I only recommend if you MUST stop. I just stopped, not sure if staff is on duty on Sunday at 5pm…read more The women restroom are not cleaned and does not appear to have been cleaned today. First rest stop I've ever made and the restrooms were dirty. Vending machines were not stocked! Not a good welcome experience to Virginia

A tardy update from early Spring. Nice to upgrade to a 5 star experience…read more The grounds clear of debris. Restrooms updated and clean and best of all the merchandise and hospitality in the visitors area. One of Virginia's best rest area.

Across the street from Walmart if you need groceries or something along your long I-95 journey…read more It's a clever way to draw tourism for I-95. They call themselves "the birthplace of independence" hmm as a Philadelphian I feel we have claim to that slogan. I rummaged through the brochures available outside to see what they had to support their claims and I can't say they brought it. In their favor, they do have a cryptozoology museum which my kid would like. Anyway very clever means of drawing traffic and piquing curiosity. Dog runs open later than the visitor center, which is helpful. As far as I could tell they don't lock the gates so probably available throughout the evening. The fences are 4' high so you can jump them if it's 2am and your dog is desperate to run. It was a bit of a cluster-f getting from 95 to this place amidst too much crammed into too little space around 95. This lot was okay but all around it were undersized lots and econo-sized parking spaces so they can accommodate every fast food chain in the nation.

Nice visitors center, friendly staff. Great dog run for small and large dogs. We've stopped many…read moretimes on our trips to florida and back. Not to far off I95 and a Walmart and restaurants in close proximity Thank you RR it's much appreciated!

So glad we stopped in to see this museum! It's free. It was small but had a lot of information. It…read morewas interesting to learn about the history of Lynchburg and see artifacts related to Lynchburg. Some exhibits, like the women's suffrage movement, showed how life in Lynchburg correlated to larger events. A large map along with the history of the different sections of the city is in the basement. After leaving the museum, we explored some of the neighborhoods. The Visitor's Center is also located here. The woman at the desk was so helpful. She helped us find a restaurant for dinner, gave us directions, and helped us find some other places to go. A small gift shop area is also here. Prices were very reasonable.

From the owner: Start your LYH visit at the Lynchburg Museum, where friendly staff will assist you with all there…read moreis to see and do in the City of Lynchburg and the surrounding region. Whether you want to soak up the City's rich history, spend a day brewery hopping, or hit the trails, our staff will help you find your next adventure.

It speaks well of the Visitor's Bureau ("Visitor's Center?") that even after I've lived here for…read moreyears I can still find things though here that I didn't know about. They have tons of information about things you'd never have guessed even existed (come here if you're bored with the local food scene and want to find something new) in an easy-to-find format. The staff isn't always the most friendly though... Sometimes they come off as kind of distant, not exactly the most welcoming.

The Visitor's Bureau has a wealth of information about sites, restaurants, shops and events going…read moreon in and around Chapel Hill. It's an excellent resource for new comers to the area, as well as, anyone looking for ideas for new places to eat or shop. I've found lots of information on the arts and entertainment in the area. There are places I keep saying I'm going to go there, like the Planetarium and this restaurant called Mariakakis that features cuisine from different parts of Eastern Europe; from Bulgarian to Hungarian and areas in between.

I was a tad confused as it is both a national historic landmark and NPS labeling is seen, but is…read moreactually a state park. Which is fine by me. There is no charge to enter regardless of which park passes you do or don't have. The history of the site revolves around the confederacy in retreat in its dying stages. The contemporary site is a visitor center and is otherwise largely rolling hills surrounded by farms. Some trails were in evidence, some a tad overgrown and I steered clear of those due to tick concerns. But you can certainly have a nice time here getting in both some history and some nature.

Soooo much history. Unfortunately the visitors center was closed when we made it to town. Loved…read morewalking around and reading about everything! Sayler's Creek Battlefield near Farmville, VA April 6, 1865 (the Black Thursday of the Confederacy) The battle was composed of 3 separate engagements: Battle of Hillsman's Farm, Battle of Marshall's Cross Roads (or Battle of Harper's Farm), and Battle of Lockett's Farm (or Battle of Double Bridges). Robert E. Lee's army was retreating from the Richmond to the Petersburg line. Here, on April 6, 1865, Union General Philip Sheridan cut off and beat back about a 1/4th of Lee's army. Eight Confederate generals surrendered, and 7,700 men were lost. Confederate Major General George Washington Custis Lee, eldest son of Robert E. Lee, was forcibly captured on the battlefield. This was the last major engagement in Virginia; Lee's surrender at Appomattox occurred 3 days later. The Hillsman House, which was owned by Capt. James Hillsman, served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union troops. Bloodstains still remain on the floor. The land was originally named in the 18th century for a farmer named Saylor. During the Civil War, the name was changed to Sayler. Some official records called it Sailor, which is what the Commonwealth of Virginia uses in its name for the related park.

A good place to start on the tour of the battlefield sites that defined America…read more The Yorktown Visitor's Center is the perfect starting point for exploring several of the most pivotal sites in American history. The drive from the main road to the center is scenic, offering glimpses of Virginia's historic landscape before arriving at the center. Getting to the actual center seemed a little confusing as there are arrows describing the car tours to visit various sights when leaving the center. The center is not very large. The exhibits inside are well-organized and interactive, showcasing artifacts from the Battle of Yorktown, maps, uniforms, and weaponry from the era. There is a short film that provides an good overview of the battle and its significance in the history of our American independence. The center also features a gift shop with books, souvenirs, and historical memorabilia. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and offered suggestions regarding various tours that you could take when driving around the area. There are several well-marked signs leading visitors from the center to the surrounding area sites. The driving tours take visitors through key historic sites connected to the Siege of Yorktown (1781) and the broader Colonial National Historical Park. Overall, the Yorktown Visitor's Center is an great stop, providing an introduction to this historic battlefield and its role in shaping the nation.

Colonial NHP is spread out over Jamestown, Yorktown and a road connecting them. We went to the…read morevisitor center in Yorktown and thought it was great. It did a great job of explaining what led up to the British surrender and how it happened. I especially liked the part of a ship that was built into the visitors center. Walking through it really was like walking through an 18th century ship - very cool. The visitors center did a great job of explaining the surrounding area and helping us decide where to go. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend checking it out when visiting Yorktown.

We came here 8/13/22 to celebrate our milestone. The hours of operation are from 9a-5p…read more Parking is limited on the street and the lot holds about 7-8 spaces. If you have been to one visitor center you have been to them all. Little nick nacks, maps, and what nots. If you like to see stuff while traveling diffinitely worth stopping by. It's in the historic district and you will see Lee's retreat markers about as well as plaques letting you know cool stuff that happened here. The visitors center is across from farmers Bank. A block down its a cute little mom and pop restaurant.

From the owner: We specialize in helping visitors get the most out of their travel experience.read more

After hours pamphlets available at door along with a clean bowl of water for dogs. Virginia…read moreloveworks art on the parking lot. Lots of parking next door at the bank.

The Smithfield Visitor Center is really nice - it's attached to the Arts Center and shares the same…read moreentry lobby area. There are tons of brochures about things to do in Smithfield and Isle of Wight County. Some of them have coupons for entry if there is an admission fee (like touring the St. Luke's Church. There's Windsor Castle Park, kayak rentals at the park where you can launch for $10 an hour (1 person) or $20 an hour (2 people). There are plenty go guided walking tours like Ivy Hill Cemetery, Fort Huger, The Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex, Fort Boykin Historic Park and Nike Park. I spoke to the nice lady working inside, Deb, for quite a while and she was so friendly! She told me about the upcoming markets and events (there are tons) and I can't wait to see some of them! There is a Halloween market, a Picker's market (antiques), Christmas markets, and other vintage or handmade craft fairs all the time. Smithfield is so cute and the town is really good at planning things like this. Most events have a cute ham theme as well or bacon. If you are interested in finding suggestions for things to do in Smithfield - this is a worthwhile stop.

This park is a hidden gem. The hiking & biking trails are well-maintained and the facilities,…read more(pavilion, campgrounds, restrooms) are clean and new. If you're in eastern NC and think Raleigh has a corner on the state park 'market' give this pretty place a try. Come up for a day trip. Hike the trails, go fishing in the creek(s) -- with a license of course then jet to Littleton for a good selection of cuisine. Or, camp at the pristine campground, where a sweet little cabin, complete with Adirondack chairs will finish off your relaxing, peaceful day. Kudos to the Medoc Mountain State Park crew.

I have always drove by the park entrance so I decided to visit one day with my dog for a little…read morehike. There are a lot of trails here that makes for an excellent workout via hiking, running, or walking. It has a visitor center with bathrooms. I particularly like that there are picnic tables and fun jungle gym area for kids. It is worth the visit.

I flew from New York with my mother and then we met up with my aunt to travel to Suffolk Visitor…read moreCenter to take the Great Dismal Swamp Underground Railroad Tour. Back in September, we booked the tour for Sunday, November 16th at 9:30am. Today, when we went to check in the "gentleman" at the front desk said that we were listed for the 1:00pm tour and not the 9:30am tour. I assured him that there was no way that we would get the time wrong, given we flew all the way from New York just to take the tour. The "gentleman" then proceeded to put words in my mouth like I was blaming him or expected him to bump others from the 9:30 tour--which I promptly informed him I said no such thing. He also felt the need to put his hand on his hip like he was scolding a child so I mirrored his bad behavior by putting my hand on my hip and let him know that he should just admit that it was a clerical error on the part of Suffolk Visitor Center. The "gentlewoman" that worked at the center tried to offer that there are often cancellations so we could wait to see whether everyone would show up. All but one person who was signed up for the 9:30am tour showed up and so her offer was that one of us could take the tour. That was not acceptable since there were three of us. With that said, I am glad we did not allow the poor customer service exhibited by Suffolk Visitor Center to ruin our day. Instead, we paid the $5 permit at the Great Dismal Swamp read through the placards and pamphlets there and enjoyed the beautiful day. Given the terrible disposition of the staff, I doubt the tour would have provided a respectful or accurate account of the history of the enslaved people who sought refuge in the swamp.

Suffolk Visitor Center (SVC) is located on the corner of North Main Street and East Constance Road…read more It is an impressive brick building with a white pillar facade, and a beautiful, but small interior. The pavilion in the back is where the Farmers' Market is held, and right next door is Riddick's Folly, which I highly recommend you check out when you get a chance. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/riddicks-folly-suffolk?hrid=GbdRtZYapeJjdQl_enPx1w) *Fun Fact: The town of Suffolk was created in 1742 by an English settlement called Constant's Wharf. Guess where they got the name from? You guessed it--Suffolk County, England! There are many amenities here at SVC: -Gift shop with unique local items including books, postcards, peanuts, etc. -Restroom -Sitting room with water fountains and coffee machine -Brochures of Suffolk, Hampton Roads, and greater Virginia -Displays of the Great Dismal Swamp and the Suffolk Story -And, of course, the friendly staff is always there to help! Whether you are a local or visiting the area, I suggest you take a few minutes to stop by. SVC is a great place for buying Christmas gifts. If you need some road trip ideas, go pick up some brochures. Make sure you take advantage of SVC!