Meet Jim Woods

Meet a Martinsville Insider: Jim Woods. As the Branch Manager of the Martinsville Library, member of the Martinsville Uptown Rotary Club, and father of two, Jim stays very busy. He and his wife Marlene, a registered nurse, always take time to get out and enjoy the community with their kids, C.J and Cate. Here are Jim's insider tips to enjoying Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia.

What places do your kids like to visit?
"My family and I like to drive Go-Karts at the Martinsville Grand Prix during the spring and summer. We recently went to the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum, housed in the Historic Courthouse in Uptown Martinsville, and were blown away by the renovations done and the exhibits were captivating. We are members of the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the museum is always doing programs that educate and amaze my family."

What's the best part of raising a family in Martinsville-Henry County?
"The area has such a variety of family-friendly parks and trails. Our YMCA* has two convenient locations in Martinsville and Collinsville and there is a wealth of fantastic churches to choose from, in which to get involved."

Where do you go to enjoy Martinsville-Henry County's arts-and-entertainment scene?
"I have been involved with the Theatreworks Community Players since the summer of 2010. The Piedmont Arts Association has a brilliant schedule of top notch artists, writers, and performers visiting Martinsville-Henry County from Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience to Clyde Edgerton, nationally-known writer and so many more."

What are your favorite spots for shopping?
"I love Suit City. My wife loves JoAnn Fabrics and we recently bought some beautiful furniture at Bargains Galore. All of these stores are located in the Liberty Fair Mall."

*Hot Tip: Visiting the area and need to work out? If your hotel does not offer an on-site fitness room, you can stop by the MHC Visitor Center for a complementary YMCA Day Pass.  

Get out and explore Martinsville-Henry County to see for yourself!