If you want to take a step back in time and visit a small Virginia town, then take a beautiful county drive to Clifton. There are NO chain stores here. In fact, there are only 1-2 shops and several restaurants. The main draw are the historical markers along the railroad tracks that describe their history and importance and the quaint 1900's architecture. The first railroad station, now gone, was built around 1850. The railroad was important during the Civil War with many battles fought near this border town. The town remains unchanged since the 1930's. Colorful homes line the street each telling a story. Amenities are limited. There is some street parking and a small parking lot behind Buckley's store. Parking is free. The only restrooms are in the restaurants. All the restaurants are good. Gas up before you come. read more

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This is a nice town in Virginia. Surrounded by both Fairfax and Prince William Counties, bring cash and credit cards. Nothing is cheap here. In many ways it's a lot like Middleburg. On a plus note I do like the trains a lot. Also the caboose exhibit is a nice aspect. Yet do take care, as the main road can be fairly congested. Old Town Alexandria or Fairfax, are more foot traffic friendly. Is it pretty? Yes. The old church and general stores are very attractive. Seeing the old Texaco sign is always pleasant. There are some expensive craft shops and restaurants. Petersons Ice Cream, is higher than most, but I do love them for a dessert treat. Parking can be a challenge, but overall small and quaint. read more

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Totally awesome. Think of Clifton, VA more of an intersection among 3 roads and less as a 'town'. Only come if you've got a stack of $100 bills, boy. Because that is all it is. The cluster features some wine stores, post office, a few bars, breakfast place, cafe, restaurants and shops in the antique/vintage field. All around are fields, forests and mansions. Clifton is a properly old and rustic, but also a quaint village that suits ideally for a visit to get away from the hustle elsewhere. Across the tracks are tourist signs, benches, in the summer umbrellas for shade to sit under and a small smattering of stores and shops to venture near and window browse. Take note: the businesses get crowded on nice days as there are few of them and lots of people visiting. Clifton, VA was originally along a rail line, that cut its way through Old Dominion and connected the town to the rest of the state. Along this train line, many skirmishes happened during the Civil War - when Northern Union soldiers and Southern Rebels took evasive actions against each other. Clifton is splendid. Once you are in the town, nobody wants to leave as it is in a small valley. Old timers show up in revamped sports cars, couples dawdle and youngsters run about (obviously drunk). It's fun! Clifton is a small oasis. Rebel review: 5 read more

"Historic" is the best term to describe Clifton, a quaint little town full of history that is perfect for spending an afternoon walking around and exploring. Established in 1868, it was declared a National Historic District by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1985. Parking is readily available. Walking down Main Street, almost every building has a sign outside that explains the history and provides a fun fact of the structure. I enjoyed stopping at each building and learning about its significance. On Chapel Road, there's a bunch of shops, including Cupcaked, a beautiful store selling a variety of baked goods. On Main Street, there is Peterson's Ice Cream Depot, which apparently was voted Best Ice Cream in Northern Virginia. I was surprised to discover that Clifton also boasts a restaurant, Trummer's On Main, that was one of the 2015 RAMMY finalists and was nominated in three different categories! Clifton is definitely worth a visit, but do be warned that cell phone service is a bit dodgy to non-existent here (part of the town's "historic" charm I guess!). read more

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Take some time to check out this national historic district in Clifton VA. It's a small town established in 1869. They have several interesting shops and a lot of places to get some really good food. I stopped at the Wine Attic while I was there and sampled some natural honey and a few wines. There are train tracks that cut through the town so every 30 minutes or so you will hear one come by. This is a nice spot to explore if you are out and about around the area. read more

What a great escape from the clutter of dmv...it feels like another state. They have plenty to do. Ice cream. Parks. Restaurants. Bars. I love going to eat and then get ice cream and just read all the cool facts. Like how this small town used to be the biggest town in fairfax. Hilarious. O love having date night here with my family and enjoying the sites and the train. The drive there is a joy with turns and hills. Really relaxed drive. I love the history of Clifton read more

Clifton is one of my favorite cities in VA, almost the entire city is historical, and every house is still owned which makes it not accessible for visitors, yet they all have signs next to the houses that tells you a brief history behind the house and its' owners. This city is located at 12748, Richards Ln, Clifton, VA 20124. There is also a railroad going throw the city with one very very old train truck left on a side that you can take pictures with it and take a look at the old styles. Also one of the interesting buildings is the old church in the middle of the city and a house that was owned by a man who died on the titanic. I think this city is very interesting for architects and historians and also visitor. They have a wonderful Italian restaurant by the railroad which was amazing, and couple of other stores that worth seeing. I went there on Tuesday, august 4, 2015, and I gave it a 4 star because couple of the houses were modernized and also it doesn't have a museum or at least one house for visitors to go to and look around. read more