While travel may look a bit different this year, Virginia still has much to offer in the way of safe escapes. So if you’re still feeling some wanderlust – or WanderLove, as we call it – start packing your car and hit the road in central and southern Virginia.
**Know before you go! Please wear a mask or face covering when indoors and observe Virginia’s current safety guidelines when you travel. Before visiting, be sure to contact individual businesses for the most up-to-date hours and info.
ROUTE 360: RICHMOND TO FARMVILLE
Before leaving Downtown Richmond, stretch your legs and get a prime view of the river at the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that runs above the James and spans from Brown’s Island to Manchester and stop by Legend Brewing Company for pub fare paired with skyline views.
Leave downtown through the Manchester neighborhood, crossing the James River and following Route 360 (Hull Street), where you’ll discover the Metro Richmond Zoo’s exotic animals like kangaroos, orangutans, giraffes and lions.
Continue on to Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Park, another excellent stop along your Richmond to Farmville route. Conquer the treetop course, then rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards to set out on the reservoir. Consider spending the night at this amazing adventure park, as their luxury glamping tipis are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Upon arriving in Farmville, head to High Bridge Trail State Park to walk, jog or bike along 31 multi-use miles with beautiful aerial views of the Appomattox River. Rent bikes from Outdoor Adventure Store, located right on the trail in Downtown Farmville.
Peruse Green Front Furniture Company, which has nearly a million square feet of showroom space in 13 shops and warehouses for all tastes, from sleek and modern to exotic and colorful to tastefully classic. Before leaving downtown, walk through Longwood University’s campus to enjoy gorgeous architecture and get a taste of the local college experience.
Visit the Robert Russa Moton Museum to learn about Farmville’s important contributions in the battle for Civil Rights in Education. The site of the first non-violent student demonstration, the schoolhouse-turned-museum explores the regional history that led to the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case.
Eat, Drink & Stay
Charley’s Waterfront Cafe—Downtown Farmville restaurant with upscale, family-friendly dining.
North Street Press Club—Burgers and sandwiches in Downtown Farmville with patio seating.
Three Roads Brewing Company—Craft brewery in Downtown Farmville with outdoor seating.
Hotel Weyanoke—Newly renovated pet-friendly boutique hotel in Downtown Farmville with on-site dining and a rooftop bar.
Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Retreat—Fully furnished log cabins, a cottage and glamping tipis on a 23-acre farm outside of Farmville.
ROUTE 15: FARMVILLE TO CLARKSVILLE
Leaving Farmville, pick up Route 15 and enjoy the scenic drive to Clarksville.
Clarksville is known as “Virginia’s only lakeside town” due to its location on the shores of Kerr Lake, also called Bugg’s Island Lake. Experience the best of the area’s outdoor adventures at Occonechee State Park, where you can rent paddle boards or kayaks, fish the 50,000 acre manmade lake, and walk shaded shoreline trails.
Before leaving Clarksville, walk along Virginia Avenue and peruse some of the local shops like The Cottage Barn or Galleria on the Lake to browse local artwork, home decor and a selection of gourmet foods and wines.
Eat, Drink & Stay
Buggs Island Brewing Company—Clarksville craft brewery.
Lamplighter Restaurant & Lounge—Clarksville casual dining restaurant that serves full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
Occonechee State Park – park your RV, pitch your tent or cozy up in one of 13 cabins for an overnight stay.
Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern—Historic home in Clarksville that has been renovated into a beautiful pet-friendly inn.
ROUTE 58: CLARKSVILLE TO DANVILLE
Take Route 58 west towards Danville, stopping in charming South Boston and Halifax along the way to your final destination: Danville.
Walk or bike the nine-mile Danville Riverwalk Trail or head to Ballou Park’s disc golf course. Mountain bikers love the Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trail System, one of the longest single track mountain biking trails in the region, offering a variety of trails for every level.
Discover local history along Millionaires’ Row, a long section of Main Street boasting pristine Victorian and Edwardian homes. The five historic and architecturally-significant churches bring Danville’s “City of Churches” moniker to life.
Eat, Drink & Stay
Southern Plenty Cafe—Eccentric South Boston coffee shop, cafe and boutique.
Mucho Taqueria—Eclectic taco restaurant and tequila bar in Danville’s River District.
Heart Line Restaurant—Classic greasy spoon diner in Danville that is popular with the locals and known for their delicious and affordable meals, especially breakfast.
Ballad Brewing—Craft brewery in Downtown Danville.
Berry Hill Resort—Historic South Boston luxury resort on 650 acres; spa, on-site dining options, and an indoor pool. The Lodge at Virginia International Raceway—Lodge and private villas located alongside the racetrack at Virginia International Raceway.
For more road trip ideas, check out Virginia’s WanderLove getaways!
Cover Photo: High Bridge Trail State Park, photo by Ali Zaman
