PC: Hampden Sydney College; Longwood University; Burruss Farmscapes
You’ve hauled three suitcases up the stairs. Wrestled an extra-long twin sheet onto the bed. Met the new roommate. Hugged your student goodbye (maybe more than once). Welcome to move-in weekend in Prince Edward County, VA.
Whether you’re dropping off a first-year student at Longwood University or returning for another year at Hampden-Sydney College, move-in day is packed with excitement, pride and maybe a few happy tears.
So…now what?
Our advice? Don’t let move-in day end in the residence hall parking lot.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, easing into the empty nest or rewarding yourself after a successful move, there are plenty of things to do in Prince Edward County, VA. Just beyond campus, discover scenic trails, inspiring museums, locally owned Farmville restaurants and one-of-a-kind shopping.
Ready? Your adventure begins now.
Make Move-In Weekend a Prince Edward County Getaway
- Best for: Longwood and Hampden-Sydney parents, families, history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Don’t miss: Prince Edward County attractions like High Bridge Trail State Park, downtown Farmville, VA, Green Front Furniture and the Robert Russa Moton Museum
- Plan for: A full afternoon, dinner or an overnight stay
- Explore: Lodging, dining, trails and attractions
There’s no wrong choice. Follow the path that fits your family and make move-in weekend a story worth telling.
Before Move-In: How Do You Want to Start the Day?
PC: Uptown Cafe; Walker’s Diner
Before the boxes, the checklists and the goodbyes, make a little time for the family. Choose your path:
Savor Every Last Minute
Start the day with fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast at Merk’s Place — whether it’s one of their signature omelets, a short stack or an indulgent Bananas Foster waffle. Or grab a stool at Walker’s Diner, Farmville’s historic valentine diner, where classic breakfast sandwiches are served with a side of 1950s nostalgia. Laugh about the boxes that somehow multiplied overnight. Share one last piece of advice. And snap a family photo before the carts start rolling.
PC: Merk’s Place
Fuel Up Fast
Short on time? You don’t have to skip breakfast to stay on schedule. Swing by Uptown Cafe or Poplar Sips for a freshly brewed coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich that’s easy to take on the go. Take time to fuel up, enjoy a few quiet moments together and tackle move-in weekend with caffeine in hand.
PC: Uptown Cafe
Your Student Is All Moved In: Now What?
The dorm room is ready. Your student is settling in. Now it’s time to start your next adventure. Choose your path:
Catch Your Breath
Maybe you’re not quite ready to get back on the road. (Maybe you just carried a mini fridge up three flights of stairs and need a change of scenery.) Stretch your legs at High Bridge Trail State Park, where one of Virginia’s longest recreational bridges spans 2,400 feet across the Appomattox River. The sweeping views have a way of putting everything into perspective. Or head to Twin Lakes State Park for wooded trails, shady shorelines and quiet picnic spots that invite you to slow down and breathe deep.
PC: Twin Lakes State Park
Treat Yourself
After months of college tours, paperwork, packing lists and move-in checklists, you’ve earned a few hours without an agenda. Browse Farmville shopping, including locally owned boutiques and antique shops before wandering the endless showrooms at Green Front Furniture. Whether you’re searching for the perfect piece or simply soaking in the inspiration, it’s one of those places where getting a little lost is part of the experience. Then toast the occasion with rooftop views and a handcrafted cocktail at Catbird Rooftop Terrace.
PC: Green Front Furniture
Curious About the Place They’ll Call Home?
PC: Longwood Center for the Visual Arts; Robert Russa Moton Museum
Every destination has a story. Which one will you discover? Choose your path:
Discover Creativity
Want to experience another side of your student’s new home? Stop by the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, where rotating exhibitions showcase contemporary artists from Virginia and beyond. Whether you’re drawn to paintings, photography, sculpture or mixed media, the museum reminds visitors that education isn’t confined to the classroom.
PC: LCVA
Discover Courage
Today marks the beginning of your student’s journey. Before you head home, spend a little time reflecting on another generation of students who changed the course of history. At the Robert Russa Moton Museum, you’ll discover how 16-year-old Barbara Johns and her classmates organized a student strike that became part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Their story is a powerful reminder that today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders (a fitting stop on a day that’s all about new beginnings).
PC: Moton Museum
Hungry yet?
PC: Taproot Tavern; The Fishin’ Pig
You’ve earned a great meal. How would you like to celebrate? Choose your path:
Keep It casual
Some days call for comfort food, and move-in day is definitely one of them! Grab a booth at Macado’s for legendary sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients, or head to The Fishin’ Pig to satisfy everyone’s cravings with slow-smoked barbecue, fresh seafood and Southern favorites. It’s the kind of laid-back meal where you can linger as long as you need.
PC: Macado’s
Celebrate in Style
Slow the pace and savor the moment at one of our Farmville restaurants: Savour, an elevated American bistro, or Taproot Tavern, a go-to spot for refined dining. Handcrafted cocktails, seasonal ingredients and a cozy atmosphere make either restaurant a fitting place to celebrate your student’s next chapter — and everything it took to get here.
PC: Savour Farmville
Ready to Call it a Day?
Whether you’re ready to hit the road or make one more memory, the choice is yours.
Choose your path:
Head Home
Whether you’ve walked across the High Bridge, wandered downtown Farmville or shared a celebratory dinner, you’ve done more than help your student move into college. You’ve celebrated a milestone and discovered what makes Prince Edward County a place worth coming back to.
PC: Longwood University
Stay Awhile
Why rush home when the adventure is just getting started? Book a cozy Airbnb in Farmville, VA, and turn move-in weekend into a memorable Virginia weekend getaway. Wake up without an alarm, enjoy breakfast at a local cafe and spend another day exploring the spots that make Prince Edward County unlike anywhere else in Virginia. College move-in day only comes around a handful of times — stay in Farmville and make the most of it.
PC: Airbnb
We'll Be Here When You Return
Before you know it, you’ll be back for Family Weekend at Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney Parents Weekend, Homecoming Weekend or another excuse to visit your favorite college student. And the best part? You won’t be starting from scratch. Every return visit is a chance to choose a different path.