This partial list of city nicknames in Virginia compiles the aliases, sobriquets and slogans that cities in the U.S. state of Virginia are known by (or have been known by historically), officially and unofficially, to municipal governments, local people, outsiders or their tourism boards or chambers of commerce.
City nicknames can establish a civic identity, help outsiders recognize a community, attract people to a community because of its nickname, promote civic pride, and build community unity. Nicknames and slogans that successfully create a new community "ideology or myth" are also believed to have economic value. This value is difficult to measure, but there are anecdotal reports of cities that have achieved substantial economic benefits by "branding" themselves by adopting new slogans.
Some unofficial nicknames are positive, while others are derisive. The unofficial nicknames listed here have been in use for a long time or have gained wide currency. Bristol – The Birthplace of Country Music (shares this nickname with Bristol, Tennessee) Charlottesville Cville So Very Virginia Colonial Beach – Oyster Capital of the Potomac Fredericksburg America's Most Historic City Where History Never Gets Old Harrisonburg – The Friendly City Honaker – Redbud Capital of the World Lexington The Paris of Southwest Virginia Home of Hamric House Lynchburg City of Seven Hills The Hill CityBarry Popik, Smoky City , barrypopik.com website, March 27, 2005 Newport News Bad News Norfolk – Life, Celebrated Daily Mermaid City, USA Portsmouth – P-Town Radford – The New River City Richmond Capital of the South The River CityHistory: River City Observed , Discover Richmond website RVA Dirt City Roanoke Magic City Star City of the South Virginia Beach Neptune City The Resort City VA Beach Williamsburg The Burg The Colonial Capital Thrilliamsburg Billysburg Winchester – Apple Capital of the World