The Plains is a small incorporated town in Fauquier County, Virginia, United States.

[9] In the 18th century, the Colony of Virginia progressively expanded westward and allowed Europeans to begin to construct settlements in the area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.3 square miles (0.7 km2), all of it land.

[8] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

The Plains is home to Great Meadow, a large open-air and open-field facility that hosts several large events throughout the year, such as the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase horse race, which attracts over 50,000 guests on the first Saturday of each May, as well as being the home of the Team America Rocketry Challenge held in the same month.

[16] Archwood Green Barns Farmer's Market features fresh, homemade and local products.

A museum exhibit, "Footprint to Change", is located at 4243 Loudoun Avenue near the train tracks that go through town.

The building houses the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County offices, library and archives as well as the museum.

1786), the third oldest Baptist church in Virginia, lies 4 miles (6 km) north of The Plains in the unincorporated area called Halfway.

Actor Robert Duvall once owned a restaurant in The Plains called "The Rail Stop", named after the Norfolk Southern B-Line, which runs through the town.

[18] The town is also home to a seasonal corn maze owned and operated by a family in Charlottesville.