The 14 Must-Do Experiences in Culpeper, Virginia

This historic town in Virginia charms visitors with its delicious ham biscuits, lively public art scene, and Virginia’s most recent addition to its list of state parks.

Located in the midst of Virginia's Piedmont area, Culpeper merges historical charm with lively local culture and beautiful scenery. Established back in 1749, this charming small town home to about 20,000 residents has a deep connection to Civil War history along with beautifully maintained buildings. For nature enthusiasts, Lake Culpeper provides peaceful walking paths, while the nearby Culpeper Battlefield State Park invites casual hiking trips. Easily reachable via automobile or three daily train services provided by Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route, Culpeper makes an ideal spot for a relaxing yet educational vacation. If you're planning to discover more about this place, here are some activities worth trying out.

History

Explore the Museum of Culpeper History

Located within a meticulously renovated historic railway station, the Museum of Culpeper History provides visitors with an enlightening exploration into the region's extensive past. Here you can find displays ranging from early Native American relics and items from the colonial era to important Civil War presentations. Be sure not to overlook the section featuring fossilized dinosaur footprints found locally, which brings a fascinating ancient element to your experience. Afterward, take a leisurely ten-minute walk over to the Burgundine House, among the earliest standing buildings in Culpeper, constructed around the latter part of the 18th century.

culpepermusuem.com ; 113 Commerce Street, Culpeper, VA 22701

culpepermuseum.com/burgandine-house ; 807 South Main Street, Culpeper, Virginia 22701

Explore a Georgian-Style Estate

Salubria Manor is a stately, well-preserved Georgian-style manor house that exemplifies the elegance of colonial architecture. Built in 1757, it’s the oldest brick home in Culpeper County. Set on quiet, picturesque grounds, Salubria Manor offers a peaceful backdrop for exploring the area’s cultural legacy. History buffs, take note. One-hour guided tours of the manor’s interior are available by appointment only from April to October.

germanna.org/salubria ; 19173 Salubria Lane, Stevensburg, Virginia 22741

Go on a Walking History Tour

Travel back in history with Culpeper’s historic walking tours , which are available throughout the year from the Museum of Culpeper History. These guided tours take visitors through the historical downtown district, recounting tales of notable Civil War personalities and early colonial sites. For those passionate about the Civil War era, Culpeper Battlefield Tours provides 2-3 hour excursions through notable battlegrounds and important locations such as Buford’s Knoll, Fleetwood Hill, and St. James Church. These tours can be experienced on foot, horseback, or via vehicle, offering an engaging method to explore Culpeper's rich history.

Where to Dine and Imbibe

Join the Local Craft Beverage Movement

The Sips of Culpeper Beverage Exploration Trail offers a delightful journey through the region’s artisanal drinks via eight locations including wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries. A standout spot is Belmont Farm Distillery, renowned as the origin of America’s first legally produced moonshine. Notable attractions also encompass Old House Vineyards, known for being Virginia’s premier site combining a winery, brewery, and distillery all in one building, along with Beer Hound Brewery, among the state’s pet-loving establishments. At Beer Hound, patrons can enjoy canine-themed beers and relax in their indoor tasting space where dogs are welcome provided they behave properly.

belmontfarmdistillery.com ; 13490 Cedar Run Road, Culpeper, Virginia 22701

oldhousetoday.com ; 18351 Corkys Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701

beerhoundbrewery.com ; 201 Waters Plaza, Suite 102, Culpeper, VA 22701

Authentic Virginia Ham Sample Biscuits

At Calhoun’s Ham House & Country Deli, both tourists and residents drop by to experience the authentic flavors of Virginian cuisine—specifically, delectable Virginia ham biscuits. These substantial, tasty sandwiches consist of exquisitely cured ham paired with tender, soft biscuits. buttery biscuits It truly embodies a Southern classic, making it an excellent choice for both snacks and meals. In addition to their delicious ham biscuits, Calhoun’s offers a wide selection of deli meats and cheeses, providing even more incentives to drop by. Keep this in mind when scheduling your trip since Calhoun’s operates solely from Thursday through Saturday.

visitculpeperva.com/food-drink/calhouns-ham-house-country-deli ; 211 S East Street, Culpeper, VA 22701

Savor the Refined Afternoon Tea Experience

Located at the center of downtown Culpeper, Miss Minerva’s Tea Room offers a sophisticated Victorian-themed experience featuring a variety of premium loose-leaf teas. Visitors can enjoy a traditional tea service complete with an array of dainty sandwiches, scones, and delectable sweets such as macarons and cupcakes — all presented on exquisite porcelain dishes. The establishment also organizes special events throughout the year; for instance, guests can partake in the chilling "Slasher Flick Tea" during Halloween season or immerse themselves in the joyous "A Christmas Carol Tea" come December.

missminervas.com ; 307 South Main Street, Culpeper, Virginia 22701

Outdoor Activities

Discover Virginia’s Latest State Park

In June 2024, Culpeper Battlefields State Park was designated as Virginia’s 43rd state park, inviting guests to experience both scenic landscapes and historical significance. The park safeguards four crucial battlegrounds: Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, and Kelly’s Ford. People who visit here have the opportunity to explore various hiking paths such as the St. James Church Trail, traverse expansive meadows, and gain insights into key battles all while relishing nature.

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/culpeper-battlefields ; 9465 General Winder Road, Rapidan, Virginia 22733

Take a Paddle out on Lake Culpeper

Enjoy the stunning scenery of 255-acre Lake Culpeper and spend a peaceful day out on the water using a canoe, stand-up paddleboard, pedal boat, or kayak. Encircled by dense woodlands and gentle slopes, this lake serves as a sanctuary for those who appreciate nature. Additionally, the absence of motorboats ensures a serene experience free from disruptions. You may either bring your equipment or hire one from Lake Culpeper Adventures, found within The Ole Country Store & Bakery.

culpeperva.gov/community/parks/lake_culpeper_adventures_park ; 18019 County Store Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701

Visit a Local Farm

In Culpeper, you'll discover several welcoming farms such as Oak Shade Farm and the Virginia Bison Company located within Cibola Farms. Visitors are invited to explore Oak Shade Farm during their designated open days, offering opportunities ranging from enjoying the beauty of lavender fields to mastering the craft of weaving. Meanwhile, the Virginia Bison Company invites guests throughout normal operating times for an independent stroll through the property, providing views of roaming bison across expansive pastures. Pick up a guide map at their onsite store which not only features various meat products but also includes items like pet treats and bones.

oakshadechristmastreefarm.com ; 14455 Waterford Run Lane, Rixeyville, Virginia 22737

virginiabison.com ; 10075 StoneBridge Road, Culpeper, VA 22701

Cheer for Competitors at the Neighborhood Rodeo

By August, head over to the yearly Culpeper Rodeo for an exciting family-oriented festivity celebrating Western heritage and country style. Expect heart-stopping activities such as bull riding, barrel racing, sheep riding for kids, and lasso competitions. The event-packed day will feature a mechanical bull ride, live musical performances, a petting zoo, and even country line dancing within the venue itself. And should you get hungry, more than ten food vendors will be available onsite to satisfy your cravings.

culpeperrodeo.com ; 10220 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701

Arts, Culture, Shopping

Capture Art Around Town

Stroll through Wander Culpeper’s historical streets to take pictures of the vivid scenes. murals and public art Those that showcase local artists and historical topics. A number of murals can be found just steps away from the town’s visitor center, located within an old train station, such as "A Song to Share" and "The Creation Story Mural." Be sure not to overlook the five vibrantly colored murals freshly painted on utility boxes around town, like the one welcoming visitors with "Welcome to Culpeper," situated at the intersection of Chandler and Main Streets.

Identify all the signs of LOVE

As we all know, "Virginia is for Lovers," and this sentiment really comes alive through the state's numerous inventive and artistic endeavors. LOVE signs In Culpeper, you can discover four Instagrammable art installations located at the Culpeper Train Depot, Culpeper Sports Complex, Old House Vineyards, and Rockwater Park. These signs serve as tributes to Culpeper’s lively community ethos and extend a warm greeting to every visitor who comes their way.

Relish a complimentary movie screening.

Film aficionados and cultural connoisseurs will find joy at the Library of Congress Packard Campus Theatre, which offers complimentary showings of timeless classics, unique historical clips, and exclusive events. Housed within this 205-seat theater designed in the elegant Art Deco style, guests enjoy cutting-edge screening capabilities combined with nostalgic atmospheres for an exceptional cinematic journey. Hosting three shows each week, visitors have multiple opportunities to explore golden-age movies cost-free. Additionally, patrons might sometimes catch live performances as part of their visit.

loc.gov/programs/audio-visual-conservation/about-this-program/packard-campus/packard-campus-theater/ ; 19053 Mount Pony Road, Culpeper, VA 22701

Stop By and Explore Quaint Little Boutiques

An enjoyable shopping experience beckons in Culpeper with its charming selection of boutique stores. Begin your journey at La Bee da Loca where you can discover items adorned with honey bees. Next, visit The Bear & The Blade for handcrafted outdoor gear such as waxed canvas bags and birch containers. Then make your way to The Cameleer, which offers distinctive presents sourced globally, featuring jewelry, textiles, and writing materials. Be sure not to overlook 2*0*1 Reclaimed. Vintage. Relics for an assortment of repurposed, reused, and revitalized objects and decorative accents.

labeedaloca.com ; 236 E Davis Street, Culpeper, Virginia 22701

thebearandtheblade.com ; 150 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701

thecameleer.com ; 125 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701

instagram.com/201rvrculpeper/ ; 201 North Main Street, Culpeper, Virginia 22701

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