what do do in ... Danville? (Roanoke, Martinsville: how much, home, camping)

[headnsouth]

So we're in Roanoke and we have friends in Greensboro. We want to meet halfway for a daytrip/maybe an overnight (camping). They have a 7-year-old and I have 12- and 14-year-olds. It would be great if we could bring the dog too, but that limits our dinner options so dog-friendly isn't required.

Looking at the map it looks like maybe Danville is a good middle ground, but it's all rural so there have to be parks & trails & swimming holes & waterfalls & caves between here & there too. Anything museum-y is good too, or "biggest ball of twine" attractions could be fun too.

Any ideas?

[sregorat3]

Meet in the Martinsville area as opposed to Danville. You are much closer to the kind of attractions you are looking for (Fairystone State Park, Meadows of Dan area). You'll find that area to be much more scenic than the Danville area. Martinsville is also the home of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. There is plenty of decent inexpensive lodging if you decide not to camp.

[headnsouth]

Hey thanks sregorat3, I appreciate the redirection. Fairy Stone Park looks like fun (I'm not sure how much the kids would appreciate the "amazing feats of aging" exhibit at the Natural History Museum!).

[j1n]

Fairy Stone is a nice campground if you like your camping really comfy. I would avoid meeting in Martinsville, though, and meet directly at Fairy Stone. Fairy Stone would also offer day-trip options as well.

[spark240]

Danville has the science museum, Sutherlin Mansion, and baseball, among other things. Just below Danville is a put-in for boat trips down the river.