Robert Thomas Carriage Museum

See carriages from various historical eras inside this museum.

The Robert Thomas Carriage Museum and the Schwartz Tavern are owned and operated by the same family. Bob Thomas is very enthusiastic about both because he grew up learning about each piece inside the museum from his father who collected, refurbished, and maintained the carriages over 30 years ago. The Carriage Museum has beautiful examples of restored carriages, buggies, and sleighs. Visitors will see horse-drawn doctor's rigs, tradesmen's wagons, and fire engines. There is even a mail carriage and an ammunition carriage here. Signage throughout the museum gives a brief history of each carriage, and Thomas himself can tell you great anecdotes of past owners of each rig. He also knows a lot about the history of wagons and how each was used. So far, there are 24 restored horse-drawn carriages from several eras on display.

Schwartz's Tavern Museum is an 18th-century tavern that is fun to view and is educational. It features local antiques and memorabilia from Blackstone. The Schwartz Tavern showcases authentic period furnishings and an interesting-looking staircase. This tavern is near the double-sided entrance; once you're in the foyer, turn 90 degrees to go upstairs. When Bob Thomas gives you a tour of the Tavern, you will get information about the Schwartz Tavern, the area, and the town of Blackstone. Free guided tours are available by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Large group tours must be booked 30 days in advance. If you need something to do in southern Virginia, head to the Robert Thomas Carriage Museum in Blackstone.