While Virginia has its fair share of exciting city life and bustling downtowns, it wouldn’t be the same without places so lovingly referred to as the boonies. And in Virginia, these remote areas happen to be some of the loveliest in the entire state. That’s especially true if you’re headed to any of these 9 places, which will be well worth the drive and definitely worth the adventure.
- The Buchanan Swinging Bridge
BeerAndLoathing/flickr Built in 1851, the Buchanan Swinging Bridge is a piece of history that just might make your stomach drop. While this bridge is structurally sound – in theory – it’s nearly impossible to cross without that slight twinge of adrenaline. The bridge spans the beautiful James River and can be found near downtown Buchanan.
- Two Drummers Smoke House (Toano)
Blair C./Yelp
David L./flickr Have you ever been on a road trip and suddenly craved authentic, mouthwatering barbecue? More often than not, you usually have to settle for fast food. But that’s not the case if you purposefully drive out to Toano to experience Two Drummers Smoke House. With fall-off-the-bone ribs and an unforgettable smokehouse burger, you won’t regret making the drive.
- Chippokes Plantation State Park (Surry)
jimmy thomas/flickr
Wikipedia
Virginia State Parks/flickr Tucked away in Surry just off Route 10 lies this hidden gem of a Virginia State Park. The park is named for the Chippokes Plantation, which was established by efforts of the Jamestown Settlement in 1617. It’s considered to be one of the oldest working farms in America, and today visitors can still enjoy learning about the agricultural and natural history of the land. On site there are campgrounds, equestrian trails, and plenty of water activities available on the James.
- Falls Of The Nottoway (Victoria)
Smell N Roses/YouTube
Smell N Roses/YouTube The Falls of the Nottoway is in such a remote location, that many are surprised to find that a waterfall exists here. Located in Lunenburg County along the Nottoway River, this gentle cascade is actually part of a man-made reservoir for the town of Victoria. Just east of the dam take the footpath to these falls that make for a splendid recreational area.
- Virginia Highland Haven Airstream Park (Copper Hill)
Virginia Highland Haven/TripAdvisor
Virginia Highland Haven/TripAdvisor So, there’s a catch with this one: you need to have an airstream trailer to stay the night. But this aptly named Virginia Highland Haven is too beautiful of a spot not to mention. Truly in the middle of nowhere, its a campground that offers unbeatable mountain views. If you ever feel included to really get away from it all, it may just be worth renting an airstream for the weekend to experience this site.
- Country Cafe (Hot Springs)
Lynda M./Yelp
Daniel H./Yelp There’s just nothing like a true country breakfast. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at the Country Cafe. Although this hidden gem is just a few miles from the Homestead Resort, you’ll feel like you’ve found treasure within the mountains. If you make it time for breakfast, be sure to order a stack of the homemade blueberry pancakes. And for dinner, there’s freshly-caught trout with a choice of sides to put you in a state of comfort-food bliss.
- Hone Quarry (near Harrisonburg)
red, white, and black eyes/flickr
red, white, and black eyes/flickr Hone Quarry is one of the least-visited stretches of the George Washington National Forest, but it happens to be one of the most beautiful. The trail system here includes three beautiful hikes, the most scenic of which is called Hidden Rocks Hike. Whether you’re looking for a remote camping location or a memorable hike, the drive out to Hone Quarry will be well worth it.
- Devil’s Backbone Brewery (Roseland)
Melissa L./TripAdvisor
lfkim/Trip Advisor Devil’s Backbone Microbrewery is something of an oasis in an otherwise completely remote location. But it’s the surrounding landscape that makes the spot even more memorable. Whether it’s specialty beer, great food, or a scenic place to relax for an evening, there’s something for everyone here. Outside, visitors can enjoy the patio with cozy seating and fire pits.
- Garden and the Sea B&B (New Church)
2kids2dogs1fish1bird/TripAdvisor
upstate2/TripAdvisor Located in the northern stretch of the Eastern Shore, the Garden and the Sea B&B provides a charming island escape. With large rooms, mouthwatering breakfasts, and a picturesque wraparound porch, you might consider staying just a little longer than planned.
While these 9 destinations may not be on your typical route, they’ll definitely be worth the detour. If you visited any of these places, be sure to share your knowledge about them!
BeerAndLoathing/flickr
Built in 1851, the Buchanan Swinging Bridge is a piece of history that just might make your stomach drop. While this bridge is structurally sound – in theory – it’s nearly impossible to cross without that slight twinge of adrenaline. The bridge spans the beautiful James River and can be found near downtown Buchanan.
Blair C./Yelp
David L./flickr
Have you ever been on a road trip and suddenly craved authentic, mouthwatering barbecue? More often than not, you usually have to settle for fast food. But that’s not the case if you purposefully drive out to Toano to experience Two Drummers Smoke House. With fall-off-the-bone ribs and an unforgettable smokehouse burger, you won’t regret making the drive.
jimmy thomas/flickr
Wikipedia
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Tucked away in Surry just off Route 10 lies this hidden gem of a Virginia State Park. The park is named for the Chippokes Plantation, which was established by efforts of the Jamestown Settlement in 1617. It’s considered to be one of the oldest working farms in America, and today visitors can still enjoy learning about the agricultural and natural history of the land. On site there are campgrounds, equestrian trails, and plenty of water activities available on the James.
Smell N Roses/YouTube
The Falls of the Nottoway is in such a remote location, that many are surprised to find that a waterfall exists here. Located in Lunenburg County along the Nottoway River, this gentle cascade is actually part of a man-made reservoir for the town of Victoria. Just east of the dam take the footpath to these falls that make for a splendid recreational area.
Virginia Highland Haven/TripAdvisor
So, there’s a catch with this one: you need to have an airstream trailer to stay the night. But this aptly named Virginia Highland Haven is too beautiful of a spot not to mention. Truly in the middle of nowhere, its a campground that offers unbeatable mountain views. If you ever feel included to really get away from it all, it may just be worth renting an airstream for the weekend to experience this site.
Lynda M./Yelp
Daniel H./Yelp
There’s just nothing like a true country breakfast. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at the Country Cafe. Although this hidden gem is just a few miles from the Homestead Resort, you’ll feel like you’ve found treasure within the mountains. If you make it time for breakfast, be sure to order a stack of the homemade blueberry pancakes. And for dinner, there’s freshly-caught trout with a choice of sides to put you in a state of comfort-food bliss.
red, white, and black eyes/flickr
Hone Quarry is one of the least-visited stretches of the George Washington National Forest, but it happens to be one of the most beautiful. The trail system here includes three beautiful hikes, the most scenic of which is called Hidden Rocks Hike. Whether you’re looking for a remote camping location or a memorable hike, the drive out to Hone Quarry will be well worth it.
Melissa L./TripAdvisor
lfkim/Trip Advisor
Devil’s Backbone Microbrewery is something of an oasis in an otherwise completely remote location. But it’s the surrounding landscape that makes the spot even more memorable. Whether it’s specialty beer, great food, or a scenic place to relax for an evening, there’s something for everyone here. Outside, visitors can enjoy the patio with cozy seating and fire pits.
2kids2dogs1fish1bird/TripAdvisor
upstate2/TripAdvisor
Located in the northern stretch of the Eastern Shore, the Garden and the Sea B&B provides a charming island escape. With large rooms, mouthwatering breakfasts, and a picturesque wraparound porch, you might consider staying just a little longer than planned.
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