24 Best Things to Do in Martinsville, Virginia
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Jo Clark
Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, is a destination with “Deep Roots,” a locale with unique assets and a rich legacy. The term gives a nod to the past, to the industries that built the community. I have “Deep Roots” in Martinsville, too; born in Martinsville General Hospital. Growing up in Martinsville, I always heard, “There is nothing to do here.” But they were wrong then, and they’re wrong now. I moved away over 30 years ago, first to attend graduate school, then start a life teaching—closer to the ocean. When I return to Martinsville for visits, there are always more things to do than time to do them!
Where is Martinsville, Virginia?
In the Martinsville-Henry County I remember, smokestacks dotted the skyline, and you heard factory whistles loudly proclaiming the start and end of the workday as well as lunchtime. In its heyday, the area had a DuPont facility, more furniture manufacturers than you could count on your fingers and toes (that explains the big chair, doesn’t it?), and nearly as many textile manufacturers. These factories created a steady supply of jobs and attracted workers to Martinsville. The names of those industry giants still label buildings, parks, and streets throughout the area.
Folks in Martinsville take pride in their community. They buy old buildings, turn them into vibrant businesses, and join community theater groups. They plant grapevines and make wine, save historic homes and turn them into B&Bs. Residents even started a science museum that today holds more than 10 million cataloged items in collections and conducts research programs spanning the globe. And these are just the people I know personally, former neighbors and childhood classmates!
Martinsville is "A City Without Limits"
“Foreigners” from other parts of the country have discovered Martinsville’s charm. They move to the community to take advantage of the slower pace, community spirit, lower cost of living, and, yes, the fantastic variety of things to do! Martinsville is the county seat of Henry County and calls itself “A City Without Limits” for good reason; it is difficult to separate the town from the county when you think about where things are.
1. One Starling BnB
Known to locals as “The Schottland House,” you couldn’t find a more convenient or more inviting place to spend the night than One Starling BnB. The four-square house built in 1925 is typical of the time. The side porch gets morning sun, so it’s perfect for your morning coffee or late afternoon wine. The arbor, complete with string lights, provides a quiet area for relaxing and chatting with other guests.
Walk next door to stop number 2.
2. Visit the Virginia Museum of Natural History
Visitors enter the museum through the Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life. A flying reptile, Pteranadon, with an impressive 20-foot-wingspan, soars 40 feet above. Floating above your head is Eobalaenoptera, a 14-million-year-old baleen whale collected near Richmond in an area once deep underwater.
Young visitors will enjoy the Hooker Furniture Discovery Reef, a hands-on area with books, games, and puzzles. The highlight is a multi-deck wooden ship with climbing areas and an interior room for play. Children climbing aboard transform into explorers, pirates, or anything else they dream of becoming.
3. The Little Post Office in Martinsville
Before 1893, trains dropped mail at rural stations along what was called the Star Route. But there was no convenient provision for people to get that mail. In 1893, the Little Post Office (just 275 square feet) was built as a distribution center. Mail was delivered by the first railroad in the area, the Danville & Western Railroad, affectionately known as the “Dick & Willie.” Mail was brought to the center, put on carriages, and delivered to other locations.
When the postal service established Rural Free Delivery (RFD) routes in 1917, this center became obsolete. Martinsville’s Little Post Office is the last free-standing Star Route Post Office. The owner used it for storage until 1947 when it was converted by a property owner into a small business office and preserved.
The Little Post Office is still used as an office, as a part of Piedmont Arts. It sits on a large corner lot (the original home on that plat is long gone) and hosts art exhibits and concerts throughout the year. Most days, the acting “Postmaster” Will Gravely is at his desk and ready to spin a yarn or two about the building’s history.
4. Piedmont Arts in another Historic Schottland Home
Piedmont Arts is in another historic Schottland home (built by the brother to the BnB builder.) Established in 1961, the museum is part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts statewide network.
The award-winning museum houses a fantastic variety of regional, national, and international artists’ works in its seven galleries. You can schedule a free tour on the Piedmont Arts website.
Sculptures are displayed in the garden and the Gravely-Lester Art Garden, beside the Little Post Office. Piedmont Arts also supports performing arts through concerts, plays, children’s performances, and art classes for all ages.
5. Walsh’s Chicken & More
6. Ground Floor
The Ground Floor, in the C. W. Holt building, is a coffee shop. They serve hot and cold teas and coffees, muffins, and fast wi-fi connections. Holt’s was a quality ladies’ clothing store built in 1914. Since it closed in the late 1990s, it has been renovated into three loft apartments, two offices, and the retail space on the ground floor. Another deep root here—my mother worked here as a seamstress and alterations lady, and the “boy next door” has revived it.
7. Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum
The Henry County Courthouse is only a block away. As you leave The Ground Floor, look up Bridge Street for the perfect view of the 1824 building. By 1929 the county had outgrown the courthouse, so a larger building was constructed, encasing the original structure inside, but it retained the portico columns. The beautiful building is a unique contribution to Virginia courthouses.
The museum has a permanent timeline exhibit showing Martinsville’s development. Rotating exhibits entertain and educate, and the courtroom (where the judge issued my first driver’s license) is now used for movies, music, plays, and meetings.
8. Martinsville-Henry County Historical Museum
Martinsville-Henry County roots are so deep it takes two museums to display all the history. This museum is in the old Lloyd’s Jewelers, and displays are full of local gems. You will see unique artifacts from tobacco and other industries and businesses. Call for an appointment; Desmond is the archivist for two counties, so the museum does not have regular hours. He knows everybody and remembers the history of everything, so you will be glad you visited.
9. Oakwood Cemetery
Founded in 1883, Oakwood Cemetery is situated on 23 beautiful acres; the first known burial was in 1888. Eighty-nine Confederate veterans, including an unknown soldier and one union veteran, are buried at Oakwood.
The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk. Monuments and mausoleums provide a glimpse into Martinsville’s history in the park-like setting created by beautiful plantings and trees. In spring, the blooming Dogwoods, Redbuds, and Azaleas rival any garden.
10. City Reservoir on Beaver Creek
A perfect place to spend a day is The Reservoir on Beaver Creek. It is a 175-acre lake that provides a serene place to fish, hike, or picnic. The park has a picnic shelter, restrooms, grills, a small playground, and a boat ramp. You can rent a kayak or canoe (with all the needed equipment) to paddle the glassy lake—just look for the attendant in his white truck. Take along your lunch and paddle all day.
Open from sunrise to sunset; a permit is needed to launch your boat (electric motors only.) Largemouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch, catfish, and crappie challenge anglers.
11. Dick & Willie Trail
The Dick & Willie railbed has been repurposed as a 4.5-mile-long hiking, biking, inline skating, wheelchair-accessible trail. The trail has a steady incline for about three miles—you are in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, after all. A mile-long spur at Pine Street takes hikers into town, and you will find plenty of free parking at trail access points.
12. Smith River Trail
Still have excess energy? Then pick a trail, any trail. Seriously! The Smith River Trail system has eleven different paths. Three of those have canoe access, and there are five dedicated canoe access points at other county locations. These trails provide miles and miles of hiking through the hills surrounding Martinsville-Henry County.
There is even a unique doggie-designated trail, The Paw Path, at the Smith River Sports Complex. You and your pet will enjoy the half-mile-long riverside path, complete with a fire hydrant.
13. Philpott Lake’s Birding & Wildlife Trail
Ask Henry Countians what their favorite place is, and most will answer, “Philpott!” The 3,000-acre Philpott Lake is one of the most beautiful places in southwest Virginia, and it touches three counties. Twenty-thousand acres of protected land surround the lake. It’s perfect for experiencing the scenic beauty of Virginia’s Birding & Wildlife Trail. Birdwatchers will spot brown-headed nuthatch, pine warbler, cedar waxwing, and yellow-throated warbler, among other species. In the spring, wild rhododendrons and deep pink magnolias attract butterflies like the spicebush swallowtail.
14. Philpott Dam & Overlook
Park Rangers no longer give tours of the dam’s inner workings. But there is a virtual tour available which allows you to explore the dam and the lake. The U. S. Army Corp of Engineers built the dam in 1948 to control flooding. Between 1899 and 1945, the area saw more than 200 floods. The last straw was a historic event in 1937 when towns like Philpott and Bassett were covered by water.
15. Imbibe a Little Wine, Beer, and Spirits
Whether you like beer, wine, or spirits, you’re in luck—Martinsville offers it all! Go ahead and try everything. You are on vacation, after all!
Hamlet Winery in Stanleytown
Hamlet Winery in Stanleytown had deep roots, too. The family’s historic home, Eltham Manor, and gambrel-roofed barn were completed in 1936. Both structures are on the National Register, and the barn houses the operations of Hamlet Winery. Bottles are labeled with little works of art designed to showcase the vineyard and the surrounding Virginia countryside. Their ten wines carry names such as Eltham, Old Virginia Red, and Cardinal Rose’ (the cardinal is Virginia’s state bird,) paying homage to the area. Tastings and small plates are offered on Sunday afternoons. And they serve a delectable locally-made Red Red Wine Truffle that contains the Winery’s Petit Verdot!
Mountain Valley Brewing in Axton
Mountain Valley Brewing nestles on 450 acres of rolling Axton farmland, where owners Herb and Peg create craft beer and seltzers. This wine-lover was surprised to enjoy every taste offered! They frequently have live music, too! When Herb says, “We grow beer,” he means it. Mountain Valley grows hops and uses locally sourced honey, fruits, grains, and barley. There is even a local maltster who roasts his barley and grain. “It just can’t get any fresher than that.”
Smith River Spirits
Smith River Spirits opened in 2019, distilling local apples and creating smooth apple brandy. In August 2021, Smith River received a Silver Medal from the American Distilling Institute (ADI) for their Apple Black Green at the 2021 International Tasting Competition. Stop by to visit with owner Kevin, and sample some brandy!
Veteran Owned Scuffle Hill Brewing
Scuffle Hill Brewing opened in September. Veteran-owned, a father and son team is producing brews in Collinsville. Scuffle Hill has indoor and outdoor seating, occasional food trucks, and live music. More deep roots are found here. Says Jake Abell, “Local Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Martin, once said his first home was named Scuffle Hill because he had to ‘scuffle’ for money to buy the land. That is exactly what we did to open the brewery.” Brews have locally significant names, too, like Dick & Willie and the Big Chair.
Stanburn Winery in Patrick County
Stanburn Winery is just over the county line in Patrick County, less than 20 miles from town. Stanburn is family-owned, and deep roots are apparent in their name—Stanley + Burnette. Stanleys have been in Virginia since Thomas Stanley, and his three sons sailed from England in 1700. (I know this because my grandmother was a Stanley, and my lineage also goes back to Thomas.) Stanburn creates award-winning wines. Currently, they produce twelve varieties of reds and whites, with names like Poorhouse (for a nearby creek) and Bull’s Blush (Bull Mountain is the vineyard’s backdrop.) Harvesting 45-50 tons of grapes yearly, those find their way into other Virginia wineries’ bottles, too.
16. Stoneleigh
The stately residence, Stoneleigh, was built in 1926 from stones pulled from the nearby Smith River. Its owner, Thomas B. Stanley, was the founder of Stanley Furniture Company and was elected Governor of Virginia in 1953 and served until 1958.
The mansion overlooks 56 acres of manicured lawns and gardens. And the good news is—it can be yours! Well, for a few nights anyway. Eight bedrooms sleep fifteen guests, who share 6.5 baths and have the run of the mansion. It is rented as an entire house, not as “beds.”
17. Infinity Acres, a Magical Animal Wonderland
You don’t need children along to enjoy Infinity Acres. You may not get to bottle feed a joey yourself if you bring the kids! Animal encounters are by appointment, so you never have such a crowd that you can’t enjoy your time with the animals.
Infinity Acres offers educational experiences, animal-assisted therapies for adults with disabilities, guided petting tours, day camps, and on-site camping. Part of your encounter will include participating in an animal parade. The llama wearing the bee costume and the donkey in a sombrero are just too cute!
Tip: Don’t trust your GPS. Mine took me the long way and instructed me to turn onto a road that was closed years ago. Make sure you are going by the Speedway.
18. Martinsville Speedway
The Martinsville Speedway opened as a dirt track in 1947 and is the only track that has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series race every year since its formation in 1949. The .526-mile-long track is the shortest on the NASCAR circuit. But that size creates tight corners and offers fans the most exciting show.
The Speedway manages three race events yearly. The rest of the year, you can walk on the track. They have events like National Mustang Day when Mustang owners can drive the track.
19. The Need for Speed
Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports Park can feed that need! In an area long known for auto racing, it was only natural that tracks for dirt bikes and ATVs would develop.
20. Spencer Penn Center
A community favorite, The Spencer Penn Center is the reincarnation of a 1927 rural elementary school. They offer summer camp, reading programs, and classes in yoga, canvas and barn quilt painting, and guitar. There are festivals, cruise-ins, and concerts.
The second Friday showcases gospel and bluegrass music. “Music Night” bands perform by invitation, but there is an open mic from 5:30-6:30. Bands start on the half-hour, and you may hear as many as three different bands. Food is available, and the doors open at 5:00.
21. Bassett Genealogy Center
In the South, we say, “Who are your people?” If you think you have Virginia roots, visit the Bassett Genealogy Center. The folks there are delighted to help you research your history. The center is filled with genealogical research (10,000 family files) and local history for the counties of Henry and Patrick and the City of Martinsville (3,008 local files). And 16,088 genealogy books—it did start as a library, after all! Researchers from all over the U.S. and nine foreign countries have perused these files.
Step outside and enjoy the view of the Smith River flowing past the Center. And spend a few minutes at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial to those from Henry County who served.
22. Fantastic Foods
3rd Bay is in a renovated gas station and serves up lunch to locals and visitors. There is indoor and outdoor seating. They serve local produce, and desserts are from family recipes when possible.
Checkered Pig is a local’s favorite. Lunch is busy, as workers from all walks of life pile through the doors for a meal. The BBQ starts with ham instead of butts and is smoked overnight. The ribs have been winning awards for over two decades. Even the house-made BBQ sauce has a shelf of awards.
Mi Ranchito offers Mexican cooking at its finest. A favorite gathering place for locals, and $2 margaritas on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I hear!
23 & 24. Blue Ridge Regional Airport and Simply Suzanne’s Café
Nestled between mountains, the 5,002-foot runway leads pilots to the area’s best-kept secret. Opened in 1962, this regional airport averages 23,000 flights a year (64 a day!) This beauty explains why it is a popular pastime just to sit and watch planes land and take off.
You’ll discover another reason for all those flights. Some are just stopping by for lunch! I mean, if you have your own plane, why not? When you eat at Suzanne’s, you’ll understand. The daily special was a delicious Shepherd’s Pie on my last visit. I finished off with a slice of Chocolate Chess Pie (if you don’t know what that is, just trust me and order it! This pie alone will have you rethinking “airport food!”) Sadly, I have to drive to eat at the airport. But then, so do many customers, who come for a day of plane-spotting and eating.
The airport opens at 8 a.m., but Suzanne’s opens at 11. Both end their day at 5 p.m.
Nothing to Do?
So…do you still think there is nothing to do in Martinsville? Or do you think you need to plan a visit, and soon! There are unique places to stay, eat, drink, and be merry! There are beautiful murals throughout the town, all with interesting background stories. So even if you only walk the streets and soak in all the history, you will find lots to do during your stay in Martinsville. Besides, you have to visit to learn the story of the elephant mural!
Martinsville is conveniently located. It is approximately an hour from Roanoke, Virginia; Greensboro, North Carolina; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; about three hours from either Charlotte, NC, or Richmond, VA. Unless you can fly in. *smile*
Nice to Know
- Average high July temperature: 84º
- Average low January temperature: 21º
- Martinsville population: 13,111
- Henry County population: 52,495
- Average annual rainfall: 45”
- Average annual snowfall: 11”
- City size: 11 square miles
- County size: 382 square miles
Jo Clark is a happily-retired teacher, travel writer, photographer, food and wine lover from South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She loves learning about local flavors unique to travel spots and adding to her list of places “off the beaten path.” She is a member of IFWTWA (International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association), TravMedia, ITWA (International Travel Writers Alliance), and Travel Massive.
Websites, Portfolio & Blog: www.HaveGlassWillTravel.com