I plan on being in southside Virgina during the second week of July. Roughly from Emporia to South Boston to Danville to Martinsville to Abingdon. Would appreciate info on mom and pop diners or small local restaurants, as well as clean, smaller, older motels. Thanks.

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You might have better luck searching for South Central VA. When Virginians see Southside they generally think of Chesapeake and Suffolk.
I have been to Danville and Martinsville but can't think of anything to recommend. The only suggestion I have is to look around the college in Danville. There seemed to be some cafes there. Also try on chowhound.com

Birdie, thanks for the response. Not a big tourist destination, but figured it's worth a shot. Chowhound was my next step. Thanks.

Also, by the time you get further west than Martinsville/Roanoke area, it's considered Southwest Virginia.

Southeast of Richmond, the Virginia Diner in Wakefield is a popular spot, especially if you like peanuts (they sell a lot of flavored varieties).

A really cool place to stay which isn't too expensive is the chestnut creek cabins on the New River Trail near Galax. We bike and hike in the area frequently. It is really nice.