Visit Appomattox
Are you looking for a getaway from the big city hustle and bustle? Are you a homeschool family that loves learning in the context of living history? Do you like biking, climbing, bouldering; or the challenge of the VA Triple Crown hike? Perhaps you’d rather have a relaxing day on the water, a great wine-tasting experience, or simply enjoy the view from a leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whatever your preference, visit Virginia and make Appomattox an essential stop.
Appomattox is a quintessential small town centrally located between Richmond and Roanoke (1.5 hours away); or Farmville and Lynchburg (30 minutes away). Surrounded by rolling countryside, it’s the perfect hub for a quiet vacation. If you listen carefully, you can hear the lullaby of crickets, cows, and passing trains. It’s also close enough to take a day trip out to many of Virginia’s most popular destinations.
Experience Appomattox. It is a significant historical site. If you remember your high school history, you might recall that General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern VIrginia to General U. S. Grant. It signaled the beginning of the end of the American Civil War. The conditions of the surrender were signed in the parlor of the McLean house on April 9, 1865. The home, other buildings, battlefield, and cemetery are now part of the Appomattox Court House National Historic Park. This year marks the 160th Anniversary. Visit the park this weekend for living history, demonstrations, and a re-creation of the Stacking of Arms. You will also want to make time to visit the American Civil War Museum. It sits on one of the last battlefields of that war and is just a mile and a half from the park.
Move from Civil War to Civil Rights history and visit the Carver Price Legacy Museum. It is located in an original Rosewald School building! Visit their website for details.
While you’re exploring history, consider Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Henry was one of the Founding Fathers and best remembered for his famous speech in 1775. He encouraged his listeners toward the American Revolution declaring “give me liberty or give me death!” He was also instrumental in the Bill of Rights which preserves individual liberties to this day. There is also a WWII memorial in the nearby town of Bedford. Why? It’s because of their boys, the Bedford Boys. This small rural community has the somber distinction of having the nation’s highest known per capita loss of soldiers on D-Day. The National D-Day Memorial strives to preserve the lessons and legacy of that day. While you are there, remember to honor all the veterans that provided the path to victory for the Allied forces by storming the beach of Normandy, France in 1944.
So you’re not a history buff? There’s plenty of outdoor fun around here, too! In Appomattox you can pay to play one of the best fairways in Central Virginia at Falling River Country Club. Go out for the day to enjoy a stretch of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. You can drive the Parkway, walk the trails, climb, bolder, and bike. If you are up for the challenge, you can hike the Virginia Triple Crown, consisting of McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon’s Tooth located near Roanoke. Also nearby is the Peaks of Otter and High Bridge Trail. If you like to be on the water, you can go kayaking at Smith Mountain Lake, take a James River tour or cruise; or fish, swim, and picnic at Holliday Lake.
For those more interested in an agricultural view of the land, Appomattox is surrounded by miles of countryside. Take a day trip to tour Polyface Farm and see firsthand the work of the Salatin family. Their family farm (now in its third generation) is America’s premier non-industrial food production model. You might enjoy a farm tour of the BrightEyes Alpaca micro-farm in Farmville or Fitzgerald Orchards, and the many craft breweries and wineries along Route 151 in nearby Nelson County.
And there’s more! Visit Appomattox the 2nd weekend in October for the Appomattox RailRoad Festival. The annual downtown festivities run from Friday through Sunday and include a parade, street side vendors, food trucks, concerts and carnival rides. On Saturday, you won’t want to miss The Hatch Market! It is held in conjunction with the Railroad Festival and hosted by Venue 1848 as an educational experience for students. It is a place for entrepreneurial kids to test their business ideas and practice their skills. Also on Saturday, you can finish the day with a fireworks display! Visit in December for the annual Experience the Holidays. Kick off the holiday season with a parade, visit with Santa, an outdoor Christmas tree lighting and more. Look for details on both of these annual events as the season approaches.
For overnight accommodations, we hope you will consider TheLoft@venue1848. If you prefer a true Bed and Breakfast, we recommend the Babcock House and Longacre. If a hotel is more of your style, check out the Appomattox Inn and Suites. Winter, spring, summer or fall, whenever you decide to visit Appomattox, we are happy to have you and hope you enjoy your stay!
