Ever want to meet an alpaca eye-to-eye? Have a yearning for produce fresh from the farm? If you’re looking for rural charm, Farmville’s the place to be!
It’s easy to be charmed by alpacas at Bright Eyes Alpaca Retreat where you’ll meet the “girls” and take a farm tour on everything alpaca. If you’re really into alpacas, book a weekend at Bright Eyes’ Airbnb apartment onsite.
While enjoying your weekend in Farmville, be sure to visit the Farmville Community Marketplace. Located on North Street within easy walking distance of Green Front, the Market’s open every Saturday from mid-April through early October from 9 am til 1 pm. It’s the perfect place to pick up locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat, home-baked goods and handcrafted items — and it’s open rain or shine.
If horticulture’s your thing, swing by the Prince Edward Extension Office and tour the Bayscape Garden that circles the building. Maintained by the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners, the Bayscape Garden emphasizes the use of native plants to protect streams, rivers, and the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
More water adventure awaits at the annual James River Batteau Festival. Experience Virginia’s rural past up-close-and-personal during the eight-day event that recreates the journey of wooden cargo vessels that once hauled tobacco down the James River from Lynchburg to Powhatan. Kayakers and canoeists are welcome to float alongside the 18th century vessels manned by crews in period costume.
If you’re into rural nostalgia, don’t miss the Five County Fair held every year in late September. You can grab a front-row seat for the Sheep and Goat Show or stroll through exhibits of farm crops, home-canned products and baked goods — and be sure not to miss the biggest pumpkin contest! There’s excitement and glamour at the Miss Five County Fair Pageant, and even more excitement on the midway with rides, games, hot dogs and cotton candy.
Alpacas, farmer’s markets and pumpkin contests are all perfect reasons to steal away for a weekend, or even just a day, and treat yourself to a taste of farm charm.