Danville
Around Danville
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Town and around · Virginia · 101k people
Danville
“River City”, “D-Ville”
Where the Dan River hums with history.
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Welcome to Danville! Whether you're here for the river, the history, or the friendly folks, you'll find a community that's proud of its roots. Grab a ham biscuit and take a stroll along the Dan—you'll feel at home in no time.
Clubs for Danville
No clubs for Danville yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Danville. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Danville. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Riverwalk along the Dan Scenic walking and biking path along the Dan River.
- Danville Science Center Hands-on science exhibits and a planetarium.
- Carrington Pavilion Outdoor amphitheater hosting summer concerts.
- Historic Downtown Danville Restored tobacco warehouses and brick streets.
- Averett University Private university with a scenic hilltop campus.
- Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Housed in a historic mansion, local art and history.
- Outdoors Walk or bike the Riverwalk
- Outdoors Kayak or paddleboard on the Dan
- With kids Visit the Danville Science Center
- With kids Catch a Danville Otterbots game
- Evenings Live music at local breweries
- Evenings First Fridays art walks
- Locals love riverfront trails
- Locals love farmers markets
Through the year
- Danville Harvest Jubilee October Fall music and arts festival in the River District.
- Danville-Pittsylvania County Fair August County fair with rides, livestock, and food.
- Carrington Pavilion Summer Concert Series Summer Outdoor concerts featuring regional and national acts.
- Danville Otterbots Baseball Season Summer College summer league baseball games at Danville Stadium.
- Danville Farmers Market Spring to Fall Weekly market with local produce, crafts, and food.
Danville has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best times to be out are spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Talk like a local
- “The 'Burg”
- A term for the downtown area, especially the River District.
- “The Dan”
- A local way to refer to the Dan River.
- “Ham biscuit”
- A sandwich made with country ham and biscuits, a local staple.
- “Tobacco row”
- Refers to the old tobacco warehouses, now repurposed.
Getaways
- Martinsville NASCAR racing and the Martinsville Speedway.
- Burlington Outlet shopping and the Elon University campus.
- Greensboro Science center, museums, and downtown dining.
- Durham–Chapel Hill Duke and UNC campuses, food scene, and arts.
Local flavour
Teams
- Danville Otterbots Appalachian League (collegiate summer)
- Averett University Cougars NCAA Division III
Also rooting for Virginia Tech Hokies, Virginia Cavaliers
Eat and drink
- Brunswick stew A thick tomato-based stew with pork, corn, and lima beans, claimed by Brunswick County, VA.
- Country ham biscuits Salty, cured ham on a soft biscuit, a Southern breakfast staple.
- Vinegar-based barbecue Pulled pork with a tangy vinegar and pepper sauce, typical of Virginia style.
- Sweet tea The quintessential Southern drink, served over ice.
Where people go
- Riverwalk along the Dan A scenic path with views of the river and old mills.
- Historic textile mills Red-brick factories that once anchored the city's economy.
- Tobacco warehouses Large auction houses from the leaf's heyday, now repurposed.
- Country stores and diners Casual spots serving home-style meals and local gossip.
Heritage and traditions
Danville is proud of its resilient spirit—once a tobacco and textile powerhouse, now a revitalized river town with a strong sense of history and community.
This time of year in Danville
- Harvest Jubilee October Fall festival celebrating the harvest with music and food.
- Danville Harvest Jubilee October A fall festival with live music, food, and crafts in the River District.
Say it like a local: “coke” — any soft drink (like soda)
Festivals
- Danville Harvest Jubilee October A fall festival with live music, food, and crafts in the River District.
- Danville-Pittsylvania County Fair August Classic county fair with rides, livestock, and local exhibits.
- Carrington Pavilion Summer Concert Series Summer Outdoor concerts featuring national and regional acts.
- Danville Otterbots Baseball Season Summer Minor league baseball games with family fun and promotions.
- Danville Farmers Market Year-round (Saturdays) Weekly market with local produce, baked goods, and crafts.
- First Fridays in the River District First Friday of each month Monthly art walk with gallery openings, live music, and street vendors.
Landmarks with a story
- Sutherlin Mansion Served as the Confederate White House for a week in 1865; now the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
- Olde West End Historic District Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets, a showcase of 19th-century architecture.
- Danville Tobacco Warehouse District Historic tobacco auction warehouses now repurposed for offices and events.
- Danville Train Station A restored railroad depot that reflects Danville's role as a transportation hub.
- First Baptist Church A historic African American congregation with roots in the 19th century.
Food traditions
- Brunswick stew A thick tomato-based stew with pork, chicken, and vegetables, often served at gatherings.
- Country ham biscuits Salty, cured ham on a buttermilk biscuit—a Southern breakfast staple.
- Vinegar-based barbecue Pulled pork with a tangy vinegar and pepper sauce, a Piedmont tradition.
- Sweet tea Iced tea heavily sweetened, served at every meal and gathering.
- Peanut soup A colonial-era Virginia dish made from peanuts, often served as a starter.
Music and arts
- Bluegrass and country music The region has a strong tradition of bluegrass and country, with local pickers and venues.
- Danville Symphony Orchestra A community orchestra performing classical and pops concerts.
- River District arts scene Galleries, studios, and live music venues in the revitalized downtown.
A little history
- April 1865 Last Capital of the Confederacy
- 19th–20th centuries Major tobacco market and textile mill center
- 1963 Civil rights protests and sit-ins
- Late 20th–21st centuries Decline of textiles and economic revitalization of the River District
Rivalries
- Danville vs. Martinsville Friendly rivalry in high school sports and local pride.
- Virginia Tech vs. UVA Hokies vs. Cavaliers football and basketball.
- Otterbots vs. other summer league teams Baseball rivalries with nearby teams.
- Game day Friday night lights
- Game day Otterbots baseball
- Outdoors Walk or bike the Riverwalk
- Outdoors Kayak or paddleboard on the Dan
- With kids Danville Science Center
- With kids Danville Otterbots baseball
Danville speech is a classic Southern accent with Virginia Piedmont touches—slow, warm, and full of phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to.' Locals say 'supper' for the evening meal and often use 'coke' for any soft drink.
Only here
- The last capital of the Confederate States of America (for one week in April 1865).
- The Riverwalk along the Dan River, a scenic path through the old mill town.
- Historic tobacco warehouses now filled with offices and lofts, a unique reuse.
- The local pronunciation 'Dan-vill'—a quick way to spot a local.
New here? A few tips
- Pronounce 'Danville' as 'Dan-vill' (rhymes with 'still'), not like the French 'ville.'
- Expect hot, humid summers—stay hydrated and enjoy the river breeze.
- Try sweet tea at a local diner; it's a staple and usually very sweet.
- The River District is the cultural heart—check out First Fridays for art and music.
- Learn about the city's tobacco and textile history at the museum and historic warehouses.
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Nearby
Every areaCaswell CountyNorth CarolinaSlow roads, big skies, and a warm welcome.MartinsvilleVirginiaRacing heart, Piedmont soulSouth BostonVirginiaWhere the river bends and the tobacco growsBurlingtonNorth CarolinaWhere the Haw River winds through mill-town history.GreensboroNorth CarolinaCrossroads of the Piedmont, rich in history and flavorOxfordNorth CarolinaWhere tobacco fields meet the lakeDurham–Chapel HillNorth CarolinaTwo college towns, one Carolina soul.RoanokeVirginiaWhere the mountains meet the star
Danville, VA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.