Featured
Martinsville-Henry County Provides a Cultural Oasis
Cultural opportunities are plentiful and profound in Martinsville-Henry County, with the arts community well represented. Among the culture-based organizations and venues that draw rave reviews:
Piedmont Arts Association Piedmont Arts Association believes art enhances a community's quality of life, and it has been doing so for half a century in Martinsville and Henry County. The organization, founded in 1961 as an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, marked its 50th anniversary July 1... Read More »
Fresh Produce, Barbecue, International Flavors Await in Martinsville
Martinsville and Henry County's food scene includes an impressive farmers' market, award-winning barbecue, many international offerings including Italian and Mexican, and a curiously addictive hot dog.
Uptown Martinsville Farmers' Market
Find fresh foods throughout most of spring and summer at the Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market, which operates under the direction of the nonprofit Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association. The market attracts approximately... Read More »
Martinsville-Henry County Recreation Ranges from NASCAR to Cycling
Martinsville, Virginia is a small town with lots to do. Race fans flock to Martinsville Speedway for events throughout the year, and golf enthusiasts enjoy a variety of courses. The Smith River is a great place to fish, and its associated Smith River Trail System provides opportunities for hiking and cycling. Team sports abound at the new Smith River Sports Complex. And in warm-weather months, Uptown Martinsville hosts a monthly concert series and farmers market.
NASCAR Racing at... Read More »
Smith River Sports Complex, Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail Add to Martinsville-Henry County Recreation Scene
The Smith River Sports Complex and the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail are two new recreation attractions luring active types in Martinsville-Henry County.
Smith River Sports Complex has been open since July 2009, while the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail held its ribbon-cutting ceremony in October 2010. Both sites have already become popular destinations for sports fans and anyone looking to get in shape.
Complex Situation
Smith River Sports Complex is a $9.7 million facility... Read More »
Martinsville, VA in a Weekend
A quick tour of Martinsville, VA offers a mix of small-town Southern charm, engaging history, outdoor adventure and plenty of attractions. Here's a sample itinerary to discover some of the best things to do and see in Martinsville, all within a weekend visit.
Day 1 Friday:
2 p.m.
Shopping in Martinsville
Visit a variety of stores in Uptown Martinsville, Patrick Henry Mall or an outlet shop for that perfect gift or bargain.
5 p.m.
Hugo's Food, Sports and Spirits... Read More »
Philpott Lake in Martinsville, VA
A beautiful destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is Philpott Lake, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake is 15 miles long and features 100 miles of overall shoreline, and serves residents within the counties of Henry, Franklin and Patrick.
Philpott Lake is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is managed primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. Construction of Philpott Dam started in 1948 and was completed in... Read More »
Henry County Excels in Doggy Health and Recreation
One day each summer, fans of the Martinsville Mustangs gather to support their baseball team by stomping their feet, clapping their hands and ... wagging their tails? The annual event is called Bark in the Park, and it's one of many efforts by the Henry County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to make Martinsville a pet haven. Dogs are asked to refrain from fetching fly balls.
In addition to its standard adoption services, the SPCA offers low-price grooming and sterilization... Read More »
Martinsville-Henry's Southern Artisan Center is the Spot for Local Artists
Looking for a little local art? Look no further than The Southern Virginia Artisan Center and its gallery offering original artwork.
Opened in 2005, the Gallery works in unison with Patrick Henry Community College and the School of Crafts and Design, featuring work from students, instructors and local artists alike. Art forms of all kinds can be found inside, including folk art, photography, painting, quilted artwork, weaving, pottery and more. Visitors will also find functional art such as... Read More »
The Bassett Historical Center and Library Hold Community History
What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. The Basset Historical Center and Library has been called “the best little library in Virginia,” and for good reason.
It began as an idea in 1939 by members of the Bassett Garden Club, who felt their little town needed a library. For years, historical documents were stored in a single file cabinet on one shelf in the library basement. In 1988 an addition was made to the library which eventually became the home of the... Read More »
Piedmont Arts Association
It was in 1961 when the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts began to encourage the formation of a statewide network of local chapters – including the Piedmont Arts Association that represents Martinsville and Henry County to this day.
The Henry County group existed without a headquarters building until 1976 when it moved into The Lynwood House in Martinsville, and remained there until 1981. Then at that time, heirs of the late Michael and Purnell Schottland donated the Schottland estate in... Read More »
Reynolds Homestead
Reynolds Homestead is the birthplace home of R.J. Reynolds, famed founder of the tobacco manufacturing giant. The tourist attraction is located in Critz and is actually designated as a Commonwealth campus of Virginia Tech. Besides being a restored home, Reynolds Homestead also serves as a forest resources research center with business hours of 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The main building was constructed in 1843 as a two-story brick home and includes many of the original... Read More »
