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pass close by the 1930 station, but they don’t stop there anymore. Inside is the Appomattox Visitor Center (tel. 434-352-2621), with historic displays, including the original scales used to weigh everything from passenger baggage to cattle, and an Arts & Crafts Center. Just a block long, Appomattox’s Main Street could be the shortest Main Street in Virginia. Here visitors find a handful of quaint shops and eateries, and the beginning of a 44-stop self-guided tour of historic homes (exterior only), all within a half-mile. On some weekends, a horse-and-carriage tour is available. Ask inside the visitor center.

Attractions

A half-mile past Appomattox Court House National Park, Clover Hill Village re-creates Appomattox history before and after Lee’s surrender. The six-acre village has a general store, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, chapel and log cabin, many donated and moved here by the Appomattox County Historical Society. Open daily, during daylight hours, no admission charge.

Fred’s Car Museum houses more than 65 automobiles, from a 1906 “horseless carriage” to cars of the 1980s. Located on Route 24 between Appomattox and the national park. Admission is $5. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. (tel. 434-352-0606)

Lee’s Retreat is a 20-stop driving tour tracing the 100-mile retreat of Lee’s Army from Petersburg to Appomattox. Brochure, map and historic markers detail the events.

Stonewall Vineyards on Route 460 west of town, offers tours, tastings and a wine shop. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm. (tel. 434-993-2185, www.stonewallwine.com)

Recreation

Holliday Lake State Park off Route 24 has camping, swimming, boating, fishing and hiking around the man-made lake. (tel. 434-248-6308) James River State Park is 1,400 acres on the James River, which runs along the northern border of Appomattox County. Canoeing and fishing are popular, with this section of the James claiming status as having the best smallmouth bass fishing east of the Mississippi. (tel. 434-933-4355)

Dining

The Babcock House is a bed & breakfast (see below), but it’s also one of the best places for fine dining in the area. Lunch is served during the week, dinner by reservation. The candlelit tables are set with white linens, fine china and fresh flowers. (106 Oakleigh Avenue, tel. 804-352-7532, www.bab­cockhouse.com)

Otherwise, dining in Appomattox is quite casual. Granny Bee’s on Main Street can fill you up with home-style cooking for $4 or less (breakfast or lunch). Dinner is served Wednesday-Sunday, breakfast daily, and lunch Monday-Friday (tel. 434-352-2259). There’s also the Caboose Sub Shop (tel. 434-352-2638), Rayford’s Café (tel. 434-352-3196), and Golden China (tel. 434-352-8596).

Lodging

The Babcock House Bed & Breakfast Inn is a restored century-old inn with five guest rooms and one suite. (106 Oakleigh Avenue, tel. 800-689-6208, www.babcockhouse.com, $$)

Longacre Bed & Breakfast is a 1933 English Tudor House on two acres of gardens. There are three guest rooms, all with air conditioning and ­cable TV. (107 S. Church Street, tel. 434-352-9251, www.long­acrebb.com, $)

Spring Grove Farm Bed & Breakfast is a restored 1842 house on a 200-acre plantation with 16 fireplaces and 11 guest rooms and suites, all with private baths. There is one handicapped room and bath. Slip into a terry robe after a whirlpool bath, then curl up in front of the fire or on your private porch. There’s a kennel for pets nearby. (Route 613, tel. 434-993-3891, www.springgrovefarm.com, $$)

Pet-friendly: The Super 8 just off Route 60 takes pets with a $10 charge. (tel. 434-352-2339, $)

Information

The Appomattox Visitor Information Center, located in the restored railroad depot on Main Street, is open daily 9 am-5 pm. (tel. 434-352-2621, www.appomattox.com)

Events

In early May the community pays tribute to the inventor of the five-string banjo, born in the county in 1810. The Joel Sweeney Banjo & Old-Time Music Festival takes place at Paradise Lake Campground in Appomattox with a highly competitive banjo contest.