Blackstone
Chamber of Commerce
Directions
P.O. Box 295
Blackstone, VA 23824
434-292-1677
chamber@blackstoneva.com
Welcome to Blackstone
A Community Rich in Hisory!
Our community enjoys a culture that includes traditions of the historical rural south and has been enriched by the influx of families from around the world. Many returned families have located here, as well as those who lived in other parts of the country before discovering Blackstone. They all brought with them customs and traditions which make life here more interesting. Recreational opportunities include everything from youth sports programs to golf, swimming,
tennis, bowling, excellent hunting and fishing, boating and hiking, heritage trails, or just picnicing in Seay Park and enjoying the surroundings. The Town of Blackstone continues to show growth and progress today. The untiring efforts of business and civic leaders as well as wise planning by local government have made this possible. Blackstone has just been named a "Main Street Community" and we plan on living up to that name.
Local Attractions
Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center - VUMAC is an all-weather assembly facility open year-round to church groups, denominational groups, religious groups, civic groups, and other service organizations for meetings, retreat, training and conferences. Formerly the Blackstone College for Girls, the Assembly Center has been in operation since 1955. Locals include VUMAC in their daily walks to enjoy the peaceful setting and the beautiful rose garden.
The Gables - located on the VUMAC property, this lovely restored Antebellum building is available also for events.
Schwartz Tavern - A fully restored Revolutionary War Era Tavern located in Downtown Blackstone. The original construction took place in several stages between 1790 and 1840. The Tavern stands at the site of Blackstone's 18th century crossroads. Come and visit and take a tour of the Tavern. Our office hours in the Tavern are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm.
Carriage Museum - Blackstone's newest museum features fully restored buggies and carriages donated from a local collector.
Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Blackstone - While in Historic Blackstone, please take a few minutes to enjoy its tree-lined avenues, its historic buildings, and the sense of Southern hospitality that has long been the town's trademark.
Historical Markers - don't miss the many historical markers in town, describing noteworthy events in our community's past.
Lakeview Cemetary - Blackstone's oldest cemetary has graves dating back well over 100 years.
Annual Model Train Display - Every year Bevell's Ace Hardware starts early to get their train display (over 500 square feet) up and running for all of their Holiday Visitors. There is a Wood Mill, a working Drive-In Movie Theatre, a ski-slope, a circus, and replicas of buildings of interest here in Blackstone, just to name a few of the interesting sites.
Historic Downtown - Downtown Blackstone, listed on the Virginia Historical Register boasts interesting arcitecture, builidings over 100 years old, and charming iron-fronts. Stroll our tree-lined streets and visit one of our unique shops.
Area & Regional Attractions
Lee's Retreat Driving Tour - The trail is comprised of 25 stops with detailed audio and visual interpretation at each site. The self-guided driving tour allows you to enjoy the trail at your own pace, letting you linger longer at some stops and pass by others, if time is short. It is suggested you start the trail in Petersburg at South Side Railroad Station to experience the trail in chronological order. However, many people enjoy following it backwards from Appomattox or hoping on or off at different points. Once you begin, follow the Lee's Retreat trail blazing signs from one stop to the next. A Lee's Retreat brochure and a Virginia State Map could be helpful if you want to skip a stop or should you get lost. Pick them up at any Virginia Welcome Center or call 1-800-6-RETREAT to receive them by mail. To fully experience the tour, allowing time to enter buildings that are publicly accessible, it will take approximately two full days.
Wilson-Kautz Raid Driving Tour - The trail is comprised of 26 stops with detailed interpretation at each site. The self-guided driving tour allows you to enjoy the trail at your own pace, letting you linger longer at some stops and pass by others, if time is short. Because the trail is not linear or chronological, it can be started and ended at any point. Once you begin, follow the Virginia Civil War Trails trail blazing signs from one stop to the next. A Lee's Retreat brochure and a Virginia State Map could be helpful if you want to skip a stop or should you get lost. Pick them up at any Virginia Welcome Center or call 1-800-6-RETREAT to receive them by mail. To fully experience the tour, allowing time to enter buildings that are publicly accessible, it will take approximately two full days.
Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail - A Self-Guided Driving Tour Through Southside Virginia - The trail is comprised of 41 sites with detailed interpretation and photos at each location. The self-guided driving tour allows you to enjoy the trail at your own pace, letting you linger longer at some stops and pass by others, if time is short. Because the trail is not linear or chronological, it can be started and ended at any point. Once you begin, follow the Civil Rights in Education trail blazing signs from one stop to the next. A Virginia State Map could be helpful if you want to skip a stop or should you get lost. Pick one up at any Virginia Welcome Center or call 1-804-786-2801 to receive one by mail. To fully experience the tour, allowing time to enter buildings that are publicly accessible, it will take approximately two full days.
Virginia Civil War Trails - Features the well-known and less familiar sites associated with America's greatest drama. More than 200 places tell the rich story. For more information, call: 1-888-CIVIL WAR. Or write: Virginia Civil War Trails, 50 East Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23219
Virginia's Retreat Outdoor Recreation - Virginia's Retreat nestled in the heart of Virginia's Piedmont region, offers some of Virginia's best boating, camping, fishing and trail opportunities. For a complete listing of opportunities call 1-800-6-RETREAT. Or write: Virginia's Retreat, PO Box 2107, Petersburg, VA 23804