Guests at our bed & breakfast often ask us what to see and do in South Boston and surroundings. These are my favorite sites for local tourists (in order):
1. Bob Cage’s Sculpture Farm: From the road, you can see amazing sculptures by the late artist and tobacco auctioneer, Robert Cage. He used cast-off industrial and farm materials to make whimsical models of animals and other objects. He even made a bridge for his goats over his driveway. Located at Cage Trail just off of U.S. 360.
2. Berry Hill Resort: This historic Greek revival style home was built in 1844 by planter and politician James Cole Bruce. Now it has 92 guest rooms, a tavern and restaurant. A health spa provides good massages. Information on a self-guided tour is available at the front desk. This place is so elegant, it looks like it belongs in Williamsburg.
3. Virginia International Raceway: This a world-class track between South Boston and Danville even hosts a major rock music festival in the fall. VIR hosts amateur and professional automobile and motorcycle events, driving schools, club days, and private test rentals. South Boston Speedway is another racing venue, right in town.
4. Tobacco Heritage Trail: Recently extended to four miles, this hiking, biking, horseback and walking trail is close to downtown South Boston. Nearby is the site of the Crossing of the Dan, where the Revolutionary Army prevented British troops from crossing into Virginia by removing boats they had crossed with themselves. 196 Railroad Ave.
5. Antique shops: Toots Creek Antiques: A store with everything: furniture, glassware, pictures, signage, home décor and more. 5293 Halifax Road, Halifax. Others include Sullivan’s Antiques, and Enchanted Surroundings.
6. Buggs Island Lake: Guests enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating and water skiing at this lake, the largest in Virginia. It’s about a half hour from South Boston, near Clarksville.
7.Tastings: Springfield Distillery and Factory Street Brewing have numerous events. Wineries include Hunting Creek Vineyards and Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard. Tunnel Creek Vineyards in Roxboro, N.C., is so luxurious it could be in California’s Napa Valley.
8. The Prizery. This former tobacco facility is now a center for performing arts with a theater and art gallery. Local and touring stage and musical performances are held regularly.
9. Staunton River Battlefield State Park: Confederate reservists and local men fought off efforts by Union soldiers to capture a railroad bridge in 1864, just before the Civil War’s end. There are numerous trails and earthworks to see, as well as abundant wildlife. Re-enactments are occasionally held there.
10. Staunton River State Park: Vast acreage includes meadows, forests and kayaking opportunities. It has been designated an international dark sky park for its light-free nights. Star parties with telescopes you can use are held twice a year. Smaller scale observation events are held each month. Telescopes are available to rent.
Other favorites; South Boston/Halifax Museum, Molasses Grill, the barn quilt trail, the Halifax courthouse, Edmunds Park, Southern Virginia Botanical Gardens, Southern Virginia Wild Blueway and the South Boston Halifax County Visitors Center.
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