Virginia is brimming with so many quaint towns that narrowing down your list of places to visit can prove daunting. While the Old Dominion has beautiful natural landscapes and urban areas filled with culture, the city of Petersburg offers both in a quieter, less busy atmosphere. If you crave an eclectic vibe filled with culture, history, and gastronomy, you can find it all in this south-central city located right off of I-95.

While shop owners and restauranteurs are ready to greet visitors with a smile, what really shines through is the area’s history. With imprints from the Civil War, visits from U.S. presidents, and ties to Lewis Comfort Tiffany, Petersburg has a rich heritage that continues through its residents of today. So, whether you’re passing by or craving a weekend getaway, stopping at mile marker 35 doesn’t disappoint. Here’s what you’ll find waiting for you in Petersburg, Virginia.

What To Do

Start Your Saturday at the River Street Market

Waking up and heading to the outdoor River Street Market is a refreshing way to start the day while giving visitors a pulse on the community. No matter the time of year you visit, this year-round market is bustling with vendors in the heart of downtown. Of course, fresh, local produce is readily available, but this farmers market also features local artisans and makers. Whether you’re in need of handmade soap, raw honey, or baked goods, you can find it all at this producers-only market.

Appreciate Creativity at Petersburg Area Art League

Just a short walk from the farmers market is an unassuming brick building that houses the Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL), where you’ll find exhibits beautifully displayed in rooms flooded with natural light. If you’re an art aficionado, the league features several artworks for sale so that you can collect pieces for your latest gallery wall. Watch PAAL’s events calendar to keep up with classes and special events, and you may also be fortunate enough to glimpse their resident kitty, Paalie, while on site.

Stroll the Downtown Antique Shops

History lovers, interior decor enthusiasts, and antique collectors can all get their fix at one of the local antique shops. If you enjoy fine antiques, Penniston’s Alley Antiques and Collectibles has two floors of quality furniture and tableware. For a more eclectic vibe, walk around the corner to The Oak Antique Mall, a multi-vendor shop downtown. Although it’s a little off the beaten path, don’t miss Nothing So Strange , which is filled with antiques and oddities, providing an incredibly unique shopping experience.

Immerse in History at Petersburg National Battlefield

Even if you aren’t a history buff, driving the four-mile, one-way route through the Petersburg National Battlefield is a fascinating glimpse into U.S. history. Get acclimated by stopping at the visitor’s center before traversing the eight points of interest along the Eastern Front Tour Road. You’ll learn the importance of the Seige of Petersburg and see what remains of the blast caused by four tons of gunpowder during the Battle of the Crater. The park also includes walking trails perfect for dogs and humans alike.

Tour the Centre Hill Mansion Museum

While in Petersburg, it’s difficult to miss Centre Hill , the imposing house on the hill built in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV, a renowned citizen and Civil War veteran. It hosted three presidents—Tyler, Lincoln, and Taft—and served as Confederate and Union headquarters at different times. Shortly after Taft’s visit, then-owner Charles Hall Davis fell on hard times and began selling off plots of land for homes, which now surround the museum. Visitors can tour the mansion and revel in Federal-style architecture while learning about the house’s long history.

See Tiffany Glass at Blandford Church and Cemetery

Perhaps one of the most impressive parts of Petersburg remains one of its lesser-known attractions, and one site that should top your to-visit list is Blandford Church and Cemetery . While the cemetery itself is impressive—it’s Virginia’s second-largest, with over 30,000 Confederate soldiers buried there—the church is the highlight. The brick structure looks like a typical church, but one step inside showcases 15 stained glass windows dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers . Not only are they stunning, but the windows were designed and installed by Lewis Comfort Tiffany in the early 1900s.

Wander the Stacks at Resist Booksellers

As an indie bookstore in the heart of downtown, Resist Booksellers is part literary shop and part thought-provoking event venue. The book selection focuses primarily on black stories and authors, offering everything from children’s books to classic novels and modern tales. Resist also has events throughout the year to evoke thought and create meaningful conversation in its well-designed, open space. The owner, Demetrius Frazier, is often on-site and ready to answer questions and help you find the perfect read.

Stop by the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum

Planning a visit to the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum on your way into or out of Petersburg is a must. As the name states, the 125,000-square-foot building is packed full of trucks and tractors, but classic cars, vintage automotive signs, and big rigs are also on display. After perusing the vehicles, you can grab a burger or club sandwich at the on-site restaurant, Keystone Grill . Another perk is that the museum has overnight reserved RV parking for travelers.

Where To Eat

Petersburg’s dining landscape is thriving from daybreak coffee to late-night bites. For morning sustenance, Demolition Coffee is ready and waiting with fresh coffee each morning, and Buttery Baking House provides delectable pastries and hot meals for the perfect brunch. At midday, try Croaker’s Spot , where you’ll find delicious Southern soul food against the backdrop of the old farmers market building, or grab a local beer and brick oven pizza at Trapezium Brewing Co. End your day by eating at The Brickhouse Run , a delightful British-American hybrid pub or revel in a relaxing meal with excellent service at Shirley’s Restaurant and Bar located inside Hotel Petersburg.

Where To Stay

For a lovely boutique experience, anchor your time in Petersburg with a stay at Hotel Petersburg , in the heart of downtown. The 64-room historic hotel features several unique common spaces, such as the speakeasy-style bar tucked in the basement and a writing room located off the lobby—once used solely by women to write letters. In addition to the on-site restaurant, Shirley’s, the hotel also has a seasonal rooftop lounge with views of Old Petersburg. If you prefer a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere, Ragland Mansion and Strawberry Hill are known for beautifully curated rooms and Southern hospitality in historic settings.