Southern Virginia Attraction Guide
Southern Virgnia contains eight counties with American Main Street communities that detail important stories of heritage dating to the American Revolution, Civil War and Civil Rights. State parks and countless attractions also are in the area.
Known as the Racing Region for the state, southern Virginia has six speedways and raceways in the region with plenty of NASCAR, motor sport, track racing and racing heritage.
For those who love to stay active and spend time outdoors, there are opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, fishing and hunting. It almost goes without saying that Southern Virginia has something for varying interests and guests of all ages.
A visit to the area won’t give you time to visit everything that is worthy of seeing, but you can choose some of the top attractions to keep you busy and to add to the enjoyment of your stay.
Top Attractions
Langhorne House, Birthplace of Lady Astor – In Danville, guests can visit the birthplace of Nancy Langhorne, Viscountess Astor, the first woman who was seated in the British House of Commons. Her sister, Irene, was immortalized by her husband, Charles Dana Gibson, the artist who turned her into the “Gibson Girl.” It became the international fashion ideal of the early 20th century. Their father, Chiswell Langhorne, was credited with the auctioneer’s chant at the loose-leaf tobacco auctions of days gone by.
Sutherlin Mansion – The former home of Major William T. Sutherlin and his wife was opened to Jefferson Davis and the Confederate government for one week in April 1865. It was in this house that the Confederate President wrote and then delivered his final proclamation to the Confederacy. The home houses the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
South Hill Model Railroad Museum – The historic South Hill Train Depot was restored and contains model trains that represent more than 200 miles of fun tracks in Virginia. The museum focal point is the Atlantic & Danville Model Railroad, which is a scale model of the trains and towns as it ran through South Hill from Lawrenceville to Clarksville back in 1950.
Village View Mansion House – Built in the 1790s for James Wall, the front parlor of this Emporia home served as the meeting place for a council of war for Generals W.H.F. Lee, Wade Hampton and Matthew Butler. In the late 19th century, it housed a doctor’s office, dental office, apothecary and boys academy. The house has been restored and is furnished with historic furnishings that resemble rural family life in Southern Virgnia in the 1830s.
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| Kerr Lake |
Kerr Lake – Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia, and it offers quaint shops, great foods, hotels and a bed and breakfast along the shoreline of the 50,000 acres that comprise Kerr Lake. The downtown area features historic buidldings and there are bars and restaurants that bring the town to life after dark.
Prestwould Plantation – This 18th century plantation home in Clarksville was built in 1794 by Sir Peyton Skipwith, who was originally from England. This is the most complete gentry home in the state, and the site includes many original outbuildings plus Lady Jean’s Garden. While the original two-family slave home remains, the site has one of the largest collections of slave writings in the U.S.
Arrington Engines – Any racing fan has to go on a tour of Arrington Engines in Martinsville. The 105,000-square-foot plant is a key research and development aspect of Dodge Motorsports. Initially started to build high-performance cars for NASCAR and NHRA racing teams, the factory now has other capabilities.
The Big Chair – Built in Martinsville by Bassett Industries in recognition of its 100th anniversary, this big chair stands more than 20 feet tall and weighs about 5,000 pounds. It is made from solid ash and has a boat finish. The chair symbolizes the importance of the furniture industry in the region.
Bob Cage Sculpture Farm – South Boston is home to Bob Cage Sculpture Farm, who is a local artist and internationally known sculptor. He is also a premier tobacco auctioneer, preservationist, and champion tennis player. The open field display of sculptures feature various farm animals, such as burros, goats and llama that appear to graze in the field.
South Virginia Botanical Gardens – An increasing interest in the Southside Virginia Master Gardeners group led to this garden. The board of directors works closely with master gardeners, forest and horticulture professionals, landscape architects and designers, and others to plan and develop the site and make it not only a community project but a regional project as well.
The Southern Virginia region has a variety of attractions. Whether visitors choose art, history, racing or museums, it definitely has something for everyone to enjoy.