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.
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 Halifax and South Boston, 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.
Explore the Blueway
Pack your bags, strap down your canoe, and brush the dust off your lifejacket. 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 rides and rentals. 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.
Attend 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. Saturday evenings throughout spring and summer see the stands of the speedway packed as fans cheer on their favorite racers. Across the county, in Alton, Virginia International Raceway 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. Though both tracks offer slightly different experiences on race day, spectators at both tracks are united in their need to witness speed.
Have Drinks 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 in season ingredients and 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.
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. New this year is Destination Downtown South Boston’s Spring Fling. The locally owned businesses of Downtown South Boston will be joined by a variety of local vendors and craftsman for a sidewalk sale. Visitors can shop an assortment of wares while enjoying food and drinks of local business owners, a real shopper’s paradise! In celebration of Earth Day, the Town of Halifax hosts an annual Earth Day Extravaganza in late April. The day-long event features activities, demonstrations, and contests for all ages to educate people on sustainability, in addition to all the farmers market’s regular offerings. Early May sees the return of the Halifax County Heritage and Antique Machinery Festival. This weekend long festival offers a variety of attractions, from antique tractors, cars, and machinery, traditional trade demonstrations, a petting zoo, and a tractor pull, all meant to celebrate ways of the past. The last event of Spring is the Halifax County Strawberry Fest, which occurs in May. Celebrating the harvest of delicious local strawberries, attendees enjoy live music and family-friendly activities at this annual celebration. From mechanics to astronomers to foodies, there’s a spring event in Halifax County to entertain everyone!
