Day Three We thought it would be best to leave the Virginia Museum of Natural History until today so you could spend plenty of time exploring the vast array of artifacts from the museum’s 22 million item collection on display in the new $33 million world class facility. At the forefront of scientific discovery of the natural world, the eight scientists of the museum actively engage in research on subjects ranging from dinosaurs to millipedes. The museum shares its new discoveries with exhibits, programs, publications, field trips, and teacher education. Two of the new exhibits: “Feathered Dinosaurs of China” and “Chinasaurs: The Great Dinosaurs of China” were undertaken in cooperation with the National Geological Museum of China. The exhibits feature the largest collection of Chinese fossils to tour North America including specimens that rarely leave China. The only way to appreciate 65 million year old dinosaur eggs and a 30 foot Yangchuanosaurus is in person! After that fascinating visit, you can spend some time outdoors in the area surrounding Martinsville. Two possibilities await: the Stone Cross Mountain Museum and Fairy Stone State Park. Stone Cross Mountain Museum displays the Staurolite Crystals (called Fairy Stones by the locals) found at Fairy Stone State Park and elsewhere in the region. The crystals found imbedded in the metamorphic rock of rock outcroppings range in size from one-eighth inch to over four inches. Discovered by pioneers in the area, the perfect cross shaped stones began to emerge from the roads worn bare of dirt and land being cleared for farming. The crystals appear in many stages of perfection, from a faint cross to a perfect cross and every stage in between. Legend has it that long before Chief Powhatan’s reign in southern Virginia began, fairies were dancing around a spring of water playing with naiads and wood nymphs, when an elfin messenger arrived with news of the death of Christ. When the creatures of the forest heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell, they crystallized to form beautiful crosses. These rare stones are found elsewhere but not in such abundance as at Fairy Stone State Park. Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Blue Ridge adjoining Fairy Stone State Park, the natural shoreline of Philpott Lake surrounds over 3,000 acres of water. Philpott Lake has nine different recreation areas: Bowens Creek, Deer Island, Goose Point, Horseshoe Point, Jamison Mill, Philpott Park, Ryans Branch, Salthouse Branch and Twin Ridge. Each have a different variety of recreational opportunities and costs, from boat ramps, campgrounds and picnic areas to hiking trails and sanitary facilities. The Philpott Lake Natural and Cultural History Center offers a unique display pertaining to the natural and cultural heritage of Philpott Lake. These include: Four Seasons of the Whitetail Deer, Fish that reside in Philpott Lake and Smith River, American Black Bear, American Beaver, and regional Native American and local history. Local lore includes interpretive panels featuring construction activities associated with the massive Philpott Dam. There are even historic photographs of the flooding that used to occur in nearby towns before the dam was built. From here, your accommodations are just a short drive away in Martinsville. You may want to retire to your accommodations before venturing out to the Martinsville Speedway, now celebrating its 60th year of operation. Founded the year before NASCAR was formed, the speedway is one of the oldest tracks in America that’s still a part of the Nextel Cup series. It is the only original NASCAR-sanctioned track still running Nextel Cup events. Richard Petty, now a car owner, holds the track’s winning record with 15 victories. Although it is the shortest track on the NASCAR circuit, the 800 foot straights coupled with turns banked at only 12 degrees performs like “two drag strips with a turnaround on each end.” Even if you’ve never been to a race before, enjoy the action! Choice of Accommodations for night three: Best Western Martinsville: Stay at this 95-room well-maintained property with complimentary breakfast, wireless internet and all the other customary amenities you expect from Best Western. Clubhouse Bed and Breakfast: Experience this historic property originally built as the Marshall Field Clubhouse, later named the Fieldcrest Lodge after the textile company. The relaxed wooded setting lets you get out into the countryside.