converted barn about 2 miles from the museum, opens a few times a year to the public.
329 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Virginia, 22980, USA540-949–6473Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mon.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. 12:00–4:00. -
34. Peaks of Otter Recreation Area
Peaks of Otter Recreation Area, 25 miles northeast of Roanoke, offers a close-up view of cone-shaped Sharp Top Mountain, which Thomas Jefferson once called America's tallest peak. At 3,875 feet it's not even the tallest in the park—nearby Flat Top is 4,004 feet. You can hike to both peaks and to little brother Harkening Hill, as well as to Fallingwater Cascades, a thrilling multi-tier waterfall. For those not up to the climb, a bus heads most of the way up Sharp Top hourly throughout the day during the on-season. The peaks rise about the shores of Abbott Lake, a bucolic picnic spot. A pleasant lakeside lodge and campground along the placid lake below are an ideal base for local trekking.
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35. Point of Honor
Built in 1815, this mansion on Daniel's Hill was named to commemorate the many duels fought on the site. Once part of a 900-acre estate, this redbrick house surrounded by lawns retains a commanding view of the James River. It was the home of Dr. George Cabell, a friend of Thomas Jefferson and the physician of Patrick Henry. The facade is elegantly symmetrical, with two octagonal bays joined by a balustrade on each of the building's two stories. Interiors have been restored and furnished with pieces authentic to the early 19th century Federal period.
112 Cabell St., Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504, USA434-455–6226Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6, Mon.–Sat. 10–4, Sun. noon–4 -
36. Poplar Forest
The octagonal architecture of Poplar Forest, now standing in a residential neighborhood and surrounded by only a few remaining poplars, was conceived and built by Jefferson, and he would occasionally stay here between 1806 and 1813. This Palladian hermitage exemplifies the architect's sublime sense of order that is so evident at Monticello. Erected on a slope, the front of the house is one story high, with a two-story rear elevation. The octagon's center is a square, skylighted dining room flanked by two smaller octagons. The restoration to its Jefferson-era state is ongoing, and likely to continue for years to come. Every July 4 there's a free celebration that includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence and living-history exhibits. The house is deliberately unfurnished, so visit during a special event to see the property at its best.
1542 Bateman Bridge Rd., Forest, Virginia, 24551, USA434-525–1806Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15 full tour, $17 combo ticket with D-Day Memorial, Apr.–Nov., Wed.–Mon. 10–4 -
37. Red Hill–Patrick Henry National Memorial
In the town of Brookneal is the final home of Revolutionary War patriot Patrick Henry, whose "Give me liberty or give me death" speech inspired a generation. The 1770s house has been reconstructed on its original site and contains numerous furnishings owned by the Henry family. Henry's grave is also on the property.
1250 Red Hill Rd., Brookneal, Virginia, 24528, USA434-376–2044Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Apr.–Oct., daily 9–5; Nov.–Mar., daily 9–4 -
38. St. Thomas's Episcopal Church
The one surviving example of Jeffersonian church architecture, St. Thomas's Episcopal Church is a replica of Charlottesville's demolished Christ Church, originally designed by Virginia's preeminent architect and statesman. It's here that Robert E. Lee worshipped during the winter of 1863–64. The church's biggest decorative asset is its Tiffany window. Sunday services are at 8 am and 11 am.
119 Caroline St., Orange, Virginia, 22960, USA540-672–3761Sight Details
Rate Includes: Donations accepted, Tours by appointment. -
39. State Arboretum of Virginia
This arboretum, 9 miles east of Winchester, has the most extensive boxwood collection in North America. Hands-on workshops and tours are available throughout spring, summer, and fall. You can stroll through the perennial and herb gardens and have a look at more than 8,000 trees. This spot is a wonderful place to bird-watch or to have a picnic.
400 Blandy Farm La., Winchester, Virginia, 22601, USA540-837–1758Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily dawn–dusk, Pet-friendly trails -
40. Stonewall Jackson House
Confederate general Jackson's private life is on display at the Stonewall Jackson House, where he is revealed as a dedicated Presbyterian who was devoted to physical fitness, careful with money, musically inclined, and fond of gardening. The general lived here only two years, while teaching physics and military tactics to the cadets, before leaving for his command in the Civil War. This is the only house he ever owned; it's furnished now with period pieces and some of his belongings.
8 E. Washington St., Lexington, Virginia, 24450, USA540-464–7704Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Mon.–Sat. 9–5, Sun. 1–5, Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
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