After a long winter, spring is finally here! All the signs are here in Halifax County – warmer weather, blooming flowers, longer days, and the distant roar of motors speeding around a track. Escape cabin fever and winter doldrums while enjoying these genuine Halifax County spring experiences.
Watch a Race
Every spring, Halifax County welcomes drivers, teams, and race fans as the local tracks reopen for the season. Between South Boston Speedway’s short track and Virginia International Raceway’s road course, it’s no wonder Halifax has become a destination for motorsports. The four-tenths of a mile track at South Boston Speedway is celebrated for training hometown racers who go on to become NASCAR legends. The season begins in March with afternoon races, transitioning to night races in April. Saturday evenings throughout spring see the stands packed as fans cheer on their favorite racers. Across the county, in Alton, Virginia International Raceway (VIR) also offers high-speed thrills for motorsports fans. Named one of Car and Driver Magazine’s top-six road courses in the nation, the over three-mile course is entertaining for both drivers and spectators. Fans can watch a variety of races, from sports cars, formula one racers, or motorcycles, while sitting in the stands or tailgating beside the track. Notable spring spectator events include the SCCA SuperTour in April and HyperFest in May. Though both tracks offer slightly different experiences on race day, spectators at both tracks are united in their need to witness speed.
Explore the Blueway
Pack your bags, strap down your canoe, and brush the dust off your life jacket. Spring is the perfect time of year to explore the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. As nature wakes from its winter slumber through the season, paddlers can take in views of verdant greens and blooming flowers along the waterway. This also provides an opportunity to catch views of local wildlife and reconnect with nature. Warmer waters offer anglers a chance to reel in fish along the banks or while on the water. An added bonus: winter precipitation restores local waterways to their usual levels, meaning you’re less likely to get snagged on rocks and sand bars that prove to be obstacles when water levels are low in late summer. The best part? With access points across Halifax and Mecklenburg counties, planning a short outing to a daylong excursion is a breeze. If you find yourself in the area without a paddle (or boat) Hazel Branch Outfitters offers rentals for the waters around Staunton River State Park. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway is the perfect way to challenge yourself with a day of paddling, have a relaxing day on the water, view wildlife, or even hook a few fish.
Sample Spirits at Springfield
One of the county’s most popular attractions is Springfield Distillery, and spring is an ideal time to visit the distillery – after all, spring is in the name. Ok, ok. We know Springfield Distillery is named after the historic home on the property, itself named for its proximity to water springs, but a visit to the distillery in spring isn’t going to disappoint. Though the distillery makes a variety of spirits, ask locals and they’ll tell you – the main attraction here is the whiskey, which can be enjoyed plain or in a multitude of flavors. Whiskey lovers will enjoy a tour of the distillery, followed by a tasting. The tasting room is housed within a barn constructed using traditional means, offering a cozy, rustic charm. Guests can order a variety of seasonal cocktails from the tasting room, often utilizing fresh local flavors. The best part? Sipping a cocktail in a rocking chair on the porch while enjoying the mild spring breeze. There’s plenty to do here besides drinking, the distillery regularly hosts food trucks, and has lawn games to play while socializing over drinks. Trust us – you’ll enjoy raising your spirits at this locally owned distillery.
Shop a Local Farmers Market
The warm weather brings the return of fresh produce, which can be purchased at Downtown South Boston Farmers Market and Halifax Market Place. Though not quite as bountiful as the summer harvest, spring offers its own variety of seasonal produce. The mild weather is perfect for spinach and greens, herbs, and onions, with asparagus and strawberries coming into season in April. You’ll also find the regular assortment of goods at our markets: oven baked breads, pasture raised meats, farm fresh eggs, and an assortment of homemade sweets. Alternatively, pick up starters for your own garden harvest. Both farmers markets operate on Saturday mornings in downtown South Boston and Halifax, respectively. If you’re passing through on a weekday, you still have the opportunity to pick up locally grown starters and produce. Abbott’s, in Halifax, offers a variety of plant starts, as well as gardening and farm goods. Reese’s, in Scottsburg, sells fresh produce year-round in addition to seedlings and starters. If you want to taste local produce without the hassle of cooking or growing it, we recommend Molasses Grill and Southern Plenty, both of which frequently incorporate produce from the farmers markets into their menus.
Enjoy Spring Events and Festivals
Every spring, Halifax County is host to a variety of fun events that appeal to a large number of audiences. The season begins with Staunton River State Park’s Star Party, which has gained attention from astronomers across the east coast and beyond. Held in March, this weeklong festival attracts astronomers to view stars at an International Dark Sky Park. On one night, the public is invited to attend, in which astronomers graciously allow visitors to view faraway planets and cosmos through their telescopes – truly a unique experience. Destination Downtown South Boston’s Spring Flingis a shopper’s paradise, as the stores of Main Street are joined by a variety of vendors for a sidewalk sale. Shoppers can browse the selection of both downtown stores and craft vendors along the street! Late April sees the celebration of Earth Day when the Town of Halifax hosts an annual Earth Day Extravaganza. Barn Quilt Trail Day takes place on the same day, where enthusiasts can visit locations across the county, some offering discounts and specials, tours, or workshops. Lastly, as the temperature begins to rise, the grapevines begin to show life after a dormant winter. To celebrate, Hunting Creek Vineyards holds an annual Bud Break Celebration in late April, marked by live music and festivities at the vineyard. Early May sees the return of the Halifax County Heritage and Antique Machinery Festival. This weekend festival offers a variety of attractions, from antique tractors, cars, and machinery to traditional trade demonstrations and a petting zoo, all meant to celebrate the ways of the past. Around the same time, Factory Street Brewing Company welcomes craft beer and barbecue lovers for Birthday, Brews, and Barbecue, their annual birthday celebration. Later in the month, Hunting Creek Vineyards hosts live music during the Barniversary, commemorating the anniversary of their tasting room, The Barn, opening. Rounding out spring events and kicking off summer is Summerfest in downtown Virgilina. Featuring a parade, vendors, and live music at local venues, this festival has grown into a day-long event. From mechanics to astronomers to foodies, there’s a spring event in Halifax County to entertain everyone!
