Tours
South Boston, Va
REVOLUTIONARY WAR history
Discover Revolutionary War history on this tour, featuring historical sites where General Greene and his men won The Race to the Dan, as well as an exhibit at the South Boston – Halifax County Museum. This tour will help explorers obtain a deeper understanding of The Crossing of the Dan. Along the way stop at local favorite dining options, and the stately Berry Hill Resort.
3 Days
Medium Activity
Day 1
STOP : PICK UP YOUR ASSIGNMENT AT HALIFAX COUNTY VISITOR CENTER
Stop by the Halifax County Visitor Center to start off your stay! Ask our docents for recommendations to make this itinerary your own. Also find a selection of local history books and art related to the Crossing of the Dan.
STOP : DINNER AT THE HISTORIC DARBY’S TAVERN
Arrive at Berry Hill Resort. Have dinner in the historic Darby’s Tavern, which serves American and inspired Pub classics. Afterwards, take a short stroll through the mansion and its grounds, appreciating the period décor and opulence.
Day 2
STOP : HISTORY EXHIBIT AT THE MUSEUM
Head to the South Boston – Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History for the Crossing of the Dan exhibit. Learn about the importance of this event, often called the “Turning Point of the Revolutionary War.” The exhibit also displays relics left behind by soldiers. Feel free to view other exhibits in the museum, including a timeline of the county’s history, a replica of a country store, and an indigenous peoples’ collection.
STOP : VISIT BOYD’S FERRY
Afterwards, head to the Tobacco Heritage Trail and walk roughly a half mile to the monument at Boyd’s Ferry. Before reaching the monument, you’ll see a group of interpretive signs about the Crossing of the Dan, as well as a replica of the ferry that was used by Greene’s men to cross the river! Just downhill overlooking the river is the monument, roughly where Boyd’s Ferry once was.
STOP : LUNCH AT SOUTHERN PLENTY
Have lunch in Downtown South Boston at Southern Plenty, an eclectic café serving sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Alternatively, opt for carry-out and have lunch in Constitution Square overlooking the Dan River.
STOP : IRVIN’S FERRY VIA THE TOBACCO HERITAGE TRAIL
Return to Berry Hill. Using the resort’s trail system, hop on the Tobacco Heritage Trail two miles from the trail head. Along the way, view ruins of enslaved quarters and Diamond Hill, a burial ground for the enslaved of Berry Hill. From the Tobacco Heritage Trail, walk nearly two miles to the site of Irvin’s Ferry, where many troops crossed during the Crossing of the Dan.
STOP : RELAX AT BERRY HILL RESORT
After your afternoon hike to Irvin’s Ferry, enjoy some of Berry Hill’s amenities, such as the tennis or basketball court, or relax by the pool.
STOP : DINNER AT MOLASSES GRILL
Have dinner at the legendary Molasses Grill in Downtown Halifax. Serving inspired Southern fare, this upscale yet casual restaurant is named one of the top in Virginia. After dinner, cross the street to view the historic Court House and Halifax War Memorial.
Day 3
STOP : BRUNCH AT BERRY HILL
End your stay (but start your day) with brunch at the Mansion Restaurant at Berry Hill. From traditional breakfast fare to southern inspired items, brunch at the Mansion is sure to begin your day on the right foot and leave a lasting impression.
STOP : BANNISTER CROSSING
Before leaving, make a trip to King’s Bridge Landing, where Greene and his men crossed the Banister River. The Banister added an additional barrier for protection, Greene and his men traveled northeast of this location to the site of the old courthouse. This is where he rested and resupplied before turning around in pursuit of General Cornwallis.
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