"The charm of a woodland road lies not only in its beauty but in anticipation. Around each bend may be a discovery, an adventure." Dale Rex Coman
Have you ever been surprised by what you found on a road trip?
Last week, I took my mom up to Virginia to see her sister, who lives in a tiny town about an hour from Richmond. I did not stay at the house with them—they needed their sister time, and I needed wifi. So, after sharing some hugs and some gifts we had brought with us, I left the sisters to themselves and drove to the neighboring town of Farmville.
I didn’t know much about Farmville, Virginia, beyond what my aunt had told me and what I had seen online. But the town thoroughly charmed me.
It’s a historic town in many ways, and it sits on the Appomattox River. Nearby were the last battles of the Civil War, including the Battle of Appomattox and the Battle of High Bridge, as well as the first struggles for Civil Rights led by teenagers.
High Bridge Trail, a railroad line that was converted to hiking and biking trail that runs over the Appomattox, is located in Farmville.
The view of the Appomattox River behind Charley's Waterfront Cafe
Historic First Baptist Church, on the Civil Rights Trail
It’s the first town to have two colleges: Hampden-Sydney College, established in 1775, and Longwood University, founded in 1838.
Longwood University. This looks like a portal to another world.
Farmville is the home of Green Front Furniture, a conglomeration of historic warehouses throughout downtown that are filled with high-end furnishings and home décor—800,000 square feet worth.
One of many Green Front Furniture warehouses
After a great lunch at Charleys Waterfront Café (known for its delicious she crab and roasted red pepper soup), I checked out some gift shops, galleries, and clothing stores and did some Christmas shopping and some me shopping. (I especially enjoyed the very helpful sales associates at Penelope.)
One of three outdoor murals by artist Monty Montgomery. They form the backdrop for the weekly Farmers' Market.
In downtown Farmville and the surrounding area, I found lots of opportunities to capture beauty in nature and the arts. I'll leave you with this one, my favorite.
Painted leaves
Your turn: Have you ever been surprised (in a good way!) by what you found on a road trip? I'd love to know. Leave me a comment below.
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