It’s all too easy to get bogged down by routine and the schedules of everyday life. Luckily, living in a state as fascinating as Virginia means that there are plenty of ways to shake things up and get explorin’. This state is chock-full of hidden gems that will take you to areas you may not have otherwise traveled. Here are some particularly amazing sites that you should visit as soon as possible.
- The Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap National Park (Ewing)
DM/flickr
DM/flickr Few people realize there’s an immense sand cave located at the border of Virginia and Kentucky. This natural wonder can be accessed via hiking trails and the unique coloration of the sand is truly breathtaking.
- Boxerwood Nature Center (Lexington)
Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden/Facebook
Beth Wellford/Instagram There are few places as charming as Boxerwood Nature Center in Lexington. This community garden specializes in nature programs for children and adults alike and draws quite a crowd for live music in the evenings.
- Devil’s Bathtub (Blackmore)
Corrina Beall/flickr
Corrina Beall/flickr Devil’s Bathtub can be accessed via Devil’s Fork Loop Trail near Blackmore. It’s an extremely challenging trail, clocking in at 7 miles with many stream crossings, but the main feature is truly a sight to behold. This natural swimming hole has what appears to be tropical colored water and will make for a refreshing dip.
- The Red Fox Inn (Middleburg)
Andre Chinn/flickr
Andre Chinn/flickr Not only is the Red Fox Inn a charming place to stay and dine, it also happens to be the second oldest eatery in the entire country. It’s one of the most romantic spots for a candlelight dinner. You’ll also love wandering the historic streets of Middleburg.
- Humpback Covered Bridge (Covington)
Bill Dickinson/flickr
Linda/flickr This historic architectural wonder was built in 1857, and is one of the oldest of its kinds in the country. Humpback Bridge is also referred to as a “kissing bridge” and is an iconic part of Covington.
- Floyd Country Store
Richard Toller/flickr
Richard Toller/flickr The Floyd Country Store may be a hidden gem to most, but the residents of Floyd know exactly where to go on Friday Nights. These authentic jamboree nights bring together some of the best musical acts and all the dancing you could hope for.
- Shenandoah Caverns (Quicksburg)
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr
karendotcom127/flickr Most people have heard of Luray Caverns, but fewer people have visited the equally stunning Shenandoah Caverns. This commercial cave has elevator access and the same unique formations that you’ll find at Luray.
- Grand Canyon of the South
immy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr This beautiful Breaks Interstate Park is located both in Kentucky and Virginia and features a spectacular gorge which is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” The Russel Fork River and Clinchfield Railway both meander through this picturesque canyon.
- The Assateague Lighthouse
Eric B. Walker/flickr The Assateague Lighthouse was constructed in 1867 and is one of the most iconic visions of Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay. It stands at an impressive 142 feet and is still actively used for navigation. Visitors can climb into the lighthouse for some spectacular views of the Chincoteague coast.
We know there are plenty more incredible hidden gems in Virginia, and we’d love to hear about some of your favorites!
DM/flickr
Few people realize there’s an immense sand cave located at the border of Virginia and Kentucky. This natural wonder can be accessed via hiking trails and the unique coloration of the sand is truly breathtaking.
Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden/Facebook
Beth Wellford/Instagram
There are few places as charming as Boxerwood Nature Center in Lexington. This community garden specializes in nature programs for children and adults alike and draws quite a crowd for live music in the evenings.
Corrina Beall/flickr
Devil’s Bathtub can be accessed via Devil’s Fork Loop Trail near Blackmore. It’s an extremely challenging trail, clocking in at 7 miles with many stream crossings, but the main feature is truly a sight to behold. This natural swimming hole has what appears to be tropical colored water and will make for a refreshing dip.
Andre Chinn/flickr
Not only is the Red Fox Inn a charming place to stay and dine, it also happens to be the second oldest eatery in the entire country. It’s one of the most romantic spots for a candlelight dinner. You’ll also love wandering the historic streets of Middleburg.
Bill Dickinson/flickr
Linda/flickr
This historic architectural wonder was built in 1857, and is one of the oldest of its kinds in the country. Humpback Bridge is also referred to as a “kissing bridge” and is an iconic part of Covington.
Richard Toller/flickr
The Floyd Country Store may be a hidden gem to most, but the residents of Floyd know exactly where to go on Friday Nights. These authentic jamboree nights bring together some of the best musical acts and all the dancing you could hope for.
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr
karendotcom127/flickr
Most people have heard of Luray Caverns, but fewer people have visited the equally stunning Shenandoah Caverns. This commercial cave has elevator access and the same unique formations that you’ll find at Luray.
immy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
This beautiful Breaks Interstate Park is located both in Kentucky and Virginia and features a spectacular gorge which is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” The Russel Fork River and Clinchfield Railway both meander through this picturesque canyon.
Eric B. Walker/flickr
The Assateague Lighthouse was constructed in 1867 and is one of the most iconic visions of Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay. It stands at an impressive 142 feet and is still actively used for navigation. Visitors can climb into the lighthouse for some spectacular views of the Chincoteague coast.
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