The Boyd Tavern has been entertaining folks in Mecklenburg County since 1790. The historic inn and tavern predates Boydton, which was established in 1812. It’s been through several iterations in its long history, including a boarding house and apartments.
Now it’s open for tours and as an event venue. Walk down one of its two story porches and admire the interior mid-nineteenth century style courtesy of famed Virginia architect Jacob W. Holt.

Get a hint of 18th Century plantation life with a tour of Prestwould Plantation. Originally built in 1794 by Sir Peyton Skipwith for himself and his second wife, Lady Jean, the grand home, many of the original outbuildings, and Lady Jean’s garden are open to the public. When built of stone quarried on the plantation, it was one of the largest homes of its day. The plantation once consisted of 10,000 acres along the Roanoke River. Stroll inside the home and get a peek of what it was like back then, you’ll spy some of the home’s original furnishings.

Pop over to the Bondurant Brothers Distillery and sample a bit of history served up one mason jar at a time. This family owned distillery first made a name for itself as an illegal moonshine operation during prohibition. Their spirits were in such high demand they quickly became the envy of the county -- and the enemy of local law enforcement. Today, the entire operation is entirely legit. As owner Rober Bondurant says, “The only difference between a distiller and moonshiner is taxes.” Check the hours before you go.

The gateway to another world is just around the corner. The life's work of Scottish heiress Lucy Hudgins, MacCallum More is a meandering, moss-covered testament to a life’s passion. The formal gardens feature an arboretum, herb garden, wildflower garden, rose and theme gardens. Over 200 varieties of plants are represented. Particularly striking is the sculpture garden, which includes a massive Spanish Cloister, shipped and assembled on site piece by piece.

End your day with dinner at South Hill's trendiest bar and restaurant. Housed in an old elementary school, the vibe is retro cafeteria turned craft kitchen. Grab a signature drink at the bar prepared by our resident mixologist as you wait for your table. The menu reads like a report card, and all the dishes are riffs on cafeteria culture. But the cafeteria connection ends there. The menu is filled with selections prepared simply and well. Enjoy braised pork chops. Order up sautéed shrimp in a light sauce. All meals are based upon locally sourced meats, vegetables and, in some cases, paired with local wines. When it comes to a great meal at the end of a wonderful day, we give this place an A+.

It’s not just water under the bridge at Kerr Dam. Built in the 1950s to control floods and produce energy, the Kerr Dam is a modern feat of engineering. Standing over 15 stories tall, it contains over 624,000 cubic yards of dam concrete, 578,000 barrels of dam cement, and 1.2 million tons of dam stone and sand. Its seven main generators average 425,000-megawatt hours of electricity annually. That’s enough to power over 42 million homes for a year. That’s Dam fantastic.

Get ready to feel like a giant. Hop over to the Train Depot in South Hill. Inside you’ll find a full-scale miniature of the city as it appeared in the 1950s. The model represents over 200 miles of real track and includes a working train, a peek at the Kerr Dam construction, and a UFO marking the site of our visit by aliens in 1967. We promise it’s out of this world.

Love is in the air. No, wait, that’s barbecue. Welcome to Risin’ Smoke. Here, the onion rings are perfectly breaded, the brisket is tender with a nice char and the service comes with a smile. We suggest you head over early to grab a space in line. You may also want to grab a fist full of napkins.

Joan Crawford was here. Originally built in 1925, this former vaudeville theater has seen its fair share of stars: Tex Ritter, Clara Bow, Joan Crawford, and many more. Restored to its glory in 2001, The Colonial Theatre now features an art gallery and ballroom in addition to the 400-seat auditorium. Take a tour through this historic landmark and imagine the comedies, tragedies, and joy produced within its walls. Then check the schedule for what’s coming up, including who’s star is on the rise.

Smurfs on glasses. A copper birdcage. That china pattern you remember from your aunt’s Thanksgiving table. Go digging through their wide selection of the antique, handmade, collectable, and vintage. The best finds are hidden in plain sight at The Market in downtown Clarksville.

Perhaps the only thing better than a cold beer is enjoying it on a lakeside patio. Grab a Without a Paddle IPA and wander outside to the shaded wraparound deck of Buggs Island Brewing. From there you can scout a seat at one of their lakeside picnic tables or snag a spot by one of two fire pits. There really is no better setup for unwinding after a day of exploring. Try one of their flagship beers like the Kerr Lake Kolsh or the Life Jack Required IPA. Heck, you may just want a tasting flight. With this view at the only brewery on the water, you know you’re in the right spot.