Area Attractions

Things to Do

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Angler’s Ridge Trail Association

434.251.8177 The Angler’s Ridge Trail Association is composed of avid mountain-bike enthusiasts. It organizes races for its members and for the public on the Angler’s Ridge Trail System. The ATA also maintains and improves this challenging trail and continues to make this system the best it can be.

Altillo Vineyards & Winery

434.324.4160 Altillo Vineyards and Winery (formerly named Altavista Vineyards and Winery) is a small family-run vineyard and winery that specializes in limited production of finely crafted wines. It is located four miles south of Altavista, VA, just 6.5 miles from US Hwy 29.

American Armored Foundation Tank Museum

434.836.3532 Journey into the pages of military history at the most extensive international collection of tank and cavalry artifacts in the world. Collection dates from 1509 to present. Exhibits of 100 tanks and artillery pieces, over 1200 uniforms, 1500 pieces of headgear, Sandbox Soldier exhibit, International Hall of Tank & Calvary Generals and much more is awaiting your visit. Learn and explore military history thru the eyes of the soldier. Prepare yourself for an adventure for both young and old alike.

Birch Creek Motorsports Park

434.836.7629 Birch Creek, located at 12725 Kentuck Road, Sutherlin, attracts bikers from around the country. The Park has a 1.5 mile natural terrain AMA-sanctioned motocross track and an ATV TT National track with lights. The Park hosts many AMA-and ATVA-sanctioned events.

Birthplace of Lady Astor

434.791.2256 • 434.799.0190 Viscountess Nancy Astor was born in Danville, May 19, 1879. She became the first woman to sit in British Parliament. Her sister, Irene, married artist Charles Dana Gibson and inspired the famous “Gibson Girl”. A historical marker is located at the corner of Broad and Main Streets. The Langhorne House is located at 117 Broad Street and is open on Saturdays from 2 - 5 p.m. Tours are also available by appointment.

Callands Clerk’s Office

434.432.9338 Small, but boasting the charm of Williamsburg, is the restored Callands clerk’s office 11 miles west of Chatham. It was built around 1770 after Pittsylvania County was cut from Halifax County in 1767. Tours available with sufficient advance notice. Precious American Revolutionary history revolved around here. A dispatch of 1775 describes a meeting in the Callands courthouse where they elected a Committee of Safety to line up against King George III. The annual Callands Festival (also called the Autumn Potpourri festival) is held here every year the first weekend of October.

Civil War Sites

434.793.4636 A self-guided driving tour brochure of 14 Civil War sites in the Danville area is available at the Danville Welcome Center The tour includes the National Cemetery, Civil War prison, and Sutherlin Mansion.

Cooper’s Radio Controlled Race Center

434.724.7342 Indoor - dirt oval track radio controlled racing and hobby shop located at 4000 Sago Road, Chatham.

Caswell Council for the Arts

Yanceyville, NC • 336.694.4474 Founded in 1977 as a way to celebrate the Arts in Caswell County. It has successfully kept the arts alive through performing arts series and gallery programs.

The Crossing at the Dan

434.797.8961 The Crossing at the Dan, once the bustling Danville & Richmond Rail Yard, has been transformed into educational, entertainment, and recreational facilities. Visitors can shop for farm fresh produce at The Community

PHOTO BY DAN VADEN

PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

Market, attend a concert at the Carrington Pavilion, play with interactive science exhibits at The Danville Science Center, attend some of the special events or walk/ bike along the Riverwalk Trail.

Danville OTTerBOTS

danvillebaseball21@gmail.com • 434.554.4487 The Danville Otterbots are a summer collegiate baseball team of the Appalachian League. They are located in Danville, Virginia, and play their home games at American Legion Field. Visit the Otterbots website for season information or to purchase tickets online.

Danville Community Market

434.797.8961 Located at 629 Craghead Street. The market opens at 8:00 am. Visit the Market every Saturday, May through October. Find your favorite and locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants, farm products, and arts & crafts. For additional information contact the Market Manager.

PHOTO BY DAN VADEN

The Danville Concert Association

434.792.9242 Enriching the lives of Danville-area residents for 64 years, The Danville Concert Association is proud of its legacy of musical excellence. Every fall it offers affordable season tickets to a series of four or five classical music and dance performances.

Danville Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds

434.822.6850 The place for Demolition Derbys, Truck and Tractor Pulls, Rodeos, and the DanvillePittsylvania County Fair! The fairgrounds and all of its events offer fun for all ages. Located on 2400 Cavalier Road, Ringgold, off route 62.

Danville Symphony Orchestra

434.797.2666 The Danville Symphony includes talented musicians who share their music through several yearly free concerts.

Danville Welcome Center

434.793.4636 The Danville Welcome Center is conveniently located at 645 River Park Drive across from Dan Daniel Park just off the Danville Expressway. The design of the building, its furnishings, and the beautiful view receive compliments on a daily basis from visitors, who are treated as “guests.” The staff welcomes all and assists them with their travel or purchases from the well-stocked gift shop.

Estelle H. Womack Natural History Collection

434.791.5160 Located at Danville Science Center Science Station (old train station), the museum is dedicated to increasing public awareness of our natural environment. The collection includes mounted animals, native birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects as well as Indian artifacts, fossils and minerals. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9:30 to 5, Sunday from 11:30 to 5:00, and for group tours by reservations.

Gretna Little Theatre

434.656.3377 Built in the mid 1900s,, the Gretna Little Theatre originally served as a movie theater before being converted into a grocery store. Later a “Dime” store moved into the location. In October 2006 the Gretna Little Theatre was reborn Today it meshes the illustrious history of the theater with a modern touch that makes an enjoyable movie experience for all.

Grist Mills, Pittsylvania County

434.432.2172 During the 18th and 19th centuries, about 100 grist mills were built on Pittsylvania’s waterways. Today, three remain in operation and can be visited by the public.

Grove Street Cemetery

434.793.4636 Danville’s oldest cemetery dating back to post-Revolutionary War days. A detailed brochure is available at the Danville Welcome Center.

The Little Theatre of Danville

434.250.0506 The Little Theatre of Danville, Inc. has created theatrical magic in Southside Virginia since 1948. It has provided entertainment for audiences in the Southside Virginia/Piedmont North Carolina region with stage productions, audience-participation murder mysteries, comedy, drama, and musicals.

Martinsville Speedway

1.877.722.3849 A trip to the Martinsville Speedway is more than a race. It is an experience you will always remember. From the noise of the fans and the cars whirring around the track to the food vendors, souvenir stands, camping, and friendly locals, you will enjoy every moment of your visit to the track.

Millionaire’s Row

434.793.4636 Danville is home to one of the pre-eminent collections of Victorian and Edwardianera architecture in the Commonwealth. Millionaire’s Row is a symbol of Danville’s, and the South’s, history. These mansions are typically not open for public tours; however, the Danville Welcome Center has a Victorian Walking Tour brochure, as well as The Secrets Inside brochure with information and contact numbers.

The Historic North Theatre

434.793.SHOW (7469) Come see a top professional live show at the beautifully restored Historic North Theatre Performing Arts Center in Danville, VA. In 2005 this beautiful 1947 art deco, live/movie theatre underwent a complete $3.5 million restoration. This charming venue seats 500 with a full balcony. In 2012 World Champion Illusionist Wayne Alan became the new owner and after additional renovations he reopened it on the 65th Anniversary of the original opening. The theatre hosts top celebrity touring concerts and shows, a number of other productions, festivals and special events, in addition to Mr. Alan’s theatre touring show. Meeting & special event facilities available.

The Homeplace Vineyard

434.432.9463 The Homeplace farm has been a family operation for four generations, and we are proud of our heritage. The farm was originally purchased in 1912. Traditionally a tobacco farm, the first grapes were planted in March 2005 and currently grows approximately 5,600 vines on just over 9 acres. Logs were taken from several tobacco barns to construct a cabin as the tasting room. The cabin is located on the site of the original homeplace house, which was destroyed by fire in December, 1979.

The National Cemetery

Located on Lee Street, the National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 1,300 Union soldiers. Most of these Civil War veterans died in one of the city’s six infamous prisoner-of-war camps, including Confederate Prison No. 6, which still stands in downtown Danville. The national cemetery also features four group burials containing the remains of World War II soldiers who died overseas.

The National TobaccoTextile Museum

The exhibit has a limited selection of items that were displayed at the museum in Danville. For the past 10 years the items have been in storage; in February 2013, the exhibit became a part of the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex located on U.S. 29 north of Chatham. The museum is open 9 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday for self-guided tours.

Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex

Chatham, VA The Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex is a multipurpose facility. It’s mission, through the Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation, is to promote and support local agriculture while offering a community based facility to educate and entertain. It is a venue for the Virginia Grown Farmers’ Market which features fresh products produced locally within Pittsylvania, Henry, Franklin, Bedford, Campbell, & Halifax counties throughout growing season. The James T. Emerson Education & Conference Center has a maximum capacity of 500 people which can be divided up into three classrooms which accommodate up to 150 people each. The Complex features a 53,000 square foot covered arena that is perfectly suited to host a variety of activities from concerts, antique shows, rodeos, to livestock shows, equestrian events or cattle sales. And it currently houses a tobacco exhibit on loan for the The National Tobacco-Textile Museum.

Piedmont Arts Association

Martinsville, VA • 276.632.3221 A part of the Martinsville-Henry County community since 1961, when Virginia Museum of Fine Arts encouraged the formation of a statewide network of local chapters, Piedmont Arts has been bringing visual arts, performing arts and arts education to Southern Virginia for over 50 years. Piedmont Arts’ galleries feature rotating exhibits of work by national and international artists. The museum also hosts performing arts on and off site, including concerts, plays and lectures. Piedmont Arts’ mission is to facilitate ongoing enrichment of the lives of the people of Martinsville, Henry County and the surrounding area, through positive exposure, education and experiences in the visual and performing arts. Through these efforts, Piedmont Arts also contributes to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of our community.

PHOTO BY DAN VADEN

Pittsylvania County History Research Center and Library

434.432.8931 The Center is located in the renovated 1918 Southern Railway Depot just off Depot Street in Chatham. In addition to preserving local veterans’ history, it is important to provide recognition of the contributions that a railroad presence had on the economic and social foundation of Chatham and Pittsylvania County. The station agent’s section contains a model train exhibit representing the 1874 rail line through the County. The Center is also a museum with temporary and permanent artifact exhibits, including clothing, tools, crafts, and photographs. The library provides computers for research as well as a state-of-the art microfilm reader/printer, printed resources, and databases. 434.793.4636 Giving people the chance to come out and enjoy nature, the Riverwalk Trail is a ninemile path that exposes you to some of the best views in Danville. The trail will take you through different parks, historic sites, and local businesses.

Pittsylvania Co. Courthouse

434.432.2041 Built in 1853, this Greek Revival structure has been elegantly restored. The clerk’s office maintains records back to 1747 and provides in-depth genea-logical records. Open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Prizery, South Boston VA

434.572.8339 The Prizery is an arts and cultural center located in a 38,000 square foot building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the South Boston Historic Tobacco Warehouse District, and is considered to be the most architecturally prominent and interesting of the 15 buildings in the 20 acre district. Renovation began in 2002, and the facility includes a welcome center, a performing arts theatre, an art gallery, classrooms and a large space for community functions. Today the Prizery plays host to performers from throughout the world in the 250-seat Chastain Theatre, exhibits art in the Robert F. Cage Art Gallery, provides venues for events and rentals, houses a Revolutionary War exhibit called the Crossing of the Dan, and makes a wide range of classes available - from music to art.

The Richmond-Miles Museum

336.694.4965 Located in the Graves-Florence-Gatewood house on Main Street in Yanceyville, North Carolina. The Museum was the home of the late Caswell artist, Maude Gatewood, and is now the headquarters for the Caswell County Historical Association.

The Secrets Inside - Guided Walking Tour

434.770.1974 An easy 60-90 minute brisk walk takes you into the heart of Danville, Virginia’s Historic District. Your guide will tell stories about the buildings ... and the secrets within their walls. The tour begins on the back step of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. Reservations are required. There are no tours on major holidays.

Simpson Funeral Museum

434.432.1085 The Museum serves as a historical resource to provide the public with a learning experience on the history of funeral service. The location of the museum is the original site of the first funeral home in Chatham, Virginia, in the late 1800’s. Located at 16 South Main Street, Chatham.

Smith Mountain Lake and Visitors Center and Dam

540.985.2587 The visitor’s center at Smith Mountain is open to the public with a view overlooking the dam. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public every day.

Sounds Around

Danville, VA - Digital Audio Tours In the heart of Southern Virginia, Danville and Pittsylvania County are home to three great museums and a multitude of cultural opportunities. From historical landmarks to state-of-the-art research laboratories, there is something for everyone to learn and experience in the region. Stories abound, woven in and around the rich and varied history of the region. This menu of audio podcasts provides a glimpse of some of the highlights here. Continued on page 86

PHOTO BY MICHELLE DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Continued from page 85

South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History

434.572.9200 The museum is operated for the collection, exhibition, and preservation of antiques, works of art, books, and physical items, which are historically significant to the past, present, and future heritage of Halifax County and Southside Virginia. It further performs and encourages research, publishes, exhibits, and preserves the results of such research.

South Boston Speedway

434.572.4947 Dubbed “America’s Hometown Track” South Boston Speedway has been attracting drivers from across Virginia and the nation for 48 years. The history of South Boston Speedway is legendary as are the legions of drivers who have raced here. Racing begins in April and runs through early November. South Boston has produced a number of drivers who have gone on to find success in NASCAR’S national series.

Tomahawk Mill Winery

434.432.1063 (appt) In 1888, a few miles from Chatham, Virginia, James Anderson opened his Tomahawk Creek grist mill to serve local farmers. One hundred years later, the mill was closed, and the first grapes were planted on the hill above the mill pond. The first Chardonnay vintage was produced in 1990.

Town of Chatham Walking Tour

434.432.8153 Established as a town in 1777 during the American Revolution, Chatham features domestic Victorian and post-Victorian architecture. Walking tour brochures available at the Town of Chatham or on the web site.

Veterans Memorial

434.793.0884 The Veterans Memorial is a beautiful tribute to all the Veterans who “did what they had to do.” It stands as a reminder for generations to come of all the brave men and women who gave of themselves to protect the freedom that we enjoy. Over 5500 Veterans are honored with an individual brick on the Memorial Walkway located in the Dan Daniel Park, River Point Drive, Danville. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

The White Oak Mountain Meadery

888.264.6323 (appt) Small family-run meadery located on 340 East Store Lane, Chatham.

Wreck of the Old 97 & Old 97 Mural

434.793.4636 On September 27, 1903, a Southern Express train crashed in Danville killing eleven persons and injuring six. The event inspired the famous ballad of the same name. Marker is located on U.S. 58 between Locust Lane and North Main Street at the train crash site. The Old 97 is depicted in Danville’s first historic mural which was completed in December 2005 by mural artist and illustrator Wes Hardin.

Yates Tavern

The only block-house standing in Pittsylvania County and possibly the state, Yates Tavern is located on U.S. 29 business about a fourth of a mile south of Gretna. It was built around 1750 and sheltered travelers in what was then a western wilderness. The Yates family came to Pittsylvania County earlier than 1767 when both John Yates and John Yates Jr. were listed among the first tithables. It is not clear which of the Yates family members built the tavern.