Social Clubs / Richmond
Private social club · Art, music & gathering
A Richmond gathering place where a private social club shares space with an art gallery. Members have access to lounges, a bar, games and daytime workspace, while the calendar brings together music, art and social events. Check the club’s current calendar for public programs and member-and-guest events. Gallery visits are available on First Fridays and by appointment.
Best Social Club · The Virginian’s publisher selection
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Restaurants / Alexandria
Restaurant · Lunch, dinner & weekend brunch
Plan an Alexandria meal around lunch, dinner or weekend brunch at Ada’s. The restaurant offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and welcomes leashed dogs on its outdoor patio. Consult the current menu and reservation page when planning a visit; seasonal offerings and seating availability can change.
Restaurant of the Year · VRLTA 2026 Ordinary Awards
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Destinations / Roanoke
Downtown hotel
This downtown Roanoke hotel puts guests at Jefferson Street and Salem Avenue, close to the city’s market area and museums. It is a useful base for a stay built around downtown dining and cultural stops. Check directly with the hotel for room choices, availability and current rates.
Lodging Property of the Year · VRLTA 2026 Ordinary Awards
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Experiences / Louisa
Farm brewery & winery
A farm setting and tasting barn bring beer and wine together at this Louisa destination. Food trucks, live music and seasonal gatherings add reasons to make an afternoon of a visit. Check the business calendar before setting out, especially if a particular food truck or performance is part of your plan.
Brewery of the Year · VRLTA 2026 Ordinary Awards
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Restaurants / Harrisonburg
Pizza · Italian · Seasonal cooking
Wood-fired pizza anchors the menu at this downtown Harrisonburg restaurant in the historic Livery Building. Handmade pasta, seasonal salads and sandwiches broaden the choices, while the bar serves local beer and cider alongside wine and cocktails. The open kitchen makes the pizza oven part of the dining room experience.
First place, Pizzeria · Virginia Living Best of Virginia 2026, Shenandoah Valley (reported by Harrisonburg Tourism)
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Winery / Barboursville
Winery
An estate winery in Orange County that pairs Virginia wine with tastings, a restaurant and overnight stays. Its inn and cottages make it possible to build a countryside weekend around the vineyard rather than a single tasting-room stop.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Winery
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Bed & Breakfast or Inn / Clarksville
Bed & Breakfast or Inn
A Clarksville bed-and-breakfast combining historic lodging with Dutch-inspired hospitality. Its location near downtown and Kerr Lake makes it a base for a Southern Virginia getaway; contact the property for room choices and breakfast arrangements.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Bed & Breakfast or Inn
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Breakfast & Brunch / Virginia Beach
Breakfast & Brunch
A Virginia Beach restaurant group with a coastal Southern approach to breakfast, brunch and lunch. Its three local branches offer different starting points for a beach-day meal; select the location before checking the menu or booking a group.
Recognized in Coastal Virginia Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice awards: Breakfast/Brunch and Lunch (reported by Virginia Beach Visitors Guide).
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Performing Arts Theater / Abingdon
Performing Arts Theater
Professional theater is a central part of an Abingdon visit, and Barter’s repertory calendar provides a range of productions. Check the specific stage and performance before booking, including programs designed for younger audiences.
Best of Abingdon 2026 — Entertainment Venue winner (Visit Abingdon).
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Bicycle Shops / Roanoke
Bicycle Shops
A Roanoke bicycle retailer with bikes, accessories and service. Its Orange Avenue shop provides a place to compare equipment or arrange work on an existing bike before heading to local roads, greenways or trails.
Blue Ridge Outdoors, Best of the Blue Ridge 2026 — Bike Shop winner (reported by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge).
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Chinese Restaurants / Fairfax
Chinese Restaurants
Chinese cooking is the focus at this Fairfax restaurant, with lunch and dinner service and a weekend dim sum offering. Consult the current menus for a family meal or a chance to explore dishes beyond a standard takeout order.
Northern Virginia Magazine, Best of NoVA 2026 — Chinese.
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Distillery / Richmond
Distillery
Richmond-made vodka is the focus at this Summit Avenue distillery. The company specializes in a potato-based spirit, with its local production story offering a different perspective on the city’s drinks scene.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Distillery
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Breakfast & Brunch / Harrisonburg
Breakfast & Brunch
A former tire-service building has become a neighborhood diner serving seasonal breakfast and lunch. An in-house bakery contributes breads and pastries, giving a quick coffee stop and a sit-down meal their own appeal.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Shenandoah Valley, first place, Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant (reported by Harrisonburg Tourism).
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Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant / Charlottesville
Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant
A Charlottesville bagel institution with multiple local shops. The menu centers on bagels and made-to-order sandwiches, making it a practical breakfast or lunch stop before exploring the city.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant
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Pet Stores / Yorktown
Pet Stores
A dog-focused shop selling biscuits, treats, food, toys and walking accessories. Its Yorktown waterfront location makes it easy to combine shopping for a pet with a stroll; the business also lists a Norfolk shop.
Recognized in Coastal Virginia Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice awards: Pet Store (reported by Virginia Beach Visitors Guide).
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Antiques / Abingdon
Antiques
Four floors of antiques and vintage pieces make this an extended browsing stop on Abingdon’s Main Street. Booth vendors bring changing selections, from decorative finds to objects with a practical place in the home.
Best of Abingdon 2026 — Antique Store winner (Visit Abingdon).
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Outdoor Gear & Rentals / Roanoke
Outdoor Gear & Rentals
An outdoor outfitter beside the Roanoke River with rentals, trips and new and used equipment. Its consignment shop gives visitors another way to find gear, while rental options support cycling and paddling plans around the area.
Blue Ridge Outdoors, Best of the Blue Ridge 2026 — Used Gear Shop winner (reported by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge).
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Indian Restaurants / Ashburn
Indian Restaurants
Chef Rupa Vira’s Ashburn restaurant brings a contemporary approach to regional Indian cooking. Dine-in service, a brunch program and catering offer several ways to explore the menu, including listed vegan choices.
Northern Virginia Magazine, Best of NoVA 2026 — Indian.
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Brewery / Richmond area
Brewery
An independent Richmond-area brewery with two taprooms and a changing beer selection. Visit the brewery’s calendar when planning a meet-up: the experience varies by location, release and event.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Brewery
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Italian Restaurant / Harrisonburg
Italian Restaurant
A Harrisonburg restaurant offering Italian favorites in a family-oriented setting. Outdoor dining and catering add options beyond a regular table reservation; check the menu and service details for the occasion you have in mind.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Shenandoah Valley, first place, Italian Restaurant; second place, Pizzeria (reported by Harrisonburg Tourism).
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Resort / Wintergreen
Resort
A Blue Ridge resort with lodging and seasonal recreation. The activities available change through the year, so match a booking to the current mountain, golf or other outdoor program rather than assuming every facility is open.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Resort
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Locally Made Goods / Virginia Beach
Locally Made Goods
A Virginia Beach maker of canvas and leather bags. The business focuses on pieces constructed locally using traditional materials, offering a way to bring home something made in the city rather than a generic souvenir.
Recognized in Coastal Virginia Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice awards: Locally Made (reported by Virginia Beach Visitors Guide).
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Insurance Agencies / Abingdon
Insurance Agencies
An independent insurance agency offering personal and business coverage. Customers can discuss auto, home, life or commercial needs with the agency and compare the terms and exclusions of any proposed policy.
Best of Abingdon 2026 — Insurance Agency winner (Visit Abingdon).
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Bed & Breakfasts / Roanoke
Bed & Breakfasts
A small Roanoke lodging option for a Blue Ridge getaway. Review the individual rooms and booking conditions, and contact the property about arrival arrangements when combining a stay with travel or outdoor activities.
Blue Ridge Outdoors, Best of the Blue Ridge 2026 — Hotel winner (reported by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge).
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