Danville, Virginia
A historic river city on the Dan River undergoing a remarkable revival. Southern charm at its most authentic.
The Last Capitol of the Confederacy, Reimagined
Danville sits on the Dan River in Pittsylvania County, about 1.5 hours south of Lynchburg near the North Carolina border. It served briefly as the last capital of the Confederacy in 1865, and that history is preserved in the Sutherlin Mansion museum downtown.
Today, Danville is experiencing a remarkable transformation. The River District downtown has been revitalized with new restaurants, breweries, and arts spaces moving into restored tobacco warehouses. The Riverwalk Trail runs along the Dan River through the heart of the city. Casino gaming arrived in 2024 with Caesars Virginia, bringing a major entertainment venue to the region.
For visitors based in Lynchburg, Danville makes a solid day trip, especially combined with a drive through the rolling Piedmont countryside. The cost of living is notably lower than the rest of Virginia, and the food scene punches above its weight.
What to Do in Danville
History & Culture
- Sutherlin Mansion (Last Capitol museum)
- Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History
- River District arts and galleries
- Tank Town (creative arts venue)
- AAF International (modern art)
Outdoors & Recreation
- Dan River Riverwalk Trail
- Dan Daniel Memorial Park
- Kayaking and tubing on the Dan River
- Anglers Park (fishing access)
- Caesars Virginia (casino, entertainment)