5 charming Virginia towns for a fall getaway

Autumn may be the best time to explore Virginia. After a long, hot summer, it’s a joy to head out on a crisp morning to visit a forest ablaze with fall colors or to stroll through a historic downtown. Here’s what to do and where to stay in 5 small Virginia cities that are perfect for a cozy, seasonal getaway.

Grab a bite: Head to the Red Pump Kitchen, run by the owners of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards and which plays up local produce and herbs. You can choose from a 3- or 4-course Tuscan tasting menu, paired with wines from California, Italy, and the nearby Monticello Wine Trail.

Time for bed: The Quirk celebrates local artists with a long open lobby and plenty of spots for relaxing and taking in the stylish but laid-back vibe. Rates start at $191.

Even after all these years, George Washington might still recognize this town near where he spent his youth. Today, Fredericksburg boasts a vibrant shopping district along with museums and historic buildings, including the site of fifth president James Monroe's law office. Ferry Farm, a replica of the farmhouse Washington grew up in, is across the Rappahannock River.

Fall fun: Through mid-October, take in the autumnal beauty from the water with a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard trip down the Rappahannock River, which flows by the city. Rentals are available (prices vary per destination and vessel) from the Virginia Outdoor Center.

Shop and discover: Downtown Fredericksburg will keep visitors busy with antiques stores, art galleries, and unique retailers like Fraser Wood Elements, which specializes in customized handmade furniture and accessories. Or get lost in a corn maze and pick your own pumpkin at Belvedere Plantation’s weeks-long Fall Harvest Festival. Admission starts at $16.95; prices vary per attraction.

Grab a bite: For a modern version of Southern classics from shrimp and grits to crispy chicken, try Foode, co-owned by Joy Crump, who found fame on Bravo’s Top Chef. The downtown eatery is located in a former bank where Abraham Lincoln once gave a streetside speech. For a memorable meal, request the table in the bank building.

Time for bed: Call it a night at the antiques-filled Richard Johnston Inn, designed in 1770 by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Rates start at $160.

Far from the interstates, this small college town—home to Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College—has everything visitors would want: parks, shopping, and history, including the Robert Russa Moton Museum. The former high school played a key role in the civil rights movement. Here, visitors can learn about a 1951 student strike and its relation to the landmark 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling. Free.

Fall fun: The best way to enjoy Farmville is to walk or bike High Bridge Trail State Park. The 31-mile linear park is centered on a historic bridge where the Appomattox River flows 125 feet below. Bike rentals are available in town.

Shop and discover: Farmville’s sprawling Green Front Furniture attracts shoppers eager to explore more than a dozen buildings spread throughout the former tobacco warehouses and department stores. Check out the rugs, shipped directly from India and Pakistan. Then go on a Joan of Arc search at Longwood University: the former women’s college (now coed) has three statues of its patron hero.

Grab a bite: The setting may be casual, but the food is hardly an afterthought at North Street Press Club, where the motto is “Global Grub, Local Vibes.” Choices include spicy pad thai, vegan “chicken” wings, and old-fashioned burgers.

Time for bed: Nearly a century old, the recently updated Hotel Weyanoke has a rooftop bar called Catbird, among other boutique touches. Famous former guests at the 70-room inn include Helen Keller, whose picture is displayed in the lobby. Rates start at $109.

Just 40 miles from Washington, D.C., Leesburg still feels like a small town, with nearby wineries, horse farms, and mountain vistas.

Fall fun: Head 17 miles west to Bear’s Den Overlook. Although the hike is less than 2 miles round-trip, it includes a section of the famed Appalachian Trail. At the top, you’re rewarded with Shenandoah Valley views.

Shop and discover: Boutique browsers will love Muz & Rose for local, eco-conscious jewelry, home decor, and fall fashion. With the grape-harvest season wrapping up in November, head to a nearby winery like Fleetwood Farm, where you can rent firepits by the hour.

Grab a bite: Leesburg’s King Street is lined with cafés, cocktail bars, and restaurants. Try the Wine Kitchen’s fun appetizers (house-made tater tots!), fresh pastas, and more.

Time for bed: For a luxury getaway, head to Lansdowne Resort, a golf and wellness retreat on the banks of the Potomac River that offers full spa treatments along with yoga and meditation classes. Rates start at $229.

Time for bed: The 30-room Bolling Wilson boutique hotel—built in 1927 as the George Wythe Hotel—has been updated with a rooftop lounge offering mountain views. Learn about the hotel’s namesake, Edith Bolling Wilson—the wife of President Woodrow Wilson—at her birthplace and museum across the street. Rates start at $128.