Discover 24 Incredible Secret Spots in Virginia

Situated between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastline, Virginia is a southeastern state in the United States and the first English colonial settlement in the country. It is the birthplace of eight out of the total 43 presidents (44 if we count Grover Cleveland) of the United States, earning it the nickname ‘Mother of Presidents’.

With a population exceeding 8.4 million residents, the state’s geography and climate are significantly influenced by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, both of which contribute richly to Virginia’s diverse ecosystems.

A blend of stunning landscapes and a rich historical narrative, Virginia’s tourism motto, ‘Virginia is for lovers’, encapsulates its allure. The state offers various attractions including beaches, national parks, forests, and significant historical sites from the Civil War era.

Let us now highlight some of the lesser-known treasures within Virginia that may not be easily discovered without prior knowledge.

1. Abandoned Virginia Renaissance Faire, Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg? However, the Faire occurs in Spotsylvania every weekend, correct? Yes and no.

The current Virginia Renaissance Faire represents a modern iteration of what was once a magnificent medieval replica square, providing a space for artists to exhibit their talents through various theatrical performances.

Operational only from 1996 to 1999, the original Faire enabled attendees to embody characters without fear of ridicule. The Faire was situated deep in a forest, isolating it from the mainstream audience who either didn’t grasp the appeal of the performances or failed to appreciate them.

Regrettably, the site’s remote location and the local climate did not meet expectations, leading to its closure after just two years.

Although many props and decorations were relocated, what remains is a neglected trace of a once-vibrant cultural endeavor.

2. The Great Stalacpipe Organ, Luray

Constructed in 1954 by mathematician and electronic scientist Leland Sprinkle, the Great Stalacpipe Organ may appear to be merely another electrically operated lithophone, but the one nestled within the caverns of Luray is recognized as the largest musical instrument of any type in existence!

Unlike traditional organs that utilize pipes, the Great Stalacpipe Organ was designed by shaping stalactites of varying dimensions to produce precise musical notes. Each stalactite within the organ is connected to a mallet activated by pressing the corresponding key on the keyboard.

Remarkably, the stalactites comprising the organ span an area of 3.5 acres, and due to the enclosed nature of the location, the music resonates throughout the entirety of the caves—encompassing 64 acres.

3. The Raven Room, Charlottesville

Edgar Allan Poe, the illustrious American writer, editor, and critic, attended the University of Virginia for one year in 1826. Though his tenure here was brief, his former dormitory is now a shrine dedicated to his legacy, preserved by a select group of students inspired by the author’s life and work.

The notably numbered dormitory 13, now referred to as ‘The Raven Room’, underwent restoration in 1924 to reflect the Poe era. Initially established by an architecture professor and a prominent member of the elite Raven Society, the Raven Room is currently maintained by a society formed in 1904 that honors exceptional students, faculty, and academic achievements.

The room’s interior features a writing desk, a sofa from Poe’s original home, and a taxidermied ‘raven’ positioned on the window sill.

Visitors can observe the room from behind a glass door and listen to audio presentations detailing the life of the eminent writer.

4. Foamhenge, Centreville

Are you familiar with the prehistoric monument known as ‘Stonehenge’ located in Wiltshire, England? Certainly, you are. For those who have not had the opportunity to visit there yet, Virginia offers a unique alternative—a replica of Stonehenge, albeit with a twist.

Foamhenge, found in Centreville, Virginia, is a precise, full-scale replica of Stonehenge, differing only in that it is constructed entirely of foam!

The sculptor, Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio, regards Foamhenge as his most significant creation, a sentiment echoed by certain visitors who claim it is even more photogenic than the original monument.

Situated at Cox Farms, Foamhenge is a worthy stop, on par with its original counterpart—Stonehenge.

5. Bunny Man Bridge, Fairfax Station

Who would suspect that bunnies could be unsettling? The Colchester Overpass, now recognized as the ‘Bunny Man Bridge’, is an unassuming, single-lane concrete tunnel that once served as a railway overpass.

By moonlight, the ordinarily simple tunnel morphs into a scene reminiscent of a horror film, which naturally gives rise to an urban legend surrounding it.

The tale narrates that a van full of dangerous criminals was traveling through the tunnels when the vehicle crashed, releasing the inmates. Most were recaptured or found deceased, but two escaped. Eventually, one of the convicts was discovered hanging from the bridge with a note claiming, ‘The Bunny Man’.

Search efforts for the second fugitive yielded several half-eaten rabbits strung up in nearby trees. Ultimately, the killer was found, but he met his demise when struck by a passing train before he could be apprehended.

It is allegedly believed that anyone trespassing on the bridge at midnight could face fatal consequences at the hands of the Bunny Man.

6. Crozet Tunnel, Afton

Formerly named the Blue Ridge Tunnel, Crozet Tunnel was renamed in honor of chief engineer Claudius Crozet, a French-born engineer who served in Napoleon’s army before relocating to the United States. The tunnel was constructed to traverse the Blue Ridge Mountains, facilitating access to the Shenandoah Valley.

Crozet was appointed to lead the Blue Ridge Mountain railroad project, which involved the construction of four tunnels, with this one being the longest and most challenging.

The tunnel, completed in 1858, stretches 4,273 feet in length, making it the only one of its kind in the country at that time. The passageway was utilized until 1944, after which a parallel tunnel was developed and named the Blue Ridge Tunnel.

Currently undergoing renovation, the tunnel is anticipated to reopen in Fall of 2017, transforming into a trail for hikers and cyclists.

7. Kiptopeke’s Concrete Fleet, Cape Charles

At night, the waters adjacent to Kiptopeke State Park’s fishing pier appear almost haunted, reminiscent of ghost ships poised to dock, releasing eerie figures such as pirates, phantoms, and zombies.

The Kiptopeke Breakwater, commonly referred to as the Concrete Fleet, comprises nine out of the 24 concrete ships contracted by the U.S. Maritime Commission during World War II.

The vessels were positioned along the beach in 1948 to safeguard the terminal from adverse weather conditions. Once perfectly aligned, the bilge-cocks were opened to allow water to fill the ships, ensuring they settled at the bottom of the cove.

Despite the closure of the former Chesapeake Bay ferry terminal in 1964, the ships remain, in their decaying state, a haunting presence along the shoreline.

Visitors can explore the interiors by taking a small boat or kayak to the vessels.

8. Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond

While not entirely concealed, Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, stands out as a unique final resting place for two U.S. Presidents, John Tyler and James Monroe, as well as the Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and 18,000 Confederate soldiers recognized on a large stone memorial.

Moreover, it is rumored to be the burial site of Richmond’s very own vampire—W.W. Pool!

Overlooking the picturesque James River, the cemetery opened in 1849, a dozen years before the Civil War, positioning it perfectly to welcome many notable residents.

There are accounts that in 1929, following a railroad tunnel collapse beneath Church Hill, a man-like figure drenched in blood, with flesh peeling from his body and sharp teeth, was spotted entering the cemetery.

Although these tales have never been substantiated, they have also not been dismissed. Would you care to visit the vampire’s grave?

9. Barboursville Ruins, Barboursville

The Barboursville Mansion belonged to James Barbour, a prosperous lawyer and prominent political figure, who designed and constructed the building based on the plans provided by his friend and political ally, Thomas Jefferson, around 1822.

Constructed with assistance from craftsmen from Jefferson’s Monticello estate, the elegantly designed mansion featured eight rooms, an octagonal living room, and a portico similar to Jefferson’s residence. The surrounding gardens were even more impressive than the mansion itself.

Located on the grounds of one of Virginia’s oldest and most prestigious wineries, Barboursville Winery, the mansion now stands as a stark, abandoned ruin, having succumbed to destruction in a 1884 Christmas fire that obliterated the entire compound except for its brick walls.

10. Grave of Stonewall Jackson’s Arm, Locust Grave

You may have encountered various cemeteries serving as final resting places for many notable figures throughout history; however, have you ever heard of a grave designated for an ARM?

Thomas Jonathan Jackson, a Civil War hero famously known as “Stonewall” Jackson, lost his arm due to friendly fire during the American Civil War in 1863. After being respectfully taken from the site for treatment, it become evident that the arm could not be saved. A few days later, the valiant officer succumbed to pneumonia.

While Jackson’s body was honorably transported to Lexington for burial, his unofficial company chaplain deemed the severed arm too precious to discard in a mass grave and consequently brought it to his family cemetery. There, the arm received a proper Christian burial with a marker placed on the site.

11. Mount Rogers, Mouth of Wilson

Named in honor of Virginia’s first State Geologist, William Barton Rogers, Mount Rogers holds the distinction of being the highest point in the state. However, that is not its only allure.

The ascent to Mount Rogers commences at the Massie Gap parking area in Grayson Highlands State Park, utilizing the Appalachian Trail. During the initial segment of the trail, visitors may have a chance to spot the renowned Shetland Ponies.

These ponies are limited in number to 120, and each September, to prevent overpopulation, surplus ponies are rounded up and auctioned off during the Grayson Highland Fall Fest.

The trail leading to the summit passes through Rhododendron Gap, providing stunning views of the surrounding verdant landscape and vibrant flora. The summit itself is enveloped within a dense spruce-fir forest.

12. The Grand Kugel, Richmond

Close your eyes, hold your breath, and chant ‘abra-ka-dabra’—and there it is!

Whether you are 14 or 41, strong or weak, you may find that you can spin or stop this massive granite orb—the largest of its type in the world.

Positioned in Richmond, Virginia, the 29-ton Grand Kugel Ball is a scientific marvel composed of granite with carvings depicting the continents of the globe. This enormous sphere rests on a thin layer of water, allowing it to rotate with even the slightest push.

While not the only one of its kind, the Grand Kugel, installed in 2003, is the largest, boasting a diameter of nearly nine feet. The original formation was located outside the Science Museum of Virginia and made from South African granite. However, over time, the structure developed a crack, resulting in its instability and prompting concerns about its purpose.

The scientific wonder has since been replaced, as has its remarkable effect.

13. Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg

Commonly referred to as ‘Public Hospital’ on the maps of Williamsburg, Eastern State Hospital was the first public mental health institution established in the United States. Founded in 1773 with well-meaning intentions, it unfortunately also employed brutal practices.

Known initially as “The Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds”, Eastern State Hospital was recognized for its harsh methods, including bullying, electrocution, and various forms of torture.

However, the institution’s fate shifted significantly under the guidance of Dr. John Galt, who believed that even those considered mentally unfit deserved respect and dignity in society.

Starting in 1965, the College of William and Mary began acquiring parts of the hospital, collectively referred to as the ‘Dillard Complex’. The complex was officially closed in 2006 and has since undergone renovations, while the original structure remains intact.

14. Jefferson Pools, Warm Springs

Established in 1761, the Jefferson Pools originally functioned as a ‘gentlemen’s bathhouse’, featuring a unique octagonal structure topped with a roof that had a large vent for steam.

Based around year-round 98-degree natural springs, the site was reportedly discovered by an American Indian, who, upon traveling extensively, stumbled upon the warm waters and felt rejuvenated after bathing.

The waters at Jefferson Pools gained popularity for their purported healing properties, prompting visits from notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson, who frequented the bathhouse for three weeks in an effort to alleviate his rheumatism.

Several years later, a women’s bathhouse was constructed alongside it.

Despite significant decay over the years, resulting in a less striking appearance than in times past, a visit to America’s oldest spa remains a worthy experience, with a fee of $19 for an hour of relaxation. Care to take a dip?

15. Dinosaur Kingdom II, Natural Bridge

Have you ever pondered what might have transpired had the Confederacy emerged victorious in the Civil War? In the artistic vision of renowned sculptor Mark Cline, they did!

Often confused with Dinosaur Land, Dinosaur Kingdom, masterminded by Cline—the creator of Foamhenge and the Haunted Monster Museum—offers a whimsical universe where dinosaurs are soldiers for the Union Army, having prevailed in the Civil War.

The narrative underlying this fictional realm reveals that a family of Southern paleontologists discovered these creatures in 1863 while engaged in fossil research, and the Union Army exploited this discovery to conquer the Yankees.

The original attractions of this kingdom included a massive snake devouring Union soldiers, dinosaurs clashing with the army, and even animatronic dinosaurs equipped with speakers that moved their jaws and wagged their tongues, all accompanied by cinematic sound effects and background music.

However, in 2012, the Dinosaur Kingdom suffered damage due to a fire, and despite initial intentions to keep it closed, Dinosaur Kingdom II reopened in 2016 with all the splendor of the original, along with a cyborg Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson.

16. Stoney Point Railroad, Jefferson

Affectionately known as “Midgetville”, Stoney Point Railroad, a creation of retired coal miner Sam Johnson, is a diminutive town constructed entirely from scrap materials situated in his backyard. The project commenced in 1996 and is still ongoing.

Today, this miniature town features a library, a post office, a jail, a salt pump, and a functioning train car. All constructed from reclaimed materials, the train operates using a ’67 Chevy truck engine and Chevy rotors serving as wheels.

Apart from traditional town components, Midgetville showcases some unconventional attractions—quirky sculptures, spinning bicycle wheels, and a camel placed atop a pedestal.

Visitors can stroll around this diminutive town or, if fortunate and the owners are available, they may provide a train tour, sharing insights about the history of Midgetville alongside their family lineage.

17. The Witch of Pungo Statue, Virginia Beach

Grace Sherwood, the final known witch of Virginia, is commemorated with a dedicated statue.

In 1698, Sherwood, born around 1660 and known as Grace White before marrying James Sherwood, was accused of practicing witchcraft when her neighbors claimed she had cast deadly spells on their pigs and cotton crops. They also alleged that Grace could ride her neighbors and enter through keyholes or cracks in doors.

After the passing of her husband, Grace continued to stand her ground against her neighbors, winning multiple battles. Ultimately, she was charged with witchcraft in 1706 after being suspected of causing Elizabeth Hill to miscarry twice. Undergoing a ‘trial by water’—if she sank, she would be vindicated, however, if she floated, she would be deemed guilty—she floated!

Grace spent some time in prison but managed to return home in 1740.

In 2006, 300 years after the ‘trial by water’ incident, Grace Sherwood received an informal pardon from Governor Tim Kaine.

18. Miniature Graceland, Roanoke

Do you consider yourself the ultimate Elvis fan? Consider again.

Unlike dedicated fans of Elvis Presley who make an annual pilgrimage to Graceland from distant locations, Don and Kim Epperly from Roanoke, Virginia, have devoted their lives and the surrounding land to crafting a tiny Elvis-themed city!

The construction of Miniature Graceland commenced with the building of a small Graceland, gradually expanding to include other notable landmarks. By adding a new structure each year, the couple created replicas of distinguished concert halls where The King performed, as well as a miniature Elvis Pelvis Car Museum.

Once a favored spot for local bus tours, the area fell into disrepair as Don’s health issues hindered further construction.

Thanks to the efforts of the Salem Garden Club, the rustic structures have been restored as best as possible, and currently, a golden statue of The King graces the front yard.

19. Patsy Cline’s Childhood Home and Grave, Winchester

If you appreciate country music, you are likely familiar with the legend of Patsy Cline, a celebrated singer from the small town of Winchester, who tragically lost her life in a plane crash in 1963 at the tender age of 30.

During her upbringing in Winchester, Patsy lived on South Kent Street, attended Handley High School, and worked at Gaunt’s Drugstore. Much of her formative years before embarking on a music career in Nashville revolved around this town.

Today, the childhood home of Patsy serves as a museum, and its curators are eager to guide visitors to other locations in town associated with Patsy and her life, including her final resting place in Shenandoah Memorial Park.

It is customary to bring a penny to her grave, as it is believed that Patsy will bestow good luck upon you from wherever her spirit resides.

20. Mole Hill, Dayton

Mole Hill is considered one of the most recent and arguably the last operational volcano on the Eastern Seaboard, and it ranks as one of only two volcanoes within Virginia, having last been active 47 million years ago.

Composed of basalt, Mole Hill dates back to the Eocene epoch of the Paleogene era. This rounded and isolated mountain rises above an otherwise flat valley, providing a significant geological feature.

While 47 million years is a considerable span of time, leaving one to question whether it will ever erupt again, its current status as scientifically active allows for a day of exploration—there’s a chance you may have the volcano all to yourself, given its limited tourist appeal.

21. The Ghost Church, Mechanicsville

Located on the grounds of the historic Polegreen Church, the ‘Ghost Church’ consists of a skeletal outline of a building rather than a fully-formed structure, representing a rich history.

In Hanover, local brick mason Samuel Morris offered his residence as a haven for his family and neighbors to gather and read the Bible, fostering the emergence of Hanover dissenters.

Constructed in 1764, the Polegreen Church served as a sacred space for these dissenters and played a vital role in the pre-Revolutionary movement, aided by Samuel Davies, the state’s first licensed non-Anglican minister.

In 1864, the Church was destroyed during the Civil War, but its remnants are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

22. The Grave of the Female Stranger, Alexandria

Buried in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church cemetery lies the grave of an unidentified woman, often referred to as Jane Doe, whose identity has been lost to history.

As the story goes, a young couple arrived in Alexandria in 1816 and checked in at Gadsby’s Tavern. The woman suffered from a serious illness, and despite her husband’s tireless attempts, she succumbed on October 14, 1816.

The local physician, engaged by the husband to tend to his wife, was advised not to inquire about their identities, which only fueled local speculation and rumors. One of the more persistent tales suggested the woman was the daughter of former Vice President Aaron Burr, who had disappeared at sea three years prior to their arrival in town.

23. The Tombstone House, Petersburg

Would you consider spending a night in a house constructed from 2,200 tombstones that were once affixed to the graves of recognized Confederate soldiers? What if a million dollars was on the table?

At first glance, the house appears to be merely another stone structure. However, upon closer inspection, one discovers that it was built in 1934 using the lower halves of government-issued tombstones from the burial site of soldiers at Poplar Lawn Cemetery.

Each of the 2,200 soldiers perished during the prolonged siege of Petersburg, a harrowing ordeal that stretched over nine months toward the conclusion of the Historic American Civil War.

During the Great Depression, the cemetery underwent preservation measures, ultimately leading to the city’s decision to truncate the gravestones and use only the upper halves for crypt construction. The lower halves were then acquired by Oswald Young for the modest sum of $45, repurposed to form his residence, walkway, and chimney.

Next Halloween, think twice before knocking on his door for ‘Trick or Treat’!

24. World’s Oldest Edible Ham, Smithfield

Allegedly the oldest of its kind globally, the 115-year-old ham currently on display at the Isle of Wight County Museum was originally cured by the Gwaltney Foods meat company in 1902.

After being rediscovered nearly two decades post-incident, Pembroke D. Gwaltney Jr. affectionately labeled the piece of pork as his “pet ham,” adorning it with a brass collar inscribed with the words “Gwaltney’s Pet Ham.”

Microbiologists have determined that this chunk of ham remains safe for consumption, thanks to its drying and curing process.

The museum housing this ham also boasts the world’s oldest peanut!