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Go Outside and Play Guide: Culpeper, Virginia

Located just 70 miles from D.C. and 80 miles from Richmond, Culpeper, Virginia is a town with  rich history and modern charm. It has a happening downtown where you can stay at a charming B&B, browse the many local shops, and eat at fabulous restaurants. If you want, you can even ditch your car and take the Amtrak right to the heart of the downtown.

DAY ONE

MORNING

Start your morning at Frost Cafe for breakfast (it’s cash only, so come prepared), then stroll around the corner to The Frenchman’s Corner or Seriously Sweet and buy some treats for later. Once you have your handmade sweets, pop in to the shops on Davis Street to see what treasures you can find.

AFTERNOON

Drive or get a ride share to a triple-threat local favorite: Old House Vineyards, Distillery, and Brewery. You will find something there no matter your beverage preference. To continue your wine tour of Culpeper, try Gray Ghost Vineyards, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, Mountain Run Winery, or go back to Davis Street and hit Vinosity wine store for a complimentary tasting.

EVENING

Grab a bite at Flavor on Main and a flight at Beer Hound or Far Gohn. If you want a little exercise, you can walk through Yowell Meadow or Rockwater Park, and then retire to one of three sweet boutique inns, Suites at 249, Loft on Davis, or Thyme Inn.

Every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, The Packard Theatre (part of the Library of Congress) screens FREE films. Check their website for listings.

DAY TWO

MORNING

After breakfast at Raven’s Nest, head over to the Inn at Kelly’s Ford Equestrian Center to hit the trail on horseback. Novice rider? No worries–they have options for beginners and provide helmets. If horses aren’t your thing, consider a trip to the Museum of Culpeper History, and then head out to see some of the Civil War Battlefields and the Culpeper National Cemetery.

AFTERNOON

For an active afternoon, drive a few minutes south of town to Lake Pelham Adventures where you can rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or paddle boat. While you are there, be sure to check out Ole Country Store & Bakery. Grab a sandwich and browse the aisles in this unique store that specializes in bulk foods and baked goods.

EVENING

End your day at Foti’s Restaurants, a fine dining option with amazing food and service. After dinner, take one last stroll around downtown to check out anything you may have missed yesterday. 

Take Culpeper Home – If you are looking for some local food addictions, stop by Thyme Market and ask for some “Culpeper Crack.” Then swing by Knakal’s Bakery for their homemade famous donuts, or down to Moving Meadows Farm and Bakery where the Hudson family uses an Austrian Flour mill to hand mill all their grain. Stop by all three and take some Culpeper home with you!

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