Culpeper, Virginia, situated just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park is an unexpectedly charming destination boasting excellent cuisine, fun boutiques and antiques, award-winning wine and craft beer, and an abundance of history. Here are just a few reasons it should be on your summer travel list:
Eat and Drink – Culpeper is one of Virginia’s hottest, under the radar dining destinations. Whether you’re in the mood for smoked barbeque or the freshest hand cut sushi, there are a myriad of eateries from which to choose. But it goes much deeper than what’s on the menu. The farm-to-table movement is alive and well here, borrowed from a centuries old agricultural heritage, and our chefs prepare what is fresh, right from the farm. Within a 100-mile radius of Culpeper, Virginia visitors can find 20+ Michelin-rated restaurants ranging from 1–3 stars. There is also an uprising of incredible chefs that are cooking up some unforgettable meals for locals and visitors alike. Home to one of Virginia’s most awarded wineries, Virginia’s first tri-fecta brewery, winery & distillery, as well as Virginia’s greenest winery the Culpeper, Virginia region is also the perfect destination to plan a getaway to explore some of Virginia’s award winning libations.
On The Water – Situated between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers as well as home to several large lakes, Culpeper, Virginia offers visitors a variety of ways to get on and enjoy the water this summer. Choose to spend the day soaking up the sun and floating down the river tubing on the Rapidan River or choose to rent a kayak, paddle board or canoe at Lake Pelham Adventures. If you prefer to enjoy the water views from land you can choose to picnic, fish, stroll, and even sip Virginia craft cocktails next to one of the ponds, lakes and rivers here.
Scenic Drives & Mountain Views – Culpeper sits squarely amid some of the most beautiful views in Virginia. There are many ways to experience them—on foot, by kayak and more—one of the most accessible to all is the abundance of scenic drives around the region. For wine lovers you can plan to take a day trip exploring a handful of the 60+ wineries within 60 miles of Culpeper, Virginia, or stay close by and spend the evening sipping award-winning wines while you watch the sunset at a local vineyard. Pack a picnic and take in stunning views of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline drive which runs105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Map out a day trip to stop by a few nearby historic sites along The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway which crosses Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Crossing 180 miles from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, the byway tracks through historic sites from the Revolutionary War and Civil War including battle sites, museums, state parks, presidential homes, historical towns and more.
Rest and Relaxation – Plan a full spa day pampering yourself with a manicure, pedicure, and body scrub or hot stone message. If you are looking for a less traditional relaxation experience you can check out a goat or sunset yoga class at one of the local farms. Sometimes all you need is a little retail therapy to unwind and recharge, exploring the unique shops and boutiques on Davis Street is the perfect solution. You can also find locally made and grown products at the seasonal downtown farmer’s market as well as at local farm stores too.
