Visit Culpeper, VA to explore historic sites, vibrant downtown dining, wineries, and outdoor adventures—discover small-town charm in the heart of Virginia.
It’s easy to fall in love with a small town that retains its culture and downtown core. While many historic small towns diminish, Culpeper, Virginia, has thrived. I discovered Culpeper during trips from Baltimore to Charlottesville while searching for a place to refuel and grab a bite to eat. Each time I stopped in, I found more reasons to visit, ultimately scheduling two trips to explore the town. The further I looked, the more I liked Culpeper and am impressed with its nearly 300 years of Colonial, Civil War, and recent history. After you read this story, you, too, will want to discover Culpeper’s charms.
Cool homes like Wysteria 1885 in the South St historic district were among my favorite sites in Culpeper. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
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Way Back
With the 250th anniversary of America’s independence coming up, Colonial history will be in the news. Culpeper was well organized in Colonial America to fight the British hold on the Colonies. Culpeper was one of the first colonies to ratify support in opposition to the Stamp Act in 1765. In 1774, citizens in Culpeper created the Culpeper Resolves to voice their opposition to the Coercive Acts passed by Parliament. This was no small act of civil disobedience as the declaration’s signers risked their lives and fortunes standing up against the British.
The Museum of Culpeper History is excellent for learning about Colonial events, dinosaurs, Civil War History, and more. Find the museum in the train station where the Visitor’s Center resides. I recommend stopping here to understand Culpeper’s past and determine where to go next. Across the street from the visitor’s center is the ubiquitous LOVE sculpture seen throughout Virginia. The Virginia is for Lovers campaign is over 50 years old and has spawned many LOVE sculptures. I like to see how many of the LOVE sculptures I can find, as they are all unique and show great creativity.
I’ve found dozens of LOVE sculptures in Virginia. Each one is unique. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
Dining in Culpeper, VA
A walk up Davis Street from the Visitor’s Center will reward you with several restaurants and shops to explore. During one of my recent visits, I discovered Pinto Thai, which has become my new favorite Thai restaurant. Their menu features over 30 pages of Thai dishes I have never encountered before and a selection of beverages and desserts. The appetizers alone add up to 22 choices. The duck roll appetizer was packed with delicious duck meat, a few scallions, and drizzled with a special duck sauce.
Pinto Thai in Culpeper is among the best Thai restaurants I’ve found. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
Several soups and salads are also on the menu. I ordered the Pad See Ew to see how they handled my all-time favorite Thai dish. It was superb. Unlike some Thai restaurants where the noodles come out swimming in oil, this version had no such overuse of cooking oil and was the best I’ve ever had.
Another downtown restaurant I liked was Grill 309. On a recent visit, I had a tasty patty melt and a glass of cider for dinner. Another notable spot was Sweet Roux, where I dined at the bar for lunch and had their southwest salad with popcorn shrimp and chipotle dressing.
This patty melt I had at Grill 309 was delicious! Photo by Kurt Jacobson
I usually stop by the Culpeper Cheese Company to buy cheese and occasionally have lunch. Their soups are good, and someday I’ll try the fried mortadella grilled cheese sandwich because it would rank up with poutine for flavor and fat content. They also serve mac & cheese, salads, and dips.
Shopping in Culpeper, VA
While downtown Culpeper may not boast a multitude of shops, the ones it does have are a testament to quality over quantity. The Cameleer, a personal favorite, has been a staple since 1992. Initially selling Australian Aboriginal goods under the name ‘Kungaku Arts’, their success led to five expansions. Today, the Cameleer stocks goods from dozens of countries, offering a diverse range of high-quality clothing, gifts, kitchenware, and a charming selection of children’s books.
Miss Minerva’s Tea Room & Gifts, 307 S Main St, is another fun shop. Stop in for afternoon tea, sandwiches, soup, salads, scones, and gifts.
Pepperberries is my wife’s favorite downtown Culpeper shop, and every time we visit, she has to go in to see what’s new. Touting their shop as having uptown style and downtown charm, Pepperberries sells clothing, home goods, bath and body items, drinkware, candles, and more. Find them on the corner of Davis and Main.
The Green Roost is a boutique shop on Davis Street that specializes in environmentally conscious clothing, jewelry, and gifts. These four shops alone make for an hour or more of retail therapy.
The Green Roost is one of many shops in downtown Culpeper I liked. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
Wine and Beer Time
Vinosity is an exceptional wine store located at 174 E Main St. I stopped in on my recent trips and appreciated their collection of Old World wines and a good selection of Virginia wines. The staff knows Virginia wine better than most wine shops I’ve been in, and they are a good source of suggestions on which ones to try.
On my most recent stop, I asked Kim Kelly about visiting Culpeper in the Fall, and she told me, “Fall is a busy season with all the festivals like Graves Mountain Lodge, Apple Festival, and winery events. Culpeper Renaissance puts on Hop and Hog, a BBQ beer and bourbon festival.” Both events sounded good, but sadly, I couldn’t attend.
I love the selection of Virginia wines at Vinosity in Culpeper’s downtown. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
I visited two breweries during my visits and had a flight of beer/cider at Fär Ghön. I tried both good beers, but I gave the Mexican amber my highest praise. The Son of a Bear cider and the blackberry were like dessert after the beers and went down easily.
This fine beer and cider sampler at Fär Ghön was a good prelude to my evening in downtown Culpeper. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
At Beer Hound Brewery, I only had time to look and take notes. The dartboard area called to me, and I hope to return to see how my dart skills are holding up. The pub menu at Beer Hound included sandwiches, pizza, tots, and wings. Both breweries had outdoor seating.
Lodging
I stayed at Suites at 249, a boutique hotel with an Airbnb vibe. This type of lodging is suitable for self-sufficient travelers who can handle minor challenges, such as figuring out door codes, without on-site staff assistance. On both recent trips, I stayed in the Verde Suite, a spacious room with a blend of old-time and modern elements.
I enjoyed staying at the Verde Suite in Suites at 249 in downtown Culpeper. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
The exposed brick walls reminded me I was in an older building, while the steam shower, gas fireplace, and coffee maker gave it a contemporary feel. The location on 249 Davis Street was perfect for giving my car a rest and walking to most anything in town. Although the Suites are close to the train tracks, I wasn’t bothered by the trains; however, light sleepers may want to bring earplugs.
Notice my lucky parking spot in front of the Suites at 249! Photo by Kurt Jacobson
I toured Fountain Hall Bed and Breakfast with owner Steve Walker. Steve told me, “My wife and I bought the B&B in 1985 and have been running it ever since then.”
During those years, they have put their stamp of quality on this gorgeous home in the South East Street Historic District and have many returning guests. Each room is decorated in period antiques, most of which Steve and his wife Kathi have selected. COVID-19 brought about changes, including the elimination of breakfast service. With several restaurants offering breakfast in Culpeper, the lack of breakfast on-site doesn’t seem to bother the guests.
Fountain Hall in Culpeper is a good-looking historic inn. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
Cibola Farms, aka Virginia Bison Co., intrigued me due to my love of eating bison. I enjoyed my tour and was very impressed with their meat selection and quality. In addition, the incredible farm stays make this a must-see bison ranch. I saw the Casa Rental inside and outside, and it felt like I was in another world. The design was modernistic and had the qualities of a Tiny Home in a forest. I asked my guide, Steven, if the night skies were visible, and he said, “Out here in the woods away from Culpeper, you can see way more stars than in town.” The cleanliness of the tiny rental also impressed me, and I put it on a short list of must-visit cabins.
Culpeper is Family Friendly
Lake Culpeper is popular for boating, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Anglers come for the catfish and crappie fishing. Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular, and rental equipment is available at Lake Culpeper Adventures from 7 AM to 7 PM during the season.
State Climb is a very popular indoor rock climbing facility. This non-profit organization provides climbing walls and aerial space for those who want to get high naturally. I saw kids and young adults climbing and dangling the night I visited, obviously having a blast.
A boy shows off his climbing skills at State Climb in Culpeper. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
I spoke with one of the parents watching their kids, and they told me, “We live in Fredericksburg and will make the drive to State Climb so my son and daughter can enjoy the climbing walls.”
Lessons and competitions are also offered. A day pass is available Saturday through Thursday. Fridays are a pay-what-you-like day, especially useful for larger families. Membership and day pass holders can access all the necessary gear for safe climbing, including climbing shoes.
Further Afield
Culpeper Battlefields State Park- Cedar Mountain Unit is a short drive from downtown. Civil War buffs will like walking this historic battlefield where Stonewall Jackson rallied his troops to turn back the Union forces. Stonewall brandished his sword in the Battle of Cedar Mountain; apparently, this was the only time he used his sword in battle.
Cocoa Manna is an artisanal chocolate-making shop on the outskirts of Culpeper on the road to Sperryville. I tasted several of their chocolates and highly recommend this place to confirmed chocoholics like myself. Their chocolates are only available online or at the shop.
I was very impressed with the quality of chocolate at Cocoa Manna on the outskirts of Culpeper. Photo by Kurt Jacobson
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Heading Home
After my research visits were over, I reflected on two things: Culpeper has a vibrant downtown full of excellent restaurants and shops, and beyond the town’s borders are many wineries, parks, and small towns for great day trips. I hope you check out Culpeper and have as much fun as I did there.
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