In Martinsville - Henry County, Virginia there's so much to do and see. Why not spend the day with us? Maybe even an overnight or extended visit to fit everything in. We offer an itinerary filled with arts and culture, quality of life, and plenty of opportunities to discover the great outdoors. No matter what interests you, chances are you'll find it here.
Still not sure what you'd like to do? Here are some sample itineraries...
"The Motorhead Traveler" Adventure
As seen on MavTV's program The Motorhead Traveler, retrace host Kevin Cullen's travels throughout Martinsville-Henry County as you experience the best of motorsports, art and family fun. Allow yourself one to two days to enjoy this itinerary full of speed and horsepower and some incredible regional art.
- Martinsville Speedway is known as one of NASCAR's most accessible tracks. Visit them most any weekday during regular business hours for a free self-guided walking tour of the historic track. (Please note that this opportunity is not available on race week or the week leading up to it for safety reasons.) Stop in the ticket office to purchase a hat or t-shirt and watch for the track's annual Christmas Toy Drive that allows fans to take a few laps around the track in exchange for a donated toy for charity.
- In the program, Kevin participated in a 3-hour stained glass workshop with Lynn Berry of The Glassy Chix at Studio 107. Visit this art studio to watch local artisans at work, participate in a class of your preferred medium or enjoy browsing the locally made art for sale at the studio. Learn more about the Fairy Stone featured in this segment at the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Fairy Stone State Park.
- Visit Arrington Performance for a tour of this 105,000 sq. ft. facility where high performance
Dodge motorsports parts are made. The tour is free for groups of two
or more and advance reservations are required. - In the end credits for the show you'll see Kevin dining at Clarence's Steak & Seafood House. Clarence's is the official sponsor of late-model series driver Philip Morris. You can enjoy great southern cuisine while admiring the many trophies won by Morris, including an official Martinsville Speedway grandfather clock.
- Just a 45-minute drive from Martinsville you can visit Smith Mountain Lake, as seen in the episode, to enjoy fishing, skiing and pleasure-boating.
- Extend your stay by visiting these other nearby motorsports themed attractions:
- Test your own driving skills with a few laps around the track at Martinsville Grand Prix Go Karts
- Plan your visit on the 3rd Saturday of the month from April to October to participate in the Martinsville Uptown Cruise-In. You'll see hundreds of unique and classic vehicles on display and enjoy live entertainment!
- Pose for a photo op at the Martinsville Speedway Historic Marker, commemorating the track's 60th anniversary.
Arts & Culture Getaway
You can't spell Martinsville without art! Explore galleries at Piedmont Arts, which features six different exhibits per year. Watch award-winning artists at work in Studio 107 where you can observe wood turning, painting, glasswork, fiber arts and jewelry making.
Treat your group to an immersive hands-on experience at The Artisan Center where they can learn to create their own work of art or make something delicious in the culinary arts studio. Our friendly step-on guides can also take you on a driving tour of public artwork and murals in the area.
If your group enjoys live theater you can attend a variety of theatrical performances throughout the year offered by Piedmont Arts "On Stage" and TheatreWorks Community Players.
There are plenty opportunities for your group to enjoy live music as well at Spencer-Penn Centre, The Historic Rives Theatre and numerous other venues throughout the community. Visit our event calendar to see details about upcoming music and performances.
Depending on which activities your group chooses your visit can range from a few hours to a multi-day experience.
We Have Enough Day Trip Ideas to Last 365 Days
1. Enjoy your favorite flavor shakes with the kids at Fenderz Drive-In 50's Diner.
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2. Check out the nightlife at Wild Magnolia.
3. Take the kids to play at the Hooker Furniture Discovery Reef at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
4. Research your roots by exploring the branches of your family tree at the nationally recognized Bassett Historical Center.
5. Let the kids create their own art and music at the Piedmont Arts Discovery Room.
6. Watch artists in action as they showcase wood turning, glass working, painting and beading techniques at Studio 107.
7. Find a fashion-treasure at the shops in Liberty Fair Mall.
8. Learn about local wildlife and hydroelectric power at the visitor center at Philpott Lake.
9. Explore African Culture at FAHI African America Heritage Museum.
10. Find out more about local history at the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Museum.
11. Shop for unique works of art made by local artisans at The Artisan Center.
12. Spend a weekend with the family in a charming cabin at Fairy Stone State Park.
13. Indulge in the famous Checkered Pig BBQ, a local hotspot featured on the Food Network.
14. Bring the family to enjoy ‘Living off the Land' at the Smithsonian affiliated, Museum of Natural History.
15. Shop for famous Bassett and Hooker furniture at amazing outlet prices.
16. Treat the family to a live performance at the Rives Theatre.
17. Relax with a good book and a cappuccino at Binding Time Cafe'
18. Make a pit stop at the Fork Mountain Raceway, where many famous NASCAR drivers started their careers.
19. Develop your palette with a relaxing afternoon wine tasting at the Preston Ridge Winery.
20. Enjoy a wide variety of shopping, including gift shops, locally made arts and crafts, fresh produce at the farmer's market, and locally made, name-brand furniture in our furniture outlets.
21. Have a striking afternoon bowling with friends at Sportlanes or Druid Lanes.
22. Explore exhibits about the history of the local furniture industry the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum.
23. Tour the Arrington Performance Facility, where NASCAR fans can see engines being built for NASCAR races firsthand.
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