Visit Danville, Virginia

Locals and enterprising newcomers have transformed Danville, Virginia, into a small-city destination worth a visit. Writer Kari Smith highlights its new life and vibrant charm.

Crossing the bridge spanning the Dan River, you’ll see that the city of Danville, Virginia, is leaning into its past without letting it define its future. Brick warehouses, weathered smokestacks, and rows of stately Victorian homes stand alongside newly opened coffee shops, art spaces, and microbreweries. Once one of Virginia’s most prosperous mill towns, Danville’s textile and tobacco industries dominated the skyline and the economy for more than a century. When the mills closed, the city faced hard years. But if you walk the streets today, you’ll see the results of a determined transformation that has turned Danville into a small-city destination worth checking out.

Historic preservation meets modern reinvention at the “Three Stacks” from the former Dan River Mills, a trio of red-brick smokestacks that have become a symbol of the city. For decades they loomed over a bustling manufacturing hub; now they stand as a proud emblem of resilience. Developers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders have worked to ensure that the stacks – and the stories behind them – remain part of Danville’s fabric. Even newcomers to the city’s landscape, like Caesars Virginia, have found ways to honor that heritage, incorporating the smokestacks into its design and naming its food hall after them.

Strolling through the River District

The heart of Danville’s revitalization is the River District, a once quiet section of warehouses and storefronts now humming with activity. The area is compact, making for a leisurely afternoon walk. Historic brick facades are punctuated by modern signage, and murals add splashes of color to alley walls. Benches line the streets, offering easy resting spots for those who like to take things at a slower pace.

On Main Street, Me’s Burgers & Brews offers a relaxed dining experience that’s quintessentially Danville: approachable but with creative flair. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect gourmet burgers layered with inventive toppings and a rotating selection of craft beers. Just a few blocks away, Ballad Brewing occupies a restored tobacco warehouse with soaring ceilings and exposed beams. Here, you can sip a crisp lager or hoppy IPA while chatting with locals, enjoying a trivia night, or passing time with friends in the spacious taproom. For a quieter spot, Crema & Vineblends the warmth of a coffee shop with the sophistication of a wine bar. Expect locally roasted coffee, Virginia wines, artisanal snacks, and occasional live music.

History and heritage

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, located in the stately Sutherlin Mansion, offers a window into the city’s layered past. Once the residence of Major William Sutherlin, the home served briefly as the last executive headquarters of the Confederate government in 1865. Today, its galleries balance Civil War history with contemporary art, rotating exhibitions, and programs that explore the region’s culture beyond a single era.

For architecture enthusiasts, Millionaire’s Row along Main Street is a must-see. These ornate Victorian mansions were built by textile magnates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many remain beautifully preserved. Walking tours – either self-guided or with a local guide – reveal intricate details like carved woodwork, stained glass, and wraparound porches.

If you’re drawn to science and discovery, visit the Danville Science Center. Housed in a beautifully restored 1899 train station, its centerpiece is the digital planetarium dome, offering immersive shows about the night sky, nature, and the cosmos – perfect for those who appreciate a serene, captivating experience. At the Butterfly Station exhibit, colorful live butterflies flutter in a tranquil indoor garden setting. The center’s accessible design, with calm sensory spaces and comfortable seating, makes it inviting for visitors of all ages seeking both education and relaxation.

Along the river

The Riverwalk Trail stretches nearly 13 miles, tracing the edge of the Dan River through downtown and beyond. Wide, paved paths make it accessible for walking, cycling, or finding a shaded bench to watch the water flow, with fishing spots, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks perfect for a photo stop. The trails are lined with trees, which offer a colorful view in the fall, and a bit of shade in the warmer months.

A city moving forward

Over the past decade, the city has invested heavily in its downtown infrastructure, encouraged small business growth, and sought partnerships that bring both jobs and amenities to the community. This strategy has attracted entrepreneurs, young families, and retirees alike, all looking for a place that offers charm and opportunity.

One of the most high-profile additions to the city’s landscape is Caesars Virginia, which opened fully in late 2024. While the 100,000-square-foot casino floor – with its 1,500 slot machines, 79 table games, Caesars Sportsbook, and World Series of Poker room – may grab headlines, the property’s role in Danville goes deeper. Its design incorporates nods to local history, most notably the Three Stacks Food Hall, named after the city’s iconic smokestacks, which can be viewed behind the hotel.

The property provides an array of amenities that pair well with a Danville getaway: 320 guest rooms and suites, a spa and pool, multiple restaurants, and a fitness center. Accessible rooms feature roll-in showers, low-height counters, wide hallways, ramps, elevators, Braille signage, and concierge services that can assist with transportation, mobility aids, and reservations.

Smoking is allowed on the casino floor but prohibited in dining areas, the hotel, spa, and other public spaces. Robust filtration helps, though sensitive guests may still prefer a mask in transitional areas.

Looking ahead

As the city’s tourism industry grows, Caesars Virginia is helping showcase the region’s attractions. “We continue to learn what resonates with our guests,” senior vice president and general manager Chris Albrecht tells me. Local hotels housed construction crews during the build and now accommodate overflow when the casino is at capacity, while area restaurants benefit from steady patronage. Caesars partners with local baseball teams, race tracks, and golf courses, and this year plans to begin hosting the Visit SoSi (referring to the Southern Side) visitors center inside the casino, giving guests direct access to information on area attractions. “For those making the drive,” Albrecht continues, “we want to ensure they enjoy a full tourism and destination experience in Danville.”

Caesars’ separate development agreement with the city pairs gaming revenue with targeted investments that strengthen community infrastructure – half a million dollars to Averett University’s Hospitality and Tourism program, a new ambulance for the Danville Life Saving Crew, a custom fire truck for the fire department, and a $15 million initial investment that included $5 million toward the new police headquarters. The company has also funded a master plan, traffic impact study, and new signals to prepare for future growth. “We have been involved in the community, even before we broke ground here, and that will continue as long as Caesars remains a part of the Danville community,” Albrecht adds.

Beyond the city’s revitalized infrastructure, Danville’s heart remains in its historic streets, restored warehouses, and the steady hum of a community that is moving into the future without erasing its past. Whether you’re here for the architecture, the river views, the small-town charm, or the gaming, Danville invites you to slow down and explore.

PHOTO CAPTION, TOP: Sutherlin House in Danville, Virginia, ca 1969. Image by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.