8 Reasons Virginia Might Just Be the Strangest State in the U.S.
Virginia is often hailed as the birthplace of America. But behind its historical facade lies a state brimming with charming quirks.
From strange laws to offbeat traditions, Virginia boasts a personality that’s both fascinating and peculiar.
Here’s a deep dive into why the Old Dominion might just be America’s weirdest state—and why it owns that title with pride.
The Bunny Man Bridge
Northern Virginia has its fair share of urban legends, but none are as infamous as the Bunny Man.
According to local lore, an escaped mental patient dressed in a bunny suit terrorized the Clifton area in the 1970s, attacking people and leaving mutilated animals in his wake.
The legend centers around Colchester Overpass, now nicknamed “Bunny Man Bridge.”
While there’s little evidence to back up the more gruesome parts of the story, the Bunny Man has become a local icon. Every Halloween, thrill-seekers flock to the bridge, hoping for a glimpse of the mythical figure.
It’s creepy, it’s bizarre, and it’s pure Virginia.
The Love of “LOVE”
Virginia’s state slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers,” might sound romantic, but its origins are surprisingly random. Created in 1969 as a tourism campaign, the slogan wasn’t originally about romance.
In fact, the phrase was meant to appeal broadly to travelers who might “love” beaches, mountains, or history.
Despite its vague beginnings, “it’s”Virginia is for Lovers” is now one of the most recognized state slogans in America. Within Virginia, it’s inspired over 300 “LOVE” sculptures scattered across the state.
What’s even weirder?
These LOVE signs pop up in the strangest places.
You’ll find one at an alpaca farm, another made entirely of kayaks, and even one built from surfboards. It’s a quirky scavenger hunt that combines art, tourism, and a dash of Virginia’s offbeat charm.
Haunted Hotspots Everywhere
Virginia isn’t just historically significant; it’s also super haunted. With battlefields, colonial towns, and old plantations, it’s no wonder the state has a reputation for ghostly activity.
Williamsburg, often dubbed one of America’s most haunted cities, teems with ghost tours that promise encounters with Revolutionary-era spirits.
Even the state’s capitol, Richmond, has its share of spooky stories.
The famous Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of presidents, Confederate leaders, and—some say—a vampire.
Legend has it that the Richmond Vampire haunts the area near the James River. True or not, these eerie tales keep Virginia’s supernatural enthusiasts entertained.
Unusual State Laws
Virginia’s legal code is a goldmine for bizarre rules.
For example, did you know it’s illegal to hunt any animal on Sunday, except for raccoons, which one may hunt until 2:00 am on Sundays.
Yes, raccoons are fair game.
Laws like these might not always be enforced, but they reflect the state’s mix of old-school traditions and modern quirks.
Whether it’s keeping Sundays sacred or protecting woodland critters (except raccoons), Virginia’s rules add a layer of weirdness to daily life.
The UFO Capital of the East Coast
Wytheville, Virginia, might seem like a quiet town, but in the late 1980s, it became the epicenter of UFO sightings.
Residents reported dozens of unexplained flying objects in the sky, sparking local and national interest.
Radio announcer Danny Gordon even became a minor celebrity for documenting the phenomenon, though some skeptics brushed it off as military aircraft testing.
Today, Wytheville embraces its extraterrestrial history with an annual UFO Festival.
The event features alien-themed costumes, memorabilia, and plenty of folks eager to share their theories about what really happened in the skies over southwest Virginia.
The Town of Tangier—A Linguistic Time Capsule
Out in the Chesapeake Bay lies Tangier Island, a place that feels like it’s been frozen in time.
The island’s residents speak with a distinctive accent that linguists say closely resembles 17th-century English.
This is because Tangier has been so geographically isolated that its speech patterns have changed little over the centuries.
Beyond the accent, Tangier’s way of life is unique. The island relies heavily on crabbing, and its small population of just a few hundred people lives in tight-knit harmony.
Visiting Tangier feels like stepping into a living museum where history and modernity coexist in the quirkiest way.
The Longest Ongoing Sports Event in the U.S.
Forget the Super Bowl; Virginia is home to the country’s oldest continuous sporting event: Foxfield Races. Held in Charlottesville every spring, this steeplechase horse race has been running since 1978.
While that might not sound too old, it’s the longest uninterrupted streak for a spring horse race in America.
What makes Foxfield truly weird, though, is its dual personality.
On one hand, it’s a high-society affair with fancy hats and tailgate spreads that would make Martha Stewart proud. On the other hand, it’s infamous for its wild college parties, complete with outrageous outfits and questionable behavior.
It’s a bizarre mix of tradition and chaos that feels uniquely Virginian.
A History of Unlikely Firsts
Virginia is no stranger to setting trends—some of them quite strange. For example, the first Thanksgiving didn’t happen in Plymouth, Massachusetts, but in Berkeley Plantation along the James River in 1619.
The meal was far from what we think of as Thanksgiving today; it was more of a religious observance with simple fare.
Another odd first?
The state was home to the first-ever American college student streaker.
In 1804, a college student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) decided to run naked through campus as part of a dare.
12 Quirky Virginia Towns You Need to Visit
Ready to add new destinations to your bucket list? From charming main streets to offbeat attractions, these Virginia towns are a great fit for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.
12 Quirky Virginia Towns You Need to Visit
9 Hilarious Virginia Town Names That’ll Make You LOL
PSA: Read this where you won’t embarrass yourself laughing. Whether you’re a Virginia local or just passing through, these town names are sure to make you chuckle when you see them.
9 Hilarious Virginia Town Names That’ll Make You LOL
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