Explore and Stroll Through Little Washington
Take time during your visit to stroll through our charming village and look at the distinctive architecture, follow the Civil War Trail signs, and visit our shops and galleries. Visit the goats, sheep, llamas and chickens and walk through the Inn at Little Washington gardens.
Many of the streets in Little Washington bear the names of the first families to own land on which the town was founded: Jett, Wheeler, Porter, and Calvert. You’ll note the variety of architecture. Washington House, now The Inn at Little Washington Shops, is an authentic large colonial-period structure, circa 1735, where the county government first held its meetings. Some of the brick Rappahannock County government buildings, circa 1835, were constructed by James Leake Powers, an apprentice of Thomas Jefferson, while Malcolm Crawford constructed the courthouse. Other buildings are frontier cabins, some now covered with clapboard or pebble dash.
As a modern town that maintains the charm of a country village, “Little” Washington has a unique blend of rural character and historic significance. Its mixture of open spaces, village-style commerce, historic structures, cultural offerings, and local government activities makes it a peaceful yet vibrant community sought after by Big Washington (DC) area residents who have come here and made this their home.
Galleries offer top-notch individual and group shows throughout the year, and concerts are given that satisfy every musical taste-bluegrass, classical, gospel, or jazz. Live performances of concerts and plays as well as timely screenings are presented at the RAAC (Rappahannock Association for the Arts & Community) Theatre . RAAC also sponsors a renowned artist and studio tour each fall. And visitors should stop by the Rappahannock Historical Society and Museum.
SHOPS
R.H. Ballard Art, Rug & Home
Robert & Joanie Ballard
307 Main Street
P.O. Box 412
540.675.1411 | www.rhballard.com | email: customerservice@rhballard.com
Celebrating 30 Years in Little Washington, and located in the heart of town on Main Street, this destination shop & gallery is a visual symphony of unique home goods, specialty gifts, fine art, and home decor. There is definitely something for everyone. Established in 1996, they’ve received notable awards such as Southern Living Magazine’s one the “Best 50 Shops in the South.” The Ballards (who live above their shop & gallery) began as a small art gallery offering beautiful rugs and fine art. Robert Ballard has over 50 years experience in the art world, curating galleries and museums from New Zealand to Washington DC. Over time, Joanie Ballard expanded their offerings to include beautiful table linens from Le Jacquard Francais, unique finds from their travels around Europe, vintage treasures, and thoughtfully curated items for women, children, and the home.
Open Daily, 10am-6pm.
The Inn at Little Washington Gift Shop
Middle and Main Street
P.O. Box 300
Washington, Virginia 22747
540.675.3800
Carries items unique to the Inn, including its own breakfast china, granola, bread and items designed exclusively for the shop.
Open daily at 10:00am until 6:00pm Monday – Thursday, 8:00pm Friday, 10:00pm Saturday.
Rappahannock Historical Society & Museum
328 Gay St
Washington, VA 22747
540.675.1163 | rappahannockhistsoc.org | email: rapphistsoc@comcast.net
Many visitors enter the doors of this library, museum and gift shop to not only learn more about the Town of Washington but also the county it is in, Rappahannock. Washington, Va., is the county seat of Rappahannock. The historical society collects, preserves and interprets the unique history and heritage of this area. The museum contains artifacts of the county, some of which are prehistoric, donated by descendants and generous benefactors. The gift shop features historical maps, memorabilia and products from Rappahannock County.
Hours: M, Tu & Th, 11 am-5 pm
GALLERIES
Gay Street Gallery
337 Gay Street
540-227-5100 | text: 540-316-8898 | gaystreetgallery.com | email: office@gaystreetgallery.com
Presents the work of select, award-winning artists from Rappahannock County, other parts of Virginia and around the country. With a focus on representational landscape and figurative paintings, the Gallery also shows sculpture, pottery, woodwork and glasswork, and also hosts exhibitions of contemporary work in various media. Receptions with the artists for new exhibitions occur approximately every two months. In addition the gallery continues to display work from the archives of the late Kevin H. Adams, the Gallery’s beloved and much-missed co-founder and resident artist.
Open 10 am – 5 pm Friday-Saturday-Sunday, and by appointment at other times.
CHURCHES
St. Peter Catholic Church
Pastor: The Rev. Christopher D. Murphy
12762 Lee Hwy
P.O. Box 27
Washington, Virginia 22747
540.675.3432
Trinity Episcopal Church
379 Gay Street
P.O. Box 299
Washington, Virginia 22747
540.675.3716 |email: contactus@trinwash.org
Website: trinwash.org
Washington Baptist Church
180 Gay Street
P.O. Box 209
Washington, Virginia 22747
540.675.3336
Built in 1873, impressive Renaissance revival style architecture. Everyone is welcome to our morning worship service each Sunday at 11:00am.
First Baptist Church
Pastor Dr. Wendall R. Grant
Fodderstack Road
Washington, Virginia 22747
540.675.3382
Established 1873. Sunday School: 9:45am; Church Services: 11:00am.