June nights in Southside Virginia hum with activity. As darkness falls, the fireflies emerge, brightening the night with their silent, flashing language.
Have you been searching for a family-friendly getaway? With summer beckoning, it’s time to plan a visit to your favorite small town. Experience the magic of summer nights, starry treetops, and flickering fireflies in Farmville, Va.
Giveaway Closed
Your Rustic Retreat: Twin Lakes State Park
When you arrive on Friday afternoon, check into your cabin for four at Twin Lakes State Park. The earliest check-in is 4 p.m., which will give you plenty of time to explore. Don’t forget to request your Visit Farmville gift basket from the Twin Lakes office — it includes lots of goodies for your getaway!
Set lakeside at Prince Edward County’s historic, 548-acre state park, your two-bedroom, one-bath cabin boasts a rustic, wood-burning fireplace as well as a full kitchen. Settle into your queen accommodations (don’t forget to pack your linens!), introduce the kids to their bunk sets, and get ready for a weekend escape.
Once you’ve unpacked, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors! Check out your personal picnic area and fire-ring, hop on the Otter’s Path Trail to hike the woodlands, or take the two-minute drive to Goodwin Lake for a late-afternoon dip at the swimming area.
It’s Time for a Family Dinner at La Parota!
Getting hungry? Load the family into the car for the quick, 15-minute drive to Farmville. Don’t forget to grab your $50 gift card!
You’ll enjoy an energetic atmosphere and delicious eats at La Parota, a family-owned business on South Main Street. From combos and veggie dishes to house specialities like chiles rellenos and los alambres, you’ll find plenty of options. Try a La Parota favorite, the grilled chimichanga, a flour tortilla filled with your choice of chicken or steak and fried to perfection. Need a healthy kick? The vegetarian chimichanga is a good bet. The Platos para Niños menu for kids offers tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas, as well as chicken fingers, grilled chicken strips or cheeseburgers for pickier eaters! Adults might enjoy La Parota’s margaritas, which come in traditional lime as well as mango, peach, strawberry, raspberry, and banana!
Light up the Night at the Annual Firefly Festival
Your tickets for the Firefly Festival are good for either Friday or Saturday night. Can’t wait another minute? As dusk gathers, head to High Bridge Trail State Park. Just a five-minute drive from downtown, the Camp Paradise parking area lies 0.3 miles from the High Bridge, making it an easy walk. The festivities begin at 9 p.m., rain or shine, but experts say 10 p.m. marks the best time to see the fireflies. From atop the High Bridge — a Virginia Historic Landmark and the longest recreational bridge in the Commonwealth — you’ll have an unparalleled view of the twinkling activity along the Appomattox River, 125 feet above the ground.
Beginning with a ranger-led talk about fireflies and filled with activities, viewings, and insect displays, the Firefly Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience that adults and kiddos alike will love. Bring your sense of wonder and prepare to see these magical creatures gather by the thousands to illuminate the treetops.
Breakfast at Walker’s: An Old-Time Valentine Diner
Saturday morning means it’s time to explore downtown! First, however, you’ll need your fuel. After a leisurely wake up, grab your $40 gift card and head to Walker’s Diner, a historic landmark serving Farmville since 1952. This vintage valentine diner was manufactured in Wichita, KS, and brought by rail to Farmville in the early 1950s. Today it’s known for smooth coffee, “pancakes so good you won’t need syrup,” and great service, as well as the outdoor seating options! Enjoy small-town vibes while the kids play on the nearby plaza.
Choose Your Own Adventure: The Farmville Edition
You’ve got the entire day ahead of you, and Farmville has so much to offer!
Explore the Farmville Community Marketplace for fresh, local fruits and vegetables as well as home baked and handcrafted goods. Stop in at Mainly Clay for beautiful gifts and pottery supplies. Who knows? They might have an opening in one of their Saturday-morning pottery classes. Peruse the galleries at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. Get in a little shopping at Green Front Furniture, a small-town company with over 900,000 square feet of rugs, furniture, and accessories from around the world. Or, head back to your cabin and spend some time lounging by the lake with your toes in the sand and a good book in your hands.
Wherever the day pulls you, don’t forget the eats! Whether you’re ready for some downhome barbeque at the Fishin’ Pig or global grub at North Street Press Club, Farmville has something for everyone. Is dessert a priority? Waldy’s Ice Cream truck has been spreading the joy of ice cream and raising awareness about autism and Down Syndrome every summer since 2018, and it’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6 p.m. Waldy’s flavor of the month and signature PB&J are favorites. For this year’s newest menu option, try an ice cream flight!
Before you head out of town, make sure to stop by the downtown LOVE sign right off the High Bridge Trail for a photo. Then give us a shout out by tagging us at #VisitFarmville!
Farewell to the Fireflies
Didn’t head to the Firefly Festival Friday evening? Now is your last chance! Saturday marks the final night of the festivities, so if you didn’t attend on Friday, head down for views of Farmville’s bright night and enjoy the evening as a family. Night owls are welcome until the festival ends at 11 p.m.
Lazy Like Sunday Morning
After a good night’s sleep, it will be time to check out of your cabin at 10 a.m. and say farewell to your Farmville getaway. Don’t worry though. We know you’ll be back soon, and we’ll be waiting to welcome you!
Looking to light up the night? Celebrate summer with family, Farmville, and fireflies!