Get to MHC and Get Outdoors

Did you know that June is National Get Outdoors Month? Martinsville-Henry County offers tons of fun ways to make the most of your outdoor plans. Here are ten suggestions for June fun. Did we mention how affordable daycations are in Martinsville-Henry County? 

1. Philpott Lake & Philpott Marina: The beautiful Philpott Lake offers swimming, wading, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, camping, hunting and fishing and trails! Whatever your favorite outdoor activity, Philpott has you covered. The lake has six designated swim-beach areas to serve visitors. New for the 2014 season: Philpott Marina!

2. Fairystone State Park: One of Virginia’s 36 state parks, Fairystone Park sits just over the border of Henry County and adjoins Philpott Lake. Fairystone is a 168 acre lake that is just minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy swimming, rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, playgrounds including one playground in the water!

3. The Smith River: Enjoy the 44.5 miles that flow through Henry County. The Smith River, abundant in multiple classifications of trout, is a fisherman’s paradise. Other recreational opportunities include canoeing, kayaking and tubing along the river. There are ten public canoe ramps available for paddlers and fisherman.

4. The Smith River Trail System: Hit the trails! The Smith River Trails System boasts nearly 19 miles of linear and circular trails for runners, walkers and bikers to enjoy including the 4.5 mile long Dick & Willie Rail Trail. Need a bike? Take advantage of Activate Martinsville-Henry County’s Free Bike Loan Program on the Dick & Willie Trail.

5. Parks: Everyone enjoys a day at the park and in Martinsville-Henry County, there are multiple parks to visit, each one offering free summertime memories! From swings, merry-go-rounds, teeter totters, slides, fields, courts, skate parks and more, there is a park close by to visit. Whether you are spending a day, week or just need to stretch your legs, pick a park and play!

6. Martinsville Speedway: Take a self-guided walk around the historic race track. Monday through Friday. (Some exclusions). Then be sure to come back for Celebration 2014 happening on July 3rd.

7. Beaver Creek Reservoir & Canoe Rentals: Beaver Creek Reservoir is a man-made lake which covers 175 acres and is perfect for the beginner or leisurely boater. Through Martinsville City Parks & Recreation, you can rent canoes and equipment on-site, and enjoy the serenity for as little as $10 a day!

8. Martinsville Mustangs: Take in a game or all 13 home games at Hooker Field. Don’t miss “Grandma Beauty Pageant” night, “Jimmy Buffet Beach Party" night, "Community Hero" night or any of the other action-packed promotional nights at the park.

9. Movie in the Park: Friday, June 13th, bring the entire family out to the Jack Dalton Park and enjoy the hit-movie “Frozen” on the big screen. The free, summer, Movie in the Park program is offered by Henry County Parks & Recreation. Movies will also be shown in July & August.

10. Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia: Finally for all you motorcycle enthusiasts, be sure to make MHC a destination on your summer journey. Martinsville is a mandatory passport check point in the Southern region of the state for the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia if you are competing for the grand prize. Enjoy the beautiful ride through our part of Virginia. And don’t forget to get your passport stamped!