Location: Culpeper
Top Things to do in Culpeper
The 10 Best Things to Do in Culpeper, United States
Culpeper (formerly Culpepper Courthouse, earlier Fairfax) is the only incorporated town in Culpeper County, Virginia, United States. The population was 16,379 at the 2010 census, up from 9,664 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Culpeper County.
Restaurants in Culpeper
1. Old House Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Tuckergoose - Virginia
This was a real disappointment. Some friends took us here to celebrate my birthday. The wine tasting was too expensive for those little half-shot samples. And while we are far from wine enthusiasts what we tasted was weak, mediocre and rather uninspiring. And expensive. The same for the liquor tasting. Wait. I've got to interject something here: the liquor tasting ($10 for 4 little samples!) is in a beautiful out building totally decorated with World War II memorabilia. Seriously, war videos, rifles, flags, murals. Having a passion for something is great but how about keeping it to yourselves instead of forcing it on your customers. I mean who wants to sample rum being reminded of thousands of people dying at war? As we walked in we were told that my 3 1/2 year old daughter is not allowed. Seriously? You think she's going to sample your vodka? So my wife and her friend had to wait outside and then they came in and we went out with my daughter. The there was no food available. Last month was pizza's. Next month is soup. But October - nothing. Great. Now I have to admit that the ladies behind the counters were wonderful, polite, patient and helpful. You have to be to expect to pay those prices for their wine and/or liquors. I did end up buying a bottle of rum, highly overpriced but we wanted to make something out of this disaster. We do not recommend this place nor will we be going back.
2. Belmont Farms Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By rspencer71 - Orange, Virginia
Unlike many visitors to the Belmont Farms Distillery, my girlfriend and I had never seen the show "Moonshiners" before we went there. In fact, we still haven't. With family roots in Appalachia, and some family history related to moonshining, we were interested based on the history...and the liquor, of course.
The farm is lovely. Long expanses of fields, with the Blue Ridge looming in the background. It was surprising and quite impressive that such an operation exists with such a small footprint. The distillery itself is relatively small.
All of the staff was very friendly and informative. They truly made one feel like a welcome guest. The tour was informative and fun, without taking a long time. Someone wanting more information has the opportunity to talk to the staff afterward, but if you just want the tour to learn a little about the operation, you can be done in about half an hour. On top of all of that, the tour is free.
But 30 minutes won't leave time for tasting and the gift shop. The Distillery offers 3 different tasting tickets, with different numbers of samples. With each sample, you can choose to drink it straight or with a mixer. We chose to just do the straight shots.
The staff member tending the sampling bar was very helpful, describing each liquor and happily answering any questions. She really knows the products.
And good products they are. After our sampling session, we purchased 3 bottles of our favorites (Butterscotch, Apple Pie, and Kopper Kettle Virginia Whiskey). We may pick up some of the others on our next visit, and the distillery will be bottling bourbon this year also.
On our way out, we ran into owner/founder Chuck Miller on the covered porch. He was friendly and engaging, and we thanked him with a handshake as we left. On the way to the car, we stopped and spent some time just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere at one of the available picnic tables. There is also a covered pavilion and a stage that sometimes hosts live music.
It's a little off the beaten path, but if you enjoy good whiskey, have an interest in moonshining's history, or just want to check out an intriguing local business, it's worth the trip.
For those of you interested in that history, Belmont Farms Distillery was the very first craft distillery in the United States. Miller actually had to work with legislators to come up with the rules and laws that would govern his operation. For us, as history buffs, this made it a must-see destination.
3. Moving Meadows Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By gibsongirl104 - Culpeper, Virginia
We have stopped in here many times while down town. They have the greatest cinnamon rolls and coffee, especially if you're in town early on a Saturday for the farmer's market. My husband can be quite picky about coffee beans, but loves to grab a bag of their Sumatran coffee. We've also bought some of their frozen meat, which my family seemed to love. The store is definitely a family business, and they're all fantastic to interact with. I'm very happy to support this small, local business!
4. Far Gohn Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Adam N
I recently came to Virginia and visited 7 different breweries. The beer here was pretty good and they had a decent selection, the only downside for them is that they had a small building and seating is limited. I wish i was from the area because I did notice their mugs for their mug club were pretty awesome looking. Altogether, I enjoyed the beer though so I would suggest visiting them!
5. Museum of Culpeper History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
The Museum of Culpeper History is a state of the art facility housed in the historic train depot in downtown Culpeper, Virginia. Exhibits range from 215 million year old dinosaur tracks to modern art - and change annually to help guests "discover" this wonderful rural community.
Reviewed By Jack L - East Syracuse, New York
The museum is totally about Culpeper starting with the dinosaurs of the Triassic Period. Stepping into the future 215 years later we come a time line from the 1760's to 1938. On one wall are five periods, Reflections & Expectations-1700's, Making Tracks-1800's, Culpeper Leaps into the Twentieth Century, 1938 Commerce, last Culpeper Hits Her Stride.
Some exhibits are the civil war, women's fashions, model of a late 1700's/early 1800's Piedmont log cabin, WW1 glass case & Culpeper Patriots Troopers. Also an early brass cash register.
I think admission is $4.00, however since my arrival was 4:15 & closing was 5:00, I wasn't charged admission. I was able to take a number of photos, with plenty of light. Time to read & view all will probably take 45 minutes. Plenty of parking. The dinosaurs & civil war were interested me the most. The museum is attached to the visitor center.
A visit is recommended.
6. State Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Recently restored after 75 years the State Theatre in Culpeper reopened in May 2013. The 560 seat venue which is also listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places serves as a wonderful venue for the arts, plays and musical venues for the entire community and visitors to the area.
Reviewed By wmncville - Charlottesville, Virginia
We had a great evening watching The Nutcracker at the State Theatre. The theatre is very pretty, and is located right in downtown Culpeper. There are many restaurants within walking distance which makes for a really fun night. The staff is friendly and there is nothing much that beats a live performance!
7. Beer Hound Brewery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By gibsongirl104 - Culpeper, Virginia
Stopped by here on a Sunday afternoon so my husband could get a flight. Warning, flights here are one of everything. They work out to about 40oz. Great if there are a few people wanting to share. They also offer individual tasting sizes if you want to try one or two, and of course regular pints. There is plenty of out door seating, and there are usually a few people with dogs hanging out. They make dog treats out of the mash when they're done brewing, which my dog loved. They have some snacks too. The pretzels are huge, warm, and design. Perfect with their beers. Great place to hang out, enjoy the weather, and some local beer.
8. Mountain Run Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
A rustic farm winery just minutes from downtown Culpeper.
Reviewed By jeffhoel - Fairfax Station, Virginia
My wife and I visited the winery on New Year's Day and what a great new addition to Virginia wineries! The owner was very friendly and informative. His prices are the best we have ever seen. The location and grounds are tremendous. We plan to return in the spring for a picnic. This new upstart will do great and I highly recommend a visit.
9. Culpeper National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Jack L - East Syracuse, New York
The cemetery's layout is in three sections. First section ( I call the main section) is behind the main iron gate within yards of the office/tool house, with three info stands. Just to the west, separated by a five foot red brick wall will be second two. This section is about twice the size as the first with US Avenue ending here in partial circle. Third area is located next to the railroad tracks, where US Avenue starts.
Five state memorials are located in the first section, which are The 10th Maine Volunteer Infantry, Second Massachusetts Infantry, New York State Volunteer Infantry, Commonwealth Pennsylvania Monument, & the Ohio 7th Regimental Infantry. All five states had soldiers that fought & died at the August 7, 1862 Battle of Cedar Mountain & buried in the cemetery.
A separate granite memorial is the Armed Forces Monument dedicated to the five American armed forces- Army. Navy, Marines. Air Force & Coast Guard.
The cemetery is a very small version of Arlington National Cemetery with rolling hills, well mowed lawns, and evenly straight spaced graved stones & markers. Cemetery has no designated parking area. My visit was on a Monday afternoon with no one to ask. I walked to the maintenance facility, asking one man if I could park there, his reply was " ok with me". My vehicle was parked here.
Hours: Daily -Monday-Friday Dawn to Dust.
Closed Saturday & Sunday.
During my visit only three other visitor, a young couple & a woman by herself. Although the cemetery is small, only 6 monuments/memorials, no big names that I know of, I still recommend a visit.
10. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By rogersober - Clermont, Florida
The place is old and has some real nice history. The graves are very old and the building is a piece of the past. The time we spent in town was good finding this place.
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