Tours
What makes your heart race tour
South Boston, Va
Lean into a hairpin curve. Order up a farm-to-table meal. Or grab a kayak and explore over 350 miles of shoreline. Welcome to Halifax, Virginia. Your long weekend just got a lot more interesting.
3 Days
Medium Activity
Day 1
STOP : SOUTH BOSTON WELCOME CENTER
Arrive in Halifax County: Start your road trip with a stop at the South Boston/Halifax County Visitor Center. Staff will be delighted to share maps and directions to locations on the itinerary, answer questions about your upcoming stay, and provide recommendations as well as WanderLove materials for the weekend.
STOP : VIR DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Known primarily for races hosted on the track, VIR offers a variety of recreation opportunities that are often overlooked by weekend spectators.
For the ultimate experience, spend the day in VIR’s Formula Experiences, which puts guests behind the wheel of one of the world’s fastest race cars. After a two-hour training session, even beginners can take to the track at America’s only formula race car driving opportunity.
Need more speed? Venture to the VIR Kart track for more racing. Tucked behind the lodge is a state of the art, 5/8th mile Go-Kart track. The karts run ungoverned Honda GX 270cc motors capable of exceeding speeds of 50 mph- the fastest speeds you’ll find for go-karts anywhere.
STOP : DINNER AT OAK TREE TAVERN
End your day with dinner and drinks at one (or both) of VIR’s dining establishments. Located in a historic home on-site, both Oak Tree Tavern and Connie’s Pub are sure to delight. Offering a more relaxed atmosphere, Connie’s Pub is the perfect place to start with drinks and appetizers. The walls of the pub are adorned with pictures and memorabilia of previous track champions and celebrities. Grab dinner at the upscale Oak Tree Tavern. Decorated with input from designers at Ralph Lauren, diners enjoy candlelit meals by the resort’s chef in the rooms of this historic Antebellum home. Alternatively, guests can dine on the outside patio, enjoying the views of the countryside or listening to live bands hosted on the weekend.
STOP : OVERNIGHT IN THE PIT
Complete your experience with a stay at one of VIR’s on-site lodging opportunities. VIR offers a traditional hotel experience with The Lodge at VIR, a more unique stay in the form of The Pit Lane Rooms, or the stately two-story Villas at Southbend. All lodging options sport views of the track and access to the resort’s amenities.
Day 2
STOP : BREAKFAST AT SOUTHERN PLENTY
Check out from VIR and head to downtown South Boston. Begin your day with breakfast at Southern Plenty Cafe, an eclectic cafe that serves pastries, coffee, and hearty breakfasts. Baked in-house, many pastries utilize in- season ingredients and are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth. While waiting for your order, view the art gallery on the second floor, or browse the shop featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, and goods. Don’t forget to pick up a snack from the selection of gourmet foods and deli items to snack on later in the day.
STOP : SHOPPING IN SOUTH BOSTON
Once a booming hub for the production and sale of tobacco, Historic Downtown South Boston sports facades and warehouses of a bygone era. Today, these buildings house boutiques, furniture stores, antique shops, and cafes. Spend some time browsing the wares of local store owners, finding gifts for loved ones (or yourself). Keep an eye out for the painted hydrants, each modeled after a historical figure from the community.
STOP : TOUR HUNTING CREEK VINEYARDS
Next, drive along country roads to the north eastern corner of the county and visit Hunting Creek Vineyards for a tour and tasting. Believing in the phrase “from ground to glass” the McPhersons monitor each step of the winemaking process, from growing the grapes on five acres of vineyards to aging them in their wine cellar. Enjoy views of the surrounding countryside while touring the vineyard, sampling wines, and eating a catered lunch. The Barn, a recently built event space, offers both indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking grapevines and the property’s pond. Be sure to pick up a bottle (or three) of your favorite as a souvenir from your vacation to Halifax County.
STOP : VISIT SPRINGFIELD DISTILLERY
Head back to town and use River Road, a scenic bypass, to reach Springfield Distillery. Spend the rest of your afternoon at this rustic distillery, named after the historic home on the property. Take a tour and sample a flight of Springfield’s Scratch Whiskeys. Visitors can order cocktails made with Scratch Whiskey in the tasting room, a rustic cabin featuring a bar, indoor seating, board games and Springfield merchandise. A wrap around porch provides shaded outdoor seating where guests can sip drinks on rocking chairs. Lawn games are also available for kids (or the young at heart) to play on the lawn.
STOP : DINNER AT MOLASSES GRILL
Go to Historic Downtown Halifax and have dinner at the award- winning Molasses Grill. Listed as one of The 30 Places to Eat in Virginia Before You Die, this restaurant serves Southern Inspired cuisine. Molasses Grill offers a fine-dining experience in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere, the walls adorned with long, flowing curtains and artwork by owner and chef Steve Schopen. The menu features a few staples, in addition to an ever-changing seasonal menu that uses fresh, local ingredients when available. Providing an unmatched atmosphere, menu, and service, this restaurant is a must-stop for tourists. Reservations are strongly recommended.
STOP : BERRY HILL RESORT
Check in at Berry Hill. This historic landmark and former mansion turned resort is sure to enchant guests. Considered one of the best examples of Greek Revival Architecture in the state of Virginia, the Berry Hill Resort features 92 beautifully appointed rooms. Unwind from the day with a cocktail at the historic Darby’s Tavern or on your balcony in a rocking chair taking in the night sounds only found in rural areas.
Day 3
STOP : BREAKFAST AT PACKHOUSE CAFE
Return to charming downtown Halifax and have breakfast at this cozy cafe. Paying homage to the county’s agrarian roots, many items on the menu at the Packhouse are named after tobacco. Enjoy a hearty, homemade breakfast before spending the day on an outdoor adventure.
STOP : DAY ON KERR LAKE
Head 30 miles east down Highway 58 to the idyllic lake town of Clarksville. Rent a boat for the day at one of the four rental outfitters and cruise Virginia’s largest lake with more than 50,000 acres of fresh water and 800 miles of beautiful shoreline. Looking for adventure, water skiing and fishing are excellent ways to spend the day on the lake. When it is time for lunch, dock your boat and head to the quaint streets of Downtown Clarksville for a tasty lunch (we highly recommend the ice cream at The Cottage Barn!). Make a little time to hit the shops along the main street before heading back to the lake.
Looking for more things to do?
Search here for food, shops, and entertainment in Halifax County, VA.