THE 2016 VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE – AND A WHOLE LOT MORE.
10 Things to See and Do In and Around Farmville, Virginia.
When Longwood University made national news for being chosen as the site of the October 4 Vice Presidential debate, its out-of-the-way location in southern Virginia – in a town called Farmville, no less! – was part of the story.
True, Farmville is a small town, and a very charming one. But the abundance of things to see and do, in town and nearby, is a revelation to many. Think two-college town, furniture shopping, history and outdoor fun. Here are a few of the highlights:
High Bridge
Enjoy a dramatic hike or bike ride 125 feet above the Appomattox River. High Bridge Trail is a 31-mile converted “rail trail” for hiking and biking. High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia, and one of the longest in the United States. You can rent bikes at the Outdoor Adventure Store in Downtown Farmville, then jump on the trail a block away and embark on your 4.5-mile ride to the bridge. A must-see attraction!
R.R. Moton Museum
The former Moton High School, now a National Historic Landmark and museum, tells the story of a 1951 student strike that helped ignite the Civil Rights era. Led by 16-year-old Barbara Johns, the Moton Student Strike produced three-fourths of the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the landmark Supreme Court decision desegregating U.S. schools.
Green Front Furniture
Spread over six blocks of Downtown Farmville, Green Front Furniture comprises 12 buildings of furniture, including three converted tobacco warehouses, filled with fine furnishings, rugs, imports and accessories. This discount furniture powerhouse is a destination in itself, drawing fervent fans from hundreds of miles away.
Hampden-Sydney College
Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney began as the southernmost representative of the “Log College” form of higher education established by the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians in America, whose academic ideal was the University of Edinburgh, seat of the Scottish Enlightenment. Its Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum promotes the history of the College and its role in the history of Virginia and our nation.
The Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat
Just six miles southeast of Downtown Farmville, the Adventure Park features 20 zip lines and 60 obstacles, making it Virginia’s largest and grandest aerial adventure park.
Outdoor Lover’s Paradise
Hiking. Biking. Boating. Fishing. Kayaking. Canoeing. Swimming. Camping. Horseback riding. If you’re into the outdoors, you’re in the right place! Farmville is surrounded by rivers and streams and two of Virginia’s finest bass fishing lakes – Briery Creek Lake and Sandy River Reservoir – making it a fisherman’s paradise. With five state parks, four wildlife management areas, and three state forests within a short drive, it’s a great place to experience the great outdoors.
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts
Located a block from the Longwood University campus in the heart of Downtown Farmville, the LCVA celebrates art with the community through exhibits, programs, activities and educational outreach. All exhibitions and opening receptions are free and open to the public.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
On April 6, 1865, nearly a quarter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army, more than 7,700 men, were killed, wounded or captured here. Historical interpreters present programs and living history events at various times throughout the year. There are three hiking trails with interpretive signs describing these important battles of the closing days of the Civil War.
Farmville Municipal Golf Course/The Manor Golf Course
Both are just minutes from Downtown. Farmville’s 9-hole public course offers competition to golfers of all skill levels. There’s also a full practice facility including a driving range, practice bunker and practice putting green. The Manor’s 18-hole public course was chosen as one of the “Best New Golf Courses of 2007” by Golf Digest Magazine.
Virginia’s Heartland Regional Visitor Center
Stop by to get more information on these and many more things to see and do in and around Farmville. The Visitor Center – which also includes the Transportation Heritage Museum – is located at 121 East Third Street, just one block off Main Street in Downtown Farmville. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
Go to visitfarmville.com to plan your excursion today!