You may see a future NASCAR star at the South Boston Speedway. Several racers gained experience at this short track before hitting the big time, including Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin and Elliot Sadler. Older fans may remember seeing legends like Junior Johnson, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty compete in South Boston. The track, nicknamed SoBo, has a full slate of races most weekends from early March to late September on its 4/10th-mile oval layout. Highlights include races from the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, July 4th post-race fireworks and a monster truck show to end the season.
For a rural area, South Boston has its share of Broadway-style shows and history. The Prizery holds performances throughout the year, including Shakespeare plays and concerts by touring bluegrass and country bands. This arts and cultural center also has a “Crossing of the Dan” exhibit, which tells how General Nathanael Greene crossed the nearby Dan River on February 14, 1781 to deliver supplies to Revolutionary troops in North Carolina. To learn more about the area, visit the South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History. The museum contains exhibits related to American Indians and William M. Tuck, a native of Halifax County who served as a Virginia governor and Congressman.
Golfers can play a round at Green's Folly Golf Course. The par-72 course extends 6,773 yards from its longest tee. The facility also has a driving range and a putting practice area. In case you’re wondering, "folly" isn’t meant to describe the skills of bad golfers. Rather, Green’s Folly is the name of a South Boston home that once belonged to Reverend Charles Dresser, the man who officiated at the wedding of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd. For more fun, the World of Sports play center has arcades, a bowling alley, roller skating and a movie theater.
Despite the name, the Virginia Cantaloupe Festival isn’t for cantaloupe aficionados or growers. The one-day event, held in early June at the Berry Hill Resort, actually features live music and food, such as pork barbeque sandwiches. Event goers receive a coupon for a complimentary cantaloupe from a local super market. The one-day South Boston Harvest Festival has family-friendly activities. Events include pony rides, magic shows and pumpkin painting. Adults will enjoy browsing through the arts and crafts on sale. The festival typically takes place in downtown South Boston in late September.
