We took a short day trip last weekend to Farmville, a small town about an hour from Richmond that sits deep in rural Central Virginia. The main reason for our outing was to take a family bike ride on the newly opened rails-to-trails corridor called High Bridge Trail State Park, which has quickly become a favorite destination for easy, scenic cycling and history-minded walkers.
High Bridge Trail State Park was the star attraction: a restored railroad bridge and trail that spans the Appomattox River. The bridge itself is nearly half a mile long and rises to a height that feels like a 12-story building, so it creates an impressive, slightly heart‑racing experience as you cross. The structure dates back to the 1850s and even played a role at the end of the Civil War; the original stone piers were replaced with steel supports in the early 1900s. Despite the vertigo-inducing view, the trail surface is mostly crushed gravel and quite flat, which makes the route family-friendly and suitable for strollers, kids, and more casual riders.
We didn’t ride the whole 31 miles—carrying our two-year-old in the front bike seat meant we covered about nine miles round trip, which felt just right. The iBert child seat we use was a lifesaver: it lets me interact with our daughter during the ride so we can sing songs, play I‑spy, and have her “help” steer the handlebars a bit. There are bathrooms and picnic benches along the trail, too, which makes planning a relaxed family outing simple. We’re already planning another trip in the fall when the leaves turn and the temperatures cool.
While Farmville’s new trail was the reason for our trip, we couldn’t resist a stop at Green Front Furniture, a massive warehouse-style market full of discounted furniture and accessories. It’s locally legendary—rows and rows of inventory, and even if much of it is above our budget, it’s an ideal place for inspiration. You can find significant discounts off high initial prices, and the variety of shapes, finishes, and trends on display makes window shopping feel like a creative treasure hunt.
Highlights from Green Front included a snakeskin-pattern sofa (it was a sale price that still reflected a high-end piece), several striking mirror frames that mixed classic and contemporary lines, and an orb-style headboard that reminded us of the one we have at home. We also fell for a leather club chair that would have been a showpiece in any room, and a patterned side chair with a painted edge that suggested great DIY possibilities for a thrifted reupholstery project. One piece that sparked a lot of ideas was a mixed-material coffee table with a wood-lined interior ottoman and a removable tray—perfect inspiration for a future DIY remake involving leather upholstery, nailhead trim, or a custom wood tray insert.
Green Front’s playful and unexpected finds were part of the fun as well. A monkey chandelier we saw was both absurd and amazing: a fixture with one monkey attached to the ceiling and four others suspended by their tails. It was genuinely one of those pieces you either love or can’t stop staring at—imagine it spray-painted white in a children’s room for a whimsical touch. Nearby shops in Farmville also offered versatile pieces, like a practical shelving unit that could belong in a kitchen, garden room, or sunporch filled with plants and linens.
Not everything was high-ticket. We spotted small, affordable finds that felt like quality bargains: ceramic knobs that reminded us of Anthropologie for just a couple dollars each, a charming blue stool priced affordably, and a tall mirror that looked much larger in person than the price suggested. Our favorite inexpensive discovery was a giant glass lantern that had been reduced in price—perfect for a porch or patio with a large candle inside. It would have been tempting to bring home, but practicality (and a hungry toddler) won out on the day of our visit.
Between riding the High Bridge and wandering through warehouse aisles, the day felt perfectly balanced—part active outdoor adventure, part creative window shopping. The trail’s easy grade and scenic river views made it enjoyable even in warm weather, and the family-friendly amenities and generous picnic spots make it an excellent choice for a casual day trip. Green Front provided hours of inspiration and a reminder that browsing can set off new design ideas without spending a lot of money.
We came home with a handful of photos, a head full of DIY plans, and a toddler who napped on the drive back. If you’re looking for a nearby bike-friendly destination that combines history, open views, and easy trail surfaces, High Bridge Trail State Park is worth the drive. And if you’re in the mood for furniture window-shopping afterward, the warehouse scene in Farmville makes for a fun detour. Anyone else pair outdoor adventures with bargain-hunting? Do you prefer your toddler up front or tucked in the back for family rides?
Psst—We also shared the outtakes from Clara’s monthly photo session on our family blog; one of them captures a hilariously politician‑like gesture that made us laugh.