Set in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont region, Culpeper blends historic allure, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes. Dating to 1749, this quaint community of 20,000 people boasts a rich Civil War heritage and well-preserved architecture. Nature lovers can enjoy serene strolls around Lake Culpeper or easy hikes at Culpeper Battlefields State Park. Accessible by car or Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, which offers thrice-daily service, Culpeper is a wonderful destination for a leisurely and enriching getaway. Here’s what to do when you want to explore this town.
Visit Culpeper
History
Visit the Museum of Culpeper History
Housed in a beautifully restored train depot, the Museum of Culpeper History offers an engaging look at the area’s rich heritage. The museum showcases everything from Native American and colonial artifacts to significant Civil War exhibits. Don’t miss the exhibit of dinosaur tracks discovered nearby, adding a prehistoric touch to the visit. From the museum it’s a 10-minute stroll to the Burgandine House, one of Culpeper’s oldest surviving structures, dating to the late 1700s.
culpepermusuem.com; 113 Commerce St, Culpeper, VA 22701
culpepermuseum.com/burgandine-house; 807 S Main St, Culpeper, VA 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 Ln, Stevensburg, VA 22741
Take a Walking History Tour
Step back in time with Culpeper’s historic walking tours, which are offered year-round by the Museum of Culpeper History. These guided walks lead visitors through the historic downtown area, sharing stories of Civil War figures and colonial landmarks. For Civil War enthusiasts, Culpeper Battlefield Tours offers 2-3 hour tours of significant battlefields and key sites, like Buford’s Knoll, Fleetwood Hill, and St. James Church. Whether by foot, horseback, or vehicle, these tours are a dynamic way to dig into Culpeper’s storied past.
Visit Culpeper
Where to Eat and Drink
Get in on the Local Craft Beverage Scene
The Sips of Culpeper Beverage Exploration Trail is a fun and flavorful way to explore the area’s hand-crafted drink scene by way of eight stops at wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries. One must-visit stop is Belmont Farm Distillery, which is said to be the birthplace of the first legal moonshine in the U.S. Other highlights include Old House Vineyards, Virginia’s first winery, brewery, and distillery under one roof, and Beer Hound Brewery, one of the state’s most dog-friendly breweries. At Beer Hound, look for pup-inspired brews and an indoor tasting room that welcomes well-behaved dogs.
belmontfarmdistillery.com; 13490 Cedar Run Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701
oldhousetoday.com; 18351 Corkys Ln, Culpeper, VA 22701
beerhoundbrewery.com; 201 Waters Pl, Ste 102, Culpeper, VA 22701
Sample Authentic Virginia Ham Biscuits
At Calhoun’s Ham House & Country Deli, visitors and locals alike stop in for a true taste of Virginia comfort food…as in, mouthwatering Virginia ham biscuits. These hearty, flavorful sandwiches feature perfectly cured ham and soft, buttery biscuits. It’s a true Southern staple, which makes for a satisfying snack or meal. Beyond ham biscuits, Calhoun’s also has a variety of deli meats and cheeses, adding more reasons to stop in. Plan your visit wisely, Calhoun’s is only open Thursday through Saturday.
visitculpeperva.com/food-drink/calhouns-ham-house-country-deli; 211 S East St, Culpeper, VA 22701
Enjoy Elegant Afternoon Tea Service
Nestled in the heart of downtown Culpeper, Miss Minerva’s Tea Room is an elegant Victorian-style tea room with a selection of fine loose-leaf teas. Guests can indulge in a formal tea service with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, like macarons and cupcakes – all served on delicate china. Throughout the year, Miss Minerva’s hosts themed teas, like the spooky “Slasher Flick Tea” in October and the festive “A Christmas Carol Tea” in December.
missminervas.com; 307 S Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701
Visit Culpeper
Outdoor Activities
Explore Virginia’s Newest State Park
In June 2024, Culpeper Battlefields State Park became Virginia’s 43rd state park, welcoming visitors with a mix of natural beauty and rich history. This park preserves four significant battle sites, including Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, and Kelly’s Ford. Visitors can hike several trails, including the St. James Church Trail, walk open fields, and learn about pivotal clashes while enjoying the outdoors.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/culpeper-battlefields; 9465 General Winder Rd, Rapidan, VA 22733
Go for a Paddle at Lake Culpeper
Revel in the natural beauty of 255-acre Lake Culpeper and enjoy a relaxing day on the water with a canoe, stand-up paddleboard, paddle boat, or kayak. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, Lake Culpeper is a haven for nature lovers. As an added bonus, motorized boats are not allowed on the water, so you can soak in the tranquility without disturbances. Bring your own watercraft or rent one from Lake Culpeper Adventures, which is located at The Ole Country Store & Bakery.
culpeperva.gov/community/parks/lake_culpeper_adventures_park; 18019 Country Store Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701
Visit a Local Farm
Culpeper is home to farms that are open to visitors, like Oak Shade Farm or the Virginia Bison Company at Cibola Farms. At Oak Shade Farm, visitors are welcome to stop in on open farm days, whether to delight in the lavender harvest or to learn the art of weaving. At Virginia Bison Company, come by during regular business hours for a self-guided walking tour around the farm, where you can see bison grazing in the fields. Grab a walking tour map at the on-site retail market, where you’ll also find a selection of meats and cuts, even dog food and bones.
oakshadechristmastreefarm.com; 14455 Waterford Run Ln, Rixeyville, VA 22737
virginiabison.com; 10075 Stone Bridge Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701
Cheer at the Local Rodeo
Come August, the annual Culpeper Rodeo is the place to be for a lively family-friendly celebration of Western tradition and country flair. Get ready for thrilling rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing, mutton busting, and roping. This fun-filled day also includes a mechanical bull, live music, a petting zoo, and country line dancing right in the arena. That’s not to mention the more than a dozen food trucks on-site when your belly starts to rumble.
culpeperrodeo.com; 10220 James Monroe Hwy, Culpeper, VA 22701
Visit Culpeper
Arts, Culture, Shopping
Capture Art Around Town
Wander Culpeper’s historic streets to snap photos of the vibrant murals and public art that highlight local talent and historical themes. Several murals are a stone’s throw from the town’s visitor center, which is housed in a historic train depot, including “A Song to Share” and “Painting of the Creation Story.” You won’t want to miss the five colorful murals recently painted on power boxes, including the “Welcome to Culpeper” power box at the corner of Chandler and Main Streets.
Find all the LOVE Signs
We all know that “Virginia is for Lovers,” and this is truly brought to life by the state’s many creative and artistic LOVE signs. In Culpeper, you’ll find four of these gram-worthy artworks—at the Culpeper Train Depot, Culpeper Sports Complex, Old House Vineyards, and Rockwater Park. Each sign is a celebration of Culpeper’s vibrant community spirit and offers a heartfelt welcome to all visitors.
Enjoy a Free Movie Screening
For film buffs and culture enthusiasts, the Library of Congress Packard Campus Theatre hosts free screenings of classic films, rare archival footage, and special presentations. This 205-seat Art Deco style theatre pairs start-of-the-art viewing technology with vintage vibes for an unforgettable movie experience. With three screenings per week, you can dive into classic cinema without spending a penny. As an extra bonus, the theatre occasionally hosts live performances.
loc.gov/programs/audio-visual-conservation/about-this-program/packard-campus/packard-campus-theater/; 19053 Mt. Pony Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701
Pop In and Out of Charming Boutique Shops
A delightful shopping adventure awaits in Culpeper with its array of adorable boutiques. Start at La Bee da Loca for honey bee finds, then head to The Bear & The Blade for handmade outdoor goods, like wax canvas pouches and birch boxes. At The Cameleer, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world, including jewelry, linens, and stationery. Don’t miss 2*0*1 Reclaimed. Vintage. Relics for reclaimed, recycled, and upcycled finds and décor pieces.
labeedaloca.com; 236 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701
thebearandtheblade.com; 150 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701
thecameleer.com; 125 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701
instagram.com/201rvrculpeper/; 201 N Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701
