Fauquier County, Virginia

VIRGINIA.WIKI

Fauquier County, Virginia

Virginia local guide

[[File:|2400px|alt=]]

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Fauquier County

Rolling Piedmont countryside, historic towns, horse farms, wineries and Civil War-era sites west of Washington, D.C.

Region
Northern Virginia

Type
County

County seat
Warrenton, Virginia

Known for
Horse country, wine, countryside and history

West of Washington, D.C., Fauquier County pairs open Piedmont landscapes and Blue Ridge foothills with small towns, horse farms, vineyards and historic sites. The county’s tourism guide highlights wineries, breweries, outdoor recreation, local farms, arts and heritage attractions as ways to explore beyond its main streets.

The county is best approached as a collection of communities and countryside rather than a single attraction. Start in Warrenton, Virginia, then plan a drive linking historic sites, farm-country stops, outdoor routes or winery visits; distances between destinations make a car useful for most itineraries.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Fauquier County

Places to stay

Compare hotels and accommodations for your trip.

Expedia

Affiliate disclosure: Virginia.wiki may earn a commission when you book or purchase through some links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Why visit Fauquier County?

Fauquier’s appeal lies in its mix of pastoral scenery and lived-in history. Horse farms and vineyards shape the landscape, while Warrenton, The Plains, Remington and the county’s villages offer distinct places to pause, browse and eat. The official visitor guide groups the county’s experiences around wine and brews, outdoor activities, agriculture, arts and history.

It also rewards visitors interested in the Civil War and earlier Virginia history. Museums, markers and self-guided driving and walking routes connect local stories with the county’s rural roads and town centers. For a slower-paced trip, combine a history stop with a farm market, a riverside outing or a tasting-room visit.

What to see and do

Old Town Warrenton

Walk the county seat’s historic center, browse local shops and restaurants, and use Warrenton as a convenient base for exploring the county. The tourism guide describes Old Town’s brick sidewalks and heritage sites as part of its Civil War-era character.

Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail

In Warrenton, this museum interprets local and Virginia history inside two jail buildings dating to 1808 and 1823. Check the museum’s current hours and visitor information before setting out.

Gold Mining Camp Museum

At Monroe Park near Goldvein, the county’s gold-mining museum explores Virginia’s gold-mining history. Confirm current opening arrangements and visitor details with Fauquier County before visiting.

Elk Run Church Museum

This small museum interprets the site of an early Anglican church, local archaeology and the history of the surrounding community. County information says visits are available by appointment and for special events, so confirm arrangements before going.

Wine, cider and brewery stops

Fauquier’s visitor listings include wineries, a cidery and breweries across the county, including options near Delaplane, Linden and Warrenton. Check each business’s own current schedule, reservation rules and age requirements before planning a tasting route.

Routes, river and farm-country outings

Tourism resources point visitors to walking and bicycle routes around Remington, a Rappahannock River tour, local farm markets and seasonal farm activities. Confirm access, conditions and seasonal availability with the relevant operators or county resources.

The Flying Circus Airshow

Near Bealeton, this aviation attraction is listed by Fauquier tourism. Check its official schedule and visitor information before traveling, as performances and access are date-dependent.

History and character

Fauquier County was established in 1759 from part of Prince William County and named for Francis Fauquier, then lieutenant governor of the Colony of Virginia. The county’s present character reflects both its agricultural landscape and a long record of settlement in its towns and villages.

The Civil War is a particularly visible part of local interpretation. The county tourism history describes skirmishes and military movements across the area and notes that wounded soldiers from the Second Battle of Manassas were treated in makeshift hospitals in Warrenton. Visitors can explore this history through museums, historical markers and self-guided tours; use current local resources to identify sites and route conditions before driving.

Planning a visit

Fauquier County Tourism offers visitor information, a guide and listings for things to do, places to stay and local events. Use its current resources to shape an itinerary, then confirm details directly with individual sites and businesses. Opening hours, reservations, tasting policies, seasonal farm activities and event schedules can change.

A practical day trip might pair a walk through Warrenton with one museum or historic site, then continue to a farm, river route or winery. For a multi-stop countryside visit, allow extra time for driving and check opening arrangements in advance, especially for small museums and appointment-based sites.

Nearby places and attractions

Warrenton
The county seat and a useful starting point for Old Town, local history and dining.

Middleburg
A nearby hunt-country town with historic streets and visitor attractions.

The Plains
One of Fauquier County’s incorporated towns, set amid the county’s rural landscape.

Remington
A county town with walking and cycling routes highlighted in local visitor resources.

Culpeper
A neighboring town and county-seat destination to the southwest.

Prince William Forest Park
A nearby national park destination for wooded trails and outdoor recreation.

Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

References

External links

• Visit Fauquier County — official tourism guide
• Fauquier County — official county website
• Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail — official museum website