Travel Log: Martinsville

As NASCAR's oldest stop on the tour, it's no wonder Martinsville is dripping with much of the same history as stock-car racing.

NASCAR has been coming to Martinsville since 1949, the earliest date that any current track opened. That's a year longer than it's been going to Darlington, a decade longer than it's been going to Daytona, and 50 years longer than it's been going to Homestead, where the title is now celebrated.

And there's a reason.

From the very root of the sport's conception to the brainchild of a once synonymous sponsor, Martinsville sings the tune of NASCAR's history.

MAP OF MARTINSVILLE, VA.
Click here for directions and an aerial map.

DID YOU KNOW?
Martinsville used to be known as the "Sweatshirt Capital of the World" as DuPont had a chemical manufacturing plant located there.

WHAT THE AREA OFFERS
White Liquor, Blue Ridge Style -- White lightnin', mountain dew, hooch ... whatever you want to call it, moonshine's Southern roots are buried in backwoods of Southern Virginia and lots of other tiny hollows in the South (read more). The practice of making moonshine was a way of life for some folks, and an illegal activity in the law's eyes. See how a century of moonshining in the Blue Ridge Mountains developed over the years in the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum's exhibit White Liquor, Blue Ridge Style.
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Reynolds Homestead -- This two-story brick home is now a tourist attraction in Critz, Va., a 30-minute drive west of Martinsville. But it once was the boyhood home of R.J. Reynolds (1850-1918), the founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. From 1972-2003, the company's Winston brand was the title sponsor for the Cup Series. Today, the Reynolds Homestead is open for tours ($2 for adults) on the 717 acres of land.
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Rives Theatre -- Who doesn't like free bluegrass music? That's what is offered on Saturday night when veteran bluegrass band Tenbrooks performs at one of Martinsville's oldest theater. Admission is free thanks to the Martinsville Lions Club, which is working to help revive the Rives Theatre.
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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Clarence's Steak & Seafood House -- Virginia's visitors Web site says it right: Food so great you'll scrape your plate. Is Clarence's an upscale coat-and-tie place? No. That's probably a good reason to go, because the focus here is food, and good food at that. Clarence's is the place for home cooking. It's family owned and operated and has a special every night of the week. Good food for a good price ... try less than $10.
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Sunny on Friday and Sunday with highs topping the 80s, although Saturday looks to be in the mid-70s and cloudy. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
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