Offering beautiful views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, Lynchburg, VA is a small city that served as the official ending place of the Civil War. The city boasts an historic Old South atmosphere complete with historic buildings, and five of the city districts are on the National Register of Historic Districts. Other points of interest include the private retreat of Thomas Jefferson, an old hospital used to treat soldiers during the Civil War, and several fascinating museums. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Amazement Square
Offering four floors of interactive exhibits and educational workshops, Amazement Square is a museum dedicated to providing a place for people of all ages to learn about the world in a hands-on fashion. The exhibits cover everything from the arts and humanities to science and technology; visitors can paint on the walls, create a simulated rainstorm over the city, or learn about life on one of the farms in the area. Another major highlight of the museum is the Amazement Tower, a maze of ladders, slides, and tunnels that stretches through all four floors of the museum.
27 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-845-1888
2.Blackwater Creek Natural Area
Encompassing approximately 300 acres of forest along Blackwater Creek, the Blackwater Creek Natural Area offers 8 miles of hiking and biking trails. The most popular trail is the 3-mile-long Blackwater Creek Trail, a paved trail that runs along an abandoned railway bed beside the creek and can be easily accessed right from downtown. A number of earthen trails extend off the main path, allowing hikers to better explore the forest and visit the historic Point of Honor home. Some sections of the trails are accessible to those with limited mobility, and maps can be obtained from the visitor information center.
3.Legacy Museum of African American History
Established in 1995, the Legacy Museum of African American History is dedicated to collecting and preserving items that tell the story of the African American community in Lynchburg throughout the years. The museum offers a rotating series of exhibits covering topics such as life during the Civil War and the history of African American education in Virginia. The Legacy Activity Museum next to the museum provides children's programs, and special programs are offered to people of all ages during the summer months. The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday in the afternoons, but visits during other times can be arranged by appointment.
403 Monroe St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-845-3455
4.Lynchburg Community Market
The third oldest farmer's market in the United States and conveniently located right downtown, the Lynchburg Community Market offers an excellent selection of local produce and arts and crafts made by artisans from the area. There is a variety of permanent stalls selling everything from breakfast and lunch to specialty gifts, and a full farmers market with produce takes place every Saturday. The permanent stalls in the market are open all year round on Tuesday through Saturday between 7am and 2pm, and a green market is held every Wednesday during the summer season between 10am and 2pm (please double check the hours before you go).
1219 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-4485
5.Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball
The Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball call the Calvin Falwell Field home, and the field is a great place to head for some family-friendly summer entertainment. Games take place between the months of April and August, and season passes come with free parking and a discount in the souvenir store. Group ticket prices are available for groups of 20 people or more, and groups can purchase an all-you-can-eat picnic buffet package. There are also special skyboxes with outdoor balcony seating available to anyone who would like to watch the game in the lap of luxury.
3180 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501, Phone: 434-528-1144
6.Lynchburg Museum
Situated inside the Old Court House, the Lynchburg Museum provides an excellent introduction to the fascinating history of Lynchburg. The exhibits tell stories about the people and events that shaped the region over the past four centuries; highlights include a complete timeline of Lynchburg history between 1607 and 2007, a media program that introduces visitors to some of the city's most famous historical faces, and a display of art, furniture, and silver pieces that were made by local artisans. There is no fee for admission, and the museum is open every day of the week.
901 Court St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-6226
7.Monument Terrace
Originally built to honor those who lost their lives in World War I, Monument Terrace is now a city landmark that stretches along an entire block and commemorates veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the campaigns in Vietnam, and several others. The monument's 139 steps and terraces lead up to the Old Courthouse, providing pedestrian access to the building that now houses the Lynchburg Museum. The city's iconic doughboy statue stands at the base of the stairs, and a number of other sculptures and small monuments line the steps all the way to the top.
313 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
8.National Civil War Chaplains Museum
Found on the campus of Liberty University, the National Civil War Chaplains Museum was established to share the story of the role played by chaplains and other religious heads and organizations during the Civil War. Exhibits include religious artifacts and interpretive programs that discuss the importance religion held for soldiers during the war, and special tours and programs are offered all throughout the year. The museum is usually open every day of the week except for Sunday, but visitors coming from out of town are advised to call at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that it will be open.
1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, Phone: 434-582-4789
9.Percival's Island Natural Area
Percival's Island Natural Area serves as a refuge for plants and animals in downtown Lynchburg, and it's a great place to take a mid-day stroll or bike ride with excellent views of the James River. The island is approximately 1.5 miles long, and a paved, well-maintained trail runs along the length of the island through an old railway bed. It's not uncommon to spot wildlife along the trail, including herons and migrating birds. The James River can be accessed from several different points along the trail, and many people come here to fish and enjoy the water during the summer.
1600 Concord Turnpike, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-856-2489
10.Pest House Medical Museum
Formerly known as the House of Pestilence, the Pest House Medical Museum was the first hospital in Lynchburg. It served as a place of quarantine for people with infectious diseases in the 1840s and 1850s; most patients ended up buried in the graveyard that surrounds the building. Conditions in the hospital were improved by Dr. Terrell in the 1860s, and he went on to treat a good number of soldiers here during the Civil War. The Pest House can now be seen just as it was during this time period, and it still holds the doctor's operating table and many of his tools.
401 Taylor St, Lynchburg, VA 24501, Phone: 434-847-1465
11.Point of Honor
Overlooking the city and the Saint James River, Point of Honor is a majestic Federal-style home that dates back to the early 1800s. The building has been carefully restored to its original elegance; it boasts rich furnishings, a wonderful recreated hearth kitchen, and several interesting exhibits that cover topics like the medical practices of the doctor who formerly owned the home. Guided tours of the property are available on a first-come first-served basis every day of the week; tours last approximately 45 minutes, and groups of more than 10 people are kindly asked to make arrangements in advance.
112 Cabell St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-6226
12.Poplar Forest
Designed and built by Thomas Jefferson, Poplar Forest is a plantation and plantation home that served as Jefferson's private retreat when he was between the ages of 66 and 80. The site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971, and it's now a historic house museum that has been carefully restored to live up to Jefferson's original vision. The site hosts special events all throughout the year, including beer and wine tastings and musical performances, and tours of the house and property are available all year round. Groups are welcome, but groups of ten or more are required to make an advance reservation.
1542 Bateman Bridge Rd, Forest, VA 24551, Phone: 434-534-8120
, Mobile, AL, AK, London, Kissimmee, Bozeman, Things to Do in Frankfort KY, AR, DE, IA, Alabama beaches, KS, GA, Day Trips from Denver, Gainesville, FL Camping, Kauai Beaches13.Sandusky House
Constructed in 1808, the Sandusky House was one of the first homes in the area to be built using elements from the characteristic Federal style of architecture. The home formerly sat on a 1,200-acre plantation, and although the plantation has since undergone development, the home has been refurbished and decorated to be just as it was in 1864. Guided tours of the home and property are given on Saturdays and Sundays, and tours on other days are available upon request. In addition to touring the property, visitors can watch an Emmy-winning documentary about the battle of Lynchburg.
757 Sandusky Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-832-0162
14.White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co.
Serving up some of the best coffee in the state, the White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co. is a cozy gathering place for locals and visitors alike. In addition to an excellent selection of specialty coffee drinks, the menu includes everything from decadent waffle boats to traditional pub burgers to buffalo-style wings. The company serves coffee they roast themselves in small, five-pound batches, and all the food is prepared with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The cafe prides itself on serving three meals a day every day of the week, including an all-day breakfast menu popular with locals.
1208 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-207-5600
15.Apocalypse Ale Works
Located in the nearby town of Forest, Apocalypse Ale Works was the first brewery in the area since Thomas Jefferson brewed beer here in the 1800s. The brewery sells kegs of its beer to restaurants all over the state, and visitors can visit the on-site tasting room to sample the latest creations. Cans and bombers are available for sale as well, and food trucks sometimes make an appearance to sell food in the evenings. The brewery is open Wednesday through Sunday, and special events include trivia every Wednesday and the introduction of a new beer every Thursday evening.
1257 Burnbridge Rd, Forest, VA 24551, Phone: 434-258-8761
15 Best Things to Do in Lynchburg, VA
- Amazement Square, Photo: Amazement Square
- Blackwater Creek Natural Area, Photo: Courtesy of Kevin - Fotolia.com
- Legacy Museum of African American History, Photo: Courtesy of Archivist - Fotolia.com
- Lynchburg Community Market, Photo: Courtesy of vadiml - Fotolia.com
- Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball, Photo: Courtesy of Brent Hofacker - Fotolia.com
- Lynchburg Museum, Photo: Lynchburg Museum
- Monument Terrace, Photo: Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com
- National Civil War Chaplains Museum, Photo: National Civil War Chaplains Museum
- Percival's Island Natural Area, Photo: Courtesy of Martha Marks - Fotolia.com
- Pest House Medical Museum, Photo: Pest House Medical Museum
- Point of Honor, Photo: Point of Honor
- Poplar Forest, Photo: Poplar Forest
- Sandusky House, Photo: Sandusky House
- White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co., Photo: White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co.
- Apocalypse Ale Works, Photo: Courtesy of Kristen - Fotolia.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com
More Ideas: Craddock Terry Hotel
Once a working shoe factory at the turn of the century, the Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center has since been transformed into a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel that offers a stylish getaway in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. Boasting the original brick warehouse architecture, the hotel combines historical artifacts from the Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation with contemporary style with charming details. Deluxe accommodations are beautifully furnished, two award-winning restaurants serve outstanding cuisine, an onsite micro-brewery presents some of the region’s finest brews and sophisticated meeting and events venues provide 4,000 square feet of flexible space.
Historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the accommodations at the Craddock Terry Hotel. The hotel features 44 guest rooms and suites with exquisite architectural elements such as granite stone or exposed brick exterior walls, soaring ornate ceilings, whimsical décor and sweeping views of the James River, downtown Lynchburg or the Blue Ridge Mountains. All lodging feature modern amenities, including flat-screen televisions with premium channels, alarm clocks with CD players, telephones with complimentary local calls, in-room safes, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers with coffees and teas, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet. Continental breakfasts are delivered to guest rooms and suites each morning, and guest services include daily housekeeping.
Standard Suites and King Suites are spacious and light with king-sized beds in luxurious linens, Vermont Castings electric fireplaces, and private en-suite bathrooms with oversized walk-in showers, separate Kohler whirlpool bathtubs, his and hers bathrobes, and deluxe bath products. Separate sitting areas have plush sleeper sofas for extra guests, comfy armchairs, two flat screen televisions with premium channels, and a separate wet bar area with comfortable seating, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffee makers with coffees and teas. Work desks have complimentary high-speed wireless Internet and large windows offer beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Located in the William King Building, Premium King Guestrooms features stunning nine-and-half foot ceilings, king-sized beds in luxurious linens, Vermont Castings electric fireplaces, and private en-suite bathrooms with oversized walk-in showers, separate Kohler whirlpool bathtubs, his and hers bathrobes, and deluxe bath products. Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with premium channels, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffee makers with coffees and teas. Work desks have complimentary high-speed wireless Internet and large windows offer beautiful views of the James River.
Deluxe King and Queen Guestrooms offer king or queen-sized beds with luxurious linens, and private en-suite bathrooms with oversized walk-in showers, separate Kohler whirlpool bathtubs, double vanities, his and hers bathrobes, and deluxe bath products. Sitting areas feature flat-screen televisions with premium channels, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffee makers with coffees and teas. Work desks have complimentary high-speed wireless Internet and large windows offer beautiful views of downtown Lynchburg.
The Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center offers guests two distinctive dining experiences and an excellent in-room dining menu. The Bluffwalk Center offers a casual, relaxed venue to gather and enjoy drinks before heading to one of two award-winning restaurants.
The Shoemakers American Grille presents a chic, uptown ambiance with exposed brick interior walls and sleek, inviting décor and serves a menu of fresh seafood, flame-grilled steaks, and prime rib, freshly prepared and presented in an open kitchen. The Grille is also home to an impressive bar and lounge that offers an elegant spot to relax over handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, fine wines and malt whiskeys from around the world. A sunny open air courtyard offers alfresco dining during the summer season.
Boasting distinctly industrial décor with dark timber beams, exposed granite block walls, and an airy atrium, Waterstone offers a fresh and unique approach to fine dining. A bustling open kitchen allows diners to watch the process of creating the dishes on the creative menu, which features a variety of delicious, made-to-order wood-fired pizzas, garden fresh salads and grilled Panini and focaccia sandwiches stacked on freshly baked bread. The delicious cuisine is accompanied by a variety of signature cocktails, craft beer, and local and international wines by the glass or bottle.
Guests can enjoy dining in the comfort and privacy of their rooms from a specially designed in-room menu that features selected dishes and drinks from both restaurants.
The Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center features an array of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including a unique European-style continental breakfast, delivered each morning, in-room Keurig machine and lobby coffee stations, a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour gift shop, a 24-hour business center, and concierge services. Other guest services include free parking, an overnight shoe shine service, a luxury sedan service to Amtrak and Lynchburg Regional Airport, and high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms and public areas. Additional guest services for an added fee include a rose petal turndown service, a welcome bouquet of roses, birthday cakes, shoe cake pops or truffles, champagne or sparkling cider and bike rentals.
A 24-hour fitness center features an array of equipment, weights and machines to help stay fit, including cardio and elliptical machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, and a free weights section. A 24-hour business center offers the use of computers, printing and fax services and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access.
The Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center offers distinctive venues and function facilities for truly memorable social events, weddings, business retreats and conferences. Featuring over 4,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, which can be configured to create smaller spaces for various types and sizes of events and functions, the hotel also offers expert culinary teams to create customized menus and professional staff and events planning teams to help with all the details.
One-of-a-kind, flexible meeting and event spaces can accommodate from 10 to 200 and include magnificent 2,100 square foot Granite Hall that can fit up to 200 guests; the beautiful 1,750 square foot Riverside Foyer for up to 100 guests and a large boardroom and three private dining rooms for between eight and 40 guests.
Professional event services include event planning, onsite catering, featuring customizable menus, and a range of state-of-the-art, high-tech audio-visual equipment for all presentation needs.
Stylish wedding packages include beautiful historic venues with a variety of flexible setups, stress-free event services, including personalized onsite catering, luxurious accommodations, award-winning onsite dining for rehearsal dinners and a range of extra services, such as rose petal turndown services, welcome bouquets and more, on request.
Founded in 1786, Lynchburg boasts small town charm with beautiful sweeping views of the James River and the famed Blue Ridge Mountains. An important city in the history of America, Lynchburg is not only home to Poplar Forest, the home of Thomas Jefferson, but offers a variety of exciting attractions and things to see and do. Check out Civil War battle sites and vast plantations, award-winning wineries, countless cultural and outdoor activities, and annual festivals.
Local attractions in Lynchburg include an array of cultural attractions and outdoor activities such as seven historic districts, museums, galleries, community markets and theaters. Attractions not to be missed include the Academy of Fine Arts, Amazement Square, the Anne Spencer House, the Legacy Museum, Lynchburg Museum, Monument Terrace, the Renaissance Theater and Opera on the James. Fun-filled activities include the Blackwater Trail, the Community Market and the Rise Up Climbing Center.
Downtown Lynchburg is also home to an array of locally owned boutique shops, bookstores, outdoor outfitters and clothing stores that boast a distinctly Southern charm, as well as antique stores, collectibles and classic furniture.
Enjoy tasting at one of the many breweries in and around the town, and Lynchburg has a plethora of choices when it comes to dining with an array of restaurants serving all types of cuisine from “down home” Southern comfort food to haute cuisine.
Lynchburg plays host to an array of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Chocolate Festival, Angel’s Race, The Garlic Festival, the Festy Experience Bluegrass Festival, the Harvest Jubilee and Wine Festival, the Lynchburg Beer and Wine Festival and the Lynchburg Music Festival.
1312 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-1500
Back to: Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC
