Things to Do in Powhatan


Things to Do in Powhatan

Powhatan County boasts a rich abundance of natural, historic and cultural assets. The Powhatan Tourism Council is active in promoting many of the historic and outdoor recreational opportunities offered in the County. From paddling the mighty James River to fishing the newly restored Powhatan Lakes, outdoor activities are abundant in the County.

Home to many equine-related businesses, there are miles of horseback riding trails located within the Powhatan Wildlife Management Area and at historic Belmead on the James River. The County also plans to participate in the State’s Commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial by adding five additional sites to the existing five that tell the story of the closing days of the War and the beginning of the Nation’s healing.

If festive events are your passion, Powhatan must be plugged into your personal navigational device! The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce, Performing Arts Foundation of Powhatan and many of the nonprofit and civic organizations host a multitude of celebrations, including Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape, Fourth Fridays, Jazz ‘n July, Steer Roast, Dove Roast, Christmas Parade, the Powhatan Chow Down and the Powhatan County Fair.

There are a number of historic properties and districts in the County, including the Courthouse Village, where visitors can enjoy unique shopping experiences, take a walking tour, stop by the Historical Society-operated Museum, dine in a number of different restaurants or spend a night in one of Powhatan’s four bed and breakfast inns.

Whatever your interest, Powhatan has something special to offer.

Arts and Culture

The Performing Arts Foundation of Powhatan is working to create a state-of-the-art cultural arts organization to present prominent talent and showcase local gifted artists. Through musical and fine art presentations, they hope to become a focal point of community energy and pride. Powhatan is fortunate to be the host of quality presentations of events, such as Powhatan’s Got Talent, Jazz ‘n July, Red Hot and Blue and Summer Serenade as well as showcase exceptional student art throughout the County. For more information please refer to their website: www.artsofpowhatan.org.

The annual Powhatan County Fair – one of Virginia’s longest-running fairs – is a family tradition. It features concerts from rising entertainers, community displays, fabulous foods, the thrill of midway rides and plenty of interesting exhibits. The fairgrounds are a perfect venue for many family events throughout the year, including Chow Down and Trunk or Treat.

On the last Saturday in October, Powhatan’s historic Courthouse Square overflows with wine, food, shopping and live entertainment at the annual Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape. The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce is proud to host one of the premier wine events in the Southeast. Nearly 6,000 attendees taste samples of wine from more than 25 Virginia wineries and have the opportunity to shop among some of the finest craftsmen anywhere. A variety of gourmet food is offered during the festival, as well.

Other family-friendly community events include a Labor Day Parade and Christmas Parade through the Courthouse, a special Bateau Festival on the James River, a Memorial Day show to honor Powhatan’s veterans and many more events that make Powhatan a place to be proud to live and visit.

Parks and Recreation

Two 18-hole public golf courses and one private club are located in Powhatan, as is the Virginia State Golf Association statewide golf and education center, named the Independence Golf Club. This beautiful 27-hole course, Tom Fazio’s only daily-fee golf course in Virginia, was designed to generate enough operating funds to support the programs for the betterment of golf in Virginia.

There are an estimated 170,000 horses in the State of Virginia, with more than 2,000 in the Powhatan area. There are horse clubs, as well as many horse-related businesses within the County, which include veterinary services, trailer sales, farm and feed stores and independent riding instructors.

Fighting Creek Park is a 220-acre facility containing athletic fields, playgrounds, hiking trails, the public library, animal shelter, the Powhatan Fire Company, the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA and National Guard Armory. With the addition of a new Parks and Recreation Manager, there are many opportunities for the young and the old to be active and healthier. To learn more about specific opportunities visit: www.parksandrecreation.com.

Powhatan’s YMCA draws families to the many activities and family events it offers to the community. Children and adults can learn to swim or participate in competitive team activities at their beautiful pool. More information is available at www.powhatanymca.org.

Local businesses offer yoga, gymnastics, fitness training, aerobic classes and a myriad of fun activities and outings for everyone!

The Powhatan Wildlife Management Area includes 4,462 acres under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, providing hunting and fishing. The department also maintains two public boat landings.

The Powhatan Youth Athletic Association, the Powhatan Recreation Advisory Committee and the Powhatan Soccer Association provide recreational activities for sportsmen and women of all ages. The County owns several baseball, softball and soccer fields. Playgrounds and athletic fields are also located at four local public schools. The County offers several private swimming pools, as well as a family campground, Cozy Acres, open seasonally, April 1 through December 1.