Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small town of Culpeper is less than an hour from three bustling cities: Washington D.C., Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville. Yet Culpeper retains its own identity as a picturesque small town with a beautiful historic district and plenty of charm. Despite its modest size, this town offers a little taste of everything we love so much about Virginia. Here’s more on why Culpeper might be one of the most underrated spots in the entire state.
Welcome to Culpeper, a beautifully historic town in the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia.
The town takes up less than seven square miles and is populated with approximately 16,500 folks.
For a truly unique experience, you can ride the train right into the heart of the historic downtown district.
From there, you’ll enjoy your walk around local storefronts, friendly shops, and delightful cafes.
In addition to a charming downtown district, Culpeper is equally renowned for its gorgeous rolling hills and pristine farmland.
A scenic drive through Culpeper's back country is an experience you'll never forget, and a great way to see how the Culpeper county population lives.
Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery is an especially picturesque spot to sample some local wine, enjoy a picnic, and hear talented musicians.
There's even a newly-opened tavern brewery that's now become a local favorite.
Whether or not you choose to enjoy a drink, the Far Gohn Brewing Company makes for a friendly and fantastic resting point.
And speaking of brews...there's a chocolate brewing company, too.
This small-farm cocoa bean store has the region's finest products and encourages the intake of chocolate for your health...does it get any sweeter than that?
For anyone looking for a little outdoor adventure, nearby Hawksbill Mountain provides an invigorating hike and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Hawksbill Mountain is the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park, which happens to be just a short drive from Culpeper. You might even do some planning ahead of time and try to catch one of the famous moonlight hikes, a guided stroll to the top of the mountain lead only by the light of the full moon.
After so much exploring, be sure to refuel at a local eatery. Shawn's BBQ is just one example from Culpeper's fantastic dining scene.
Now that's some authentic BBQ!
If you're convinced to stay in Culpeper, Virginia for a long weekend, there are plenty of charming accommodations to choose from.
Photographed above is Fountain Head Bed & Breakfast, a lovely example of the Victorian architecture common to many of the town's homes.
With so much to explore, see, and taste, what's not to love about Culpeper?
Whether you stop by for an afternoon or get the chance to stay for an extended visit, you'll have plenty to write home about from the beautiful town of Culpeper.
Have you spent time in the lovely town of Culpeper? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience there! You can learn more about this charming town by visiting the official government website. For more highly underrated small towns in Virginia, be sure to check out The 10 Coolest Small Towns In Virginia That You've Probably Never Heard Of.
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