Ready for a reset? As the busy summer season winds down, it’s time to plan that last vacation. If you’ve been searching for the perfect spot to pause and take a breath, look no further than Farmville, Virginia!
As a wellness destination, Farmville boasts natural spaces, healthful fare and a welcome retreat from the noise of the wider world. So get ready to refocus; reconnect with your own mind, body and spirit; and have a truly transformative experience right in the heart of Virginia.
Enjoy Energizing Outdoor Recreation
As the only county in Virginia with three state parks, Prince Edward takes outdoor recreation seriously! With benefits such as increased fitness, elevated Vitamin D levels, and stress reduction, the simple act of spending time outside can improve your overall health. Here in the Farmville area, we offer some of the best boating, hiking, and biking around.
The Manor Golf Club
For a relaxing round of golf, visit the idyllic Manor Golf Club right on the edge of town. With five sets of tees on each hole, the Manor is ideal for golfers of all experience levels. Practice facilities include a two-tiered driving range, and individual or group lessons can be booked ahead of time. The Manor offers senior days, military and first responder discounts and a price reduction for local Hampden-Sydney and Longwood students. So grab a set of clubs and take a ride through the countryside. What are you waiting for?
High Bridge and Twin Lakes State Parks
Want to get your heart rate up? Grab your bike (or your horse!) and explore High Bridge Trail State Park, a 32-mile-long route that intersects Farmville’s Main Street. Formerly a railbed, this flat, wide trail passes by a number of old train depots as it meanders through five Southside Virginia towns. Boasting spectacular views of the Appomattox River from 125 feet above, picnic areas, restroom facilities and even a playground at Camp Paradise, High Bridge Trail will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Rather take a dip? Twin Lakes State Park features camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and more. Enjoy splashing with kids on the sandy beach, try a park scavenger hunt on one of the lake trails or rent a paddleboat at Goodwin Lake for a fun family outing.
Sandy River Adventures
At Sandy River Adventure Park, you’ll get your adventure on and your adrenaline up! Featuring a three-hour-long treetop adventure, the park offers 20 ziplines and 60 aerial obstacles (think swinging bridges and tight ropes) paired with four levels of high-ropes courses from a beginners route to the black diamond. Perfect for ages seven and up, this one-of-a-kind experience will have you swinging from the uppermost branches. (Literally!) Want to see more? Check out this video, which details the most challenging course in the park, hitting heights of up to 45 feet!
The Farmville Blueway
Looking for wellness on the water? A protected corridor, the Farmville Blueway features four miles of paddling (with just a short portage) across portions of Wilck’s Lake, Buffalo Creek and the Appomattox River. Even better, while enjoying the peace of being on the water, you can stimulate your mind as you explore the historical highlights along the trail.
PS: Need outdoor equipment for your Farmville adventures? Don’t worry. Sandy River Adventures offers boat rentals for single/tandem kayaks and canoes in addition to stand-up paddleboards. Bike rentals are also available at the Outdoor Adventure Store on Main Street.
Nourish Your Body
Farmville touts a number of wholesome, locally grown food options for visitors and residents alike, whether you’re dining out or bringing it back to your own kitchen. Check out some of our most popular offerings below.
One19
The beloved Main Street restaurant, One19, takes pride in offering southwestern-inspired, farm-to-table fare. In the past, One19 has also partnered with local businesses to feature home-baked bread and donuts. Stop in for dinner and you’ll find a constantly rotating menu based on the freshest local ingredients. Past specials include a classic jericalla — a Mexican custard that hails from Guadalajara — made from local, wild pawpaws, as well as a locally harvested fig compote. With seafood, weekly burger specials, craft cocktails and 119 tequilas and mezcals to choose from, One19 serves food you can feel good about.
Kenny’s Healthy Living Emporium
Located across from Longwood University at 410 S. Main Street, Kenny’s Healthy Living Emporium has become Farmville’s one-stop natural foods shop. In addition to the organic products, herbal teas, and vitamins and minerals sold by many health food stores, Kenny’s offers natural skin and hair care products, organic jewelry, healthy living guides, gemstones, essential oils, a smoothie bar and made-to-order vegan and vegetarian meals. Farmville favorites include honey-sweetened smoothies and plant-based sandwiches. Need a quick lunch while you’re exploring town? Try the jackfruit barbeque sandwich! Kenny’s is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Farmville Community Marketplace
Every Saturday from late April through October, the Farmville Community Marketplace opens for business at 9 a.m. This small-town farmers market sells freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, seedlings, homebaked and canned goods, meats, eggs and handcrafted gifts. You’ll find fresh-roasted coffee, homegrown microgreens, heirloom tomatoes, pasture-raised poultry, hanging baskets, leather coasters and more. Want a sneak peek at some of the more unique wares? Terra Bella features an all-natural skincare line highlighting pure ingredients. Glascok Orchard, a local pick-your-own destination in Green Bay, sells peaches, blackberries and apples seasonally.
Rejuvenate Mind, Body and Spirit
Whether you’re looking for a body treatment, fitness boost or spa experience, Farmville can point you in the right direction, focusing on natural treatments for holistic wellness.
Natural pHuel
For a variety of body treatment options, contact Natural pHuel, which opens by appointment at 1700 S. Main Street. Natural pHuel can connect you with practitioners of Jin Shin Jyutsu, a Japanese art similar to acupressure, which harmonizes the energies of the body; reiki, a Japanese energy healing technique for stress reduction; and Qigong, a Chinese health method that combines moving meditation with breathing techniques. Explore therapies rooted in Eastern tradition right here in Southside Virginia and learn more about cultivating your own holistic wellness practice.
The Southside Virginia Family YMCA
Are you a member of your local Virginia YMCA? Then you’re a member of the Southside Virginia Family YMCA as well! With a large reciprocity program (some national YMCAs participate as well), the Southside Family YMCA allows access to its facilities for members of other participating YMCAs at no charge. In addition to cardio and strength equipment, exercise classes and an indoor walking track, our local YMCA features an aquatics center with an indoor, heated pool, dedicated lap lanes, a family swim area and water slides. What better way to invigorate your body and clear your mind?
A Great Escape Spalon
If you’re looking for pampering, we’ve got just the place! Eco-friendly and fun, A Great Escape Spalon offers classic hair and nail services, body treatments, facials and massage services as well as more specialized treatments. Check out the oxygen bar for an anti-aging refresh or book a session in the infrared sauna, which uses light therapy to stimulate blood circulation, skin rejuvenation, cardiovascular and immune function, and (perhaps most importantly) relaxation. With unique services like intense pulsed light facials, Thai herbal ball massages and cupping therapy, A Great Escape will provide you with the wellness retreat you’ve been looking for. (Make sure to check out their spa packages for full and half-day retreats!)
We hope that a relaxing visit to Farmville will inspire you to be intentional in caring for your mind, body and spirit. The biggest lessons from this small Virginia town? Take the time. Reset your focus. Prioritize nature, health, and wellness. And come back to visit again!