Crowds just aren’t for everyone. Many of us crave moments of solitude to reflect and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. While winter is not always the most obvious season for exploring, some of these places are absolutely breathtaking any time of year. So if you’re in search of wide open spaces and cozy towns, this list is for you.
- Sandbridge Beach (Virginia Beach)
rubendavid.com/flickr
Paul Seventy/flickr The concept of going to the beach when it’s not summer may seem foreign to some, but for anyone looking for some peace and quiet, it doesn’t get much better than Virginia’s Outer Banks. Sandbridge offers five miles of gorgeous sandy beach. Grab a blanket, a hot beverage, and enjoy the sound of the waves.
- Apothecary Museum (Alexandria)
Tom Bastin/flickr
steph_ross/flickr Until 1933, this Old Town building served as an apothecary. Today, you can tour this out-of-the ordinary museum that provides a less crowded alternative to those in D.C. Location: 105 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
- Shenandoah Caverns (Quicksburg)
karendotcom127/flickr
karendotcom127/flickr No matter how chilly it might be outdoors, Shenandoah Caverns remains at a slightly cool 52 degrees. This world of natural wonders is underground in more ways than one. It’s located beneath the Shenandoah Valley and a less-crowded alternative to the equally magnificent Luray Caverns. Location: 261 Caverns Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847.
- Natural Tunnel State Park (Duffield)
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Virginia State Parks/flickr The main attraction of this beautiful state park is a 850 feet wide natural tunnel that is used as a train tunnel. With its remote location and expansive exploration area, you won’t find too many people in the vicinity. And the chair left lets you view everything from a different perspective as you soar above the trees. Location: 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, VA 24244.
- Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet (Cape Charles)
Virginia State Parks/flickr
bobistraveling/flickr Arrive at Kiptopeke State Park and you’ll be greeted by an unusual sight: concrete fleet ships out at sea along the horizon. These massive structures date back to WWII when they were used to transport commodities. Today they appear like ghosts from the past, and there are fewer places more reverent to enjoy solitude. Location: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310.
- The Town of Accomac
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr Completed in 1792, this historic lighthouse stands near the site of the first colonial landing in 1607. While this structure is no longer in use, visitors can tour the house for a unique side of Virginia’s maritime history. It’s the perfect activity for cooler weather, as the lighthouse can get too warm for tours during the summer. Location: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
Ken Lund/flickr
Mark Stephenson/flickr Is there any better way to escape the crowds than by taking a good old fashioned drive? The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most scenic drive in this part of the country, and if you get your timing right, you might find yourself alone on these winding roads. And if you stop at one of the overlooks, you can revel in the peace and quiet provided by this breathtaking landscape.
- Grayson Highlands State Park (Mouth of Wilson)
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Greg Holtfreter/flickr Grayson Highlands is well-known and well-loved, but it just so happens to be located in a remote area of the state. Therefore, during the off season there’s a good chance of finding yourself surrounded by nothing but trees, some wild ponies, and beautiful scenic views. Location: Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.
- The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
m01229/flickr Completed in 1792, this historic lighthouse stands near the site of the first colonial landing in 1607. While this structure is no longer in use, visitors can tour the house for a unique side of Virginia’s maritime history. It’s the perfect activity for cooler weather, as the lighthouse can get too warm for tours during the summer. Location: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459.
Have you visited any of these uncrowded places in Virginia? Or do you have any in mind that you think may have missed the list? Feel free to share with us!
rubendavid.com/flickr
Paul Seventy/flickr
The concept of going to the beach when it’s not summer may seem foreign to some, but for anyone looking for some peace and quiet, it doesn’t get much better than Virginia’s Outer Banks. Sandbridge offers five miles of gorgeous sandy beach. Grab a blanket, a hot beverage, and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Tom Bastin/flickr
steph_ross/flickr
Until 1933, this Old Town building served as an apothecary. Today, you can tour this out-of-the ordinary museum that provides a less crowded alternative to those in D.C. Location: 105 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
karendotcom127/flickr
No matter how chilly it might be outdoors, Shenandoah Caverns remains at a slightly cool 52 degrees. This world of natural wonders is underground in more ways than one. It’s located beneath the Shenandoah Valley and a less-crowded alternative to the equally magnificent Luray Caverns. Location: 261 Caverns Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
The main attraction of this beautiful state park is a 850 feet wide natural tunnel that is used as a train tunnel. With its remote location and expansive exploration area, you won’t find too many people in the vicinity. And the chair left lets you view everything from a different perspective as you soar above the trees. Location: 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, VA 24244.
bobistraveling/flickr
Arrive at Kiptopeke State Park and you’ll be greeted by an unusual sight: concrete fleet ships out at sea along the horizon. These massive structures date back to WWII when they were used to transport commodities. Today they appear like ghosts from the past, and there are fewer places more reverent to enjoy solitude. Location: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Completed in 1792, this historic lighthouse stands near the site of the first colonial landing in 1607. While this structure is no longer in use, visitors can tour the house for a unique side of Virginia’s maritime history. It’s the perfect activity for cooler weather, as the lighthouse can get too warm for tours during the summer. Location: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459.
Ken Lund/flickr
Mark Stephenson/flickr
Is there any better way to escape the crowds than by taking a good old fashioned drive? The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most scenic drive in this part of the country, and if you get your timing right, you might find yourself alone on these winding roads. And if you stop at one of the overlooks, you can revel in the peace and quiet provided by this breathtaking landscape.
Greg Holtfreter/flickr
Grayson Highlands is well-known and well-loved, but it just so happens to be located in a remote area of the state. Therefore, during the off season there’s a good chance of finding yourself surrounded by nothing but trees, some wild ponies, and beautiful scenic views. Location: Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.
m01229/flickr
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