"Seniors on the Move" Tour Martinsville

On Tuesday, September 16, the “Seniors on the Move” program from Ballou Recreation
Center in Danville visited Martinsville-Henry County for a group tour. The group, which consisted of 26 out-of-town visitors spent the entire day in the area touring, shopping, and dining. While on a walking tour, they visited the MHC Visitor Center, New College Institute, the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum, the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Museum, Rucker’s Communication Museum, and Studio 107. The group also visited the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Piedmont Arts, the Martinsville Speedway, and dined at Clarence’s Steak and Seafood for dinner.

Throughout the day, participants expressed how pleasantly surprised they were with the quality of attractions in the area and one member of the group mentioned that Martinsville-Henry County was “like a resort town.” Many members of the group were excited to come back in the future and spend even more time in the area.

“We truly had an exciting day. The hospitality we received from all we came in contact with was fantastic. My ‘Seniors on the Move’ expressed how they could not believe how much there was to see in Martinsville. Excellent tour!” Deloris Crews, senior travel coordinator at Ballou Recreation Center, said.

In the middle of the tour, the group was given some free time to shop and eat lunch in Uptown Martinsville.

“I was happy that they came in. The tour caused me to have a good day. It brought customers in and let them see that we don’t just sell earrings, but scarves, purses, and accessories, as well,” Rhonda Barret of The Pierced Ear said. The estimated economic impact for the tour day was approximately $850.

“Showing the ‘Seniors on the Move’ group a little bit of what Martinsville-Henry County has to offer was a great experience. They were all very excited and eager to learn more about the area, and we cannot wait to have them back again in the future,” Chloe Mayhew, Martinsville-Henry County EDC’s group sales coordinator, said.

For more information about group tours, please contact Mayhew at 276.403.5948 or CMayhew@YesMartinsville.com.