Farmville QuickTake
Our QuickTake blogs give our fellow small town fans a birds eye view of what this town offers. We continue to add blogs & stories that go a little deeper as we uncover the treasures of this town.
Welcome to Farmville, VA, where small-town charm meets a storied history of craftsmanship and community. Located slightly to the southwest of Richmond and east of Lynchburg, this town enjoys a beautiful rural setting in the middle of Virginia farmland. Major metros are within driving distance, with Richmond being a little over an hour away and Raleigh, NC, to the south about a 2.5-hour drive. The area holds much historic significance related to our country’s history and is surrounded by ways to spend time in the great outdoors!
A Peek into the Population
Farmville has a population of 7,466 as of 2024 and is also the county seat of Prince Edward County. Its youthful median age is 24.4 for males and 23.6 for females, reflects the presence of not one, but two bastions of secondary education. Regarding the household types that have taken refuge in this beautiful little town, only 26% comprise married households, creating a growing hub where those searching for companions are sure to find lots of friends.
photo cred: priscilla du preez @unsplash
Arts & Entertainment
When searching for a fun time, you will never have to venture far. The Brewhouse hosts live music on a regular basis, where you can find great food, fun, friends, and tunes. As for the performing arts, both Longwood University and Hampden Sydney produce high-quality productions throughout the year. The local Waterworks Players have remained the cornerstone of the local theater scene, and you can be sure to catch something entertaining here! Read more about the theater scene in our story here.
Set in the center of town, the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts offers ongoing showings of remarkable work. It also produces a variety of educational programs for all ages and showcases various exhibitions throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities
If you want off of Main Street and into the great outdoors, you do not have to go far. Just six miles southeast of Downtown Farmville, the Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat features 20 zip lines and 60 obstacles, making it Virginia's most extensive and grandest aerial adventure park. If that doesn't float your boat, Farmville is surrounded by rivers and streams, and it has two of Virginia's finest bass fishing lakes: Briery Creek Lake and Sandy River Reservoir - a fisherman's paradise. With the rural richness surrounding the town, you can get more information on other activities at Virginia's Heartland Regional Visitor Centre on things to do and see around Farmville. The Visitor Center, which also includes the Transportation Heritage Museum is just one block off Main Street in Downtown, and is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. several days during the week.
However, the jewel of the town is the access to the High Bridge Trail State Park. It is 31 miles long and ideally suited for those who love hiking or biking. It has a centerpiece is the High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long, 125 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge that resides in Virginia, being known as a historic landmark that you can enjoy from dusk till dawn.
Shopping and Local Businesses
Farmville is such a quaint and interesting town that those who love to peruse the stores can shop their hearts out. Many of the shops located in Downtown Main Street offer unique and enjoyable shopping experiences with treasures that are just waiting to be picked up. Take 'Amish Originals,' for example. It is run by Carol & Richard Broadwater, who have sold American-made, solid-wood Amish furniture for over 24 years. There is also 'The Blake and Gray Company,' a grand boutique with an array of women's clothing up for grabs and accessories.
You may notice that the dominant retailer in town is the Green Front Furniture store! It has a huge collection of different furniture works, making it a great destination for folks from all over the state. It is made up of 13 buildings and has nearly one million square feet of showroom space. It is far from your average regular furniture store and can keep you busy for hours.
Dining Highlights
The town boasts an eclectic mix of dining options that cater to a variety of palates and preferences. From the genuine down-home flavors and ambiance of BBQ joints, classic diners, and Mexican cuisine, to the laid-back vibes of coffee shops and the unique offerings of local breweries and wineries nearby, Farmville ensures a warm, welcoming experience with its small-town warmth and character.
A must-visit spot right in the center of town is Walker's Diner, an authentic diner known for its fresh, juicy burgers and a range of other specials that embody the essence of American comfort food. It is right in the heart of town and captures the simplicity of days gone by with delicious food.
Charley’s Waterfront Café is a popular destination for a broad menu selection, cozy ambiance and excellent setting beside the river. Looking for a romantic end to an evening? The rooftop bar at the Weyanoke Hotel is a secret place for a great sunset.
Join us as we continue to explore the stores and secrets of this sweet small town.