Established in 1734, Orange County was named in honor of William, Prince of Orange and once covered an area that extended West to the Mississippi River and North as far as the Great Lakes.
Images and editorial supplied by Orange County Tourism & Visitors Bureau
Now known for historic and scenic beauty, the County of Orange boasts James Madison’s home at Montpelier and the James Madison Museum, award-winning wineries like Barboursville Vineyards or Reynard Florence, exquisite accommodations, fantastic dining and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Here you can walk in the footsteps of James Madison, our nation’s fourth President and “Father of the Constitution,” or delight in the breathtaking views, which Madison described as “a squirrel’s jump from heaven.” Small businesses dot picturesque streets in two independent Towns and are a delight for boutique shoppers and bargain hunters alike.
The Town of Gordonsville was once called the Fried Chicken Capital of the Universe and today’s visitors can still eat fried chicken there at Gordonsville Ice House or indulge in Virginia BBQ from famous pitt-masters at the BBQ Exchange. Filled with fantastic restaurants, galleries and shops, Gordonsville is a great stop on any Central Virginia excursion.
Just a few miles away in the Town of Orange guests can sift through treasures at antique shops like Finders Keepers or JS Mosby Antiques or dine at one of many local restaurants like Forked on Main, Spoon and Spindle or Main Street Tavern. The Town of Orange is also right around the corner from the small, local airport where Skydive Orange gives visitors an unforgettable view of the Virginia countryside 7-days a week!
Meander down Route 231 in Orange County and discover wineries, breweries, a distillery and fine dining alongside Virginia’s largest corn maze at Liberty Mills Farm. With seasonal pick-your-own orchards and fields, destinations like the Market at Grelen are a popular stop for day-trippers. Patch Brewing even has a winterized pavilion and is dog-friendly so all members of the family can enjoy a pour along this beautiful scenic by-way.
Grab your girlfriends, your kids, your significant other or your extended family and take a quick drive from the shores of Lake Anna to Orange County! Here, hospitality is at the heart of every interaction!
Events Not to Miss
Ongoing
Town of Orange Music in the Park Series
May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, October 12
June
Orange Uncorked Wine Festival
July
Playin’ in the Park
Independence Celebration
September
Constitution Day Celebration at James Madison’s Montpelier
Orangetoberfest
Orange Downtown Street Festival
Somerset Steam & Gas Pasture Party
October
Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival
November
Montpelier Hunt Races
December
Orange Rotary Christmas Parade
Downtown Orange Holiday Village
Holidays on Main Street
in Historic Gordonsville
