best river towns in virginiabest river towns in virginia

Virginia Beach, VA 23456. this is one of the best ghost towns in West Virginia to camp at for the night. And in 2009, the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, opened the country's first School of Freshwater Sciences. Great Falls. This is my favorite place in the world, he says. From upstream a bobber of color chugs downrivera red whitewater kayak captained by a guy with a black CSA beard. Awash with interesting historic sights and cultural landmarks, Richmond has impressively been Virginias capital since 1780. Nevada City, California, scored high points, since about 80 percent of the town votedand a local radio station picked a fight with front-runner Richmond. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve. Hundreds of miles of top-shelf terrain, says financial adviser Brian Harris. The hiking and backpacking are as good as anyplace else, and there's rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and more bike and running trails than you can imagine, says Keith Rausch, owner of Pine Needle Mountaineering. Tidewater Norfolk. Ryan Krogh. 1. ON THE RIVER THESE days, the water is clear enough to sight-fish for carp, and a key indicator species, the American shad, is back. However, the town also has art galleries, wineries, and a pie shop for those with non-historical interests. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, plus an abundance of saltwater options, fishing in Virginia is top-rated. I was barely dry from a morning of stand-up paddleboarding when I was whisked to a voting drive at Hardywood brewery, fueled by eight percent beer. The focus makes sense: Milwaukee has more than 410 miles of streams, 85 lakes, and three riversthe Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnikinnick. A Virginias River Realm native that will make your custom trip truly spectacular. 768,000): the Broad, Congaree, and Saluda rivers, along with the seemingly endless number of forests surrounding them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); & Get Notified of Upcoming Events & Trip Inspiration, for a flight, VRRs first Brewery! There you will find the entrance to the Shenandoah River State Park with campsites, cabins, Yurts and a lodge. Brooklyn is one of many old abandoned mining towns located along the New River. Alberta. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Another mine was opened nearby but ran dry around 1904. Did your favorite Virginia river town make the list? Kilmarnock has so much to offer! Last updated May 12, 2022. Population: 594,833 (metro area: 1.7 million)Media Age: 34Median Annual Salary: $35,921Median Home Price: $112,900Unemployment Rate: 11.2 percentVotes Received: 3 percent. We identified the 5 best pest control companies in Huntington, WV. Floyd Country Store, 206 S Locust St, Floyd, VA 24091, USA. The small town with an area of 2.0 square miles (5.3 km2) is a perfect base for those who want to explore the great outdoors of the state. Not to be missed is the Urbanna Cup Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing, each one of these single person boats are fast and intoxicating to watch! The charming and historic 2. Charlottesville. 12 Charming River Towns In Virginia To Visit This Spring 1. For some nautical finds, head toNauti Nells Deltaville VaorLowe Tidefor your fashion finds! The most beautiful lakes in Virginia are waiting for you all over the state. He worked with local Pleasants Hardware to devise the precise paint matchrock grayfor the turtleback granite boulders that make up the island. Tangier Island is a fabulous place to go if you crave a laid-back lifestyle and delectable, freshly caught seafood. 3,130. Douglas Falls, Davis, West Virginia. km. Readers voted Richmond, Virginia, the nation's most livable river town. On the downhill portion, it heads back via Hoffeins Connection trail, which has some wonderful swooping high-speed turns.. Kilmarnock. Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA. Ryan Krogh, Jackson, Wyoming: There's a reason Jackson (pop. If you like bluegrass and cold beer, it's hard to find a better spot in a big city., What You Get for $15: Admission to Friends of Warner Parks' Full Moon Pickin' Parties, which bring out a constellation of pro and amateur bluegrass musicians for monthly autumn jams. The history of the "birth" of a united China state beginning in 230 BC through a series of military campaigns that. A CSX coal train creeps and idles on the trestle above us. Location: Madison Heights (near Lynchburg) One of Virginias most popular bike trails is the James River Heritage Trail, located in the central part of the state. Sip and Slurp atThe Dog and Oyster Vineyardand stay at Southern Livings 20 Best Inns, TheHope and Glory Inn. "Big" Stony Creek Falls, Scott County. Highlights for outdoor enthusiasts include the Upper James River Water Trail and crossing the Buchanan Swinging Bridge, dating back to 1851. It's not Boulder coiffedyou can find some impressively tangled pawpaw groves and unwelcoming copperheads in the 600 acres of urban wilderness. WebLake Anna. Also, Huggins notes, the 300 days of sunshine a year don't hurt. These days, residents say, it holds its own against any Montana river town. In addition, it is peppered with wineries, specialty shops, upscale eateries, and charming places to stay. Who would believe that the city of cigarettes would become the city of mountain-bike trails and triathlons? asks Ralph White, manager of the James River Park System. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, says Bill Street, executive director of the James River Association. So we'll load up a bike trailer with a grill, brats, and beer and tailgate right next to our bikes before heading into the game.. What You Get for $199: A season pass to Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, just 16 miles from town. Named a top city by both Travel+Leisure and Cond Nast Traveler, it was founded in 1749 and was the home of Where to stay: Hood River Hotel. Residents can ski at Sugar Bowl (45 minutes away), mountain-bike 120 miles of singletrack within a 20-minute drive into Tahoe National Forest, and visit five vineyards less than 30 minutes from downtown. Manufacturing companies and a smattering of tech firms keep the economy pumping. On the Town: Music is the heart of Nashville, and you can still catch Justin Townes Earle at the Ryman, boot-scoot at Robert's Western World, and take in serious banjo picking at the Station Inn. Mountain bikers get their fix on the 25-mile Monarch Crest Trailnearly half of which is above the tree lineand skiers can rip some of Colorado's best backcountry (1,000 acres' worth) through Monarch Mountain. Try the gourmet popcorn at Northern Neck Popcorn Bag. Nearby New River Bike Trail in Galax. Alexandria. This is why Virginia is for Oyster Lovers. But readers consistently cited one selling point: the magical, sun-hugged, granite-lined Yuba River. Stay the night at the beautifulThe Chesapeake Innallowing you the time to see and experience all Urbanna has to offer! The most beautiful river I've ever seen, says local Judy Meyers. Galax is a town that has retained its Mayberry charm with a small, but vibrant main street And its within striking distance of some of the best road biking and hiking in Virginia. New River Gorge Bridge. So many, notes Valerie Tergerson, who volunteers at Vulture Space, a free DIY-bike-repair shop, that you can practically ride to Chicago, 90 miles to the south. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve. One of the most popular national parks in the DC region, Great Falls Park, sits just down the road from the town's small downtown. One highlight is the High Bridge Trail, which is 31 miles of pathway filled with folks walking and biking (hint: rent bikes downtown). Named one of Virginias top small cities by CitiesJournal, it sits along the banks of the Occoquan River. WikiMedia/Raeky. Home to about 1,1000 people, most of the local economy is also linked to the river since the 1900s when the town developed as a large boat-building area. During or after a paddle, stop off at the Asheville Outdoor Center for some of the best barbecue ever, smoked with Scottish peat, suggests reader Tom Boeger. Editorial credit: Irra / Shutterstock.com. One drawback: it's remotethree hours from the nearest Interstate and four from the nearest major airport. Web4. Virginia State Park/flickr. Theres too many incredible businesses/ places to list them all. I wave, and he waves back. Located in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia, Tangier Island focuses more on harvesting Virginia oysters than it does a fast-paced, modern lifestyle. What You Can For the adrenaline seekers, there is an abundance of activities such as the South Boston Speedway, World of Sports, and many water activities alongside the beautiful river coast. Main Street is lined with buildings and homes that date to 1779, and the town is home to the Barter Theater, where patrons can still barter for a ticket. For a complete list of independent cities, see List of cities in Virginia. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers. On the Town: Since 1977, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival has staged plays during the summer, andin 1998 it constructed a 770-seat amphitheater next to the Boise River. Winters can be tough, and so can the job prospects, unless you work in academia. 96. Take in dramatic waterfall views and hike along the cliffs of Mather Gorge at the park, then follow historic Georgetown Pike to downtown Great Falls for a meal and a drink. The prisoners were the original Belle Isle outdoorsmenthe Confederacy didn't bother to build them barracks, so they lived in Sibley tents or, worse, under the cold stars. There are a lot of charming shops and restaurants in the area, as well as beautiful architecture that will make you feel like youve stepped back in time. Wide view of the historic city of Alexandria and the waterfront property along the Potomac River in northern Virginia. Williamsburg. What hasn't changed is the great outdoor access. Of course, sipping a beer at the pubs along the river is perfectly acceptable, too, as native Jim Harings notes. This is one of the best hidden beaches in Virginia. Along with the relaxing environment, one thing White Stone has to offer is great food. 4. When I ask Brandy Adams, race director for the Thule Urban Assault, what her favorite thing is about Richmond mountain biking, she replies, Snakes, eagles, poison ivy. That afternoon I taste dirt. When he clears the rapid, we can clearly see, duct-taped to his boat, an orange FOR SALE sign. , ranked one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society! Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. 58,000) has experienced a resurgence thanks to an expanding recreation corridor on the Missouri River, jobs from Montana State University and Malmstrom Air Force Base, and the C.M. When you gotta live somewhere seven days a week during high season, you better make sure you like it, says Matt Perry, 42, a New Jersey Yankee who ditched his job at Capital One to partner at Riverside Outfitters, which provides gear and guides for kayaking, rafting, SUPing, and mountain biking. The timber industry served as the city's lifeline for years, but these days locals build careers with Full Sail Brewing, sporting-goods companies like Dakine and Slingshot, and a cluster of aerospace-engineering and electronics firms. Casper, Wyoming. Quite possibly one of the best river trips in the country, the Lower Gauley offers some of the single biggest waves, gigantic. Brown's Island Park is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Richmond's downtown. Aerial sunset panorama of Havre de Grace, Maryland, with orange sky and clouds reflecting on the Susquehanna River. Adams and I are spinning with ghosts of emaciated Union soldiers on Belle Isle, home to the second most horrendous prison camp of the Civil War. We trimmed the field to 10 finalists, then turned the process over to you, inviting readers to vote on Facebook. Population: 66,788Median Age: 31Median Annual Salary: $36,547Median Home Price: $225,000Unemployment Rate: 6.6 percentVotes Received: 5 percent, When you think of Nashville and water, you think of the 2010 flood that lifted the Cumberland River 12 feet above its flood stage, filling the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway and drowning Brad Paisley's guitars. Population: 8,313. Virginia is known for its many urban areas with intricate history and notable architecture, such as Richmond and Alexandria. There's also readily accessible kiteboarding, fishing, cliff jumping, road cycling, backpacking, and cross-country skiing. Split Rock, Bartlett's Falls, and Circle Currenton the New Haven River, just nort of townare less than a quarter-mile apart, notes Bristol native Caleb Elder. Heading out the door? WebSpacious Skies Shenandoah Valley. There's a national parkthe Blue Ridge Parkwayand two world-famous trails, Mountains-to-Sea and the Appalachian, that run through the city or nearby, notes Chris Cavanaugh, president of Magellan Strategy Group. One of Virginias largest freshwater lakes, Lake Anna was built by the damming of the North Anna River. They may not have made the final cut, but these 10 river towns are still some of the best places to live. The food's great (lots of southern comfort staples mixed with the now ubiquitous food trucks), and the gallery scene in the riverfront Congaree Vista District is terrific. It was a common refrain. People underestimate Milwaukee, says reader Nancy Welch. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. #1. South Holston Lake. On hot weekends, expect hundreds of users. Richmond itself has a population of 225,000 but there are more people living in the surrounding suburbs and small towns just outside of the city. Indulge yourself with some jewelry at, or stop by the unique boutiques. Theres too many incredible businesses/ places to list them all. Black bass, bluegill, walleye, and catfish are only a few of the many species of fish that you will be able to catch here. Sweat the small stuff and the big stuff will take care of itself. As White considers climbing back up to his truck to fetch his paint, a shirtless tattooed kid scrambles toward us. New River Gorge Bridge. The town is truly fueled by the river. Theres too many incredible businesses/ places to list them all. Chincoteague cbgrfx123 / Flickr Flickr/Leena S. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. With a swimming beach and a bathhouse, the waterfront at Kiptopeke State Park is a beautiful place to explore. The town is famous for its ham and charming Colonial-era architecture, nicknamed "The Ham Capital of the World." The charming town with a ring of romance in its name, boasts big personality. Key Lime Cottage in Cape Charles. Motorcycle enthusiasts should make time to experience Southwest Virginia's The Claw of the Dragon driving trail. Occoquan was the home of the first automated grist mill in the entire country. Source: davideme80 / shutterstock. $42 Nightly Resort Fee. @picJim/Flickr. The Island is named for Elijah Brown, who was the island's first settler in 1826. Offers may be subject to change without notice. #4 in Best Places to Visit in Virginia. Now the island features a skills park with a pump track and obstacle course beneath the overpass of the 301. Best Pro-Kayaker Endorsed Day Trip: Paddling the Caney Fork River, home of Jackson Kayak founder Eric Jackson. When it comes to river towns in Virginia, Scottsville is a real winner. The area has a deep history and houses several attractions on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Swing by for TheWorld Famous Bar and Grill (THE CORNER!) Many come here just to escape the heat during the hot West Virginian summers. WebAlexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. 1. Not only are the horses a draw, but Chincoteague Island offers a glorious taste of Virginia's beautiful coastline. The result: our first-ever crowdsourced guide to the best places to live in America. What to do like a local: Dock your boat at the Urbanna Town Marina and take in the rich history by walking the Museum in the Streets. Shop the many boutiques likeCyndys Bynn. With its cute neighborhoods and well-manicured yards, youll easily be able to imagine raising a family in this progressive little town. To find out why, Jon Billman paddles, runs, and snorkels for crabs in the former Confederate capital. As of the 2010 census, the population was 139,966, and in 2016, the population was estimated to be 155,810. 1. The Key Lime Cottages are located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the Key Lime Cottage in Cape Charles is one of the most romantic getaways in Virginia on a budget. Image Source: Spacious Skies Shenandoah Valley. Known for: Lively is the capital of up the county and is the gateway to the beautiful Belle Isle State Park! 10 Best Georgia Lakes For Any Type Of Getaway. Of course, the Cumberland is still home to more barges than boats, but Nashville, as McClure says, keeps getting better. You can stalk carp on Old Hickory, cycle the leafy Natchez Trace, track down Yayo's O.M.G. What to do like a local: Get THE best rib eye around at theThe Oaks Restaurant! Residents highlight everything from tubing on the Clark Fork with a crew of friends and a cooler of Kettlehouse Cold Smoke to mountain-biking old pack trails in the Rattlesnake to hucking cliffs at Snowbowl to eating yellow-cake ice cream at Big Dipper. Having only a small land connection on the western boundary, you can see water on all sides of this city, giving it a true river town appeal. The town developed as a resort destination for the people from Washington D.C. in the early to mid-20th century, and is the only town with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean as well as Chesapeake Bay. 3. is owned and operated by locals, the place for early morning coffee! The "Little" Falls big brother and the last of three Stoney Creek falls. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Cities and townships include; Irvington, White Stone and Kilmarnock. The city is steadily transforming into what former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson hopes will be the Silicon Valley of water. More than 130 water-technology companiessuch as PaveDrain, which created a permeable paving system to help reduce runoff, and Aquarius Systems, which designs river skimmers and other surface-water cleaning productsnow call the city home. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 3,300). Similarly, the town has a variety of parks, such as Watermans Park, which provide stunning greenery and sights for a great evening picnic or late-night stroll. URBANNA. However, South Boston wasnt always like this, and up until the 1800s the town was much smaller and went by the name Boyds Ferry. In the following years, it grew into a prominent location for the brightleaf tobacco industry which gradually catapulted the towns economy to the point where it was briefly the second largest tobacco producer in the country. Point Pleasant WikiMedia Commons/Charles Johnson This friendly little town is best known for its ties to the Mothman legend. Even the beleaguered Kinnikinnick, which in 2007 was listed by American Rivers as the seventh most endangered in the country, is being nurtured back to life, thanks in part to a $2 million clean-up project. A houseboat with bank tellers that cruised the Rappahannock Rivers wharves, canneries and oyster houses. Beadmobile/Flickr. Says local Greg Sims: I rode my bicycle from home and caught three 30-plus-inch salmon in the course of an hour. Reynolds even offered a dare: I challenge you to find a Boisean who didn't float, fish, walk or ride along, play in, SUP, or kayak a Boise-area river last year. Off the water, readers highlight everything from Alive After Five, a free summer concert series, to the city's farmers' market to the 130 miles of singletrack in the nearby Ridge to Rivers trail system. So what happened? Grab a Belgian-style Golem and nab a slice of pizza at Tin Can Pizzeria's food truck on your way out.. On the Town: Wednesday is Kill the Keg Night at Mosier's Thirsty Woman Pub$2.50 pints till said keg is kicked. For approximately 2 decades in the late 1800s, this town was named Carters Creek Wharf to signify the various steamboats which would dock at the nearby tributary with the name Carters Creek. While the name may have changed since then, Irvington has stayed true to its history, having been listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places in 2000. In 2012, American Rivers partnered with Outside Magazine to spotlight the nations best river towns. But all that water is replenished by nine creeks, which create hundreds of waterfalls and geologically stunning gorges along the city's front stoopsomething readers consistently pointed out. (River 16 Best River Towns For Retirement In The South . Taber Andrew Bain/flickr. WebPotomac Shores, VA Named the 2016 Community of the Year, this award-winning waterfront destination sits on the shores of the historic Potomac River, and is one of the best coastal I've got the Rocky Mountain superiority complex when it comes to rivers; I knew Richmond was a candidate, but I didn't seriously consider the possibility of eastern time zones. Also, with easy connectivity throughout the state, you can surely enjoy everything from the riverside trails to the hidden caverns. This charming town in Maryland offers unique stores, seafood restaurants, and fun events. What to do like a local: Dock your boat or drive toMerroir, Rappahannock River Oysters, LLC waterfront tasting room overlooking the Rappahanock River where they grow their oysters! If you are a fan of our states beautiful water features, any of these pretty places will make you smile throughout your visit. Cape Charles still has a small-town charm with so much to do, plus there is a huge sandy beach that is dog friendly all year long. We've embraced the river, says reader Stephen McClure, and keep adding greenways and bridges, boat access, and view corridors. As resident Rebecca Selove points out, Thanks to organizations like the Cumberland River Compact, there are opportunities to participate in protecting our watersheds and celebrations like the annual Dragon Boat Races. (Rebecca, don't forget the Catfish Rodeo!) Great town with a rich history, and steps away from superb fly-fishing, scenic trails, and the best doughnuts ever at the Cle Elum bakery, says local Derek Young. WebSouthern Virginia is more rural generally with cities such as Richmond, the seaport Hampton Roads, Colonial Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and kayaking in the surrounding area. WikiMedia/Teaberryeagle. A whopping 2,539 people83 percent of the populacecast their ballots for this tiny hamlet on the edge of Tahoe National Forest. The General Store at Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta. The family-oriented town is a diverse community with a sizable number of architects, contractors, and professors (Middlebury College is 15 miles south). One hundred and fifty of the vendors at the farmers' market, on the shores of Cayuga Lake, are from within 30 miles of town. He disappears downriver, toward Rocket's Landing and the former tobacco warehouses that are now luxury lofts. Whats your favorite? Being at the Shakespeare Festival on a summer night, having a picnic with a view of the river before the play, and feeling the cool river air as the sun sets is one of the absolute best ways to enjoy Boise, offers Lisa McMillin, a library assistant at the Boise Public Library. You just might decide you want to stay a while, or even move your family to one of these lovely towns. Then there's the fishing. food truck for tacos, ride horseback through 2,684-acre Edwin Warner and Percy Warner parks, and, as reader Dustin Ogden puts it, slip out to 1,700-acre Beaman Park, only 15 minutes from my house, and hike seven miles of nice, densely wooded trails.. The town of Alberta is tucked away in Brunswick County of southern Virginia. 5. Testament to this, the town receives thousands of tourists during the summer months and is known as Deltaville, The Boating Capital of the Chesapeake Bay.". Scottsville. for the coldest beer in Virginias River Realm and a crab cake sandwich the size of your head! Shop stunning clothes atFARMand art atAllure Art Center. "Where southern hospitality beings," this small city lies east of the mouth of the Scioto River at the Ohio River. It has a population of 4,500, an average rent of $700, and a median home value of $137,000. Vineyards and orchards abut organic farms. Cape Charles. Bring that festive spirit with you all the, 5 Places To Paddle In Virginias River Realm Virginias River Realms 465 miles of shoreline make it a great destination for paddlers to launch a, Cool Cocktails in the River Realm Happy hour looks and tastes a little different around here. for dinner! Ride your bike, says Kristin Dahl, owner of voluntourism outfit Restoration Expeditions. The area is a popular tourist destination for people who enjoy water-related activities such as sailing, fishing, swimming, or even boating. #2. Hot Springs, VA. [See Map] #3 in Best Resorts in Virginia. Grab your fresh local produce atNormans Produce. Beach Bums and Ocean Lovers Road Trip: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and The Eastern Shore. Related: Best Things to Do in Virginia. The Cranberry River for Fly Fishing. Colonial Beach. The capital of Virginia, Richmond is along the James River and has a good transportation network bisected by three interstates.