Monterey, VA

Tucked high in the Allegheny Mountains, Monterey serves as the quiet hub of Highland County, a region often called Virginia's Little Switzerland for its rolling pastures and cool mountain air. Sitting at the intersection of Routes 220 and 250, the town provides the everyday essentials for the surrounding farms and homesteads. With its classic brick courthouse, locally owned shops, and relaxed pace, Monterey offers a genuine small-town lifestyle where neighbors know each other and wide-open mountain views are part of the daily routine.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

The area comes alive each March during the Highland County Maple Festival, when local sugar camps open to visitors for fresh syrup, hot pancake breakfasts, and live music. Downtown Monterey fills with craft vendors, community events, and neighbors gathering to celebrate the end of winter. It is a welcoming, close-knit place for anyone drawn to peaceful back roads, dark night skies, and crisp mountain living.