If you’ve been following alongside Old House Life for a while, you’ve most likely heard of the town of Danville, VA. A lot of you have been asking, “Where can we stay? What is there to do? Why Danville?”. Well, we’re here to answer all of your questions! Danville is a growing town that has a lot of potential and a rich history to go with it. The old buildings in the historic district make you wonder what it looked like back in the day. Some of the buildings are empty today, but better than having a modern building take its place. The river and Tobacco put the town on the map, which eventually led to the construction of the Richmond Danville railroad and the cotton mills. When walking along the river you’ll see the mill, which employed over 14,000 citizens. You can read more on the history of Danville here, or come experience it for yourself! Scroll through as we give you tips on places to eat or drink, things to do, and where you can stay for a few days.
Places to Eat
Check out some of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat here in town! Other great spots include Muchos Taqueria, Golden Leaf, Me’s Burgers and Brews, and Dell’ Anno’s Pizza Kitchen.
Links Coffee House
With tons of space to spread out, a variety of yummy food options, and tons of coffee flavors to choose from…Links is one of our go-to cafes!
You can check out their Facebook and Instagram, they feature some amazing cakes!
King Cropp
Devoted to buying from local farmers, the owners of King Cropp also grew their own produce and raised their own chickens, quails, ducks, turkeys, and pigs.
There is passion within their food and drinks, so if you’re looking for a flavorful meal in an intimate setting look no further!
The Schoolfield Restaurant
With a different menu every season and even some specialty dishes that rotate, The Schoolfield Restaurant is our favorite spot to enjoy steak or seafood!
The atmosphere is like no other with the classical music and traditional dining setting.
Check out their Facebook.
Crema and Vine
Often hosting local musicians and being the only cafe that serves wine, Crema and Vine is a popular spot here in Danville. With delicious sandwiches, a variety of wines, a heated outdoor patio, and hosts that care…you don’t want to miss it!
Check out their Facebook!
Cotton at Riverside Mill
Take a step back in time and enjoy an exceptional meal at what was formerly known as, Dan River Mills. This is another great spot for seafood and mixed drinks.
Something great about this place is that the outdoor patio has an unmatched view of the Dan River!
Stop for a Drink
2 Witches Winery and Brewery Company
2 Witches is no stranger to hosting local musicians, karaoke nights, and bingo! With it being the only winery and brewery in town, this place can get pretty packed. We love when they do outdoor events because of how much space there is to spread out.
We recommend their wine slushes!
Check out their Facebook.
Ballad Brewing
This is a great family and pet-friendly brewery! They host events like trivia, bingo, board game days, and drag shows.
We are no strangers to this place…I recommend the Just Pressed if you stop by!
Funky’s Arcade Bar
Looking for some entertainment for all ages or maybe just a quick drink? Go to Funky’s Arcade Bar! With tons of different arcade machines, a full bar, and a ton of beer options there’s something for everyone.
They also host various events and local musicians.
River District Golf and Social
With a full bar, great food, tons of space for people to spread out, and a few golf simulator bays…it’s obvious why this place stays busy.
We love coming here for a few drinks, food, and an hour or two of golf!
You have to try their espresso martini and the southwest egg rolls.
Check out their Facebook.
Explore the Parks
Dan Daniel Memorial Park
With various hiking and biking trails, soccer and baseball fields, playgrounds, a small skate park, and a veterans memorial is Dan Daniel Memorial Park. It’s also home to the Danville Otterbots!
This park stems off of the Riverwalk Trail and is open from dawn to dusk!
Anglers Park
We have used the Anglers boat ramp many times after our kayaking trips. It is also a great park for those wanting to enjoy nature or go mountain biking!
A cool feature is the bike wash station, we have had to use it for our kayaks on muddy days.
Riverwalk Trail
We are frequent visitors of the Riverwalk! It stretches for miles and is biker, runner, and walker friendly. It runs through the historic downtown district and stretches to the Dan Daniel Memorial Park.
You can experience a lot of what Danville has to offer via this trail.
Ballou Park
If you have been following Old House Life or Ramsey Restoration, you’d know that Ballou Park is home to the Holiday Light Show! Car shows and other events have also been held here.
Ballou boasts paved and unpaved trails, a disc golf course, baseball fields, and tennis courts. Which we have enjoyed many times!
Attractions/Get into the History
Museum of Fine Arts and History
Established in 1974, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is responsible for shedding a light on Danville’s rich history.
It is located in the heart of the city and next to Crema and Vine, so you can grab a bite or drink after!
The Tank Museum
Part of what used to be a private collection is now a museum dedicated to preserving tank and calvary artifacts!
There are self-guided or group tours by reservation.
The Science Center
Educating the community with live demos and hands-on activities since 1995 is the Danville Science Center!
Ticket prices range from $5-$12 based on what you want your experience to look like.
The Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning across from the Science Center is the farmers market. Tons of fresh produce, homemade bread and desserts, handcrafted soaps, candles, etc..
If you go to their Facebook, you can look at what vendors will be featured.
Carrington Pavillion
Sitting right on the Dan River is Carrington Pavillion. It has hosted Blake Shelton, The Doobie Brothers, Styx, and many more artists and theatre productions.
Millionaires Row
This is what really brought us to Danville, Millionaires Row. Every home brings something different to the table and every interior has a unique style that is impressive, to say the least.
There are guided tours you can register for or just take a self-guided tour with the scannable QR codes throughout the Old West End!
Where to Stay
The Bee Hotel
“The Bee is made up of two beautiful historic buildings in the City’s River District. These two buildings at 117 South Union and 123 South Union have a historic relationship to each other as the two early headquarters of the Danville Register and the Danville Bee, the major newspapers in the City that merged to become the Danville Register and Bee in 1989.“
With the plush rooms and rooftop deck, you’ll love your stay here. Check out their Facebook.
The Mansion on Main
If you’re wanting to stay right on Main St and have a big group of people to accommodate, look no further. The mansion on the main was recently restored and turned into Airbnb, it can host 16+ guests.
You don’t want to miss the interior!
The Watson House
Sitting in the Old West End, is the Watson House. Beautifully restored and brought back to life with some modern touches by our good friends Larry and Barbara Meder!
This home is in a great location, everything is within walking distance or just a few minute’s drive away. AND for those who follow Old House Life, you’ll be right down the street from Sunshine Cottage and Moonlight Manor!
We hope to see you soon! Let us know when and if you visit, you’ll probably see us out and about!
