Just an hour from Washington, DC, Culpeper is an ideal relaxation destination that’s not too far, yet feels a world away. The pace is slower, the people friendlier. And the opportunities to relax? Immense.
Davis Street, a Great American Main Street, is the center of what’s good, tasty, and beautiful in Culpeper. One glance will hook you, and one stroll down the sidewalks ensures a return trip for more.
Welcome.
Culpeper is one of Virginia’s foodie destinations, attracting visitors from up and down the East Coast. Whether you’re in the mood for smoked barbeque or duck confit poutine, there are a myriad of eateries from which to choose. But it goes much deeper than what’s on the menu. The farm-to-table movement is alive and well here, borrowed from a centuries old agricultural heritage, with our chefs preparing what is fresh, right from the farm.
With fantastic food, you must have great drinks, and in Culpeper there is plenty of liquid love to go around. Culpeper is home to one of the first legal distilleries in the state of Virginia, we’re also home to Virginia’s only winery, brewery, and distillery, all on one campus!Regardless of the path you choose - several breweries, a couple of distilleries, and world class wineries await your arrival.
Culpeper is a place with rich history and modern charm. Residents and visitors alike can spend the day shopping at unique boutiques or stopping by theMuseum of Culpeper Historyto learn more about Culpeper's past. If you enjoy the outdoors, you will find all aspects of nature surrounding you from parks, to lakes, to family friendly farms. The arts are also alive in Culpeper, with live music at our breweries and pubs, and local art classes & workshops that are offered year round.
Most recently, a mural painted by artist Thomas Mullany is located at the intersection of Main and Cameron Street, depicting a young George Washington surveying the area.
You can also sit back, relax, and enjoy the free movies offered every week at thePackard Campus Theatre, located at the Library of Congress’ Audio Visual Conservatory.
Luxury awaits you in Culpeper with several sweet stays. Depending on your preference we can accommodate you at well-known chain hotels or for the more intimate affair at a cozy bed and breakfast. For those wanting to embrace a fresh and modern flair, Davis Street offers several boutique hotels. From country living to downtown delights, you won’t be disappointed no matter where you choose.
With its rich agricultural heritage, and Colonial and Civil War history, Culpeper has been shaped by centuries of colorful characters. Here you can walk the grounds from Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood’s 1714 Germanna Colonies and his “Enchanted Castle”.You can explore the Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain, and Kelly’s Ford Civil War battlefields, and walk the hallowed grounds where Grant headquartered, Lee camped, Jackson fought, and Stuart wintered.You can learn about the 15 historic districts that once made-up the Town of Culpeper, places like Sugar Bottom and Voodoo Hollow; or branch out and explore the surrounding areas history, and places like James Madison’sMontpelier, 30 minutes south of Culpeper.
Adventure means something different to everyone, and no matter what defines adventure for you, we’ve got you covered.Hiking, paddling, flying, riding, you name it.TheShenandoah National Parkis our backyard, offering endless trails and rock faces for climbing.Lake Culpepergives you a chance to challenge yourself with a stand-up paddle board, or soak in the sun while fishing from a canoe. Cycle our scenic byways, and end up at a winery.Jump on horseback to explore our country trails, and Civil War battlefields. Or take to the sky for breathtaking views of Virginia’s Piedmont and Skyline Drive, especially when fall foliage hits.We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Farming is foreign to some of us. Food and fiber comes easily and we don’t always consider where itreallycomes from. Let’s change that. The annual Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour, held every fall is the perfect weekend to explore Culpeper’s agricultural heritage. Plus, many local farms are open to the public year ‘round for tours, on-site purchases, pick-your-own, or just strolling around.
They’re kid-friendly (but not pet-friendly) destinations with opportunities to get up close and personal with animals and the process of sourcing locally. Kids may even find ways to get their hands dirty.
Looking to buy fresh, but don’t have the time to go straight to the source?Visit the Culpeper Farmers Market, located in the heart of downtown every Saturday May through November.
Culpeper takes pride in offering year round events.We kick off each year with a Mardi Gras inspired Street Festival, followed by Spring Restaurant Week every March.April is not only Virginia Vineyard Month, but also offers our annual Gnarly Hops & Barley Festival.
The local Farmer’s Market truly brings Spring to life, and by May the 3rdThursday Concert Series has begun, along with weekend events at our region’s best wineries, breweries, and distilleries!
June is Great Outdoors Month in Virginia, with some of the best paddling, cycling, and fishing around. July is a time we celebrate our Nation’s Independence with Fireworks and downtown Festivities, followed by the annual Culpeper Gran Fondo and Triathlon series.
August: Virginia Craft Beer Month wraps up Summer, just in time for September, when Culpeper hosts our annual Libations street fair, featuring a different cuisine each year.September also marks Virginia Spirits month, which means the moonshine is flowing!
Fall welcomes the Annual Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour, the Century Cycling Race Series, and the annual AirFest.October is the peak of Fall foliage, and Virginia Wine Month, meaning there is no shortage of hikes, scenic drives, and tastings to keep you busy.Culpeper also offers a second Restaurant Week every October, featuring fresh farm-to-table inspired dishes to keep you warm.
As the chilly weather settles in, Culpeper’s Historic Downtown prepares for the Holiday season with themed street fairs, special menus and unique shopping opportunities to please everyone on your gift list!
