15 THINGS TO DO IN GORDONSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Make the trip and you might stay forever.
If your idea of a small town Virginia getaway includes mountain views, antique shopping, wine tasting, and a bit of history on the side, set your sights for Gordonsville. Situated in the heart of the Commonwealth, just 30 minutes from Charlottesville and an easy drive from both Richmond and Washington, D.C., Gordonsville’s Main Street has a personality all its own. The small business owners that run the boutiques and restaurants dotting the town’s thoroughfare understand that they’re part of something special. “We’re not just here selling beautiful merchandise,” says Laurie Holladay, who’s namesake boutique is a downtown fixture “We’re creating relationships with people.”
While this town certainly feels quaint, its worldly dishes, celebrated galleries, and specialty shops attract visitors in the South and beyond. “There’s just so much creativity coming out of this place all the time,” writes Gordonsville resident Lauren Pearson, founder of The Wealth Edit and Somerset Advisory. “There’s a depth to it, too. Everyone has been doing what they do for a long time.” From irresistible French onion soup and legendary fried chicken to custom lamp shades and unusual orchid varieties, Gordonsville residents have access to big city amenities on a daily basis. Follow this guide and learn how to make the most of your next visit to Gordonsville for a solo day trip, a weekend with Mom, or a relaxing getaway with friends.
Make Time To Shop
The Laurie Holladay Shop
Whether you’re looking for a special present with a stylish friend in mind or the perfect finishing touch for your own home, stop by Laurie Holladay’s hospitable shop on Main Street. Browse the thoughtful collection of stationery, entertaining staples, milestone gifts, unique lampshades, and more. In addition to their treasure-filled store, Laurie and her husband also offer custom lamp work and repair. They can help you turn your grandmother’s ginger jar into a one-of-a-kind lamp for your living room, plus they ship across the country. thelaurieholladayshop.com, 123 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Annie Gould Gallery
Representing more than 50 artists, this downtown gallery offers paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. Many of the pieces are created right in Central Virginia, giving you a chance to take a memory of your trip home. Don’t be surprised if the drive down State Route 231 influences you to start collecting works that highlight the area’s landscape, created by local artists like painter Chloe Raynor, photographer Gail S. Haile, and potter Jane Martin.
anniegouldgallery.com, 109 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Floradise
For those who prefer a living souvenir from their small town getaway, look no further than Floradise’s greenhouse on Route 15. Owners Janet Cherchuck and Stephen Shifflet have spent more than four decades cultivating heirloom orchids and offering planting advice to fellow enthusiasts in Virginia, Washington D.C. and across the South. Browse through the hundreds of orchid varieties in their greenhouse or schedule a consultation for a custom arrangement with designer Irene Cherchuck.
floradise.com, 19154 James Madison Highway, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Gillian Valentine
Inspired to design a more absorbent dish towel, Jill Grant began Gillian Valentine in 2019 and today her printed sleepwear, baby blankets, dining accessories and dish towels are sold in more than 50 stores across the country. Visit her shop on Main Street in Gordonsville to feel the organic cotton accessories, made entirely in the United States. In store, local shoppers can also browse the plein air paintings by Central Virginia artist Leah Doise. gillianvalentine.com, 203 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
The Gallery On 15
It’s hard to drive through Virginia without breaking for at least one antique store. Head to the spacious Gallery On 15 to see 10,000 square feet of fine china, silver, furniture, rugs, and lighting. Rather than several booths, this store is a sole proprietorship offering a curated collection of historic items from estates around the area.
instagram.com/galleryon15, 18317 James Madison Highway, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Cavallo
With all of the beautiful artwork available in Central Virginia, you’ll need a trusted framer nearby. Located in downtown Gordonsville, Cavallo offers creative framing solutions for a variety of treasures. Owned by artist Beate Casati, day trippers can also explore her gallery and boutique filled with paintings, clothing, jewelry, and home goods sourced from around the world.
cavallogallery.com, 117 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Dine Around Town
Près des Prés
After moving to the area with his family in 2022, proprietor Andrew Pearson saw an opportunity to bring a fine dining experience to a vacant restaurant space on Main Street. Today Près des Prés serves French cuisine with a prix fixe menu that Chef Abigail Duck changes monthly. Reservations are required for the dining room, but guests can stop by the bar for à la carte favorites including the restaurant’s beloved French onion soup.
eatpresva.com, 115 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
The BBQ Exchange
No matter your preferred style of barbecue, there’s something for everyone at The BBQ Exchange. Offering everything from pulled pork and chicken to beef brisket and smoked tofu, this downtown fixture is a destination for visitors from across the state. Don’t miss out on their specialty sandwiches with combinations like the Purgatory, featuring pimiento cheese, pork brisket, fried green tomatoes, and house-made mustard pickles. bbqex.com, 102 Martinsburg Avenue, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Gordonsville Ice House
After entrepreneurial Black women began selling fried chicken and other food to hungry railroad travelers passing through town during the late 19th century (you can learn more from our friends at the Southern Foodways Alliance), Gordonsville earned its moniker as the “Fried Chicken Capital of the World.” The area celebrates that history with a festival each October, but if visitors aren’t lucky enough to be in town that day they can swing by Icehouse to sample their lard-fried chicken on platters, in sandwiches, and atop salads made with local greens.
gordonsvilleicehouse.com, 212 North Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22902
Jackson & Company Market
Founded by celebrated Charlottesville caterer Sandy Motley, this market hosts a rotating collection of grab-and-go meals, elevated pantry staples, and locally made food gifts. Pick up suppers like chicken pot pie, classic lasagna and coq au vin to enjoy later or snack on one of the homemade focaccia sandwiches and Splendora’s Gelato in store. Don’t leave without a bag of Sandy’s Praline Pecans, nuts with just the right amount of praline sweetness, to enjoy on the drive home.
jacksonandcompanymarket.com, 100 South Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Tour and Wine Taste in Vineyards
Southwest Mountain Vineyards
A short drive from downtown Gordonsville in Keswick, Virginia, Southwest Mountain Vineyards is a newcomer on the Monticello Wine Trail. Opening to visitors at the end of last year, the winery has attracted attention not only for the quality of the wines, but also the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Make a reservation to enjoy a glass alongside chef-curated dishes at the second-floor tasting room, housed in a pole barn that dates back to 1903.
smvwines.com, 2300 Whipper In Lane, Keswick, VA 22947
Barboursville Vineyards
With family roots in the Italian wine industry dating back two centuries, Gianni Zonin established Barboursville Vineyards in 1976. The property now includes the winery, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner, and a historic inn with guest cottages. The vineyard’s European-style wines are consistently celebrated as some of the best in Virginia’s Piedmont Region. After you finish at the tasting room, take a short ride to visit the ruins of the mansion that Thomas Jefferson designed for James Barbour, the 18th governor of Virginia.
bbvwine.com, 17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyards
Inside its colorful tasting room, filled with art and quirky collections, guests at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyards might forget that they’re at a winery in the Virginia countryside. The space has all the personality of a private Southern home, with the added delight of tasting flights, charcuterie boards, and artisan pizzas. Keep a close eye on their events page to see live music at the Friday Sundowner’s Series, attend their annual art festival and book fair, or stroll through a vintage British car show.
merriemillfarm.com, 594 Merrie Mill Farm, Keswick, VA 22947
Explore Nearby Attractions
Market at Grelen
If you’re afforded a sunny day on your next trip to Central Virginia, The Market at Grelen deserves a spot on your itinerary. Between the inspiring garden shop, the farm-to-table cafe, and the six miles of hiking trails, this Somerset oasis can entertain every member of your party. Visit from May to October and enjoy their Pick Your Own offerings, including blueberries, peaches, plums, and black raspberries.
themarketatgrelen.com, 15091 Yager Road, Somerset, VA 22972
Montpelier
At the 260-year-old home of America’s fourth president, visitors can not only learn more about the Constitution and James Madison’s legacy, but also the experiences of the enslaved community that lived and worked at Montpelier. “The Mere Distinction Of Colour,” an exhibit in the cellars of the home, shares a story of slavery on the property and the nation through historical documents, archaeological finds, and the testimony of living descendants.
montpelier.org, 11350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, VA 22957
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