Get ready to soak up the sun and make the most of your vacation with our top-7 things to do in Halifax County this summer. From exciting events, to indulging in fresh seasonal dishes, or sipping refreshing beer at our local brewery, this list has it all. Follow these seven recommendations for an unforgettable summer in Halifax County, where every day has an opportunity for fun!
1 Drinks at Factory Street Located in the heart of South Boston, Virginia, Factory Street Brewing Company is the perfect stop to quench your thirst during the summer months. With a variety of craft beers on tap, including their Lawnmower Ale and Summer Snatch IPA, there is a brew for every taste. The brewery’s outdoor patio is the ideal spot to enjoy a cold one while soaking up some sun, and the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere make for a truly relaxing experience. Hang around until sundown for cooler temperatures and to catch live music on the outdoor stage, held every weekend. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a refreshing beermosa on a hot day, a visit to Factory Street Brewing Company is sure to impress.
2 Watch a Race at South Boston Speedway If you’re looking for an exhilarating night out this summer, watching a race at South Boston Speedway should be at the top of your list. This popular racetrack has been entertaining fans for over 60 years and is a summer tradition for many locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is electric, with the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber filling the air. The high-speed races are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as drivers compete for the top spot. You can feel the excitement as the cars zoom by, pushing the limits of speed and skill. If you need to cool off, head to the Track Bar, where you can keep up with the race from a televised feed while sipping craft beer in the AC. From its facilities to its enthusiastic crowd, a night at South Boston Speedway is a summer experience you won’t soon forget.
3 Cool Down with Ice Cream There’s no better way to cool down on a hot summer day than with a refreshing scoop of ice cream. Several local bakeries serve the popular Homestead Creamery ice creams, such as KJ’s Cake Creations, Pumpkin and Bugg’s, Windmill Farm Bake Shop, and O’Kelly’s. The unassuming drive-in, Dairy Dell, is a local favorite for milkshakes, banana splits, and soft-served ice cream. Though not quite ice cream, Frutopia in Halifax serves a variety of frozen yogurt, as well as a toppings bar where diners can serve themselves. Next time the sun is beating down and you’re feeling the heat, head to one of these local restaurants and indulge in a cool and creamy treat that will leave you feeling chilled, refreshed, and satisfied.
4 Enjoy the Great Outdoors Staunton River State Park is a fantastic summer destination that offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you’re looking to hike through miles of forested trails, swim in the cool waters of the lake, or simply relax in the shade of the trees, this park has something for everyone. Summer also sees the return of interpretive programs, such as canoeing, archery, evening campfires, and guided hikes. Add in the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and you’ll find that Staunton River State Park is the perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy a peaceful retreat in the heart of Virginia’s countryside.
5 Visit a Festival Summer in Halifax County brings many events and festivals, to the delight of tourists and residents alike. Summer kicks off the last weekend of June with the Blueberry Festival at Bright Meadows Farm and Vineyards, which promises a day of entertainment, craft and food vendors, wine, and blueberries. Early July is marked with Independence Day celebrations, with a fireworks show at South Boston Speedway the race closest to July 4th, a parade in the small community of Elmo, and fireworks in Downtown South Boston on July 4th. Halifax Cantaloupes, recognized state-wide for their superior sweetness and flavor, are celebrated with food and live music during the annual Virginia Cantaloupe Festival, held the last Friday of July at Berry Hill Resort. August sees the return of IMSA at Virginia International Raceway, which attracts racers and spectators from around the world. The season goes out with a bang at the largest event to call Halifax County home, the Blue Ridge Rock Festival. Held at VIR, this four-day music festival features popular rock and metal artists, attracting fans from across the country.
6 Paddle the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway The Southern Virginia Wild Blueway offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer months. One of the most popular activities is paddling, as the Blueway features over 100 miles of river to explore by canoe or kayak, along with several boat launches for easy access. Of those 100 miles, 80 along the Dan, Staunton, and Banister rivers are designated scenic waterways. Fishing enthusiasts will also be thrilled with the abundance of fish species, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, making it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced anglers. Boating is also a great way to experience the Blueway, with Banister Lake in Halifax County and Bugg’s Island Lake in Mecklenburg County providing ample space and calm waters for a day on the pontoon with family, or an afternoon speeding around the lake on a motorboat with friends. Whether you prefer a leisurely paddle, a day of fishing, or a high-speed boat ride, the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway is a must for local summer fun.
7 Farm to Table Meals With so many farms across the county, summer is the perfect time of year for visiting foodies to experience fresh Southern cuisine. A must-try is the Tomato Pie from Southern Plenty Cafe, best enjoyed when tomatoes are in season and sourced from the local farmers market. Another local favorite is the Key Lime Pie from Molasses Grill, which perfectly balances the tangy lime flavor with a side of sweet blueberries. For those looking to indulge in the region’s freshest produce, Halifax Cantaloupes from local farmers are a must-try. These celebrated juicy and flavorful fruits are perfect for a hot summer day and can be found at farmers’ markets across the state. No summer visit to Halifax County is complete without enjoying local produce crafted into a meal at one of our local restaurants.
