Why Culpeper is the best small town in VA to spend a fall day in

If you’re interested in taking a day trip to soak up fall in a small Virginia town, Culpeper is the place to go. Here’s why. 

As the leaves turn vibrant shades and the crisp air settles in, Culpeper transforms into a picturesque autumn paradise. From scenic outdoor escapes to delightful dining events, here’s your guide to experiencing the best of fall in Culpeper.

Fall foliage and outdoor adventures

Culpeper offers stunning fall foliage and serene outdoor activities that showcase the beauty of the season.

Culpeper Battlefields State Park  

Location: 20362 Fleetwood Heights Rd. Brandy Station, VA 22714

Just a short drive from downtown, Culpeper Battlefields State Park offers a blend of historical intrigue and breathtaking fall colors. The park’s rolling hills and wooded areas become a vibrant tapestry of autumn hues, creating a tranquil backdrop for hiking and exploring.

Yowell Meadow Park  

Location: Corner of Blue Ridge Ave. and Route 522 North, Culpeper, VA 22701

This community park provides a lovely setting to appreciate the changing colors of fall. With its open fields and wooded areas, Yowell Meadow Park is perfect for a leisurely walk or a quiet afternoon, offering expansive views of the fall landscape.

Lake Culpeper 

Location: 18019 Country Store Dr. Culpeper, VA 22701

Lake Culpeper is ideal for a relaxing day outdoors. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or paddle boating while surrounded by vibrant fall colors. The lake’s serene environment also makes it a great spot for a picnic, letting you savor the beauty of autumn by the water.

Photo courtesy of Kari Nousiainen/CC BY-NC 2.0.

Rappahannock River Campground  

Location: 33017 River Mill Rd. Richardsville, VA 22736

Experience a peaceful fall camping trip at the Rappahannock River Campground. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and the soothing sounds of the flowing river as you camp out in this tranquil setting, perfect for a quiet retreat into nature.

Events and festivals

Culpeper’s fall events provide a vibrant mix of local culture, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.

Culpeper Downtown Fall Restaurant Week  

Location: Downtown Culpeper 

From Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, celebrate culinary delights during Culpeper Downtown Fall Restaurant Week. This event features specialty menus from local restaurants, offering a chance to enjoy diverse flavors while supporting local businesses. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore downtown Culpeper’s dining options with friends and family.

Two of the featured restaurants include Flavor on Main and Grill 309. Flavor on Main aims to provide an exceptional dining experience with a focus on wonderful food, creative cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere. The on-site hotel adds to the experience, making it a great choice for a special evening out. Grill 309 is known for its award-winning burgers and casual, friendly atmosphere. With both indoor and heated outdoor seating, it’s a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal. The restaurant also offers curbside pickup and takeout, making it a convenient choice for a delicious meal on the go.

Culpeper Air Fest

Location: 12517 Beverly Ford Rd. Brandy Station, VA 22714

Set against the backdrop of Virginia’s stunning fall foliage, the Culpeper Air Fest on Oct. 12, offers not just high-flying aerobatic stunts but breathtaking views of autumn’s vibrant colors. As planes soar through the sky, visitors are treated to the brilliant hues of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding countryside, creating a picturesque experience. This free event, held at Culpeper Regional Airport, is perfect for families and aviation enthusiasts alike who want to enjoy the show while soaking in the crisp fall air and rich colors of the season.

Photo courtesy of Culpeper Air Fest.

Round Hill Farm  

Location: 6247 Everona Rd. Culpeper, VA 22701

Running from Sept. 21st to Oct. 27, Round Hill Farm’s Fall Festival features a scenic pumpkin patch accessible by a tractor-drawn hayride. Enjoy a day of fall fun with activities like a barnyard petting zoo, haybale mazes, and pony rides. The farm market adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a great destination for families to celebrate autumn.

Hop N’ Hog  

Location: 127 West Davis St. Culpeper, VA 22701

Hop N’ Hog—Culpeper Block Party & BBQ Competition is Culpeper’s premier fall event, combining craft beer, live music, and delicious barbecue. Scheduled for Oct. 5, this event offers a fantastic opportunity to sample local brews and enjoy a variety of smoked meats in a lively, festive atmosphere. Live performances and a family-friendly environment make it a must-visit event for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour 

Location: 10220 James Monroe Hwy. Culpeper, VA 22701

On Oct. 19 and 20, the Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour invites visitors to explore local farms and experience the bounty of the season. This self-guided tour showcases a variety of farms, offering activities such as hayrides, farm tours, and opportunities to purchase fresh produce and handmade goods. It’s a great way to enjoy the fall harvest and support local agriculture.

Culpeper Farmers Market  

Location: 127 West Davis St. Culpeper, VA 22701

The Culpeper Farmers Market, held every Saturday through October, features a wide array of fresh produce, handmade goods, and local crafts. It’s a fantastic place to find seasonal items, enjoy live music, and support local vendors. The market provides a great opportunity to enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere and pick up fresh ingredients for your fall recipes.

Photo courtesy of Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market.

Brewery and winery highlights

Experience the rich flavors of autumn with Culpeper’s local breweries and wineries.

Old House Vineyards

Location: 18351 Corkys Ln. Culpeper, VA 22701

Old House Vineyards is a destination that combines beautiful scenery with rich local flavors. Nestled in the foothills of Culpeper, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in the vibrant fall foliage. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Old House invites visitors to relax, explore the vineyard, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Mountain Run Winery

Location: 10753 Mountain Run Lake Rd. Culpeper, VA 22701

Mountain Run Winery offers a unique and rustic experience for wine lovers. Housed in a converted corn crib barn, the winery provides a charming and laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual tastings. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of wines, including award-winning varieties, while experiencing the beauty of the surrounding countryside during the fall season.

Belmont Farm Distillery

Location: 13490 Cedar Run Rd. Culpeper, VA 22701

Belmont Farm Distillery is a celebrated stop for fans of locally crafted spirits. Belmont specializes in small-batch whiskey and other spirits made using traditional methods. Guests can tour the facility, learn about the distillation process, and sample their offerings. The scenic farm setting makes this a great destination for a fall outing.

Coffee and tea spots

Culpeper’s coffee and tea establishments provide cozy retreats perfect for warming up during the crisp fall days.

Raven’s Nest Coffee House

Location: 215 E. Davis St. Culpeper, VA 22701

Raven’s Nest Coffee House, a central hub in Downtown Culpeper, serves a variety of local coffee drinks including cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos. Enjoy an array of hot and cold beverages, from frappes to craft lemonades, alongside savory and sweet food options sourced from local suppliers.

Miss Minerva’s Tea Room & Gifts

Location: 167 E. Davis St. Culpeper, VA 22701

Miss Minerva’s Tea Room & Gifts, located in historic downtown Culpeper, specializes in fine loose teas and tea accessories. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a diverse selection of teas in a charming setting.

Shopping in downtown Culpeper

Downtown Culpeper offers a dynamic shopping experience where history and modern retail blend seamlessly.

The Bear and The Blade

Location: 150 E Davis St. Culpeper, VA 22701

Located in beautiful Culpeper, The Bear and The Blade is a family-run business specializing in knives and outdoor gear. Situated at the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains, this shop provides a range of products from high-quality knives to essential outdoor gear, including Rite in the Rain products, water filters, and hiking supplies. It also features locally crafted goods and a selection of plush toys, making it a unique stop for both practical and novelty items.

Hundred Acre Books

Location: 307 South Main St. Culpeper, VA 22701

Hundred Acre Books is an independent bookshop offering a diverse selection of new and used books, alongside unique gifts from local vendors. Sharing space with SCOOP on Davis, a local ice cream shop, and Poppy + Chalk, the area’s only Annie Sloan Stockist, this store is dedicated to providing a welcoming space for all readers. It hosts regular events such as open mic nights and book clubs and is committed to highlighting banned books and fostering a community of readers.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.