A SoSi summer to remember: What’s waiting for you in Southside Virginia

For the past four weeks, you’ve been on a journey with us through Southside, as we’ve met with a variety of local business owners selling their goods and services at the Chatham Farm Market. Today, we’re wrapping up this summer series by extending an invitation to come visit the area for yourself.

“We want you to come see everything that we’ve got because there’s so much to do and so much to see,” said Lisa Greer, Danville Visitor Center manager.

Greer sets up shop at 24 Depot St. in Chatham at the local farmers market on Tuesdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. But the local tourism guru isn’t selling items—she’s extending an invitation to explore all the wonders the area has to offer, while also highlighting Visit SoSi (pronounced SO-see).

Spanning Danville and Pittsylvania County, Visit SoSi serves as a regional tourism brand. The website is an expansive resource highlighting things to do, places to eat, where to stay, and more. 

While the recently opened Caesars Virginia casino might initially draw folks’ attention to the area, unique outdoor features like the scenic Danville Riverwalk Trail, competitive disc golf courses at Ballou Park, and a multi-skill-level Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trail System help make a summer in SoSi something to remember. 

“We’ve embraced nature,” Greer said. “We’ve built more parks. Chatham has Frances Hurt Park. We have 12+ miles of Riverwalk Trail in Danville, Virginia, that hooks you to various parks along the river. So we’re going into nature: People want to be outside more, get relief, smell the air. Days are longer. 

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For the indoor enthusiasts—and folks who enjoy air conditioning in the Southside’s hottest season—there are plenty of engaging options, too. A great place to start is Danville’s River District, which features everything from stellar hotel accommodations at The Bee, delicious dining with a novel twist at Me’s Burgers & Brews, self-guided tours at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, and shopping at stores like the Main Street Art Collective.

“We have something for everybody,” Greer said. “We have art lovers. We have nature lovers. We have history lovers. We have shopping lovers. And we just have everything you want.”

There’s also a unique opportunity for folks who would like to help share the high points of the local way of life—it’s called the I Am Tourism: Ambassador Program. The initiative provides free training for individuals interested in becoming champions for Danville and Pittsylvania County. Perks include interactive workshops, guided bus tours, passes to various attractions, and more. 

To learn more about becoming an area ambassador, click here. The next cohort kicks off on Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. in Danville. 

But don’t just take our word for it—come see SoSi for yourself, and enjoy all our beloved Southside has to offer. Besides, we’re so glad you’re here.