
Photo courtesy of The Soda Fountain at the Floyd Country Store
Discover fun things to do—both indoors and outdoors—in our beautiful commonwealth’s coldest months.
If you’ve got a case of cabin fever, we’ve got just the antidote for you. While temperatures plunge throughout Virginia, that doesn’t mean the fun grinds to a halt.
We’ve rounded up our top 10 ideas for things to do throughout the state this month—both for our chilly weather fans and those who prefer central heat.
# 1 Visit a ski resort

Courtesy of Massanutten Resort
Massanutten Resort is a 6,000-acre mountain resort located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to slopes for skiing and tubing, the resort also has an ice skating rink. The property has 80 skiable acres, with 23 runs that are serviced by seven lifts. The tubing hill consists of 16 lanes that are 900 feet in length and drop 120 vertical feet. You’ll likely want to check the resort’s website to see how the slope conditions are before heading out.
Before retiring to one of the many on-site lodgings with mountain views, like the Eagle Terrace condos, treat yourself to one of the massages or body treatments, like a facial, at The Spa at Massanutten.
Related: 5 Virginia ski resorts to visit this winter
#2 Ice skate in NoVA
If you enjoy ice skating and shopping, this attraction is just for you! Located near Washington, DC, Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating (formerly Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating) is surrounded by the Pentagon Mall, various shops, and restaurants.
At 7,200 square feet, the attraction is the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia—and the second-largest in the state.
Related: Top 9 things to do after dark in Virginia
#3 Indulge in a bowl of Brunswick Stew

Courtesy of Red Hot and Blue
If you’re searching for the best Brunswick stew in the DMV, look no further than Red Hot & Blue, located in Fairfax. They go all-out with the protein in their stew, tossing in pulled pork, shredded chicken, and Texas brisket.
Wanting to eat a lot of stew and other goodies? You might want to take a look at the restaurant’s rewards club, where diners can unlock special coupons and discounts, and receive free birthday treats.
Related: We Asked, You Answered: The 10 best places to get Brunswick Stew in Virginia
#4 Thrift at Virginia’s best secondhand stores
Located in Norfolk, Thrift Store USA is more like a thrift mall! This thrift has such a large location and selection that it serves everyone in the area. They sell everything from men’s, women’s, children’s, and baby clothes to glassware and household appliances. They have deals for college students, seniors, and military personnel as well.
For more details on these deals, visit their website.
Related: Richmond and Hampton Roads named thrifting capitals of the US
#5 See a presidential home site

Sherwood Forest Plantation photo from the Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress)
In the John Tyler family since 1842, the history of Sherwood Forest Plantation spans even further back. The property’s first home was likely constructed around 1660, but was destroyed by fire between 1700 and 1720. The second house arose between 1720 and 1730, and many additions continued until 1845. When it was all said and done, Sherwood was—and still is—the longest frame house in America.
House tours are available by appointment only, by contacting the grandson of President Tyler, who manages the estate.
Related: Discover these 10 presidential home sites in Virginia
#6 Go back in time at Virginia’s castles and manor houses
Wilton House is a well-preserved 1763 T-shaped plantation house that once served as the seat of the influential colonial Churchill family, squarely in the center of their vast landholdings between the Piankatank River and Rappahannock River along the southern end of Middlesex County in the Tidewater.
As a means of preserving its historical integrity, Preserve Virginia bought the house in 2002 to place historic easements on it, before selling it to a private owner. An extensive preservation and modernization project followed. Today, the house can be visited and rented for a stay or event. Before visiting, review this handy guide to the house.
Related: Get enchanted by these 10 castles & manor houses in Virginia
#7 Sip at an old-fashioned soda fountain

Photo courtesy of The Soda Fountain at the Floyd Country Store
The Soda Fountain, located next to the Floyd Country Store, serves a variety of classic ice cream and soda treats, from specialty floats to milkshakes and sundaes. The ingredients are sourced locally, and the nostalgic setting is designed to celebrate the American soda fountain tradition, complete with an L-shaped counter reminiscent of 1950s drugstores.
The atmosphere is infused with Appalachian music history, featuring signature sundaes named after classic tunes like “Buffalo Gal.” With its checkerboard floors and cozy seating, the Soda Fountain is not just an extension of the Floyd Country Store; it’s a beloved community gathering spot where locals come together to enjoy delicious treats and good company.
Related: Get nostalgic at Virginia’s 7 old-fashioned soda fountains
#8 Discover a local dive bar
Judy’s Pub & Eatery is a neighborhood bar and grill that’s been around for over 20 years. It’s a casual spot with a friendly atmosphere and a loyal following of regulars. Judy’s is known for its extra-long happy hour, nightly drink specials, and outgoing staff.
Unique things about Judy’s Pub & Eatery:
- Judy’s Pub & Eatery has one of the best Philly Cheesesteaks around
- The bar has a jukebox that plays lively tunes
- Judy’s Pub & Eatery is open until the wee hours of the morning
Related: Dive bar hopping in Virginia Beach: 4 spots not to miss
#9 Explore the oldest buildings in Virginia
Built in 1665 for Arthur Allen and his family, Bacon’s Castle is the oldest brick dwelling in North America. Originally called Allen’s Brick House, it earned its current name in 1676 when followers of Nathaniel Bacon occupied the home during Bacon’s Rebellion.
The house is a rare example of High Jacobean architecture and features a restored 17th-century English formal garden. Outbuildings include an 1830 slave dwelling, an 1820s smokehouse, and a barn from 1700. Preservation Virginia acquired and restored the site in the 1970s and 1980s, preserving its legacy as a site of labor, freedom, and rebellion across four centuries.
Related: Explore the 9 oldest buildings in Virginia
#10 Get spooked at the Poe Museum
Surprisingly, a mahogany fragment of the coffin Edgar Allan Poe was buried in on Oct. 8, 1849, is housed at the Poe Museum in Richmond. The fragment comes from 1875 when Poe’s body was moved to a different part of the cemetery he was buried in, from an unmarked grave to a better location where a large monument was placed over his grave.
During the move, the head of the coffin fell off. It was retrieved and later found its way to the president of the Maryland Historical Society. Later, it came into the possession of the museum as part of the Susan Jaffe Tane collection.
Related: The creepiest things you’ll find at the Poe Museum in Richmond
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