One of the perks of living in DC is that Virginia is our neighboring state. Perhaps I’ve become a bit biased, but I have to say it’s one of my favorite states in the union. It is diverse in every sense: people, landscapes, sea, mountains, wine, beer, and the list goes on and on. However, there’s one thing I do not like about Virginia: the traffic. Anyone who has been on I-95 on a Friday night can feel my pain. Therefore, train travel has become my go-to for weekend trips. Here are five places to discover Virginia by train on Amtrak.
Alexandria
For my friends traveling north, Alexandria is a great destination for a weekend getaway. Just a quick metro ride from Washington, DC, you can explore the best of both worlds. Old Town Alexandria has a colonial charm. Wander on the cobblestone roads and admire the colorful townhomes. Head to King Street and get your shopping fix with locally owned shops. For the lovers of food, there are plenty places to indulge. From fine dining at Restaurant Eve to delicious doughnuts at Sugar Shack, you’ll have plenty to keep you full!
Where to stay: The beautifully modern Hotel Indigo along the Old Town Waterfront makes a great base to explore from.
Roanoke
Roanoke is an easy way to discover Virginia by train if you’re coming from Washington, DC or Northern Virginia. Their new route has captured the interest of many-from Virginia Tech fans to craft breweries lovers like ourselves. One of the main questions we got from our trip to Roanoke by train was the car situation. We didn’t miss our car! We got to do plenty with Uber or by walking. Downtown Roanoke is a walkable area, with plenty of restaurants, breweries, and shops to keep you busy for a weekend.
Where to stay: Not only is Hotel Roanoke a beautiful historical property, it is only a five-minute walk from the train station.
Charlottesville
In my humble opinion, Charlottesville is one of the more picturesque small cities in Virginia. With its cozy downtown area, beautiful wineries such as Pippin Hill, and of course, the University of Virginia, it makes for a fun getaway. Due to its college population, it is a young, vibrant community. You can see that with the farm to table eateries, breweries, and up and coming cideries.
Where to stay: Graduate House is a hip design hotel in the heart of Charlottesville.
Norfolk
For the lovers of the sea…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about going to Norfolk or Virginia Beach but I see the traffic on Google Maps and my plans change. Discover Virginia, beautiful coastal Virginia by train. This is especially a treat if you’re coming from Northern Virginia or Washington, DC. If you’re a connoisseur of Naval history, head to the Nauticus Museum. For the lovers of art, head to the Virginia Modern Museum of Art. Have a taste of Virginia farm to table delicacies at Commune. Hit the waves on a short Uber ride to Virginia Beach.
Where to stay: Hilton Norfolk The Main has stunning views of the bay and some of the best cocktails in town.
Richmond
If you are going to discover Virginia by train, you must add Richmond to your itinerary. It was love at first sight during my first trip last year. The food, architecture and friendly people make it a place I recommend repeatedly to our readers and followers. Head to Sub Rosa for their unforgettable pastries, Maple and Pine for a proper southern brunch, and Hardywood for local-made craft beer. Take a stroll along the FAN district and check out the lively scene, especially on weekends.
Where to stay: For a cozy home away from home feel, stay at Linden Row Inn, a beautiful urban Bed and Breakfast.
Discover Virginia by Train: The Verdict
Whether it is sipping on Petit Verdot at a Virginia winery or dipping your toes in the Atlantic, there is no shortage of places to discover Virginia by train. These five places are so different but they all have several things in common: delicious food, friendly locals, and unforgettable sceneries.
Some practical tips for train travel on Amtrak:
- Book in Advance: I hate the ticket shock I get when I wait until the last minute. You can get great deals on Amtrak, but you have to book on time.
- Military Discount: There’s a 10% military discount available. Make sure to check the Military Discount option when booking your ticket.
- Be on time!!! The train waits for no one!
Alexandria is a great city. King Street has so many different, independent restaurants to choose from every nationality. I used to travel to Crystal City regularly from work and I would take the train out to Alexandria for dinner and a walk to the port. You can also take the train up the coast and check out Baltimore, which is surprisingly close and convenient.
Train would be the perfect way to get around North Virginia. I have had the pleasure of staying in Charlottesville, and you are so right. It is such a picturesque little town, with the charm of a uni town!
Sending this to my son who’s working in Maryland for a year. I too love train travel for the same reason and head out by rail to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and then south to the Mexico border as often as I can. Nice too that there are outlets and sometimes wifi as well. So much more relaxing than driving. I’d love to explore your region by train sometime.
I’m inspired to try more train travel this year. Unfortunately I’m not in the US this year, so will have to explore Southeast Asia for now. I love the idea of eventually reacquainting myself to my homeland via train, so I hope Amtrak has continued success. Your Virginia suggestions sound fantastic.
Train travel seems to be an interesting mode of travel there. This definitely helps explore more in depth. I will check out this if I get there ever.
Alexandria sounds like the town for me! I love cobble stone roads and now I’m craving Sugar Shack donuts! My boyfriend is actually going to Norfolk in a few weeks for work and wasn’t very excited about it but I’ll have to let know to check out the naval and art museums and eat at Commune!
It sounds like there’s some lovely options to discover Virginia by train. I think I would like Charlottesville, being a small picturesque city with a uni vibe. The Graduate Hotel looks very charming and with lots of character! I love pastries, so I would definitely head for Richmond too!
What a fabulous list of spots to explore – Virginia has to be one of my favorite US States. We did a roadtrip, but covered most of the cities you’ve mentioned here. I can definitely see how train would be easy and convenient too though. Roanoke was my favorite, and the Hotel Roanoke was such a fabulous stay! One of my most memorable – loved the history of the property.
Given my fascination for trains and my enduring romance with them, this way to discover the gems of Virginia is definitely something in my line. There are so many lovely places just a train ride away. This has the double pleasure of a train ride combined with exploring the destination. My favourite here would be Alexandria, where I would love to experience the charm of the old Town.
I love discovering new places by train (I’m a total geek about the tube system in London!). I’ve never headed to Virginia, but you’ve given me a few reasons to – I’d start with Richmond, as I love street art!
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