Your Mini-Vacation Guide to Southern Virginia

Also called Southside Virginia, Southern Virginia includes charming small towns like Clarksville, South Boston, and Danville. The region is largely rural and lies along the Virginia-North Carolina border, with thousands of acres of bucolic, rolling landscapes. Visit Southern Virginia to get away from hectic city living and explore some of the Commonwealth's most beautiful rural retreats.

TRIP PLANNING OVERVIEW

Stay at: Berry Hill Resort in South Boston, Virginia International Raceway Lodge in Alton, or The Bee Hotel in Danville.

Berry Hill Resort

To experience luxury in Southern Virginia without breaking the bank, book a room at Berry Hill Resort in South Boston. This National Historic Landmark sits on 650 acres of stunning countryside, providing a quiet, upscale retreat at incredibly reasonable prices. Every room is spacious and immaculately decorated, seamlessly blending the historic elements of the property with all the modern conveniences you’d expect.

After checking in, wander the historic grounds to learn about the estate, which dates back to 1728. In addition to expansive rooms and suites, the resort boasts an indoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, and several yard game options, including horseshoes, croquet, bocce, and cornhole. Grab a more casual dinner at Darby’s Tavern or splurge on a culinary experience at the Mansion Dining Room, both on the resort grounds.

Virginia International Raceway Lodge

For racing lovers and car enthusiasts, Virginia International Raceway Lodge is a must for an overnight stay. Many know the Southern Virginia destination as a racetrack, but it also has on-site accommodations that let you get closer to the action. Whether you stay in the Lodge, the Junior Villas, or the Studio Villas, you’ll have a view of the track.

Even if racing isn’t your thing, the destination has plenty of other amenities for every type of traveler.

Looking for a little luxury? Visit the on-site spa or book a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Formula Experiences, the only Formula and prototype driving experience in America.

More interested in history? Visit Oak Tree Tavern, a restored 1800s plantation house on the property.

Want to get more hands-on with your activities? In addition to the main racetrack, the grounds also contain a skeet shooting range and karting track with rentals available.

If you’re just looking for a place to relax at the end of a long day, Virginia International Raceway’s lodging options have all the amenities you need for an enjoyable stay.

The Bee Hotel

If you'd rather stay in Danville, The Bee Hotel is the place to be. Not only is the boutique hotel comfortable and accommodating, with touches of contemporary luxury, it's also a convenient walk to restaurants and the Riverwalk Trail. 

Located inside the original offices of the Danville Register and the Danville Bee, two major newspapers in the area which later merged into the Danville Register and Bee. You'll be able to spot nods to the building's past in the lobby and as you navigate the restored building. 

Suggested Prior Reservations: Berry Hill Resort, Virginia International Raceway Lodge and Villas, The Bee Hotel Rentals at Clarksville Water Sports, dinner at The Mansion Dining Room at Berry Hill.

DAY ONE

Outdoor Adventure & Lunch in Clarksville

Begin your adventure in Southern Virginia at Occoneechee State Park, located along the shores of Buggs Island Lake (also known as John H. Kerr Reservoir). Rent boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and other watersports gear through Clarksville Water Sports, a local rental company that has locations on Route 58 as well as a small shop at the Occoneechee Marina Dock. Take your rental out for some smooth sailing along the manmade lake and be sure to snag a picture underneath the Route 58 bridge—the narrow water route makes for an epic shot.

After your morning paddle on the water, cross the bridge into the small but charming town of Clarksville for lunch at Bridgewater Bar & Grill. With a menu consisting of American favorites, you’ll find a wide array of fresh-cut steaks, seafood, burgers, pastas, and salads, all at affordable prices.

Shop Around Town

Finish lunch and head just up the hill to the The Cottage Barn, a furniture shop that specializes in restoring vintage pieces. In addition to one-of-a-kind furniture finds and home accents, the shop carries Homestead Creamery Ice Cream, so we recommend picking up a cone with your favorite flavor before browsing the wares.

Spend an hour or two strolling the shops along Virginia Avenue in Clarksville, including Hite’s Clothing, a contemporary clothing boutique for both men and women, and The Shoppes on Virginia Avenue, a seemingly endless store filled with all sorts of knickknacks from over 30 independent retailers.

Before leaving Clarksville, travel to Buggs Island Brewing to get a taste for the local craft beer scene while enjoying gorgeous views of the lake. The pet-friendly brewery carries an impressive lineup. We liked the Without a Paddle IPA and Kerr Lake Kolsch, but ordering a flight is the best way to sample your way through the brews before choosing a pint.

Head to South Boston

Head towards South Boston and check into Berry Hill for your first night’s stay. After getting settled in your room, take a quick tour of the grounds before venturing a few miles down the road to Springfield Distillery. Here, you’ll get a chance to explore a working distillery and taste their corn whiskey products. The spirits come in flavors like Sweet Heat, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Blackberry, and you can either sample them straight or mixed into simple cocktail recipes that are easily recreated at home.

Return to Berry Hill for dinner at one of the resort’s on-site restaurants. For a casual but elegant meal, head to Darby’s Tavern, or if you want something a little more formal, book a table at The Mansion Restaurant.

Enjoy a few drinks and a game of pool at the Tavern before calling it a night and heading back to your room.

DAY TWO

Brunch & Travel to Danville

Wake up and get brunch at Berry Hill or travel back into downtown South Boston for breakfast at Southern Plenty before hitting the road towards Danville.

Walk around the downtown Danville area for an hour or two, stopping into shops like Vintages by the Dan, a wine and craft beer shop that is stocked with a huge selection of beverages from Virginia businesses, as well as notable producers from all over the world. Don't miss River District Artisans, a shop that houses goods from dozens of local artisans and also teaches visitors how to make their own wares in crafting classes.

Outdoor Fun & Brews in Danville

If you’re interested in exploring the scenic Danville Riverwalk Trail, just set out on foot. Use this map to find areas of interest along the trail. 

Get a taste of the Southern Virginia brewery scene at Ballad Brewing, located in a renovated warehouse. The brewery holds more than just a tap room — you’ll find games like cornhole, tabletop shuffleboard, and board games within the large floor space. Sample a few of the staples, like the Fast Mail Ale, Bohemian Pilsner, and Cash Crop Farmhouse Ale, but don’t miss out on trying their specialty seasonal offerings, too.

Check in Before Dinner 

If staying at VIR, leave Danville’s River District and drive to Virginia International Raceway to check into the Lodge. Take some time to look into the raceway’s many activities — relax at the upscale spa, get your adrenaline going during a luxury driving experience with Formula Racing, or a squeeze in a little target practice at the skeet shooting range.

Head back to the room and get ready for dinner at Oak Tree Tavern, Virginia International Raceway’s historic restaurant.

If you're staying in Danville at The Bee, check in and then enjoy a stroll to Cotton at Riverside Mill, a fine dining restaurant serving specialty pizzas and Southern-style entrees that overlooks the Dan River.

DAY THREE

Breakfast & Outdoor Fun

Grab breakfast at Crema & Vine, a Danville coffee shop and cafe that'll get your day started right. With breakfast available anytime and specialty sandwiches, you'll be fueled up for your final day and journey home. 

If weather allows on Sunday, rent kayaks through the Danville Parks & Recreation and traverse the Dan River. Not an experienced kayaker? No worries. The city department often hosts guided paddling trips with employees skilled and familiar with the waterway.

Return the kayaks before getting lunch at Golden Leaf Bistro in the historic Tobacco Warehouse District of Danville. The menu boasts creative salads, burgers, and sandwiches that incorporate local ingredients, infusing the dishes with classic southern flavors.

After lunch, pack up and hit the road for your journey home.