Clifton, town in Virginia
Clifton is a small town in Fairfax County, Virginia, that developed around an old railroad station. Spanning less than one square mile, it contains many restored early 20th-century buildings, including homes with white fences, shops, restaurants, and churches concentrated mainly along Main Street.
Clifton emerged during the Civil War when the Union Army built a railroad station called Devereux Station as a supply point. After the war, New York developer Harrison Otis expanded the town by constructing a new depot and hotel that attracted wealthy visitors from Washington.
The name Clifton comes from the 19th-century railroad station and shapes the town's character today. Residents and visitors use the historic buildings along Main Street as restaurants, shops, and gathering places, keeping the old architecture alive and active.
The town is less than an hour by car from Washington DC and easily reached by scenic roads. The central area is completely walkable, with restaurants, shops, and parks within short walking distance of each other.
Screenwriter Jeff Arch wrote much of the screenplay for the film 'Sleepless in Seattle' while living on Main Street. This made the small town an interesting place for film fans seeking to explore the locations that inspired a well-known movie.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
