Painter VA Travel Guide

PAINTER VA TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS

Location | Directions | History | Things to Do | Places to Eat | Places to Stay | Population | Zip Code | Weather

While the town of Painter VA is quite small in size, with a total size of just .6 square miles, it is big on charm. Painter straddles both sides of US13, with a sprinkling of stores, a firehouse, and a post office.

Hotels in Painter VA

Background

Since the beginning of settlement on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the majority of communities and towns were established near coastal navigable ports, which enabled the transportation of crops and livestock by boat.

However, the arrival of the New York, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk Railroad in the 1880s prompted a demographic and commercial shift towards the center of the shore, leading to the emergence of new towns such as Painter.

Welcome to Painter VA 23420. Sign. Photo credit: Rick Huey
Welcome to Painter VA – Photo credit: Rick Huey

When you visit Painter, you will notice that it is conveniently located near several charming attractions and points of interest on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Where is Painter VA?

Map of Painter VA

If you look at a map of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Painter is located about 5 miles south of the town of Melfa VA.

How to get there

Painter is located approximately 65 miles south of Salisbury, Maryland, and 66 miles north of Virginia Beach.

The easiest way to reach Painter is by car, as it provides the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas as well.

Route 13, which runs along the Eastern Shore, is the main highway connecting Painter to other towns and cities.

History

Established in the late 19th century, Painter grew as a hub for the railroad and agriculture industries. Today, the town retains its historical charm with beautifully preserved Victorian homes, a quaint downtown area, and a strong sense of community.

Painter Virginia Post Office - Photo credit: Rick Huey
Painter Virginia Post Office – Photo credit: Rick Huey

The Eastern Shore of Virginia saw a shift in population and commerce to the center of the shore with the arrival of the New York, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk Railroad in the 1880s, resulting in the establishment of new towns like Painter.

Painter-Garrisons United Methodist Church was founded in Mappsburg, Virginia in 1784 by Bishop Francis Asbury. The congregation built the first Methodist Episcopal Church on the Eastern Shore in 1787, and the present church was constructed in 1855.

The population shift led to the erection of a second church building in Painter in 1906. The older church was moved to Painter and joined the existing building in 1926, adopting the name Painter-Garrisons United Methodist Church

Things to Do

Painter, VA, offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, showcasing the charm of the Eastern Shore. Here are a few things to do in Painter:

Quinby Harbor

Take a leisurely stroll, go fishing, or rent a kayak to explore the picturesque harbor and its surroundings.

Visit Art Galleries in Onancock

Danny-Doughty-Gallery-Onancock-VA
Danny Doughty Gallery – Photo credit: Rick Huey

Exploring the diverse art galleries in Onancock, VA, is a delightful way to appreciate the creative talents of local artists and discover unique masterpieces that capture the essence of the Eastern Shore. The Danny Doughty Gallery is a good place to start.

Barrier Islands Center

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the barrier islands through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours.

Eastern Shore Railway Museum

Eastern-Shore-Railway-Museum Parksley-VA
Eastern Shore Railway Museum – Photo credit: Rick Huey

Delve into the Virginia Eastern Shore railroad history with engaging exhibits and historic train cars at this unique museum located in Parksley Virginia.

The Artisans Guild

Support local artists and craftspeople by visiting their studios, attending workshops, and purchasing one-of-a-kind, handmade items.

Birdwatching and Nature Walks

Discover the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Shore with guided or self-guided birdwatching excursions and nature walks.

Local Cuisine

Savor the flavors of the Eastern Shore by dining at local eateries, indulging in seafood specialties such as crab cakes, oyster stew, and clams.

Search for Sea Glass

While visiting the Eastern Shore, take the opportunity to comb the shores of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, searching for mesmerizing sea glass treasures shaped by the waves and tides.

Places to Eat

When it comes to dining, you will need to travel south for the best eatery options. Exmore, just 6 miles away, features several great selections. Exmore Diner, Mama Judith’s, and El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, are a few of the more popular restaurants in town.

Places to Stay

If you are looking for hotels in Painter VA, you have a couple of options. Since there are no lodging options within the town limits, there are several hotels in Exmore and the Wachapreague Inn, in nearby Wachapreague VA.

Population

As of 2021, the Painter VA population is 273.

Zip Code

The Painter VA zip code is 23420.

Weather

The climate for Painter VA is moderate throughout the year. It averages 45 inches of rain per year which is slightly higher than the national average of 38 inches.

If you love the sun, Painter boosts 215 days of sunshine annually!

The wettest month of the year is July, with an average rainfall of 5 inches. July is also the hottest month of the summer with an average high of 87°F.

January is the coldest month of the year, with an average low of 31°F. But don’t pack your skis when visiting Painter Virginia in the winter as the yearly snowfall is less than 6 inches.

Chart by DiscoverESVA

Hope you enjoyed our Painter VA Travel Guide. Be sure to leave a comment below. Thank you!

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DISCOVER ESVA

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Lankford Highway

New Church, VA 23415

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