Welcome to Orange, Virginia: Revel in the Past and Create Your Own Present

Round a meandering bend on Route 20 and a picturesque town flanked by the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains comes into view. Brilliant orange paint on a white clapboard sign welcomes you to “Historic Orange, Virginia.” A rural county in the center of the state, Orange has a rich history that is only surpassed by the aesthetic beauty of the region’s horse farms, vineyards, and charming Main Street communities. The quaint county has retained a timeless aura reminiscent of a bygone era when communities were founded upon neighborhood models and personal graces were valued above commercial rewards. Southern charm emanates from the landscape itself: verdant hillsides dotted by grazing livestock appeal to the eye and soothe the traveler’s soul; luscious greenery of field and forest blends seamlessly and soulfully into the blue-gray glory of the Appalachian mountain range along the county’s westernmost border. Though Orange County lies just off the path of a series of interstate corridors leading to the urban Meccas of Washington, D.C. and Richmond, the region has retained a distinctly pastoral atmosphere. A commitment to retaining its rural heritage makes Orange an anomaly within the increasingly hectic corridor of urban sprawl that extends from the national and state capitals to the central Virginia heartland. This rustic quality in turn makes Orange an increasingly tempting retreat for the urbanites and suburbanites to the north and south.

A glance at the yearly calendar of events for Orange, Virginia offers an intriguing portrait of a low-key locality that is embracing its essence and attempting to share its unique heritage with the world. Past and present unite in this county, founded in 1734 and named in honor of Great Britain’s Prince William III of Orange. As a prominent stop along the “Constitution Route,” the honor bestowed upon Virginia’s Route 20, Orange holds a place of prominence due to the historical figures who were born, or made their home, in the region. James Madison is the most notable resident in the county’s history, and the former president’s Montpelier home remains a destination of interest to visitors from throughout the state and country. Having grown up on his family’s plantation in Orange, James Madison, “Father of the Constitution,” began his political career as an appointed member of the Orange County Commission of Safety. And upon the completion of his two terms as President, Madison, the fourth Commander-in-Chief of the United States, and his wife Dolley retired to his beloved Montpelier. Today, the Madisons’ former abode is the renowned home of the Montpelier Hunt Races, an annual steeplechase event that will celebrate its 75th anniversary this fall. The races, held the first Saturday of November, are a trademark of Piedmont Virginia’s horse country culture and have achieved national prominence as an official event on the National Steeplechase Association’s circuit.

Orange is a county that is proud of its history and actively engaged with the future of its tourism industry. Stay with us as we explore the myriad events that comprise the heart and soul thriving beneath the county’s pretty exterior. From bull riding rodeos to blues festivals, from street fairs to vineyard fare, Orange offers events to tempt every personality and palate. Come to Orange, Virginia and let yourself live.