Emporia, Virginia is a great overnight stop. Why? Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnight stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a variety of eating places… not just fast food. And, maybe a little shopping later before you get back to the motel. The next morning you can gas up nearby and head out. Everything you need conveniently located right off the exit! That’s what makes this Emporia, Virginia exit a great overnight stop!
About Emporia, Virginia
Emporia is a charming small town of about 5,000 residents located right along I-95 in southern Virginia, making it an ideal overnight stop between the Northeast and Florida. Known as the “Gateway to Southern Virginia,” this historic town offers the perfect balance of convenience and Southern hospitality, with easy highway access and plenty of lodging options including national hotel chains clustered near the interstate exits.
The town punches above its weight when it comes to dining and amenities for travelers. You’ll find everything from classic Southern BBQ joints to familiar chain restaurants, plus local favorites that give you an authentic taste of Virginia. Emporia is also famous for being near several peanut shops and processing plants—this is Virginia peanut country, so don’t miss grabbing some fresh roasted peanuts for the road.
What makes Emporia special is its relaxed pace and affordability compared to larger cities along I-95. You can actually stretch your legs at pleasant spots or simply enjoy a peaceful evening without the hustle of bigger metropolitan areas. The locals are genuinely friendly, prices are reasonable, and you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the next leg of your journey—without the stress and expense of stopping in a major city.
Places to Stay in Emporia…
Emporia’s I-95, Exit 11 has a respectable selection of lodging choices. Here’s the list…
- Baymont by Wyndham
- Best Western
- Comfort Inn
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
- Hampton Inn
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
- Quality Inn
Places to Eat in Emporia…
Exit 11 is a strategic location for those traveling I-95. You’ll find most of the major chain restaurants as well as several local favorites. These include:
Arby’s, Bojangles, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, China Garden, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, El Gallo De Oro Mexican, El Ranchero IV, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Fosho Italian Sports Grille, Hardee’s, Hermie and Elliott Sadler Restaurant, KFC, McDonald’s, Pino’s Pizza & Italian, Quiznos, Starbucks, Subway, Sweet Emporia, The Twisted Crab, Wendy’s, and Wong’s Garden.
Places to Shop in Emporia…
You can grab most of the basics for your I-95 journey at this exit. Shopping here includes Advance Auto Parts, Belfield Marketplace Shopping Center, Burkes Outlet, CVS Drug Store, Food Lion Supermarket, Hibbett Sports, NAPA Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Walmart Supercenter
Fuel Up and Head Out…
There’s a good selection of gas stations, some with multiple outlets here. These inlcude: Exxon, Mahal Mart, Sadler, Shell, Sunoco
More…
Additional services are available east on US 58 to US 301 south.
50 miles north is Chester, VA, another recommended stopover exit.
19 miles south is Roanoke Rapids, SC, another recommended stopover exit.
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We have stayed in Emporia. Be aware that Emporia has a sudden change in speed limits and many police to enforce it. Also getting off at the exit going north is a very sharp turn, just for extra slow.
I would like to say that we were traveling through Emporia today and went to Walmart which was filthy. I’m sure it is busy but someone needs to sweep the floors. They had pretzels and cookies all over the floors, I almost fell. We proceeded to McDonald, what a terrible odor through out the place, smelled like dirty socks. I don’t need a reply just thought they would like to know what their customers think. Thanks