One of my favorite small towns is Elkton, Virginia (not to be confused with the town of the same name in nearby Maryland) in the Shenandoah Valley. It is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience a charming town filled with history and surrounded by natural beauty.

I first discovered Elkton when I stayed nearby in a cabin outside town for a fun winter getaway with friends. We were staying in a small cabin rented by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and after driving for several hours from Washington, D.C., we decided to explore the town.  We were pleasantly surprised and spent an afternoon walking around downtown, popping into different antique stores, gift shops, and coffee shops.

This may sound like every small town in America, but something felt different in Elkton. Every business owner we spoke to was super friendly and willing to recommend other places to eat and shop. They told us about the local farmer’s market and invited us to come back for one of the regular town festivals. But most of all, they were passionate about plans for the town’s revival.

It turns out that Elkton has come a long way in recent years. In 2017, a California developer bought land and buildings all over the town with plans to create a wellness park and rehabilitation center for veterans and former pro athletes. This included several historic buildings like the Elkton Theater. However, no progress was ever made with this development, leaving all the buildings empty nearly 10 years later. Business owners told us that the citizens of Elkton wanted to figure out how to buy back the historic buildings to go in a different direction to revitalize downtown.

From my perspective, they seem to be doing well with their revitalization efforts so far. Since 2023, the downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown is attracting more and more businesses to formerly abandoned historic buildings. There are multiple antique and vintage stores, cafes, a brewery, a yoga studio, and a cannabis store.

The town also hosts farmers markets, a Christmas market, music festivals, car shows, and community events throughout the year. Elkton Autumn Days in October is on my list when I’m back in the area. Combined with peak fall colors in Shenandoah National Park, this could be a really beautiful time (but remember to book accommodation early if you’re planning to stay overnight!)

Where to Eat/ Shop in Elkton, VA

• I highly recommend Elkton Brewing Company, a family-owned microbrewery that has a great selection and a homey feel. It is housed in an old milling warehouse. There is live music on Fridays and Saturdays. After my first visit, I brought some friends when we were celebrating a bachelorette weekend nearby and found an expanded outdoor area with a pizza food truck.
• I am also a fan of Old 33 Beer & Burger Grill for awesome burgers and bar food.
• We found some vintage clothes at the Funk Trunk and Steadfast Vintage.
• Downtown Marketplace hosts farmers markets on Saturday mornings in the spring, summer, and fall with a concert series.
• If you’re into CBD or THC, there is a big store called Pure Shenandoah. This store was almost like a museum, with educational exhibits. You can learn a lot even if you don’t partake!

What Should You Do Near Elkton?

• There’s so much nature! The Swift Run Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park is just outside town, with access to the famous Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail. There is a campground in the park as well. The area also has many cabin rentals if you want to experience a weekend in the woods.
• I really recommend going on a hike. You can choose your own adventure, taking a longer or shorter route. You could venture out to Hightop Peak, Bearfence Mountain, or Saddleback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. For something flatter or more family-friendly, Elk Run Trails are right in town. I recommend bringing water, snacks, hiking poles and boots or shoes with good grip.
• Massanutten Resort is also nearby, with a waterpark, outdoor adventure park, golf and skiing in the winter. There is also hiking on Massanutten Mountain.

• On another trip to the Elkton area during the summer, I stopped at White Oak Lavender Farm and the Purple WOLF Vineyard, which is about 20 minutes outside town. It was an adorable place with beautiful lavender and flowers. There was a lavender gift shop where I purchased some calming lavender oil. Then there was a wine tasting room with outdoor seating. They also had pick-your-own lavender, farm animal encounters, and exhibits on lavender and winemaking.
• Check out local history. During the American Civil War, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson used the Miller-Kite house in Elkton as a headquarters during one of his campaigns. The house is now a museum.

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