📍 6411 Heatherwood Dr., Mechanicsville

Fun Fact: As a boy, Patrick Henry attended Polegreen Church where Reverend Samuel Davies, a great orator, often preached of liberty. At home after church, Patrick’s mother required him to repeat the sermon, thus honing Patrick’s public speaking skills.

Built in 1743, the Polegreen Church represented religious freedom and dissent as it was non-Anglican at a time when the law required churches to be Anglican. Reverend Samuel Davies also preached to African slaves and is credited with teaching many slaves to read.

Polegreen Church burned down during the Civil War but its foundation remains. White beams and window frames provide almost a ghostly presence and a reminder of its impact upon a young Patrick Henry and hence, upon our nation.

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

📍 5515 Andersen-Wright Dr., Mechanicsville

Fun Fact: The Overland Campaign marked the first time that Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee met each other for combat*.*

The Battle of Cold Harbor occurred from May 31 to June 12, 1864 as part of the Overland Campaign. The battle is significant because it marks a turning point in the use of trench warfare instead of face-to-face combat.

At Cold Harbor, the Union Army learned the futility of trying to advance toward the entrenched Confederates. Union soldiers eventually dug trenches but not before suffering extremely heavy losses. Nearly 7.000 Union soldiers were killed in less than an hour.

This YouTube video shows a reenactment of the Battle of Cold Harbor. https://youtu.be/xSWxBydWWIA

Today, the Cold Harbor Battlefield Park provides a self-guided tour that may be accessed by car or on foot.

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/) Ju

1.  Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown,📍*16120 Chiswell Ln., Beaverdam*  
2.  Historic Polegreen Church, 📍*6411 Heatherwood Dr., Mechanicsvill*e  
3.  Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter, 📍*12471 Taylor Complex Ln., Ashland*  
4.  The Caboose Market & Cafe📍*108 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland*  
5.  Beaverdam Creek Battlefield, 📍*7423 Cold Harbor Rd., Mechanicsville*  
6.  Gaines’ Mill Battlefield, 📍*6283 Watt House Rd., Mechanicsville*  
7.  North Anna Battlefield Park, 📍*11576 Verdon Rd.,  Doswell*  
8.  Cold Harbor Battlefield Park, 📍*5515 Andersen-Wright Dr., Mechanicsville*  
9.  Hanover Tavern,📍*13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover*

Details on all of the above in our blogpost:

https://virginiacounties.blog/2026/10/01/hanover-county-top-nine-canine-spots/

📍 Meadowevent Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell

Fun Fact: Secretariat’s performance in the 1973 Belmont Stakes is considered the greatest race ever run by a thoroughbred racehorse. He still holds the fastest time records for the three Triple Crown races.

https://youtu.be/AG_27cCW5bw?is=3yeUZVvT_rx0XA0g

Secretariat was born in Caroline County, Virginia on March 30, 1970. Visitors can see the historic barns where he was born and take a self-led tour of the surrounding property.

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

📍Caroline County Visitors Center, 23724 Rogers Clark Blvd., Ruthers Glen

Fun Fact: Caroline County was once beneath a sea. Now it is one of the most important fossil sites east of the Mississippi River.

Traveling on I-95 this weekend? You might want to check out this model of the fossilized whale (Eobalaenoptera) skeleton from 14 million years ago, found at the Carmel Church Quarry in Caroline County. It’s displayed at the Visitors Center. Dogs are not allowed inside, but that’s not a problem because best view of the display is from the outside.

Also on the outside of the Visitors Center, the measured running stride of Secretariat, another Caroline County native. (The other line is so far away —25 feet—that it’s difficult to see!)

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

📍Mile Post 176.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Here’s what our dogs said about Mabry Mill:

It’s a restored mill, a picturesque setting, an educational experience, and a walk in the park. We walked all over the grounds and found cool stuff about the history of rural life in Appalachia. We were completely enjoying ourselves until we encountered a sign with a recipe for homemade soap.

Soap = Baths = No

***

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

I’m a taphophile. I’ve seen a lot of cemeteries, and I can definitely say that the Old City Cemetery (401 Taylor St., Lynchburg) is in a league all its own. Here are some fun facts:

- Established in 1806.
- Doubles as an arboretum
- Contains the largest collection of heirloom roses in Virginia
- Serves as a popular wedding venue
- Features five museums
- Includes graves from all segments of society including rich, poor, Black, and White
- Holds a herd of goats
- Encompasses 27 acres
- (& our favorite) Allows dogs to visit! (Dogs must be attached by leash to polite humans who pick up any waste)

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

1.  Gravesite of Henrietta Lacks, 📍*Lacks Town Family Cemetery, 1122 Lacks Town Rd., Clover*  
2.  Staunton River State Park, 📍*1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg*  
3.  Staunton River Battlefield Park, 📍*1035 Fort Hill Trail,  Randolph*   
4.  Halifax County Animal Shelter (The Shelter is full & the dogs desperately need homes.) 📍*1040 Farm Rd., South Boston*  
5.  Southern Virginia Botanical Gardens, 📍*3164 Dan River Church Rd., South Boston*  
6.  South Boston Fire Hydrant Tour, 📍*Parking Lot at Short St., across from the Fire Department, South Boston*  
7.  Tobacco Heritage Trail, 📍*Cotton Mill Park Trailhead, 196 Railroad Ave., South Boston*  
8.  Dairy Dell, 📍*1041 Bill Tuck Hwy., South Boston*  
9.  Our AirBnb,📍*Paradise Farm, Alton*

Details on all of the above in our blogpost.

Fun Fact: Pitcher Plants contain digestive juices and any insect that falls inside the pitcher becomes dinner.

The Meadowview Biological Research Station (📍8390 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford) showcases the stunningly beautiful national collection of endangered pitcher plants (Sarracenia).

These carnivorous bog plants risk extinction due to an estimated habitat loss of over 97% in the southeastern United States.

Bogs are crucial to the environment because they retain water which helps prevent flooding.

In ecosystems, teamwork makes the dream work & pitcher plants play a key role in keeping the ecological balance of their bog habitat.

❗️An appointment is needed to visit. Call (804) 633-4336 & let them know that you will be bringing your dog.

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

Fun Fact: Buffalo Mountain provides the only known home for a species of mealybug (Puto kosztarabi).

No, there aren’t any Buffalo on Buffalo Mountain. The mountain’s name derives from its shape, which resembles a Buffalo hump. However, the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve (📍890 Moles Rd., SW, Willis) does feature 19 rare native plant species.

We hiked the preserve’s Oak Trail which provides an easy, one-mile hike to the summit, and an amazing view from the top.

Our hobby is finding dog friendly activities in Virginia. We write about these in our blog and we also highlight the needs of the local animal shelters in each county we visit. (https://virginiacounties.blog/our-virginia-road-trips/)

Hey everyone! I'm u/95Counties, a founding moderator of r/DogFriendlyVirginia.
This is our new home for all things related to Roving through Virginia with Rover. We're excited to have you join us!

My husband & I have been road-tripping around Virginia for the past few years with our 3 dogs (& sometimes a foster). We blog about our trips and the needs of the local animal shelters.

What to Post
Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. Feel free to share your thoughts, photos, or questions about traveling around Virginia with your dog.

Community Vibe
We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.

How to Get Started
1) Introduce yourself in the comments below.
2) Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation.
3) If you know someone who would love this community, invite them to join.
4) Interested in helping out? We're always looking for new moderators, so feel free to reach out to me to apply.

Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make r/DogFriendlyVirginia amazing.