Need a charming day trip or countryside escape in Virginia? Head to Culpeper! Stroll a historic downtown, sip award-winning wines, and explore scenic trails and Civil War sites. Whether you're looking for relaxation, history, or outdoor adventure, Culpeper blends small-town warmth with big-time appeal.

Culpeper, VA Highlights:

  • Historic Downtown Culpeper: Stroll through a beautifully preserved Main Street filled with boutique shops, cafés, art galleries, and historic architecture.
  • Old House Vineyards: Sip local wines, enjoy a craft distillery, and relax by a scenic pond surrounded by Virginia countryside.
  • Library of Congress Packard Campus: Visit this unique site dedicated to preserving America's film and audio history with public movie screenings.
  • Mountain Run Lake Park: Enjoy picnicking, fishing, boating, and scenic views at this serene local park.
  • Culpeper National Cemetery: Pay respects at this beautifully maintained historic military cemetery dating back to the Civil War.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Culpeper is during spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). Mild weather, blooming landscapes, and colorful fall foliage make it perfect for exploring downtown, wineries, and outdoor attractions.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Culpeper is located at the crossroads of U.S. Routes 15, 29, and 522, about 75 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and 70 miles north of Richmond.
  • By Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal and Crescent lines stop at Culpeper’s historic train station, offering easy rail access from Washington, D.C., and beyond.
  • By Air: The closest major airports are Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO).

Where to Stay

  • Suites at 249 – Stylish boutique hotel right on Davis Street, perfect for downtown exploration.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Culpeper – Comfortable modern accommodations just minutes from downtown and area wineries.
  • West Park Gardens – Elegant bed-and-breakfast offering charming rooms and beautiful gardens in a historic setting.

Best Things to Do

Sip and Savor at Oldhouse Vineyards

Sip and Savor at Oldhouse Vineyards

© Oldhouse Vineyards

Oldhouse Vineyards was built with a lot of hard work on 75 acres of overgrown alfalfa fields with an abandoned farm house at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Transformed into Old House Vineyards, it is now a lush vineyard producing high quality grapes for a range of award-winning wines. The abandoned 1800's farm house is now a cozy, inviting gathering place and wine tasting room, offering regular live music and art events and of course vineyard’s best wines. .Oldhouse offers tours of their cellar and vineyard and is a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations. On the day when there is live music concert there is usually a food truck parked in front.

18351 Corkys Ln, Culpeper, VA 22701, Phone: 540-423-1032

Step Into Local History at the Museum of Culpeper

Step Into Local History at the Museum of Culpeper

© Museum of Culpeper

The Museum of Culpeper is located at the historic train depot in downtown Culpeper. The facility has a range of exhibit galleries and a gift shop. The Triassic Gallery highlights the presence of dinosaurs in the region. The Native American Gallery describes the Manahoac Confederation, a native American group that populated Blue Ridge and left long before European settlers came. The Colonial Gallery describes the fight for American Independence and the role of the Culpeper Minutemen. The Civil War Gallery is dedicated to the turbulent history of America’s most controversial war as it was fought in Culpeper. The museum also has temporary exhibits that are changed several times a year.

113 Commerce St, Culpeper, VA 22701, Phone: 540-829-1749

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Relax With a Glass at Mountain Run Winery

Relax With a Glass at Mountain Run Winery

© Mountain Run Winery

Located between Mountain Run Lake and Lake Pelham, about five minutes from downtown Culpeper, Mountain Run Winery is a small Virginia farm vineyard and winery producing a range of award-winning wines. They harvested their first grapes in 2017 and to supplement their estate vineyards they partner with Altillo Vineyards from Hurt, Virginia and three other local vineyards. The winery estate is a lovely spot for a family afternoon picnic, a walk through the lush vineyard, or to relax in one of their Adirondack chairs and watch glorious sunset. Their tasting room is located in a 120-year old corn crib next to a 100-year old horse barn. It is surrounded by soy, corn and hay fields overlooking Mountain Run’s flood plain and shaded by a 150 years old oak and pear trees. There are often parties and live music.

10753 Mountain Run Lake Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701, Phone: 703-638-5559

Honor Heroes at Culpeper National Cemetery

Honor Heroes at Culpeper National Cemetery

© Dallas/stock.adobe.com

Culpeper National Cemetery was established in 1867 as a six-acre burying ground in the town of Culpeper, Virginia. The cemetery has been expanded several times in the late 20th century. More than 22 acres were added to the property in order to provide burial space to veterans. About 7,500 people are interred at the cemetery, in the aftermath of the Civil War and due to the development of Culpeper. There is a number of important monuments in the cemetery. The markers dedicated to regiments from those states who had members of regiments who died in the Battle of Cedar Mountain were erected by the states of Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Armed Forces Monument was erected in 1992. In 1988 a memorial was erected to the Unknown burials from the Civil War. The National Military Cemetery monument was constructed from a cast iron artillery tube.

305 US Ave, Culpeper, VA 22701

If You Love Colonial-Era Sites, Visit the Burgandine House

If You Love Colonial-Era Sites, Visit the Burgandine House

© Daniel Thornberg/stock.adobe.com

Burgandine House is a charming two and half story historic home built probably in the late 1700s and is the oldest private home in Culpeper, Virginia. It is a log house with gable roof, covered by clapboard on the outside. The interior is almost completely original, except a few restored areas. In 1966, Mrs. Elizabeth Burgandine Coons donated the original log house to the Town of Culpeper. The building served for several years as the headquarters for the Culpeper Historical Society. In the 1990s the Town of Culpeper restored the house to its original appearance as a reminder of the town’s historic past. Burgandine House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

803 S Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701-3213

Where to Eat

Dine Underground at the Historic Grass Rootes

Dine Underground at the Historic Grass Rootes

© Grass Rootes

Grass Rootes opened in the spring of 2016 in the oldest commercial building in Culpeper, Virginia. Throughout its history, the building has been used as a tobacco warehouse, a tin shop, stables, Civil War jail for both the Union and Confederacy and a hardware store. It is said that the ghosts of soldiers and slaves still roam through the building. Respecting the building roots, Grass Rootes restaurant retained the old exposed brick wall and covered them with photographs of Culpeper from different eras. Bright cushions on the red banquettes along the wall create cozy, inviting atmosphere. The basement is brought back to the original 19th century jail look and now serves as space for private parties. Grass Rootes serves simple, small menu of exquisite dishes made from scratch from local seasonal ingredients. Everything is literally brought from local farms to the guests’ tables. Special attention is paid to the guests with special nutritional needs. Local musicians perform on certain nights.

195 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701, Phone: 540-764-4229

Taste Authentic Flavors at Pinto Thai

Taste Authentic Flavors at Pinto Thai

© Pinto Thai

Pinto Thai in Culpeper is part of a small regional chain of authentic Thai family run restaurants serving traditional Thai and other Asian dishes. Their Culpeper restaurant is modern and bright, without common over-the-top typical Asian décor. The real décor comes from beautifully presented dishes. The extensive menu includes Thai dishes favored by Western customers but also some more traditional and truly authentic dishes prepared using family recipes. There is a large range of appetizers, salads, soups, curries, rice dishes and combinations. Full bar offers imaginative cocktails, local and imported beers and wines and a range of soft drinks. There is a nice small patio for dining al fresco.

179 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701, Phone: 540-829-0777

More Places to Eat

  • Flavor on Main – Upscale restaurant offering steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a historic downtown setting.
  • Grill 309 – Casual spot known for juicy burgers, flatbreads, and creative cocktails.
  • Lucio – Italian cuisine specializing in fresh pastas, seafood, and house-made desserts in an intimate setting.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market (April–November) – Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts every Saturday morning.
  • Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour (October) – Family-friendly event offering farm visits, pumpkin patches, and agricultural fun.
  • CulpeperFest (June) – Celebrate community businesses and culture with food, entertainment, and family activities.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Culpeper, Virginia:

  • Brandy Station Battlefield (15–20 min) – Visit the site of the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War.
  • Shenandoah National Park (30 min) – Hike scenic trails, drive Skyline Drive, and enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • James Madison’s Montpelier (30 min) – Tour the historic estate and gardens of the fourth U.S. President in nearby Orange, VA.
  • Grelen Market at Grelen Nursery (20–25 min) – Shop local goods, hike trails, and enjoy orchard views and café treats.
  • Early Mountain Vineyards (20–25 min) – Sip award-winning wines with panoramic views and farm-to-table dining experiences.
  • Orange, Virginia (25–30 min) – Explore antique shops, galleries, and historic homes in this charming neighboring town.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Culpeper located?
    • Culpeper is a medium-sized city in Virginia and serves as the county seat of Culpeper County.
  • What historical significance does Culpeper have?
    • Culpeper played an important role in both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
  • Where are soldiers from these wars commemorated in Culpeper?
    • Many individuals who perished in both conflicts are interred in the Culpeper National Cemetery.
  • Where can visitors learn about Culpeper’s history?
    • The Museum of Culpeper, located at the historic train depot in downtown Culpeper, provides insight into the city’s turbulent and fascinating history.
  • Does Culpeper have vineyards?
    • Yes, the city is surrounded by several vineyards that produce award-winning wines and offer tours and wine-tasting experiences.
  • What architectural styles can be seen in downtown Culpeper?
    • Downtown Culpeper features a large number of beautifully restored 19th and 20th-century commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings in a broad range of architectural styles.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Inn at Willow Grove – A luxurious boutique inn with Southern charm. Explore Old House Vineyards – Enjoy local wine tastings in a picturesque setting.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor adventures. Best Western Culpeper Inn – A comfortable stay with easy access to local attractions. Visit Lake Pelham – Kayak, fish, or enjoy a relaxing picnic by the water.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and harvest season. West Park Gardens – A charming bed & breakfast in the heart of Culpeper. Explore Shenandoah National Park – Take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive for breathtaking fall colors.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and festive with holiday charm. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Culpeper – A budget-friendly stay with modern amenities. Stroll through Historic Downtown Culpeper – Enjoy boutique shopping, cozy cafés, and seasonal events.

Map:


Culpeper is 1 hr 30 min (72.7 miles via US-29 S) from D.C.


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