Parksley VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parksley, Virginia.
1. Eastern Shore Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Eastern Shore Railway Museum showcases the rich railroad history of Parksley, which was founded as a railroad town. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, historical exhibits, and learn about the importance of rail transportation to the Eastern Shore's development. The museum serves as an educational resource preserving the legacy of a time when five passenger trains stopped daily in Parksley.
2. Turner Sculpture
FINE ART GALLERY
Turner Sculpture is a renowned art gallery featuring the masterful bronze wildlife sculptures of the Turner family. Visitors can admire intricate works depicting various animals in their natural habitats, crafted with exceptional attention to detail. The gallery offers a unique cultural experience in Parksley, allowing art enthusiasts to appreciate fine sculpture in an intimate setting.
3. Veterans Memorial
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Veterans Memorial in Parksley stands as a tribute to the town's proud history of military service. Dedicated in 2017, this memorial honors local veterans who served their country across various conflicts. The site provides a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance of sacrifices made by Parksley's service members.
4. Hotel Lewis
HISTORIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Lewis represents a piece of Parksley's bustling past as a center for commerce and travel. Originally starting as a store, the hotel once welcomed traveling salesmen, farmers, fishermen, and tourists arriving by train. This historic building stands as a reminder of Parksley's heyday when the railroad brought prosperity to the small town.
5. Jaxon's Hardware
CLASSIC GENERAL STORE
Jaxon's Hardware offers the quintessential small-town shopping experience with its eclectic mix of hardware, household goods, and local products. This long-standing establishment serves as both a practical resource for residents and a nostalgic attraction for visitors seeking authentic Eastern Shore character. The store's friendly service and diverse inventory make it a Parksley institution worth visiting.
6. The Club Car Cafe
RAILROAD-THEMED DINING
The Club Car Cafe embraces Parksley's railroad heritage with its unique dining atmosphere and comfort food menu. Located near the railway museum, this restaurant offers visitors a taste of local cuisine in a setting that celebrates the town's transportation history. The cafe serves as a popular gathering place for both tourists and residents exploring downtown Parksley.
7. Hopkins Hunting Creek
SERENE NATURAL SETTING
Hopkins Hunting Creek provides a peaceful natural escape just minutes from downtown Parksley. Visitors can access this scenic waterway by taking Bennett Street to the end, turning left onto Big Road, and then right onto Lee Mont Road. The creek offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation in a tranquil Eastern Shore setting.
8. Parksley Town Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Parksley Town Park serves as a central gathering place for community events and outdoor recreation. The public park features open green spaces, playground equipment, and picnic areas for families to enjoy throughout the year. Visitors can experience small-town charm while relaxing in this well-maintained community resource.
9. Victorian Homes District
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE TOUR
The Victorian Homes District showcases Parksley's collection of well-preserved 19th and early 20th century residences. These numerous large Victorian homes feature distinctive architectural details, wrap-around porches, and ornate trim work characteristic of the period. Walking through the district offers visitors a glimpse into the prosperity that came to Parksley during its railroad boom years.
10. Parksley Seafood Market
FRESH LOCAL CATCH
Parksley Seafood Market offers visitors the opportunity to purchase the freshest catches from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The market showcases a variety of seasonal seafood including blue crabs, oysters, clams, and fish harvested by local watermen. Customers appreciate the authentic Eastern Shore experience and expert advice on selecting and preparing regional seafood specialties.
11. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
COASTAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located near Parksley, protects over 14,000 acres of coastal habitats supporting diverse wildlife. Visitors can observe the famous Chincoteague ponies, migratory birds, and other native species while exploring beaches, marshes, and maritime forests. The refuge offers exceptional photography opportunities, hiking trails, and seasonal programming for nature enthusiasts.
12. Assateague Island National Seashore
PRISTINE BARRIER ISLAND
Assateague Island National Seashore preserves a remarkable barrier island ecosystem just a short drive from Parksley. The protected area features miles of undeveloped beaches, rolling dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests accessible for day trips. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing on this natural treasure of Virginia's Eastern Shore.
13. NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center
SPACE EXPLORATION EXHIBITS
The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center offers fascinating insights into space exploration and research conducted at this active launch site near Parksley. Interactive exhibits showcase rocket technology, environmental science, and the history of this important aerospace facility. Visitors can view actual spacecraft components, learn about upcoming missions, and potentially witness rocket launches during special events.
14. Onancock Historic District
CHARMING WATERFRONT TOWN
Onancock Historic District preserves a picturesque waterfront community just a short drive from Parksley. Visitors can stroll through tree-lined streets featuring well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings housing boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The district's charm comes from its blend of maritime heritage, distinctive architecture, and vibrant small-town atmosphere.
15. Barrier Islands Center
COASTAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Barrier Islands Center documents and preserves the unique culture of Virginia's barrier island communities through exhibits housed in a restored 1890s almshouse complex. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and oral histories detailing the lives of islanders who once inhabited these now-abandoned outposts along the Atlantic. The museum offers educational programs highlighting traditional crafts, foodways, and environmental changes that shaped life on Virginia's Eastern Shore.