It’s summer and you have a few vacation days to use. Babcock House Bed and Breakfast is the perfect getaway. It’s centrally located, and there are plenty of things to do in Appomattox (and things to do in Virginia) for couples looking for adventures a little off the beaten path. Why not make our inn your home base for your trip and explore central Virginia?
Things to Do in Central Virginia and Appomattox: Hiking
Lace up your sneakers or boots and hit the trails this summer! Couples who love hiking will find quiet and scenic trails in Appomattox and throughout Central Virginia. The Babcock House’s location means it is less than two hours from the Blue Ridge Parkway with a wealth of trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail, and lakeside and waterfall trails. Near our inn you will find less strenuous, but no less interesting, trails. Take along some bug spray, plenty of water, a snack or two, and enjoy hiking with your special someone.
High Bridge Trail
The High Bridge Trail is a former railway line turned into a walking, cycling, and horseback riding trail. The closest entrance is in Pamplin, Virginia, about 10 minutes from the Babcock House, but we recommend driving to the Camp Paradise entrance. The walk from the Visitor’s Center to the High Bridge is shorter and more scenic and a fun activity to do in central Virginia. It is a mostly flat or gently sloped, groomed surface, perfect for those who just want a stroll.
Directions to Camp Paradise entrance – nearest the bridge.
Holliday Lake
Holliday Lake State Park offers fun outdoor activities for couples in Appomattox. The well-marked hiking trails wind around the lake and through deciduous forests, offering many benches and scenic outlooks to break up the walk. Bring a picnic to make a day of it.
Directions to Holliday Lake State Park.
Featherfin Wildlife Management Area
Featherfin Wildlife Management area is really off the beaten path. It’s great for bird watching and hiking. The trails can be overgrown, so take a map with you and wear long pants to protect against ticks. It’s a great day trip and just a short drive from Babcock House.
Directions to Featherfun Wildlife Management Area.
Crabtree Falls Trail
Crabtree Falls in Nelson County features the highest vertical drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. The hike features several overlooks and a three-mile trail perfect for people looking for outdoor adventures with a viewpoint. There are steep ascents and descents along the trail, so take it easy if you are not used to hiking.
Directions to Crabtree Falls Trail.
Peaks of Otter – Blue Ridge Parkway
The Peaks of Otter offer many hiking adventures in one central location. It’s about a little over an hour from the Babcock House but worth the drive. Park near the Visitor’s Center and walk the nearby Cascades Trail for a breathtaking view of several waterfalls (including a bridge across one of them). Then, for seasoned hikers, Sharp Top and Flat Top Mountains both offer day hikes that will test your stamina. There is, however, a shuttle for those who want the view from the top of Sharp Top without the climb (there’s a fee for the shuttle bus). Just want a romantic stroll? Peaks of Otter Lake offers a flat boardwalk that’s delightful.
Directions to the Peaks of Otter area.
Bicycling for Two – Bike Trips
If hiking isn’t your thing, what about bicycling? Central Virginia offers several places where you can explore local trails or scenic routes on bikes. Check out the following bicycle rental places near us.
Outdoor Adventure Store
The Outdoor Adventure Store, located in Farmville along the High Bridge Trail, offers multiple bike rental options. Rent a bicycle built for two or even an electric “tricycle” that eases the journey quite a bit thanks to a substantial battery pack. Explore the High Bridge Trail together, then find a place to grab a bite in downtown Farmville.
Directions to the Outdoor Adventure Store.
Riverside Cycling
Venture further east into Richmond to Riverside Cycling for a fun day riding along the James River. This sister company to Riverside Outfitters offers many choices of bikes for rent. The Outfitter location also offers tubing and water adventures, so when you’re looking for fun things to do in Virginia in the summertime, check them out for a full day of adventure.
Directions to Riverside Cycling.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Looking for a bonding adventure? Try canoeing. Not only is it a fun activity for couples, but you have to work together and communicate clearly – or you’ll drift around in circles! Central Virginia and the Appomattox area offer several options for canoeing and kayaking adventures.
Reeling and Rafting
Reeling and Rafting, located in Scottsville, offers river adventures. Canoes and double kayaks are available to rent, and the service will drive you and the gear to the drop off location, then pick you up later as part of the rental fee. Tubing on the James River is also available.
Directions to Reeling and Rafting.
Ivy Creek Park
Located in nearby Lynchburg, Ivy Creek Park is a city park that offers canoe rentals if you’re looking for a leisurely ride not far from civilization. You can paddle the lake and then explore Lynchburg together, making it a perfect day trip.
Directions to Ivy Creek Park.
Swimming Spots
You may feel like you’re in an episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” when you take a dip at one of our local swimming spots. These lakes, ponds, and other areas available to the public for swimming are usually visited only by locals and offer a great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. One thing to note: even if the day is hot, our creeks, rivers and lakes can be cold!
Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park features a small lake with a manmade sandy beach for easy access. Fishing and hiking are also available at the park.
Directions to Twin Lakes State Park.
Bear Creek State Park
Bear Creek State Park is just about an hour away from the Babcock House. The area includes a sandy beach and access to the water. There are also hiking trails, boat and canoe rentals.
Directions to Bear Creek State Park.
Horseback Riding Adventures
If you or your significant other – or both of you – love horses, Indian Summer Guide Service offers small group horseback riding adventures. Tour the local central Virginia wineries on horseback or visit some of our breweries. Stop and sip, then mount and enjoy a ride through forests, vineyards, sunflower fields and more.
Indian Summer Guide Service offers a variety of tours and options, so please visit their website for more information. Travel directions vary; you’ll meet your guide at the starting point for your ride (they bring the horses with them). Visit Indian Summer Guide Service.
Ready for Fun? Enjoy – But Be Prepared
As you embark on your adventures, a few things to note. First, check the weather. Central Virginia weather can be unpredictable. Use common sense. If thunderstorms are in the area, head indoors and avoid swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and cycling. Hikers should also take precautions, if possible, and find a safe place to wait out storms if available.
One inevitable thing in central Virginia summers if you head out into the wilderness are ticks. Nothing says “I love you” more than asking your partner to remove a tick, but hey, let’s avoid them altogether. Wear long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes, and if hiking, stay on trail or avoid tall grass.
Many of these activities – hiking and cycling in particular – do not have food or water sources available on the trails. Pack enough water for each person for the day, at least a quart or more (more in the summer) and food. Be sure to pack out your trash on the trails, discarding it in a trash receptacle in the visitor’s center or designated areas in the park.
And lastly, sit, sip, and reflect on the day’s adventures. We offer dinner reservations to inn guests only. It’s the perfect way to unwind in an intimate setting and savor delicious seasonal fare. You can add dinner for two to your reservations for the perfect evening.
Plan Your Central Virginia Getaway and Stay at the Babcock House
For fun activities in central Virginia for couples, the Babcock House makes the perfect destination getaway. Our historic inn includes comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, a convenient central location, and outstanding service. Make the inn the starting point for your adventures and plan your getaway this summer.