Deep In Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains Is A Quiet River Town With Art, Natural Beauty, And Antiques

Some destinations give visitors an instant adrenaline boost. Sure, they're fun, but they can be exhausting for the senses and soul. Other locales offer a counter experience — a soothing hit of zen without underwhelming you into boredom. Buchanan, resting between Virginia's Alleghany and Blue Ridge mountains, is an oxytocin boost in the form of a town. Yet the quiet riverside gem doesn't dull the senses, offering plenty of variety, with natural beauty, art, and antiques.

Buchanan's visitors will find a welcome departure from the bustle and grind of modern life. The charm of a small town's slower pulse can be infectious, lulling one into a slower tempo to match the James River's flow as it snakes alongside the town. The same river works its magic on Smithfield, another waterfront Virginia town with historic streets and artsy charm.

Buchanan's tranquility contradicts the town's history as a busy commercial center. Those days are gone, replaced by a peaceful hamlet that's ideal for kicking back, antiquing, and enjoying small doses of adrenaline induced by its natural surroundings.

The James River fuels Buchanan's sense of tranquility. It is also the main source of natural beauty and adventure. Start the outdoor leg of your visit at the Town Park, which has ramps for boats, canoes, and kayaks. Take the vessel of your choice to the Upper James River Water Trail to see incredible greens and blues while bathing in the sounds of nature. If you're not feeling nautical, the James River can also keep anglers, bikers, and hikers busy.

The truly curious can take a walking tour of Buchanan's downtown, with stops dedicated to the town's past, including a trip across its iconic swinging bridge across the James River. Deep-diving history buffs can stroll along the Virginia Civil War Trail markers, recounting Hunter's Raid, where the Virginia Military Institute was taken out.

More than anything, Buchanan offers a sense of small-town America, untouched by modernity. Its historic Main Street contains shops like an Amish furniture retailer, a flea market, and small-town eateries. The area is also a magnet for antiquers, offering an entire district dedicated to repurposed goods and unique finds. In addition to a lively roadside yard sale, you can check out Backwoods Country Antiques for a mix of smalls, furnishings, and art made by locals. End your afternoon at the Buchanan Fountain and Grille, a soda shop that doubles as a time portal to the 1950s.

Buchanan is a mere 27 miles away from Roanoke Regional Airport, taking about 30 minutes to reach by car. North Carolina's Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the closest major air hub, about 160 miles away. Since you're already making the trip, look into all the treasures the James River and surrounding nature offer. The Natural Bridge State Park, nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, is a mere 15 minutes away, featuring towering rock formations and mountain views. Then, you can continue to the Blue Ridge Parkway, an east coast gem called "America's Favorite Drive."

Although the town itself only has a few apartment options for lodging available, the nearby areas have plenty of bed and breakfasts, inns, and vacation rentals that you can use as a home base for exploring. There is no wrong time to visit, though you should avoid July if muggy weather bugs you. If you're planning to embark on any natural adventures in the easily accessible mountains, pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes and any other walking gear you may need.