FLEMING ISLAND – There are plenty of great options to host your next gathering, but none may be as unique as Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing.

That’s because the facility offers a unique entertainment experience.

“It’s a lot of fun; it’s a great environment. It’s similar to what you would see in a bowling alley, but also a lot like something you would see at a paintball field,” said general manager Wayne Davies.

Customers can choose between seven throwing lanes – each with a circular target with three rings. The outer ring (purple) indicates a one-point score, the middle ring (red) represents a three-point score, and the inner ring (black) denotes a five-point score.

But nothing happens before a safety briefing from Davies or another coach.

Foul play with heavy, dangerous tools could pay a “sharp” penalty.

Davies and his staff want people to be successful at the craft as they try their hand at axe-throwing, the uncommon spectacle, for the first time.

“We complete a safety brief and coach people on how to throw them. We want to give them pointers so they can leave more confident than when they came in. If you can’t make the axe stick, you won’t want to come back, and it’s no fun. So, trying to get people better at it than they were an hour before is my main goal. Our number one priority is to make sure that (customers) can stick the axe on the target,” he said.

Some become so inspired they end up making it a full-time hobby – or profession. Four groups have already formed at Vahalla – women, co-ed, standard and premier leagues.

Residents could qualify to compete on the international circuit if they put in enough work into it, Davies said. Valhalla is part of the International Axe Throwing Federation, which feeds into tournament competitions across North America.

“If you throw in enough tournaments, you can actually go to Canada and compete against everybody else across North America. Each year, they have a cup, and the prize money keeps going up, up, and up,” Davies, a U.S. Marines veteran, said.

There will always a dedicated group, but Valhalla looks to cater to both serious and casual throwers.

“You can (throw in competitive leagues), or you can just come in for an hour after work. We are here for both groups,” Davies said.

The facility is the perfect place to have fun for a family gathering, co-worker’s outing, or birthday party, and if no other excuse checks out, blowing off steam works.

“The most fun groups are the families. Family rivalries are what I look forward to, and the entertainment or trash talk that goes on with the team. And (axe-throwing) is a perfect way to unload steam. It’s just a good way to de-stress,” he said.

The aurora of the smell of freshly-cut wood lingers in the establishment, giving the immediate impression of a mountain cabin in North Carolina or Wyoming.

The establishment is Viking-themed, a mantra Davies and his staff and coaches aren’t quick to forget.

“That is one of the greatest assets that we have,” he said.

The theme resonates throughout the entire building. A glass display features specialty axes and Viking-themed helmets and headgear. If that’s not enough, a Valhalla-themed coat of arms is plastered on the wall. With plenty of locals cycling through the facility to get their taste of the traditional sport, targets are typically replaced once a week. Plenty of wood chips fall on the ground.

They don’t go to waste, either.

“Viking kindling” is sold at the front of the store for $5 a bag.

“We try really hard not to waste anything,” Davies said.

For those interested in booking a reservation, prices are fair. The hourly rate for renting one-two lanes is $25. The only caveat is that a group of nine or more will need to rent three lanes, which costs $35.

“I think it’s one of those things that you won’t know you enjoyed until you at least tried it. It’s one of those things where you say, ‘Hey, I want to see if I can do this. Some people come in here, and it’s on their bucket list. This is the right spot to do it,” he said.

For more information, call Vahalla at (904) 404-1182.