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Before you know it, the holiday season will have come and gone. Your loved ones will return home, school will resume and busy work schedules will keep you just that—busy. Before you start counting down the days until summer vacation, take the family on a last-minute holiday trip to Martinsville, seated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southern Virginia. While the Martinsville Speedway draws thousands for its races in the warmer months, there’s plenty to see in the witner, too. Here are some not-to-miss spots:
Eat at Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs. The award-winning local favorite is a must-stop for visitors, known for fresh meats cooked daily, southern hospitality and prices that won’t break your wallet.
Explore the Smith River Trail System, a local network of trails that offer opportunities for hiking, bicycling and dining. The Dick & Willie Passage Trail, the longest public trail, stretches across a 4.5-mile path that connects the surrounding neighborhoods and gives hikers the opportunity to shop and dine at nearby establishments.
Visit the Virginia Museum of Natural History, a Smithsonian with exhibits documenting ancient life, the Ice Age, Virginia natural history, fossils and more. Don’t miss the Hall of Biodiversity with a display of big mammals, including lions, antelopes and leopards.
Discover at the Piedmont Arts Center, an award-winning art museum that curates thought-provoking exhibits by international and local artists and hosts several performing arts events such as concerts and children’s performances. Right now, the museum is showing an exhibit celebrating the history and intricacy of quilting.
Lodge at the historic Virginia Home Inn. Originally built in 1920, the picturesque bed and breakfast offers eight rooms for overnight guests, a sitting room with a fireplace perfect for bookworms or late-night conversations and an 80-foot balcony with scenic views.