Virginia Historic Garden Week 2026

Old Town Alexandria

Set along the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria blends cobblestone charm with a colonial past shaped by trade and early American life. Once a bustling port, its wharves carried tobacco and goods to Europe, anchoring it firmly in the Atlantic world. George Washington himself frequented the town, conducting business and social affairs just steps from the waterfront. Brick-lined streets and preserved townhouses still echo the rhythms of 18th-century commerce and conversation. It is known for its colonial port heritage, historic architecture and ties to George Washington. The walking tour of Old Town Alexandria in 2026 includes private homes and gardens, as well as admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Leesburg

In the heart of Loudoun County, Leesburg reflects centuries of civic life, from its colonial beginnings to its role during the Civil War. During the conflict, armies repeatedly seized control of the town, leaving behind a landscape marked by encampments and strategy. Its courthouse square has long served as a gathering place for political life and public discourse. Surrounding farmland speaks to the region’s enduring agricultural traditions. Highlights include Civil War history, historic downtown charm and equestrian culture. The Leesburg tour includes George C. Marshall’s historic home, Dodona Manor.

Fairfax County

2026 marks the centennial anniversary of the Garden Club of Fairfax! They are celebrating by opening three historic homes, including a zen garden, century-old boxwoods and antique furniture. Fairfax County pairs early American roots with its evolution alongside the nation’s capital. Once home to sprawling colonial estates, it played a quiet but important role in the years leading up to the American Revolution. George Washington’s Mount Vernon stands as a reminder of the area’s deep ties to the founding generation. Over time, the county transformed as Washington, D.C., expanded, bringing new influence and growth. The area is known for colonial heritage, proximity to Washington and its role in early governance. It also houses Langley, the headquarters of the CIA.

Little Oak Spring

Little Oak Spring is a historic estate that was once part of Rokeby Farm, the home of philanthropists Paul and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon. Designed by architect H. Page Cross, the property showcases Bunny Mellon’s refined aesthetic through whitewashed stone buildings, terraced grounds, a formal greenhouse and a peaceful walled garden. The Broodmare Barn also stands on the estate, where Mellon bred Sea Hero, a Kentucky Derby champion. Today, Little Oak Spring provides a rare glimpse into the legacy of American garden design.

Martinsville

Martinsville’s story is rooted in industry, where textiles and furniture once drove its economy and identity. In the early 20th century, its mills and factories brought prosperity and shaped daily life. As industries shifted, the city adapted, reflecting broader changes across the South. Today, traces of that industrial past remain visible in its architecture and culture. It is known for its industrial heritage, NASCAR racing and textile production. The Martinsville tour includes a flower-arranging workshop at their headquarters, the MHC Heritage Museum, a Garden Club of Virginia Restoration Site.

Danville-Chatham

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, Danville-Chatham VA, © Jenny Dietz and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Danville and nearby Chatham carry the weight of Civil War history, with Danville briefly serving as the Confederacy’s final capital. In the war’s closing days, Jefferson Davis and his cabinet gathered there as Richmond fell. The region’s wealth had long been tied to tobacco, which fueled both its economy and its influence. Historic homes and warehouses still reflect that prosperity. The area is known for Confederate history, tobacco and preserved architecture.

Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston offers a quieter chapter in Virginia’s story, where a modern reservoir meets a landscape shaped by generations of farming. Created in the mid-20th century by Dominion Energy, the lake transformed rural land into a destination for leisure and retreat. Beneath its waters lie traces of earlier communities and farmland. Today, it balances recreation with a sense of place rooted in the past. It’s recognized for recreation, hydroelectric power and scenic retreats.

Roanoke-Salem

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, Evans-Webber House in Salem VA, © Kathryn Feldmann and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Roanoke rose with the railroads, transforming into a gateway between the mountains and the nation beyond. Known as the “Magic City,” its rapid growth in the late 19th century was fueled by the Norfolk and Western Railway. Neighboring Salem offers a gentler rhythm, with roots that predate the railroad boom. Together, they tell a story of innovation and tradition side by side. Highlights include railroad history, mountain views and industrial growth. The 2026 Salem tour includes National Historic Landmark the Evans-Webber house (pictured above), a unique Second Empire-style brick house built in 1882.

Williamsburg

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, Williamsburg VA, © Joyce Feder and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Williamsburg invites visitors into the heart of colonial Virginia, where ideas that shaped a nation once took hold. As the colony’s capital, it was a center of political debate and revolutionary thought. Figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry walked its streets. Today, its restoration offers an immersive glimpse into 18th-century life. It’s recognized for colonial history, living museums and early education. Visit Colonial Williamsburg on the 2026 Historic Garden Club tour for an immersive cultural and historical experience.

Hampton & Newport News

From one of America’s oldest English settlements to a center of shipbuilding, Hampton and Newport News reflect centuries of transformation. Hampton traces its origins to 1610, making it one of the nation’s earliest continuous settlements. Hampton is home to National Monument Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. Fort Monroe has pivotal ties to history, but perhaps the most famous is its status as an emancipation location early in the Civil War, earning it the nickname “Freedom’s Fortress.” Newport News rose later, driven by shipyards that built vessels for global conflict. Together, they embody both colonial endurance, civil freedom and modern industry.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach pairs its long shoreline with a legacy tied to early exploration and coastal life. English settlers first landed nearby at Cape Henry in 1607 before moving inland to Jamestown. Over time, the area evolved from quiet coastline to thriving resort destination. Its beaches continue to draw visitors while echoing those early arrivals. The area is known for beaches, tourism and military presence.

Norfolk

Norfolk—also known as the Mermaid City—has long stood as a cornerstone of American naval power, its harbor alive with commerce and defense. Established in the late 17th century, it quickly became an important port. The city was burned during the Revolutionary War, only to rebuild and grow stronger. Today, it is home to the world’s largest naval base. It is known for naval bases, port activity and coastal history.

Middle Peninsula: King and Queen County

This quiet region preserves the rhythms of early Virginia, where farmland and forests echo centuries of settlement. King and Queen County dates to the colonial era and remains one of the least changed landscapes in the state. Its courthouses and churches reflect early governance and parish life. The pace here feels much as it did generations ago. Highlights include colonial roots, agriculture and enduring landscapes.

Eastern Shore

Separated by the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore holds a distinct sense of place shaped by water and tradition. Early English settlers arrived in the 1600s, establishing farming and fishing communities that endure today. Its relative isolation helped preserve both culture and landscape. Barrier islands and waterways define daily life. It’s recognized for seafood, barrier islands and colonial heritage—and, of course, its famous oysters.

Orange & Staunton

Orange County’s rolling countryside is steeped in presidential history and plantation life. It was home to James Madison, whose Montpelier estate remains a centerpiece of the region. The county also played a role in Civil War campaigns that swept through central Virginia. Its fields and forests reflect both conflict and cultivation. The area is known for historic estates, early American figures and rural beauty.

Staunton, known as the Queen City, blends cultural richness with a strong architectural legacy. It prospered as a transportation hub along the Valley Turnpike. The town later became known for its embrace of the arts, including the American Shakespeare Center. It is the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson and home to his presidential library and museum. Staunton’s historic downtown remains remarkably intact. Visitors can explore Victorian and Masonic architecture, the arts and Civil War history.

Albemarle County

Historic Garden Week Tours, Albemarle County VA, © Steve Trumbull and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Albemarle County’s sweeping landscapes are deeply tied to Virginia’s early visionaries and agricultural roots. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello stands as a symbol of both innovation and complexity. The region’s farms have gradually given way to a thriving wine industry. Its beauty has long inspired residents and visitors alike. It is known for presidential history, wine country and scenic countryside.

University of Virginia

Founded on Enlightenment ideals, the University of Virginia reflects a vision of education that endures today. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, its Academical Village reimagined the structure of higher learning. The university became a model for institutions across the country. Its Rotunda remains an architectural icon. It’s recognized for for Jeffersonian design, academic excellence and historic significance.

Lynchburg

Set along the James River, Lynchburg grew from a tobacco trading post into a center of industry and commerce. Founded by ferry operator John Lynch, it became a key crossing point. During the Civil War, it served as a supply hub for Confederate forces. Its hills and warehouses reflect that industrious past. The area is known for its tobacco history, manufacturing and river trade. The Lynchburg tour includes Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a National Historic Landmark.

Harrisonburg

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, Harrisonburg VA, © Joy Coakley and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Harrisonburg’s roots as a frontier town evolved into a vibrant center of agriculture and education. It earned the nickname “The Friendly City” thanks to its strong community atmosphere. Established in the 18th century, Harrisonburg grew alongside the fertile Shenandoah Valley. The arrival of railroads and institutions of higher learning shaped its modern identity. Today, it balances history with youthful energy. It is known for farming, James Madison University and valley heritage.

Ashland

Ashland, nicknamed the Center of the Universe because of its history as a railroad junction, has rail-lined streets reflecting its origins as a town built around the tracks. In the 19th century, trains ran directly through its center, connecting it to larger markets. Randolph-Macon College added an academic dimension to its growth. The town has retained its intimate, walkable feel. Highlights include rail heritage and community character.

Historic Berkeley, Shirley & Westover

These storied plantations along the James River offer a glimpse into Virginia’s colonial past and enduring family legacies. Berkeley Plantation is known as the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V and the site of early Thanksgiving observances. The same family has continuously inhabited Historic Shirley for generations and it stands as America’s oldest family-owned business. Westover stands as a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. They are known for their historic estates, colonial architecture and lineage. Each year these properties open their homes and meticulously maintained gardens during Historic Garden Week, sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia.

Historic Garden Week Tours, Historic Berkeley in Central VA, © Sandy Geiger and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Historic Garden Week Tours, Historic Shirley in Central VA, © Sandy Geiger and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Historic Garden Week Tours, Historic Westover in Central VA, © Sandy Geiger and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Fredericksburg & Petersburg

Fredericksburg’s streets hold layers of history, from colonial trade to pivotal Civil War battles. It was home to Mary Washington, mother of George Washington. The surrounding area saw some of the war’s most intense fighting. Its preserved buildings offer a vivid sense of the past. It’s recognized for battlefields, historic districts and early commerce.

Petersburg’s significance rose during the Civil War, when a prolonged siege marked a turning point in the conflict. Before that, it thrived as a bustling center of trade along the Appomattox River. Its economy was closely tied to tobacco and transportation. The city’s historic districts reflect both prosperity and hardship. Highlights include Civil War history, tobacco and commerce.

Northern Neck

Bound by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, the Northern Neck is rich in colonial heritage and natural beauty. It is the birthplace of George Washington and home to generations of influential families. Plantations and small towns dot the landscape. Its waterways continue to shape life here. It is known for historic estates, presidential ties and waterfront views.

Richmond

As the capital of Virginia and among the country’s oldest cities, Richmond holds a storied place in both the Revolutionary war and the  Civil War. This year’s Historic Garden Week tour features four distinctive, architecturally notable neighborhoods: South Gaskins Road, Church Hill and Westhampton. Attendees of the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week also have the opportunity to visit the Executive Mansion and the Kent-Valentine House.

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, South Gaskins Road in Richmond VA, © Dan Clifton and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, Church Hill in Richmond VA, © Rene Scott and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

2026 Historic Garden Week Tours, Westhampton in Richmond VA, © Dan Clifton and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia

Historic Garden Week Tours, Church Hill in Richmond VA, © Rene Scott and courtesy of the Garden Club of Virginia