WanderLove: Ultimate Road Trip Guide from Richmond to Danville via Farmville and Clarksville
Experience WanderLove—Virginia's unique take on wanderlust—with this scenic road trip showcasing the Commonwealth's natural beauty, historic sites, and charming towns. This expert-curated itinerary from Richmond to Danville via Farmville and Clarksville offers outdoor adventures, top dining, and cozy lodging for an unforgettable getaway.
Photo Credit: Kyle LaFerriere, IG account: @laferriere.photography
Travel from Virginia's capital, Richmond, to adventure hub Farmville, lakeside Clarksville—"Virginia’s only Lakeside Town"—and conclude in vibrant Danville. Perfect for a relaxing escape from city life.
**Always verify current hours, closures, and weather conditions with businesses and parks before visiting, as details may change. Inclement weather may affect trails and roads.
ROUTE 360: RICHMOND TO FARMVILLE
61.3 miles, ~1 hour 25 minutes
Depart Downtown Richmond via Manchester, crossing the James River on Route 360 (Hull Street). Enjoy river views from the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, a pedestrian path 20 feet above the water linking Brown’s Island to Manchester.
Photo Credit: Matt Long, IG account: @landlopers
For water adventures, rent kayaks or paddleboards from Riverside Outfitters or join guided tours with RVA Paddlesports. Both offer climbing experiences, including rock climbing and treetop courses.
Photo Credit: Patrick Griffin
Pass through Brandermill and Woodlake suburbs to the Metro Richmond Zoo, home to 2,000+ animals across 200 species. Wander exhibits featuring kangaroos, orangutans, giraffes, lions, and the adorable baby Pygmy Hippo.
Continue on Route 360. For a detour, take State Route 153 to 460 for Richlands Dairy Farm & Creamery, offering pulled pork sandwiches, wraps, and house-made ice cream like Peaches & Cream. Proceed via 460 through Crewe to Farmville. Alternatively, via Route 307 west of Amelia, visit Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, site of a pivotal Civil War battle.
En route, fish at Sandy River Reservoir, stocked with bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Adjacent Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Park features a treetop course with 60+ obstacles and 17 ziplines. Rent watercraft or glamp in luxury tipis with heated floors, AC, full baths, kitchens, and plush beds.
Dining Highlights
Croaker’s Spot—Soul seafood in Richmond’s Manchester.
Brewer’s Waffles & Milkshakes—Sweet/savory waffles with shakes.
Pig & Brew—North Carolina-style BBQ.
Manchester’s Table—Mediterranean gourmet market.
Laura Lee’s—Family-friendly American fare.
Legend Brewing Company—Craft brews with river views.
The Boathouse at Sunday Park—Seafood/steak on Swift Creek Reservoir.
Fest Biergarten—German sausages and beers.
Lodging
Graduate Richmond—Boutique hotel with rooftop bar/pool.
Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Retreat—Glamping tipis, cabins on 23-acre farm.
ROUTE 15: FARMVILLE TO CLARKSVILLE
55.3 miles, ~1 hour 3 minutes
In Farmville, explore High Bridge Trail State Park’s 31-mile trail. Rent bikes at Outdoor Adventure Store, cross the 2,400-foot High Bridge (160 feet above Appomattox River). Snap photos at the wooden LOVEwork nearby or kayak LOVEwork at Appomattox River Company.
Photo Credit: Big Orange Frame
Browse Green Front Furniture Company’s massive showrooms, then stroll Longwood University campus. Visit Robert Russa Moton Museum for Civil Rights history tied to Brown v. Board of Education.
Photo Credit: Michael Mergen
Detour through Hampden-Sydney College grounds en route on Route 15.
Dining Highlights
Charley’s Waterfront Cafe—Riverside upscale dining.
The Fishin’ Pig—BBQ and seafood.
North Street Press Club’s—Burgers with creative drinks.
Effingham’s Restaurant—Wood-fired pizzas.
Three Roads Brewing Company—Craft beers outdoors.
The Virginia Tasting Cellar—Virginia wines, beers, ciders.
Bondurant Brothers Distillery—Prohibition-era moonshine legacy.
Lodging
Hotel Weyanoke—Boutique with rooftop bar.
ROUTE 58: CLARKSVILLE TO DANVILLE
50.9 miles, ~58 minutes
In lakeside Clarksville on Kerr Lake, enjoy Occonechee State Park: kayaking, fishing, trails.
Photo Credit: Sam Dean, IG account: @sdeanphotos
Shop at The Cottage Barn or Galleria on the Lake.
Via Route 58, stop in South Boston and Halifax for dining at Molasses Grill or Bistro 1888.
In Danville, hike Danville RiverWalk Trail, play disc golf at Ballou Park, or bike Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trails.
History buffs: Explore AAF Tank Museum, Millionaires’ Row Victorian homes, and churches. Get a self-guided tour at Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History.
Dining Highlights
Buggs Island Brewing Company—Flagship and seasonal beers.
Lamplighter Restaurant & Lounge—All-day casual dining.
Springfield Distillery—Flavored whiskeys.
Southern Plenty Cafe—Creative coffees and pastries.
Molasses Grill—Southern fusion fine dining.
Bistro 1888—New American cuisine.
2 Witches Winery & Brewing—Wines and brews.
Me’s Burgers & Brews—Craft beer burgers.
Mucho Taqueria—Tacos and tequila.
Heart Line Restaurant—Classic diner breakfasts.
Ballad Brewing—Diverse craft beers.
Lodging
Cooper’s Landing Inn—Historic inn with pool, dining.
Berry Hill Resort—Luxury with spa, pools.
The Lodge at Virginia International Raceway—Racetrack-side villas.
Discover more WanderLove with these itineraries:
- A Road Trip Along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway
- WanderLove: A Northern Virginia Road Trip From D.C. to Culpeper
- A Shenandoah Valley Road Trip From Harrisonburg to Charlottesville
- A Southwest Virginia Road Trip from Roanoke to Abingdon
- A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginia’s Northern Neck
- A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginia’s Eastern Shore
- The Guide to a Girl’s Weekend Road Trip in Charlottesville
- A Road Trip to Waynesboro Through Shenandoah National Park
- The Guide to a Family Road Trip Through the Virginia Mountains
- A Road Trip Through Highland County
- Exploring Damascus: A WanderLove Adventure
