If you’ve ever planned a trip around a concert, art exhibit, or live performance, you know the joy of discovering a community through its culture. In the heart of downtown Louisa, the Louisa Arts Center offers that perfect starting point, a place where creativity, history, and small-town charm come together.
Start with the Heart of It All
Housed in the beautifully restored Louisa Elementary School, the Louisa Arts Center hosts a full calendar of performances, gallery exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. Catch a live concert or stage production in the elegant Cooke-Haley Theater, or explore the Purcell Gallery, where rotating exhibits feature local and visiting artists.
If inspiration strikes, sign up for one of the Center’s art classes or workshops, from painting to pottery, and take home a handmade memory of your visit.
Check out upcoming events, classes, and exhibits at LouisaArts.org. Tickets can be purchased online or through the friendly box office staff. Arrive early to enjoy the latest gallery show before your performance begins, then make a night (or a weekend) of it.
Stay a While
Louisa’s welcoming accommodations make it easy to extend your stay. Choose from cozy bed-and-breakfasts, country inns, and scenic vacation rentals. Staying in downtown Louisa keeps you steps away from shops, restaurants, and the Arts Center itself.
Prefer a view of the water? Lake Anna is just a short drive away, offering a variety of options for lakeside rentals where you can relax after an evening at the theater. Or stay at Zion Crossroads to explore the county’s western edge. You’ll find plenty of options on the Visit Louisa website.
Savor Local Flavor
Before or after your show, treat yourself to one of Louisa’s local dining gems. From award-winning BBQ and authentic Mexican fare to gourmet dining and pizza favorites, there’s something for every taste. Ask a local for a recommendation – you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Louisa’s breweries and wineries are also part of the experience. Many offer food or host popular food trucks, making them a great place to unwind with a glass of Virginia wine or a local craft beer. The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail and Central Virginia Beer Trail both include stops in and around the county, so you can sip and savor along the way.
In the morning, grab a fresh coffee and pastry from one of Louisa’s top notch coffee shops before heading out to explore. Be sure to meet one of our local bakers and take home a sweet treat to enjoy later!
Adventure Between Acts
Between performances and meals, discover Louisa’s natural beauty and history. Spend a day at Lake Anna State Park, where you can swim, paddle, hike, or picnic under the pines. For a glimpse into the past, take the self-guided drive through Green Springs National Historic Landmark District, known for its rolling farmland and centuries-old estates. Be sure to visit the shops along Main Street right in downtown Louisa. You’ll be sure to find the perfect souvenir of your stay.
Take Home More Than Memories
Whether you come for a concert, an art exhibit, or a weekend escape, Louisa invites you to slow down and connect – with the arts, with nature, and with the people who make this community shine.
Experience the arts at the heart of Virginia, and you’ll leave with more than a ticket stub – you’ll take home the spirit of Louisa.