The town of Appomattox holds a special place in American history. This small city in central Virginia is where the Confederacy Army surrendered in 1865, ending the Civil War. Bringing this to life are several well-preserved historical sites and museums scattered around the town that transport visitors to that momentous era. The city’s serene natural beauty is yet another draw. Parks teeming with scenic views and outdoor recreation activities offer plenty of fun options for both families and those who are more adventurous. There are plenty of places to stay as well, including Airbnb vacation rentals. A quiet and tranquil city, Appomattox also has an active cultural scene including an outdoor theatre group! Read on to know the best things to do in Appomattox, Virginia.
1. Experience a piece of American history at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
The scene of one of American history’s dramatic moments, Appomattox Court House is a reconstructed village that features a cluster of historic buildings. This park commemorates the place where the surrender of the Confederate army took place, ending the American Civil War that lasted between 1861 to 1865. Inside here, you will find a dozen buildings important to this historical event, some original others reconstructed. Major ones are McLean House where the terms of the surrender were signed, Clover Hill Tavern, and the Meeks store. Start with the visitor centre where you can watch an illuminating video on the historic events and then if possible, join a park ranger-led guided walk.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Address: 111 National Park Dr, Appomattox
Website: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
2. Enjoy the natural beauty of Holliday Lake State Park
Located inside Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park abounds with scenic views. Although the park is most well-known for fishing at the lake, there are a host of other fun outdoor recreation activities that you can explore including hiking through woodland trails, camping, swimming, and boating. Picnicking pavilions, playgrounds, and the beach area are other reasons that make the park an ideal option for a family outing.
Holliday Lake State Park
Address: 2759 State Park Rd, Appomattox
Website: Holliday Lake State Park
Opening hours: 8am - dusk (daily)
3. Learn hidden facets of the Civil War at The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox
The museum, one of the two in the state, showcases memorabilia related to the historic Civil War from the perspective of both sites. The museum’s collection of over 400 objects, documents, and photographs seek to throw more light on the events that unfolded in the city and the war itself. A top exhibit that should not be missed is the military coat and sword that Robert E. Lee was wearing at the time of the surrender.
The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox
Address: 159 Horseshoe Rd, Appomattox
Website: The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 11 USD
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4. Unwind at Baine's Books & Coffee
Sit back with a great book and a cup of coffee or ice cream at this charming bookstore-cum-cafe in Appomattox’s city centre. Located inside a historical building, it offers a large eclectic selection of books, vinyl, musical instruments, plus a scrumptious choice of beverages and snacks. With a laidback and welcoming vibe, the bookstore and coffee shop is the perfect place for a relaxed evening. Regular live music performances and events like open mic add to its fun quotient!
Baines Books and Coffee
Address: 205 Main St, Appomattox
Website: Baines Books and Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 7am - 8pm; Thu - Fri: 7am - 9:30pm; Sat: 8:30am - 9:30am; Sun: 9am - 5pm
5. See authentic memorabila at Appomattox County Historical Museum
The Appomattox County Historical Society boasts a wonderful local museum within the old jail located in the Courthouse square in the heart of the historic district. This image was taken April 20, 2018.
Posted by Appomattoxhistoricdistrict on Saturday, 21 April 2018
Find out more about this small but important city’s history at this museum you will find within Court House Square in Appomattox Historic District. Built in 1897, the building was originally the county’s third jail that was used until 1981, after which it was converted into a museum. Today it showcases various facets of life in the 1800s-1900s using themed sections. The main highlights are the two rooms containing a collection of artefacts from the Civil War era and the restored jail cells. Other interesting exhibits include reconstructions of a doctor’s room, an Indian room, and a schoolroom to name a few.
Appomattox County Historical Museum
Address: 337 Court St, Appomattox
Website: Appomattox County Historical Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 4 USD
6. Relish home-style food at Rail Yard Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in a casual, friendly atmosphere at Rail Yard Restaurant. Run by a warm and welcoming couple, this family-friendly restaurant offers an array of flavoursome food made from scratch such as smoked meat, sandwiches, snacks like biscuits, and of course, steaks. Best dishes to try include smoked brisket, ribs, chicken salad, and barbecue items. The restaurant also includes a sports lounge for those who want to relax during games.
Rail Yard Restaurant
Address: 1957 Church St, Appomattox
Website: Rail Yard Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 7am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 7am - 10pm
7. Pay tribute to brave soldiers of the war at North Carolina Monument
This monument is a tribute to the over 5,000 North Carolina troops who were paroled at the Appomattox surrender in 1865. Erected in 1905 by veterans of that state, the monument stands on the site where the army of Northern Virginia fired the last volley, thus marking the place where the troops made their last advance at the famed Battle of Appomattox Court House. You can reach the monument by taking the walking trail that starts from the park’s parking lot.
North Carolina Monument
Address: VA-24, Appomattox
Website: North Carolina Monument
8. Take home essentials from Shoppes of Appomattox Shopping Center
Posted by Shoppes of Appomattox on Thursday, 18 April 2019
Among the biggest shopping malls of Appomattox, find here an extensive range of supermarkets, retail outlets, restaurants, medical facilities, and beauty salons. Some of the major stores you will find here are Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, and Pino’s Pizza.
Shoppes of Appomattox
Address: 7789 Richmond Highway, Appomattox
Website: Shoppes of Appomattox
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Wed & Sun)
9. Step back in time with a visit to Clover Hill Village
A living history village, Clover Hill Village features a number of historical buildings dating from the 1800s that have been either relocated or reconstructed. Spread over 6 acres (2.4 hectares), these buildings give a glimpse of how life was during those times. Examples of the buildings there include Vermillion General Store and Post Office, a poor house cabin (living quarters for the homeless or needy), a Family Log Cabin with original furniture and furnishings, a church, and a schoolroom among others. You can also explore the antique farm equipment display outside and check out outdoor sheds and a blacksmith shop
Clover Hill Village
Address: 5747 River Ridge Rd, Appomattox
Website: Clover Hill Village
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu
Price: 3 USD
10. Spend a morning playing golf at Falling River Country Club
Happy 4th of July from FRCC !
Posted by Falling River Country Club on Thursday, 4 July 2019
Falling River Country Club is a well-maintained 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the region’s soothing green countryside. A par 72 course, it features an interesting layout with a mix of open and challenging fairways, making it fun for both beginners and experts. It features additional amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a cafe.
Falling River Country Club
Address: 2140 Country Club Rd, Appomattox
Website: Falling River Country Club
Opening hours: 7am - 2pm (daily)
11. Plan a picnic at Appomattox Community Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This recently developed park offers plenty of open space for those who want to spend some time amidst nature. It boasts of welcoming green grounds that include a creek and even a train car. Explore the park’s wooded parts along with its hiking/biking trails. Or, have a family picnic! There are many facilities like ball fields for a variety of sports, a frisbee/disc golf course, as well a pavilion. For young kids, there’s a large play area that’ll keep them busy. So the park truly has something for everyone!
Appomattox Community Park
Address: 387 Elk Creek Rd, Appomattox
Website: Appomattox Community Park
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
12. Get lovely nail designs at TNT Nails
Posted by Scott Llewellyn on Saturday, 7 April 2018
Looking to get your nails done? Then head to TNT Nails, a popular nail salon where you can get the full range of services like manicure/pedicure, nail designs, nail fix, and acrylic full set. The salon is known for its experienced professionals, clean premises, and attentive service. It is perfect for an afternoon of pampering yourself.
TNT Nails
Address: 7639 Richmond Hwy, Appomattox
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
13. Spot unique antique finds at Yesterday's Bazaar
Posted by Yesterday's Bazaar on Thursday, 30 March 2017
If you love wandering around antique stores/flea markets looking for awesome finds then Yesterday’s Bazaar is the place for you. Yesterday’s Bazaar is a treasure trove of carefully curated items that range from clothing, antiques, glassware, to furniture, procured from vendors around the region. The store frequently updates its collections so you are likely to find something interesting to pick up each visit.
Yesterday’s Bazaar
Address: 183 Old Courthouse Rd, Appomattox
Website: Yesterday’s Bazaar
Opening hours: 12pm - 6pm (daily)
14. Have a lip-smacking Southern-style meal at Granny Bee's
Enjoy classic Southern cooking at Granny Bee’s restaurant where you are treated to traditional home-style cooked dishes. This family-owned restaurant offers delicious food at a reasonable price and a friendly atmosphere. Try their daily specials and signatures dishes like the cornbread, ribeye steak, fried okra, and homemade rolls. Be sure to also check out their homemade desserts, particularly their pies.
Granny Bee's
Address: 179 Main Street, Appomattox
Website: Granny Bee’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 9pm; Sun: 7am - 2pm
15. Experience immersive theatre against a rustic backdrop with Wolfbane Productions
Attending a theatre performance by Wolfbane Productions is an experience like none other! The theatre group has a unique approach that makes their productions quite memorable. Plays are held in the woods, with the stage set up out in the open and where the actors often make the audience a part of the experience by walking in and around them. With the plays featuring high-,calibre professional artists and top-notch sets, for many, their plays are no less than Broadway productions.
Wolfbane Productions
Address: 618 Country Club Road, Appomattox
Website: Wolfbane Productions
Price: 25 USD
16. Get your clothes monogrammed at That's Too Cute Boutique
This local boutique is popular for its chic and stylish selection of clothing, jewellery, and home decor items, often showcasing local makers and artists. That’s Too Cute Boutique is also well-known for its unique personalisation service. You can personalise a range of items from home decor items to dresses by adding a monogram or a custom applique patch. The service is available not only for items purchased from their store but also anything you bring in. Its friendly, knowledgeable service staff is another reason for its popularity.
That's Too Cute Boutique
Address: The Shoppes of Appomattox Shopping Center, 7819 Richmond Hwy, Appomattox
Website: That’s Too Cute Boutique
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Explore Appomattox's rich historical treasures
Experiencing history surely tops the list of best things to do in Appomattox, Virginia. If you are a history buff try to be in the city during a Civil War weekend. The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park hosts living history weekends twice a year – once around the anniversary date of the surrender and once in October. With reconstructions, fun games and activities, these weekends allow you re-live the events and the era.
History
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