Travel Log: Martinsville

When Joseph Martin, an American Revolutionary War general, settled in his estate in a tiny area near the southern border of Virginia, it became the roots of what is now known as Martinsville.

The tiny city has played a big role in industry over the years, converting from Virginia's furniture hub to the Sweatshirt Capital of the World with DuPont housing a plant there. But hard times in industry have shifted the focus of Martinsville's growth toward technology.

Wired or not, Martinsville is home. Residents and visitors cling to the hometown feel -- on the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Web site, visitors can express why they love Martinsville, and the overwhelming reason is "because I've spent my whole life here."

Simply put by one resident: "I believe the people here are the most caring people anywhere ..."

DID YOU KNOW
We have Martinsville to thank in part for those quirky Quaker Oats commercials, as a local artist is the creator of the Quaker Oats man, in addition to Aunt Jemima and other advertising characters.

WHAT THE CITY OFFERS
Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart -- Maybe they're country. Maybe they're folksy. In fact, both husband and wife admit their music doesn't fall into one specific category. But maybe that's what makes them good. This folk duo from Nashville will be performing at the PHCC's Artisan Center in the heart of Martinsville on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are $15.

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Virginia Museum of Natural History -- The museum is hosting a 100 Hour Celebration from Wednesday through Sunday to recognize the opening of a new facility. Visitors will be able to get a first-hand look at the new facility on Saturday, which features a 14-million-year-old fossil whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, in addition to Virginia's first CineMuse high-definition digital cinema theater.

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Chateau Morrisette -- This Virginia winery produces 15 different wines that come from more than 150 acres of vineyards, and it's all just a short drive west on Hwy. 58 from Martinsville. Chateau Morrisette offers wine tasting, shopping and fine dining for both the connoisseur and the newcomer.

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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Martinsville Speedway -- It sounds cliche, and sure there's Clarence's Steak House (try the fried frog legs) and Captain Tom's Seafood, but if you're at Martinsville Speedway for the race you cannot leave without having a Martinsville hot dog. Famously known throughout the NASCAR garages as the blue-ribbon winner among track dining, going to the speedway without eating a dog is like going without a ticket. You visit Atlanta, you eat at The Varsity. You're thirsty, you drink water. You go to a Martinsville race, you eat a hot dog.

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WEATHER FORECAST
Chance of showers, but mostly sunny with highs near 70 degrees. Click here for the extended forecast.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
Let NASCAR.COM help book your travel. | Click here