A Fresh Start
Fans of Netflix’s Virgin River are all too familiar with the trope: a city girl leaves her life behind after a tragic event, eager to start over in a rural small town. Many people find themselves in that very situation, and a change of scenery is highly in demand. With that in mind, these are 20 locations guaranteed to help you escape.
1. Snug Cove, British Columbia
The closest you can get to Virgin River is Snug Cove because it’s the real-life setting of most of the scenes we love. The streets, library, and gorgeous Horseshoe Bay all appear in the show, making it the perfect site for fans who want to indulge in everything from the rivers to the mountains.
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada on Wikimedia
2. Telluride, Colorado
To spice things up, Telluride offers a different take on the Virgin River small town. Not only do you get to live in a historic Victorian mining town, but you also get all those Western movie vibes with breathtaking mountain scenery to wrap it up. Of course, there are also plenty of swanky bars on Main Street to try.
3. Meredith, New Hampshire
If your goal is to live right by a natural and beautiful river, then this cozy resort town in New Hampshire’s lake region is the one for you. In addition to scenic railroads, the town offers a beautiful beach, winery, and, of course, a choice of homestyle restaurants.
4. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Unlike some of the other towns on this list, Grand Marais is a bit more modern, offering up a slice of suburbia right on the coast of Lake Superior. Surrounded by lush and bright forests, the inner town is an artistic hub, serving local seafood and outdoor activity opportunities.
August Schwerdfeger on Wikimedia
5. Squamish, British Columbia
Another site featured in the actual show, Squamish is the location of Jack’s Bar. This town is the perfect blend of mountainous backgrounds, stellar rivers, and a quaint town equipped with fun shopping and tasty eats.
6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
With a name as cute as that, Carmel-by-the-Sea delivers on all fronts, boasting specialty boutiques and a European-style cottage-core aesthetic. There are also plenty of beaches to indulge in and a happening wine scene. While it isn’t as sleepy and moody as Virgin River’s dark forests, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect choice for warm-weather enthusiasts.
7. Collingwood, Ontario
Located near Georgian Bay, this popular Canadian town has many diverse offerings, from some of the best-rated restaurants in the county to the famous Blue Mountain Resort. There are even hot spring resorts and boat tours to indulge in. Historic and picturesque, this town is a dream for many.
8. Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby is one of the best towns in British Columbia’s Vancouver area. Located next to the stellar Fraser River, which is actually the location of Paige’s food truck, this town comes packed with picturesque views and riverfront trails.
9. Sedona, Arizona
This is quite a different town from Virgin River, but if you want all the charm and peace minus the cold weather and the pine forests, then Sedona bridges the best of both worlds. This vibrant community offers views of canyons instead of mountains and easy access to the popular Red Rock State Park.
10. Bled, Slovenia
If you’d prefer to get a bit international and explore the quaint and stunning small towns around the world, then Bled in Slovenia is a solid choice. Located on Lake Bled, this site is surrounded by the Julian Alps. Nestled within is a historic town with multiple candlelit restaurants and even a castle on a hill.
11. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Considered the Venice of the Netherlands, Giethoorn offers up picturesque canals, casual boating, and ice skating during the winter months. Additionally, the architecture is breathtaking, with rustic farms and beautiful arch bridges.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas on Wikimedia
12. Kimberly, British Columbia
Also located in the mountainous terrain of breathtaking British Columbia is Kimberley. First established in the late 1800s, this town has both historic charm and stunning natural beauty. With ski slopes in the winter and biking trails in the summer, Kimberley blends local artistry with cultural festivals.
Thank you for visiting my page from Canada on Wikimedia
13. Jasper, Alberta
While this town is more of a tourist destination, anyone would be lucky to live here. You’ve got the Rocky Mountains in the background, beautiful glacier lakes and rivers all over the place, and dark taiga forests scattered around. Within all this natural beauty are beautiful cottage-core houses and plenty of delicious dining opportunities.
14. Hallstatt, Austria
If you wish the winter in Virgin River was even snowier and colder, then Hallstatt is the town for you. Located on the edge of a glacier lake, this storybook town hosts 12th-century churches, romantic restaurants, and even carriage rides through the town.
15. Castle Combe, England
If you prefer quaint towns on the English side of things, then Castle Combe is as unique as it gets. This village only houses 357 people and has history dating back to the 1600s. The entire town is made up of charming stonework and offers authentic tea rooms and dreamy gardens.
16. Perth, Ontario
Located in southwest Ottawa in Canada, this small town is nestled by the Tay River. Not only is it beautiful, featuring restaurants overlooking the water and botanical parks, but it is also very historical, with many buildings dating back to 1816.
Kenn Chaplin from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia
17. Stowe, Vermont
Vermont simply gets seasons just right, making you really feel in tune with nature. Stowe is no different—a beautiful historic town nestled in fields of lush and thick forest. Additionally, Mount Mansfield sits in the background, a constant reminder of just how gorgeous the world around you is.
18. Gokayama, Japan
If you go all the way to Asia, there is no place better to settle in than Gokayama, Japan. With less than 100 residents, this peaceful destination includes thatched cottages, seasonal cherry blossoms, and rows of mulberry trees.
19. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Surrounded by alleys of woodland, you might miss this tiny little town within the Ozark Mountains. The architecture is Victorian in nature, and while there are only a handful of buildings, a popular tourist season ensures plenty of shopping and dining. Plus, there is a wildlife refuge and talk of paranormal encounters.
20. Smithers, British Columbia
Returning to the roots of the show, Smithers is another mountainous valley located in the heart of British Columbia. This small town boasts only 5,000 residents, meaning you won’t have much competition for the lakes, rivers, and stunning mountain trails surrounding you. The town itself is a hub for art and culture, hosting music venues, annual art festivals, and several galleries.
