Gordonsville has that small-town charm that doesn't need to try too hard. It's the kind of place where you turn a corner and stumble on a vineyard, a historic landmark, or a quirky little shop with a kind smile behind the counter. Each stop invited us to linger a little longer, sip a little slower, and pay attention to the details—because here, the details matter. I remember thinking, "This is Virginia at its most genuine." A mix of history, flavor, and hospitality you feel rather than see.
Best Things to Do in Gordonsville, VA
Echoes of the Past at The Exchange Hotel
The Exchange Hotel pulled me into its story the moment I stepped onto the porch. Once a Civil War-era hotel turned medical hospital, it holds a heavy kind of history—one you can feel in the floorboards and faded photographs. The creak of the stairs, the stillness of the old operating room, the personal belongings of soldiers long gone—it all felt hauntingly intimate. I remember thinking, "Some buildings hold memory like breath in their walls." This place didn’t just tell stories—it carried them.
What I Loved Most: Wandering the museum alone and pausing to read handwritten letters on display. You could almost hear the voices behind the ink.
My highlights? After the visit, I walked a block to The Barbeque Exchange for lunch and ordered the pulled pork platter with hushpuppies and pickled vegetables. It was smoky, savory, and comforting—like a meal meant to settle you back into the present.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 400 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
- Best For: History lovers, Civil War buffs, quiet solo explorers
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM
- Cost: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students
- Don’t Miss: The recreated surgical room, slave cabin, and second-floor medical exhibits
Tasting Tradition at Horton Vineyards
Horton Vineyards was one of those places where the tasting room felt like an invitation—not just to try wine, but to slow down and listen. Surrounded by rolling fields, the stone cellar and friendly staff made the experience feel personal. I remember thinking, "Wine always tells a story—but here, it tells it with Virginia roots." Each pour revealed something new, from crisp viognier to bold cabernet franc, and every sip tasted like the land it came from.
What I Loved Most: Sipping a chilled rosé on the patio, overlooking the vineyard rows and soaking in the afternoon sun.
My highlights? I brought along a baguette, sharp cheddar, and fig jam from a nearby market and paired it with their award-winning Norton red—peppery, earthy, and full of character.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, VA 22942
- Best For: Wine lovers, couples, scenic drives
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Cost: Tastings ~$10; bottles from $18 and up
- Don’t Miss: The Norton and Petit Manseng varietals unique to Virginia
Whimsy and Wonder at Raindrops in Virginia
Raindrops in Virginia felt like stumbling into someone’s dreamscape—a little shop overflowing with handmade magic. From fairy garden kits to glass ornaments and Virginia-made soaps, every corner felt curated with care. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of place that makes you want to create something beautiful when you get home." The owner chatted with us like an old friend, offering stories behind the pieces and recommendations for hidden spots in town.
What I Loved Most: Finding tiny ceramic animals and handcrafted cards tucked into unexpected corners—it felt like a treasure hunt.
My highlights? I picked up a lavender bath soak and a hand-blown glass suncatcher as gifts—though I’m not sure I’ll part with them.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 109 S Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
- Best For: Shoppers, gift hunters, art lovers
- Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM
- Cost: Most items under $25
- Don’t Miss: The fairy garden section and locally made candles
Southern Comfort at The Barbeque Exchange
The smell hit us before we opened the door—woodsmoke, caramelized meat, and cornbread baking in cast iron. The Barbeque Exchange wasn’t just good—it was serious about flavor. The line moved fast, the portions were generous, and every bite tasted like time and love. I remember thinking, "This isn’t just lunch—it’s a Southern ritual." The vibe was casual, rustic, and full of smiles—and I don’t think anyone left hungry.
What I Loved Most: Watching a cook carefully slice pork belly behind the counter while a tray of hush puppies sizzled nearby.
My highlights? I ordered the brisket sandwich with a side of mac and cheese and pickled vegetables. Every bite melted, and I didn't say a word until it was gone.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 102 Martinsburg Avenue, Gordonsville, VA 22942
- Best For: Food lovers, casual diners, BBQ fans
- Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 8 PM
- Cost: ~$12–$20 per person
- Don’t Miss: Pulled pork, cornbread muffins, and their spicy pickles
Hillside Sipping at Honah Lee Vineyard
Honah Lee Vineyard was peaceful and personal. With its smaller tasting room and sweeping hillside views, it felt more like visiting a friend’s back porch than a commercial winery. The owners poured each glass with stories and smiles, and the wine was fresh, local, and full of character. I remember thinking, "This is what makes Virginia wine country feel like home." It wasn’t flashy—it was warm, relaxed, and real.
What I Loved Most: Standing in the vines at golden hour, glass in hand, and watching the light stretch across the hills.
My highlights? Their Chardonel paired perfectly with the sharp white cheddar I brought along—it was floral, dry, and full of depth.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 12944 Honah Lee Farm Dr, Gordonsville, VA 22942
- Best For: Couples, relaxed wine tastings, photography
- Hours: Friday–Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
- Cost: Tastings ~$8; bottles from $15
- Don’t Miss: The view from the back porch and their Viognier
Riding and Roaming at Oakland Heights Farm
Oakland Heights Farm brought us closer to the kind of day you dream up when you think of country life—horses grazing in the distance, a breeze through the barn doors, and hay rides that feel like summer distilled. We joined a small group trail ride through open fields and wooded paths, and every moment felt freeing. I remember thinking, "The rhythm of a horse might just be the best therapy there is."
What I Loved Most: Hearing the leather reins creak and the occasional snort of a horse as we moved together under open sky.
My highlights? After our ride, we shared fresh lemonade and ginger cookies under the picnic shelter. Everything slowed down in the best way.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 128 Oakland Heights Rd, Gordonsville, VA 22942
- Best For: Families, horse lovers, outdoor adventurers
- Hours: Daily; trail rides by reservation
- Cost: ~$35–$60 per rider depending on ride length
- Don’t Miss: Trail rides, petting zoo area, and seasonal events
Final Thoughts
What stayed with me most about Gordonsville wasn’t one moment—it was how each experience connected like pearls on a string. The old stories at The Exchange Hotel. The bold flavors at the vineyards. The smoky hush of a barbecue plate shared in the shade. It all added up to something simple and beautiful: time well spent. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or just passing through, Gordonsville gives you exactly what you didn’t realize you needed—something real, something restful, something rooted.
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