Culpeper, Virginia, offers couples, families, and friends a small-town escape straight out of a feel-good movie.
Located near both Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, this Southern town offers the perfect “townsizing” experience, blending history and tradition with a vibrant local dining scene, boutique hotels, and shopping options. Townsizing is one of 2025’s biggest travel trends, focusing on swapping busy cities for the charm of small towns.
Downtown Culpeper feels both timeless and fresh, thanks to a community-led transformation that preserves its history while welcoming thoughtful new additions.
Founded in 1759, Culpeper has been an integral part of Virginia’s story for centuries, and its historic sites, cultural attractions, and thriving Davis Street make it a place where the past and present coexist side by side.
Stay Boutique for a True Small Town Experience
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The Suites@249 boutique hotel combines bespoke charm with modern amenities. Centrally located on Davis Street in downtown Culpeper, it is just steps away from dining and shopping options, making it the perfect home base to experience the cozy charm of this small town.
Each of their six luxury suites is uniquely decorated with thoughtful touches and amenities, and is a far cry from the monotone décor of giant hotel chains. This spot is an especially great option for a romantic weekend getaway for couples.
Unique Shopping and Whimsical Finds
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First and foremost, any Davis Street shopping experience in downtown Culpeper should start with a stop at Raven’s Nest Coffee House. This community-focused coffee shop serves all the best cafe staples: espresso, coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly baked sweet treats. Between the beautiful greenery and creative décor, Raven’s Nest is a place that welcomes you to sip, enjoy, and stay awhile.
For a shopping trip, you won’t want to miss these women-owned favorites, such as Botanical Dwellings, a plant and home décor haven featuring gorgeous greenery, unique gifts, and fun workshops, including terrarium making and yoga, set among the plants.
Le Monkey House is eclectic, contemporary, and full of personality, with playful finds that’ll make you smile. Green Roost is a boutique built around meaningful brands and purposeful gifting, offering a curated selection of everything from jewelry to cozy home goods.
La Bee da Loca has honey, bee-themed treasures, artisan-made goods, and even a live beehive upstairs. Reigning Cats & Dogs and Kindness is a treasure trove of toys, treats, and gear for your furry best friend (and you can even say hello to their little whiskered greeter, Bluey).
From home décor and thoughtful gifts to just-for-fun browsing, downtown Culpeper offers a mix of unique boutiques and whimsical finds.
Culpeper’s Dining Scene Serves a Side of Nostalgia
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Frost Café is the ultimate source of nostalgia, making you feel like you are stepping back in time in the best way, with its 1950s diner décor and classic menu. Situated in the heart of downtown on the corner of South Main Street and East Davis Street, it is a perfect place to soak up the small-town buzz of Culpeper.
Enjoy Southern classics like golden biscuits and savory Virginia ham, alongside other hearty American breakfast staples, such as fluffy pancakes and cheesy omelets, while sitting at the diner counter or in their red-and-white booths.
It’s About Thyme is a local favorite that combines flavorful culinary creations with timeless details in its cozy décor. From fresh seafood and pasta to hearty daily specials and fresh cocktails, there’s something delicious for every craving.
Here you can dine among beautiful murals and flowers inside, or outside in the glow of their cozy alley patio seating. Either way, you’re sure to soak up Culpeper’s small-town charm here.
A meal at Dtom Dtun Noodle will be packed with incredible flavor, featuring a wide menu that includes fresh Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean noodle dishes, as well as a variety of appetizers, such as steamed buns and dumplings.
With friendly service, fun décor, and delicious food, this is the kind of spot that you want to go to more than once on your trip.
Sip Your Way Through Culpeper’s History
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Family-owned and rooted in tradition, Belmont Farm Distillery is authentic at its core, from its genuine copper pot still to its signature Kopper Kettle whiskey. This award-winning establishment has been recognized as one of the top moonshine distilleries in the country.
Virginia’s whiskey-making roots are thriving here, and stepping inside feels less like a visit and more like being invited to experience Virginia’s heritage firsthand. The Discovery Channel has even featured this local spot on its popular TV show Moonshiners.
Tucked away on 75 scenic acres, Old House Vineyards is Virginia’s first tri-fecta: winery, brewery, and distillery. Here, you can sip and sample award-winning wines and craft spirits, including gin, whiskey, and vodka, while enjoying inventive and gourmet dishes from their in-house kitchen, Green Ribbon.
One of Green Ribbon’s owners, Jocelyn, received patisserie and culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, and keeps environmental sustainability and options for all diets, including vegetarian and gluten-free, at the forefront as they curate their menus.
Old House’s wines have been among the winners of the Virginia Governor’s Cup Best Wines for the last five years, and their brandy has been recognized as the best in class by Virginia’s First Landing Cup.
In addition to their expansive winery space, their distillery offers a wide selection of spirits and honors WWII veterans with community-donated artifacts, making your visit both meaningful and memorable.
Hikes, History, and Hidden Stories
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You can step into history at Culpeper Battlefields State Park, Virginia’s 43rd state park. Spanning more than 2,200 acres, this preserved landscape allows you to step into four major Civil War battles: Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain, Kelly’s Ford, and Rappahannock Station.
With trails ranging from short walks, such as Fleetwood Hill (0.26 mi), to longer hikes like Buford’s Knoll (2.52 mi), you can find plenty of ways to explore while taking in the views and signage throughout the park that bring the past to life.
The Museum of Culpeper History is full of unique artifacts and is another excellent place to step back in time. Here you can see some of Culpeper’s 5,000 unearthed dinosaur tracks from the Triassic era.
Fun fact: Most of the tracks are from the four-legged carnivore and ancestor of the infamous raptor, called the Anchisauripus Parallellus.
Here, you can also find detailed exhibits and artifacts related to Culpeper’s role in the American Revolution and the Civil War, as well as its Native American Gallery, which highlights the Manahoac Confederation’s tool and weapon artifacts.
Experience Small Town Charm in Culpeper, VA
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Culpeper, Virginia, is a getaway where you can relish nostalgia and experience the authentic charm of a small town. With a mouthwatering dining scene, unique local goods, charming boutique hotels, and historic stops, this town is the perfect place to enjoy life’s small moments.