August has been an eventful month for the town of Farmville.

Prince Edward County Public Schools and Fuqua School students started school earlier in the month and bid farewell to their summers, while Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney students moved back later in the month, making the town full of life again.

As freshmen and transfer college students are learning the ropes around town and invading Walmart on a daily basis, there are a few “musts” you have to do or see during your time in our area this academic year.

Walk Main Street on a Saturday and peep in every business.

Farmville’s Main Street has a lot to offer and unless you are aware of a business downtown, you may never know what each small shop has inside. Explore our shops, take in the magic of the downtown scene and grab a good bite to eat at Uptown Coffee Café or Walker’s Diner.

Eat at Charleys Waterfront Café for weekend brunch or Wednesday pasta night.

Trust me on this, you won’t be sorry. Charleys food makes my life better.

Explore High Bridge Trail and all its offerings.

The trail is an excellent place to get a run in, bike or just walk and take in the scenery. Plus, the state park offers a lot of cool programs that are worth looking into, especially its stargazing programs.

Buy local at the Farmville Community Marketplace.

Downtown at the Farmers Market on Saturday morning, you will find numerous booths set up by community residents selling their homemade goodies. From fresh vegetables to jewelry and wall hangings, there is something for everyone at the Marketplace.

Don’t miss out on these wonderful town offerings. It can make your college experience even better than you can imagine. Just try it.

HANNAH DAVIS is a marketing consultant for The Farmville Herald. She is also editor of The Charlotte Gazette and The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. Her email address is hannah.davis@farmvilleherald.com.