Looking for a perfect way to finish off a warm ride on the High Bridge Trail during the warmest months? Need to round out a toasty day of shopping downtown Farmville and exploring the Civil Rights walking trail with something sure to cool you down? We have the perfect thing. When the weather is this hot, there is one activity that trumps everything else. The feeling of splashing into cool water on a sweltering hot day is one that is hard to replace.
From small splashes to big swims, we’ve made a list of the best places around Farmville to find that one-of-a-kind refreshment that only taking a dip can offer. Read on to discover our favorites.
The Longwood Fountains
Perfect for little ones and for those looking for a less serious “dip commitment”, the fountains on Longwood University’s campus are located in the center of Brock Commons and Beal Plaza above a 142-space parking garage. Free of charge and surrounded with shaded tables, bring a towel and even your pooch and enjoy these towering jets of water that invite you to run through them (like your favorite sprinkler, only better).
Twin Lakes State Park, Bear Creek Lake State Park & Holliday Lake State Park
How about bringing some nature, trails and the great outdoors into your swimming experience? Farmville’s three surrounding state parks, Twin Lakes State Park, Bear Creek Lake State Park and Holliday Lake State Park provide a way to do just that. Available at just the cost of parking ($7), these gorgeous parks offer three un-lifeguarded beaches and swimming from dusk to dawn. Load up the family, pack a picnic and enjoy burgers and hotdogs on the available grills between cannonballs in the cool lake water.
Photo Credit: Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
Take a pause from swimming to check out miles of lakeside trails, interpretive programs and so much more. Each of these state parks offers swimming plus so much more, including canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals to make your time outside even more of an adventure. Don’t forget the sunscreen for these visits, because we can guarantee there will be a day or more of things to do, see, explore and of course, swim. Can’t get enough state park fun? You can purchase an annual membership for free parking at all Virginia State Parks for the year for $85.
Appomattox River
We couldn’t leave our beloved Appomattox River out of this round up of good places to cool off around Farmville. Although generally not ideal or recommended for swimming due to fluctuating water levels and other variants, there are a few great spots for dipping your toes in.
First up, the concrete boat landing at Riverside Park. Although seldom used for actual boats, canoes or kayaks, the sloping concrete pad makes a perfect path down to the water’s edge and a great spot for dipping toes in and light wading. Also, this is a perfect place to get a little closer to the slow-flowing, shaded beauty of the river itself. Water shoes and bug spray are definitely recommended for this adventure.
Second, when visiting the High Bridge Trail from the Camp Paradise entrance, trails leading beneath the bridge allow access to one or two small spots where visitors can wade in the water and score unique views of the bridge from below. Note that since the High Bridge Trail is a state park, parking fees of $7 apply. Again, proper footwear and bug spray are highly recommended. This area is available per park guidelines from dawn till dusk.
No matter what you’re up to around Farmville, from shopping to exploring, we hope these dips, dives and cool-off spots will inspire you to stay a while longer, get a little cooler, and find a few more things to love.