The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and everyone is more than a little ready for something different after a few unexpected weeks indoors. And whether you’re suddenly hungry for an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience or if you’ve always been on the prowl for foodie-forward ideas, then Mecklenburg, Virginia is the next great place to explore.
Deep in the heart of Southern Virginia’s Wild Blueway and just a stone’s throw from major metros like Richmond, VA and Raleigh-Durham, NC, Mecklenburg County Virginia is a food-lover’s dream. Comprised of pristine lakes, civil war history, outdoor life and a few larger-than-life characters, each of Mecklenburg’s six small-town communities are connected through food. No matter where you wander, you’ll unearth tales worth tasting — and retelling.
Like the story of the infamous Bondurant Brothers running moonshine so popular you can sample a jar to this day. Or the tale of the converted 1830s plantation turned food lover’s tavern complete with Southern style cooking classes right from the vintage farmhouse table. The low-key seafood favorite so authentically southern, they still keep frog legs on the menu, Or the tale of turning an old school cafeteria into a fine dining experience.
Interested? Let’s dig in.
313 FRANKLIN COCKTAILS AND KITCHEN
South Hill, Virginia
What’s the last place you’d expect to find an up-and-coming young restaurateur who’s fresh out of school and life in the big city? Back at elementary school in her hometown. But that’s exactly what happened for visionary entrepreneur Hannah Hayes. Only this time, the school was a converted mixed use live-work-play-dine space in her native South Hill.
Named the Dogwood for its proximity to the state’s oldest dogwood tree, the newly chic complex now houses an event space in the old auditorium, spacious apartments and lofts in former classrooms, and a high end but affordable new dining option in what was once the cafeteria. Hannah learned about the opportunity and fell in love.
"When I saw the cafeteria I thought, this is exactly the kind of thing you see in bigger cities. Now I can bring that upscale, relaxed chic feeling home to South Hill," Hannah said.
Hannah called her restaurant 313 Franklin Cocktails and Kitchen, and decided to run with the the cafeteria-turned-craft kitchen vibe. She kept the dining space open, just like a school cafeteria, and included lots of white, accents, industrial tile and touches of chartreuse green. The menu reads like a report card, and all the dishes are riffs on cafeteria culture. But as Hannah points out, the connection ends there. "You will NOT be getting cafeteria style food at 313 Franklin Cocktails and Kitchen! We’re all about local foods, prepared simply and well, paired with a fun cocktail or two. I wanted to create an experience that was as much about the food as it was about the atmosphere," she said.
And early reports show it’s working. After serving her first three weeks of guests in February 2020, the restaurant (like many) switched to temporary take-out only. It’s that kind of quick-change operation that might outfox other new owners. But Hannah takes it all in stride. "We’re serving great food that tastes just as good to go as it does here. When we reopen our dining room, we’ll add our fantastic atmosphere to the equation. Simple."
Spoken like a true valedictorian.
Visit Hannah at 313 Franklin Cocktails and Kitchen for a meal to go now, and for dine-in service soon. As always, be sure to call before you go to learn about any last minute changes to hours, operations or limited menus.
THE TRAVELER’S TAVERN AT COOPER’S LANDING INN
Clarksville, Virginia
A few friends, a few laughs and a million or so stars. You’ll find them all — and more — at the Traveler’s Tavern at Cooper’s Landing in Clarksville. A lake country must-see, the Traveler’s Tavern serves as the gourmet dining experience for overnight guests staying at Cooper’s Landing, a historic 1830s working plantation-turned-guest house situated on six acres of pristine countryside in close proximity to scenic Kerr Lake.
In addition to serving overnight guests, the Traveler’s Tavern also serves as the catering headquarters for Cooper’s Landing and Turtle Cove, which combined handle and impressive 300 weddings each year. There’s even a romantic private dining for two option available with advance notice, courtesy of the lake view gazebo (and a few thoughtful Tavern service staff).
Dinner guests at the Tavern need not stay overnight at Cooper’s Landing to enjoy a great meal, although reservations are required most nights. Simply call-ahead to secure your reservation and enjoy the same great service, menu and experiences of the overnight guests.
Like most of Mecklenburg and the town of Clarksville, the outdoors are a prime feature at the Traveler’s Tavern. Choose to sample the full menu or catch some live music on the covered patio, festooned with blooming wisteria and dozens of strands of twinkling lights. The trellised patio makes the perfect spot to linger over a long brunch or just meet the girls for a glass of vino from the Tavern’s extensive wine list. There’s also a fire pit off the patio, poolside patio dining and the private outdoor gazebo.
The main restaurant offers a quaint and cozy vibe, courtesy of the large hand-blown windows and vintage working fireplaces. Groups of six or more can request the intimate, candle-lit wine room for another level of private service.
In true farm-to-table spirit, the menu changes seasonally and features the freshest, locally sourced meats, herbs, vegetables and ingredients available. Signature items include Black Angus beef, wild caught game, steamed seafood and organic produce. In addition to year-round favorites, Chef Les works directly with local farmers to feature individual ingredients, showcase local producers and create new and innovative locally inspired dishes.
You can even schedule a personalized cooking class right at the vintage farmhouse table. Classes and availability change with the seasons, too, so check back often for the latest choices. It’s also a good idea to call the Traveler’s Tavern before you go, as availability and hours are subject to change based on events being held on the property.
THE COPPER KETTLE
Boydton, Virginia
You know what they say: if you want the best food in town, eat where the locals do. In Boydton, your best stop is the Copper Kettle. Unassuming and low key, this off-the-beaten path gem has earned a statewide reputation as the best place for Southern classics like steamed shrimp, clams, oysters and ocean fare. After all, you don’t get to claim "killer seafood" right on your sign without a gorgeous mound of steamers to back it up.
Best of all, the no-fuss attitude and hearty portions keep all the attention on the food — which is just the thing after a glorious day on the water. Prepare to kick back, crack open a cold one and gorge on a feast worthy of King Neptune, no royal dress required.
Not much has changed since the Copper Kettle opened in 1990. They still steam each dish to order, still hand make their famous hushspuppies, even keep a few old timey options like stuffed clams and oysters Rockefeller on the menu. All so they can deliver that authentically Southern seafood memory you’ve been craving so long, you almost forgot how good it tasted.
Their expansive menu features an astounding array of lobster, shrimp, scallops, salmon, calamari, soft shell crabs, mussels, crawfish, crab legs, oysters, clams, catfish, tilapia, and of course, classic Southern steamed kettle seafood. This is real food for real seafood lovers — no fussy paper bibs or special forks. Come as you are fresh from the lake or a day on the sand, and dig into a spectacular plate of freshly caught, freshly prepared delicacies guaranteed to soothe your soul.
Of course, the Copper Kettle caters to non-seafood-lovers as well, with the finest all-day slow roasted prime rib, juicy ribeye steaks, pasta, burgers and bar food. Or give the kids a story to remember and order a plate of savory frog legs served just like Grandma used to make (well, somebody’s Grandma, anyway!).
Serving lunch and dinner under new hours, but with the same great menu and service you’d expect from this hometown favorite. Call ahead before you go to confirm availability.
BONDURANT DISTILLERY
Chase City, Virginia
No trip to Mecklenburg County would be complete without a quick trip to the famous Bondurant Brothers Distillery in Chase City. This family owned distillery first made a name for itself as an illegal moonshine operation during prohibition. Their spirits were in such high demand they quickly became the envy of Franklin County — and the enemy of local law enforcement. Their shocking story ends with as much drama as it began, with two of the Bondurant brothers shot, two Virginia deputies dead and a Hollywood movie, Lawless, chronicling their story.
Today, visitors to Chase City can hear the whole story first hand at the completely legal Bondurant Distillery now back in operation under the leadership of Robert Bondurant, the next generation of the Bondurant clan. Launched as a way to carry on the family business without skirting the law, the current legal and licensed operation is 100% above board. As Robert likes to say, "What’s the difference between a distiller and a moonshiner? Taxes."
Robert’s authenticity comes naturally. Robert is grandson of the notoriously feisty Andrew Jackson "Jack" Bondurant, played by Shia LeBeouf in the movie Lawless. He created the distillery to be a living history lesson that includes the manufacture of a "prohibition style beverage" using the prohibition style processes. Although the original recipe his grandfather used has long been lost, Robert took great pains to recreate the vintage experience while updating things for today.
And from the old-fashioned wide planked floors to the glass mason jar style still, everything about Bondurant Brothers distillery feels as if you have stepped back in time.
To schedule a tour, visit the tasting room or simply stop by to see how things operate, visit their web site at https://www.bondurantbrothersdistillery.com/distillery-tours.html. Hours and offerings subject to change, so please check back often or give them a call before you go.