Uncategorized Archives - Martinsville Tourism https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/category/uncategorized/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:31:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-MHCOT_Tourism_icon-transparent-background-32x32.png Uncategorized Archives - Martinsville Tourism https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/category/uncategorized/ 32 32 Visitor Spending Reached $78.2 million in Martinsville – Henry County, VA in 2024 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/visitor-spending-2024/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:04:13 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=14894 Visitor Spending Reached $78.2 million in Martinsville – Henry County, VA in 2024 ~ Tourism generated $35.1 billion in visitor spending in Virginia, marking a nearly $2 billion increase over […]

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Visitor Spending Reached $78.2 million in Martinsville – Henry County, VA in 2024

~ Tourism generated $35.1 billion in visitor spending in Virginia, marking a nearly $2 billion increase over 2023. ~

Martinsville – Henry County, VA – Visitor spending for Martinsville – Henry County reached $78.2 million, a 7.5 percent increase over 2023. Tourism-supported jobs in Martinsville – Henry County totaled 833 while combined state and local tourism-related taxes were $5.5 million.

“The 7.5% increase in visitor spending demonstrates the critical role tourism plays in our broader economic development strategy,” said David Stone, Chairman of the Martinsville – Henry County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. “These dollars support local jobs, generate millions in tax revenue, and create a stronger foundation for future growth. Tourism is often the first introduction visitors have to Martinsville–Henry County, and these positive experiences help us attract not only repeat visitors, but also future residents and businesses.”

According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), tourism in Virginia generated a record high $35.1 billion in visitor spending in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from $33.3 billion in 2023. Overnight visitation to Virginia increased by over one million people to 44.7 million visitors in 2024, up from 43.6 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time and setting a new record.

Travelers spent $96 million per day in Virginia in 2024, up from $91 million in 2023. Virginia visitors directly drove $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue, an increase of $100 million from 2023. Every Virginia household saves $990 annually on state and local taxes because of the revenue generated by visitors.

The tourism industry in Virginia directly supported over 229,000 jobs in 2024, an increase of nearly 5,000 jobs compared to 2023. Direct travel employment is now at 95% of pre-pandemic employment levels. Virginia’s tourism workforce is growing gradually, but staffing shortages remain an ongoing challenge, particularly in the lodging sector.

“We are incredibly proud to see the continued momentum of Virginia’s tourism industry propelling us to new heights,” said President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation Rita McClenny. “Through strategic marketing and close collaboration with statewide partners, VTC is driving new demand and encouraging longer stays across Virginia. From coast to cliff, our diverse destinations continue to captivate. As we look ahead to milestone moments such as the VA250 commemoration, Virginia is poised to play a leading role in how visitors engage with history, culture, and adventure.”

“Tourism continues to be a powerful driver for Martinsville–Henry County’s economy, and the growth we experienced in 2024 is a reflection of both our community’s unique assets and the dedication of our local businesses and hospitality partners,” said Sarah Hodges, Director of Tourism for Martinsville – Henry County EDC.  “From our outdoor recreation opportunities to cultural attractions and events, visitors are discovering and returning to our region in greater numbers—strengthening not just our economy, but our quality of life.”

VTC receives its annual economic impact data from Tourism Economics. The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips. Visitors included those who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to the destination. Detailed economic impact data and methodology are available at vatc.org/research.

More Economic Impact information can be found here.


About Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area.  The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play. The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.

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Dino Festival Roars into the Virginia Museum of Natural History July 25-26 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/dino-festival-roars-into-the-virginia-museum-of-natural-history-july-25-26/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:58:37 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=12789 Two-day fossil extravaganza to offer one-of-a-kind displays, experiences Triceratops stands tall inside the museum’s newest special exhibit, The Age of Dinosaurs, which visitors can experience during this year’s Dino Festival. […]

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Two-day fossil extravaganza to offer one-of-a-kind displays, experiences

Triceratops stands tall inside the museum’s newest special exhibit, The Age of Dinosaurs, which visitors can experience during this year’s Dino Festival. Triceratops will be one of many life-size skeletons visitors will see at this year’s event.

A two-day fossil extravaganza is set to take place at the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) in Martinsville, when the museum hosts Dino Festival on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Featuring a trove of fossils from the museum’s scientific collections, new and interactive science stations hosted by museum researchers, life-size displays of some of the most iconic creatures from the ancient past, animatronic dinosaurs, access to the museum’s newest special exhibit The Age of Dinosaurs, and a wide variety of dinosaur-themed activities and crafts, the museum’s annual Dino Festival is designed to give visitors the opportunity to experience a time when Earth was very different than it is today and inhabited by unique and extraordinary life.

“A prehistoric adventure awaits everyone who visits the museum on July 25 and 26,” said Robbie Hendrix-Wirt, VMNH Visitor Services and Events Manager. “From the instant visitors step foot on museum grounds, they’ll be transported to a time when our planet was inhabited by amazing creatures long since extinct.”

One such creature was Torvosaurus, a large, carnivorous dinosaur from the Jurassic of Wyoming, whose rare fossil remains will make their Dino Festival debut this year.

“The museum’s paleontology team is eager to offer visitors new and unique experiences during this year’s edition of Dino Festival,” said Dr. Adam Pritchard, VMNH Associate Curator of Paleontology, who is currently in the midst of a weeks-long dinosaur fossil dig in Wyoming. “Among this year’s new additions will be the Meat-eater Station, where museum researchers are ready to show-off the incredibly rare fossils of Torvosaurus, the remains of which we have never placed on public exhibit.”

Sticking with new additions, the museum will also introduce the Fossil Prep Station during this year’s event, providing attendees with the opportunity to watch close-up as a museum scientist prepares a field jacket filled with dinosaur fossils, while describing the fossil preparation process and fielding questions from visitors about life in the ancient past.

“What really separates Dino Festival from so many other dinosaur-themed events is our ability to provide the power of real to our visitors,” said Hendrix-Wirt. “From unveiling fossils that haven’t been seen since they were excavated from the earth by museum researchers, to the exhibition of the only known fossil evidence that Triceratops survived a brutal battle with Tyrannosaurus rex, visitors will not only be presented with an incredible array of real fossils, but they’ll also be able to interact directly with museum experts who are eager to share riveting stories about the specimens on display.”

VMNH Associate Curator of Paleontology Dr. Adam Pritchard readies a fossil for a field jacket (protective casing) during fieldwork in Wyoming. Visitors to this year’s Dino Festival will have the opportunity to watch a museum scientist open a field jacket and prepare the fossils within. Full size image
This year’s festival also marks the VMNH debut of a full-size, adult mammoth skeleton comprised of approximately 50 percent fossilized bone. The specimen will highlight a new section of the festival that explores the life that came after the dinosaurs.

“After the Dinosaurs is being introduced this year to give visitors a look into how mammals filled the empty spaces in the ecosystems left by the extinction of dinosaurs,” said Bethany Fisher, Museum Experiences Manager. “The debut of the mammoth skeleton will draw a great deal of attention, but it will also be accompanied by experts exhibiting other fascinating specimens from the museum’s collections.”

This year’s edition of Dino Festival is also set to offer attendees new, hands-on experiences.

“It’s exciting to watch scientists work with incredible fossils and listen to them share their knowledge of the specimens, but it can be just as fun working with fossils yourself,” said Hendrix-Wirt. “One of this year’s new offerings is Reptile Jaw Microscopy, where attendees can examine the jaws of ancient lizard-like reptiles under museum microscopes and match the jaws to their owners from over 200 million years ago. It’s fun, educational, and the type of activity you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.”

Many other hands-on elements will be featured throughout the festival, including the dino dig pit, which will be found inside the museum’s newest special exhibit, The Age of Dinosaurs.

“Visitors to Dino Festival will have access to all of the museum’s galleries, including The Age of Dinosaurs special exhibit,” said Hendrix-Wirt. “Here, visitors will find everything from fossilized dinosaur skin and footprints to animatronic dinosaur displays and the dino dig pit, which is designed to replicate an actual field site that museum scientists excavate every summer in Wyoming.”

Of course, no Dino Festival would be complete without an impressive lineup of life-size cast skeletons and skulls of not just dinosaurs, but other ancient life, some of which lived long before the first dinosaurs.

“Visitors will be met by a variety of life-size displays, many of which have accompanying fossil specimens that can be found on exhibit throughout the museum,” said Fisher. “For instance, visitors will not only be able to view a full-size Triceratops skeleton, but they’ll also have access to the incredibly well preserved fossil remains of a massive Triceratops skull, which will be presented to visitors as they were discovered in the field.”

Other life-size skeletons and skulls to be featured during this year’s Dino Festival include:

  • Stegosaurus
    A large, plant-eating dinosaur – distinguishable by two rows of bony plates on its back – that lived during the Late Jurassic period, from approximately 155 to 150 million years ago
  • Acrocanthosaurus
    A massive, carnivorous theropod dinosaur that existed in what is now North America during the Early Cretaceous period, from approximately 125 million to 100 million years ago
  • Allosaurus
    A large, carnivorous theropod dinosaur of the Late Jurassic period, from approximately 155 to 150 million years ago
  • Eoraptor
    A deer-sized, carnivorous, theropod dinosaur and one of the earliest known of the dinosaurs
  • Platecarpus tympaniticus
    A massive sea-going reptile that lived 84 to 81 million years ago during the Cretaceous period
  • Tyrannosaurus rex
    One of the most iconic dinosaurs of all time, T. rex was a large carnivorous dinosaur that lived in what is now western North America approximately 68 to 66 million years ago
  • Dromaeosaurus
    A medium-sized carnivorous dinosaur – and a very close relative of the famous Velociraptor – that lived in what is now the western United States and Alberta, Canada during the Late Cretaceous, from approximately 77 to 74 million years ago
  • Albertosaurus
    A genus of tyrannosaurid theropod dinosaurs that lived in what is now western North America during the Late Cretaceous Period, about 70 million years ago
  • Edmontosaurus
    A genus of duck-billed dinosaur that lived in what is now western North America during the Cretaceous Period, from approximately 73 to 66 million years ago
  • Dunkleosteus
    An armored fish from a group of fish called placoderms that lived approximately 380 to 360 million years ago
  • Tylosaurus
    A gigantic, sea-going relative of lizards, and one of the biggest ocean predators to have ever lived

The museum’s Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life will be teeming with life-size skeletons once again during this year’s Dino Festival. Full size image

While paleontologists will take center stage at Dino Festival, they won’t be the only experts mingling with visitors during the event. Dino Festival will also feature special guests from Virginia Tech’s Museum of Geosciences and the Danville Science Center, as well as museum researchers who are experts in other scientific disciplines, such as invertebrate zoology (insects and bugs) and ornithology (birds). These researchers will be on-hand to show-off specimens from the museum’s collections, including some live specimens, and to show visitors how different areas of scientific study often intertwine.

“The museum conducts world-class research every day and Dino Festival is a great venue for highlighting the variety of research taking place,” said Hendrix-Wirt. “While insects might not be the first thing that pops into mind at an event focused on ancient life, they have actually been around for hundreds of millions of years and even pre-date dinosaurs.”

Dino Festival attendees will also have access to many traditional festival offerings, including face painting, balloon animals, children’s activities and crafts, as well as the Dino Fest Photo Booth, all of which are included in the price of festival admission. The Museum Store will be open for business both days of the event, offering a large variety of dinosaur-themed merchandise and souvenirs for sale.

Additionally, the event will offer the Dino Fest Food Truck Alley, where attendees can purchase an assortment of lunch and snacks items during their visit. Vendors scheduled to be on-site include:

• Bahama Sno-Shack
• Birrieria La Vaca
• Chick-fil-A
• Factory Roast
• Jen’s Cakes with Personality
• Kona Ice
• MalloyDogz
• Palumbo’s Hoagie House

Costumed dinosaurs kept the festivities going at last year’s Dino Festival. 

“We want visitors to come to Dino Festival for an exciting adventure and we want them to leave with a memory they’ll keep for years to come,” said Hendrix-Wirt. “We think this year’s edition will provide attendees with just that.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Dr. Pritchard.

“We’re especially looking forward to presenting visitors with new experiences, highlighted by incredible specimens that we’ve never exhibited before,” said Pritchard. “From the Meat-eater Station and the rare fossil remains of Torvosaurus, to the Fossil Prep Station, where visitors will literally be the first people ever to see that particular dinosaur fossil emerged from the ground, to the Reptile Microscopy Station and the tiny reptile jaws showing how reptiles big and small were utterly strange during the Age of Dinosaurs, this year’s edition of Dino Festival is ready to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Dino Festival takes place at the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Admission to the festival is $15 for adults ages 18-59 and $10 for ages 3-17, seniors 60+, and college students. Admission is free for children under 3, museum members, and members of museums and science centers that participate in the ASTC Passport program. Visitors who attend the first day of the festival will be allowed to experience the event again on the second day at no additional charge.

The museum also participates in Museums for All, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Association of Children’s Museums, offering discounted admission to EBT cardholders and their immediate family members. Through this program and additional funding provided by Hooker Furnishings, Carter Bank, and Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, visitors who present their EBT card and accompanying ID at the admissions gate will receive free festival admission. Free admission is available to EBT cardholders from any state and up to 5 immediate family members living within the same household as the cardholder.

Dino Festival is sponsored by Atlantic Union Bank, Bassett Furniture Industries, Boxley Materials Company, Carter Bank, Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, Hooker Furnishings, and The Helen S. & Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust.

For more information about the festival, visit www.vmnh.net/events/dino-festival.

 

 

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VisitMartinsville Receives Two Virginia Tourism Corporation Grants for Tourism Marketing https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/visitmartinsville-receives-two-virginia-tourism-corporation-grants-for-tourism-marketing/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:39:55 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=12771 VisitMartinsville, The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation’s Tourism Division, received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program. In addition, VisitMartinsville also received a $5,097 […]

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VisitMartinsville, The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation’s Tourism Division, received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program. In addition, VisitMartinsville also received a $5,097 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Marketing Leverage Program. These funds will be used for the Marketing Initiative to support an “Outdoor for All” outdoor recreation campaign.

VisitMartinsville partnered with other local businesses to supply matching funds for overall promotion of the “Outdoors for All” marketing initiative. The “Outdoors for All” initiative is a key part of our mission to position Martinsville-Henry County as an inclusive and welcoming destination for outdoor enthusiasts of every ability. Today’s travelers are seeking more than just scenic beauty—they’re looking for experiences that are accessible, meaningful, and tailored to a wide range of interests and skill levels. By promoting outdoor assets like the ADA-accessible portions of The Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, the beginner-friendly rapids of the Smith River, and our top-rated trout fishing locations, we’re not only highlighting the natural beauty of our region but also showing that these experiences are open and available to everyone. This inclusive approach strengthens our community brand, drives tourism revenue, and fosters a sense of belonging for both locals and visitors alike.

During this grant round, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded more than $2 million in matching grant funds to 197 local tourism programs across the Commonwealth. These awards are funded through VTC’s Marketing Leverage Program, Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program, and VA250 Tourism Marketing Program.

These grant programs are designed to pair state funds with local tourism marketing campaigns to increase visitation and traveler spending through 2026. Local partners will commit more than $2.74 million to match the grant funding, generating more than $4.76 million in new marketing and event production focused on increasing overnight visitation across all nine GO Virginia regions. The tourism marketing will ultimately benefit 1,130 small businesses and nonprofits statewide.

“Tourism is a vital driver for Martinsville-Henry County’s economy, and we’re proud to showcase everything our community has to offer—especially when it comes to the great outdoors,” said Sarah Hodges, Director of Tourism for VisitMartinsville. “Our ‘Outdoors for All’ initiative is an ongoing effort to highlight the accessibility and beauty of our outdoor recreation. Whether it’s exploring the ADA-accessible Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, paddling the gentle Class I and II rapids of the scenic Smith River, or enjoying our renowned trout fishing opportunities, there’s truly something here for everyone. We’re excited to continue developing strategic marketing campaigns that reach beyond Virginia’s borders and bring new visitors to experience outdoor adventures in Martinsville-Henry County.”

“Tourism is a unifying force that strengthens communities, fuels small businesses, and supports

jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “These grant programs empower our local partners to share the stories, experiences, and destinations that make Virginia such a special place to visit. We are proud to support this important work and to extend the impact of the Virginia is for Lovers brand through these collaborative efforts.”

Administered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, these tourism marketing programs are designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships, and to extend the Virginia is for Lovers brand to drive visitation. Using the hub-and-spoke tourism model, Virginia entities create local partnerships to apply for funding. Partners include Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, destination marketing organizations, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other tourism non-profits and businesses. 

Each grant program plays a distinct role in advancing tourism growth:

  • The Marketing Leverage Program is a reimbursable grant program to leverage existing marketing funds available to Virginia travel industry partners including small businesses, destination marketing organizations, private sector attractions, accommodations, and events.
  • The Virginia DMO Grant Program is awarded to destination marketing organizations (DMOs) for marketing expenses that show positive and significant economic impact on tourism and must include marketing plans designed to drive visitation to Virginia.

VTC will have additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2025 and 2026. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying for these grant opportunities may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.

A full list of grant recipients can be found here.

About Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area.  The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.

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Bassett Cruise-In Rolls Into Season Ten with a Rockin’ 50’s Night! https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/bassett-cruise-in-rolls-into-season-ten-with-a-rockin-50s-night/ Fri, 02 May 2025 15:28:39 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=11715 Get ready to rev your engines and turn back the clock – the Bassett Hwy 57 Cruise-In is celebrating 10 amazing years of chrome, community, and classic vibes! 🎉 The […]

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Get ready to rev your engines and turn back the clock – the Bassett Hwy 57 Cruise-In is celebrating 10 amazing years of chrome, community, and classic vibes!

🎉 The first Cruise-In of the season kicks off on Saturday, May 17th from 3–7 PM in Downtown Bassett (3525 Fairystone Park Hwy), and we’re starting in style with a 50’s Night Celebration that’ll have you dancing in the street!

Don your best retro threads for a shot at a $200 cash prize for Best 50’s Attire (winner announced around 6 PM), and enjoy an evening full of:

  • 🎶 Live music from Remedy – a fan-favorite from Danville
  • 🎤 National Anthem performance
  • 🎧 Tunes from B99.9’s DJ
  • 🚗 Classic cars, hot rods, and custom rides
  • 🍔 Food court, local vendors, and great shopping
  • 🎟 50/50 drawing benefiting Relay for Life
  • 🎁 $100 door prize giveaway

Thanks to Lee’s Tire & Wheel and The Greater Bassett Area Community, Inc. for powering this event and helping us keep this beloved tradition alive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Admission is free and open to all – it’s family-friendly and full of small-town charm.

📅 Mark your calendars for the rest of the 2025 Cruise-In season:

  • June 21st
  • July 19th
  • August 16th
  • September 20th
  • October 18th

🚫 Reminder: No pets, tents, alcohol, coolers, burnouts, golf carts/ATVs/UTVs, or loud music permitted.

Come celebrate a decade of horsepower and hometown pride – we can’t wait to see you in Downtown Bassett!

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Debra Ann Byrd brings the one-person play ‘Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey’ to Piedmont Arts on May 8 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/debra-ann-byrd-brings-the-one-person-play-becoming-othello-a-black-girls-journey-to-piedmont-arts-on-may-8/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:44:47 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=11394 Actor and playwright Debra Ann Byrd will perform the one-person play “Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey,” Thursday, May 8 at Piedmont Arts. The play is a gripping and realistic […]

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Actor and playwright Debra Ann Byrd will perform the one-person play “Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey,” Thursday, May 8 at Piedmont Arts.

The play is a gripping and realistic tour de force that chronicles Byrd’s journey from a single mother in Harlem to an award-winning classical actor tackling the role of Othello. Interspersed with multimedia elements and verses from Shakespeare’s original play, she bares her soul in this vulnerable and resonant story of perseverance, discovery and unconditional love.

Byrd is the founding artistic director of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival and artistic director at Southwest Shakespeare Company in Arizona. For her portrayal of Othello, she won an outstanding achievement award from Audelco and a best lead actress award from Broadway World Phoenix. She has served as writer-in-residence at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, artist-in-residence at the Folger Institute and the Southwest Shakespeare Company and as a community scholar at Columbia University. “Becoming Othello” was written by Byrd and directed by Shakespeare & Company founder Tina Packer.

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. The run time for this performance is 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. This show is based on Byrd’s real-life experiences and includes content that may be distressing.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12. Tickets are available at Piedmont Arts and online at PiedmontArts.org.

This engagement is made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information on exhibits and events, visit PiedmontArts.org.

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Martinsville Speedway Announces Date for 2025 ValleyStar Credit Union 300 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/martinsville-speedway-announces-date-for-2025-valleystar-credit-union-300/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:59:43 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=10597 Martinsville Speedway will once again host NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race, the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, on Saturday, Sept. 27. The famed short track […]

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Martinsville Speedway will once again host NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race, the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The famed short track will continue to be the setting for the finale of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown, where one driver will be named champion under the lights of Martinsville Speedway.

“The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 is a race both our fans and all of us here at Martinsville Speedway look forward to each year,” said Clay Campbell, President of Martinsville Speedway. “It’s years of tradition, toughness and determination all wrapped up into one event, with the opportunity to crown not only a race winner, but a Virginia Triple Crown Champion too.”

2025 marks 10 years of the longstanding partnership between ValleyStar Credit Union and Martinsville Speedway, dating back to 2015 when the company was first named entitlement sponsor for the ValleyStar Credit Union 300.

“Our partnership with the racetrack is a natural extension of our 72 years of dedicated support to the Martinsville community” said Mike Warrell, CEO, ValleyStar Credit Union. “By partnering with Clay and his exceptional team, together we can provide a positive impact on the residents of Martinsville and surrounding areas. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and community support.”

After coming close in his first two attempts at winning the biggest and richest Late Model Stock Car race, two-time CARS Tour champion Carson Kvapil secured the victory last year, earning his first ValleyStar Credit Union 300 win in an overtime shootout.

Kvapil drove from the front row after winning his qualifying race and stayed towards the front of the field nearly the whole competition, taking control with around 70 laps to go and besting fellow drivers Mike Looney and Treyten Lapcevich.

While Kvapil kept busy in the lead, Peyton Sellers bid his time and eventually secured his fifth Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Title under the lights in Martinsville.

Fans can see more racing action at the famed short track in just a couple short months when all three NASCAR national series return to Martinsville Speedway for the spring race weekend, taking place March 28-30.

For more information about the upcoming race weekends at Martinsville Speedway or for details on the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, please visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Tickets are also available for purchase via phone at 877-RACE-TIX.

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Valentine Sweets, Treats & Eats https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/valentine-sweets-treats-eats/ Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:16:44 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=10396 With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, everyone is looking for great ideas to surprise and delight the ones we love. We’ve created a list of sweets, treats, and eats […]

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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, everyone is looking for great ideas to surprise and delight the ones we love. We’ve created a list of sweets, treats, and eats that are sure to impress your valentine this February.

Sweets
Does your honey-bun have a sweet tooth? There are many places in Martinsville-Henry County to find delicious cupcakes, cookies, candies and more.

Baby Cakes – 2468 Kings Mountain Rd, Martinsville

Cocoa Trails Chocolates – 3368 Virginia Ave, Collinsville

Dippers Ice Cream – 4970 Greensboro Rd, Ridgeway

Donut World – 3412 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville

Hamlet Kitchen – 1083 Spruce St, Martinsville

Holy Cow Ice Cream – 1420 Virginia Ave, Martinsville

Livy’s Ice Cream Shop – 2824 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville, VA

Ma’s Cakes – 14 Bridge St, Martinsville

Rising Sun Breads – 1049 Brookdale St (Suite D), Martinsville

Sweet Heaven – Opening in their new location soon: 2 E. Church St., Suite 201, Martinsville

The Ground Floor – 1 East Church Street, Martinsville

Treats
Surprise your valentine with the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift or a trip to unwind at an area spa or salon.

Gifts
Find unique, beautiful gifts at a variety of local shops including:

Gallery 22 – 22 Walnut St, Martinsville

Hamlet Kitchen – 1083 Spruce St, Martinsville

Imagination Lavender Farm – 3590 Green Hill Drive, Martinsville

Janice Cain Stationery and Gifts – 1085 Spruce St, Martinsville

Mark’s Jeweler’s – 25 East Church St, Martinsville

Piedmont Arts – 215 Starling Ave, Martinsville

Simply The Best – 105 Broad St, Martinsville

Studio 107 – 105 E Church St, Martinsville

The Jeweler’s Edge – 2440 B Greensboro Road, Martinsville

Unique Styles & Designs – 42 E. Church Street, Martinsville

Spas
Give your beloved the gift of relaxation at one of our area spas or salons including:

Indigo Wellness Spa – 209 Cleveland Ave, Martinsville

Just Breathe Yoga & Bodyworks – 4 E Main St, Martinsville

Reflections Day Spa – 730 E Church St, Martinsville

Stateline Aesthetics – 1089 Spruce St, Martinsville

The Wellness Bar: Uptown – 20 East Main St, Martinsville

Total Face – 3382 Virginia Ave., Collinsville

Uptown Aesthetics & Wellness – 133 Market St E, Suite 103, Martinsville

Village Spa – 60 Belmont St, Collinsville

Eats
Perhaps you would rather take your special someone on a romantic dining experience or grab some gourmet take out from one of our area dining options? Martinsville-Henry County is home to a variety of locally-owned restaurants serving everything from classic Southern dishes to award-winning bar-b-que, freshly delivered seafood to Italian family favorites, and everything in between. You and your valentine are sure to find something delicious!

To see all dining options in MHC, please visit our website, visitmartinsville.com/listings-category/food-and-drink/. Be sure to watch for Valentine’s Day specials!

 

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New Exhibits Opening Friday at Piedmont Arts https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/new-exhibits-opening-friday-at-piedmont-arts/ Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:27:39 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=10387 Exhibit Opening Reception 5:30-7:30 pm • Friday, Jan. 24 • Piedmont Arts Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits. Free and open to the […]

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Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 pm • Friday, Jan. 24 • Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits. Free and open to the public. Complimentary wine and light refreshments. Music by Joanie McPeak. Please RSVP attendance.
Words Matter: Contemporary Native American Works on Paper on loan from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Bjørn Sterri: Family Photographs on loan from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Creating Memories Through Glass and Art by Steve Eanes

RSVP online

Upcoming Events
Now You See Me with TJ Anderson III
6:30 pm • Thursday, Feb. 6 • Piedmont Arts
Poet and scholar TJ Anderson III will discuss his journey as a writer and share readings from his award-winning poetry. Admission is free. Please RSVP attendance.

Learn more

African American Read-in + Family Day
10 am-1 pm • Saturday, Feb. 8 • Piedmont Arts
Enjoy performances, crafts and snacks at the annual African American Read-In + Family Day. Lyrical artist Taye the Truth and storyteller Fred Motley will perform. Admission is free.

Learn more

Under the Big Top
7 pm • Friday, March 7 • Piedmont Arts
Get ready for a fun night of food, drinks and entertainment at Under the Big Top: The Greatest Fundraiser on Earth. Enjoy live music by Four Brothers, a 360-degree photo booth, caricatures and performances. Tickets include light bites, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

Tickets are $75 per person. Proceeds support Piedmont Arts programming.

Buy Tickets

Classes
Beginner Mosaics
Saturday, Jan. 25
10:30 am-1:30 pm
Limited tickets!

Bob Ross Workshop
Thursday, Feb. 6
9:30 am-3:30 pm

Chix with Stix
Second and fourth Tuesdays
10:30 am-12:30 pm

Open Studio
Every Wednesday
1-4 pm

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Spencer-Penn in January https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/spencer-penn-in-january/ Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:47:07 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=9990 What’s Happening at SPC? Storytime! – Saturday, January 4th, at 10 a.m. in the Hylton Library. This monthly program will include special readers, crafts, and other fun activities. Come out […]

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What’s Happening at SPC?

Storytime! – Saturday, January 4th, at 10 a.m. in the Hylton Library. This monthly program will include special readers, crafts, and other fun activities. Come out and join us for this free program, fit for all ages! No registration needed.

Music Night – Friday, January 10th. Gap Civil will play in Alumni Hall. Gate opens at 5 pm, band starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $5 CASH donation. Come enjoy some great mountain music and dancing! Concessions, including our ever-popular Spencer Penn hot dogs, will be sold.

Bingocize – A 10 week class brought to you by the Southern Area Agency on Aging, 10 am Tuesdays and Thursdays starting January 14th! Strengthen and Prevent Falls while playing Bingo! Must Register to attend.

Pig Cookin’ 2025 – SAVE THE DATE FOR APRIL 26, 2025

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Season Finale of Sounds on the Square 2024 with the Andy Burnette Trio https://www.visitmartinsville.com/blog/season-finale-of-sounds-on-the-square-2024-with-the-andy-burnette-trio/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:57:10 +0000 https://www.visitmartinsville.com/?p=8641   Join us for the Season Finale of Sounds on the Square 2024 with the Andy Burnette Trio on Friday, October 4, on the Plaza of the Historic Henry County […]

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Join us for the Season Finale of Sounds on the Square 2024 with the Andy Burnette Trio on Friday, October 4, on the Plaza of the Historic Henry County Courthouse, 7:00-10:00 P.M.
 
Admission is free. Beginning at 6:00 P.M., Scuffle Hill Brewing Company will serve craft beers, and Tammy’s Grill will sell food. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Invite your friends and family for an evening of live music at Uptown Martinsville’s premier concert series as we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.
 
The Andy Burnette Trio is a high energy, crowd pleasing, good time band from Martinsville, Virginia. The Trio is in constant demand, performing over 120 shows a year in venues all across the region. Originally formed in 2017, the Trio is constantly evolving, adding new tunes, playing bigger shows, and expanding their audience. Audiences hear everything from 70s soul, to 80s and 90s rock, pop, country, southern rock, blues, and funk.
 
Coordinated by the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, Sounds on the Square is sponsored by Carter Bank & Trust, Children First Pediatrics, Deskins, Inc., The Estate & Elder Law Center of Southside Virginia, Hooker Furnishings, The Lester Group, New College Institute, and Sarver Cleaning Services.
 
A finalist in the Best of the Blue Ridge 2024 as Family Friendly Festival, Sounds on the Square is enjoyed by patrons of all ages, generations, and cultures. This is the fourth year of the series and continues to be some of the most popular Uptown offerings generating vitality and community engagement.

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