Offering beautiful views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, Lynchburg 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.
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. Browse our Romantic Weekend Getaways in Virginia guide for more ideas.
27 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-845-1888
2. Blackwater Creek Natural Area, Lynchburg, Virginia
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.
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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, (website link)
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4. Lynchburg Community Market, Lynchburg, Virginia
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
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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
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6. Lynchburg Museum, Lynchburg, Virginia
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
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7. Monument Terrace, Lynchburg, Virginia
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, (website link)
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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: 434-582-7090, (website link)
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9. Percival's Island Natural Area, Lynchburg, VA
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
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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
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11. Point of Honor, Lynchburg, Virginia
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, (website link)
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12. Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, Virginia
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
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13. Sandusky House, Lynchburg, Virginia
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
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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
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15. Apocalypse Ale Works, Lynchburg, Virginia
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
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16. The Anne Spencer House and Garden
The Anne Spencer House and Garden is an historic property which was once home to the renowned poet, civil rights activist, teacher and gardener, Anne Spencer. By her own admission, the house (and garden) was a constantly evolving project which continued throughout the 72 years that she lived in the 2-story Queen Anne style property. It is filled with personal memorabilia, art, antiques and other treasures. The lovely garden was restored to its former glory in 1983 and is open to the public free of charge every day of the year. Tours of the house are available by appointment, from March through November.
The Anne Spencer House and Garden, 1313 Pierce St, Lynchburg, VA 24501, 434 845 1313, (website link)
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17. The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
Located on the Randolph College campus, the Maier Museum of Art is proudly home to an exceptional American art collection from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The museum hosts regular rotating exhibitions of the many works held in their permanent collection, as well as educational programs which are open to everyone. American Impressionism and 20thcentury Realism form the core of the permanent collection, and visitors can anticipate admiring works of art by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Thomas Cole, to name but a few. The museum is free to visit and is open to anyone who would like to stop by.
The Maier Museum of Art, Randolph College, 1 Quinlan Street, Lynchburg, VA 24503, 434 947 8136
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18. SeaQuest Lynchburg
SeaQuest Lynchburg invites visitors of all ages to come and spend some time getting up close and personal with a variety of land and sea creatures. The large (20,000 feet) facility is home to a variety of animals from all five continents, which you can admire, feed, touch and interact with as you learn more about the amazing world we live in. SeaQuest offers a variety of animal interactions including a Sloth Encounter, Porcupine Interaction and the Otter Enrichment Session. You can even snorkel with Stingrays or sleep with sharks. The facility is a great option for children’s birthday parties and VIP experiences, including 3 interactions of your choice, can be booked as a special treat.
SeaQuest Lynchburg, 3405 Chandler’s Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 237 5888
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19. Riverside Park
Riverside Park is the second-oldest, and one of the most-visited parks in Lynchburg. The park covers around 49 acres of rolling hills, clumps of trees and walking trails, including the Overlook and Alpine Trails which were the first hiking trails to be established in the area. As you make your way you will be treated to wonderful view of the James River. Other park activities include tennis and basketball and there is a large children’s playground. In summer, children can have lots of fun at the spray park. There is also a small transport exhibit and you can rent a picnic shelter for birthday parties and family picnics.
Riverside Park, 2238 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503, 434 455 5858
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20. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center
Long after the last remnants of snow have melted, snow-sport enthusiasts can stay on top of their game by practicing at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center. The center offers Snowflex artificial slopes, which are as close to the real thing as you can find anywhere and terrain parks where skiers and snowboarders can have year-round fun. In addition, they also boast Neveplast Tubing runs which are open all year round. If you are new to skiing and boarding and want to learn the ropes before the next winter season you can sign up for lessons and rental equipment is available on site. Younger visitors can enjoy the dedicated sledding slopes.
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center, 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 582 2000, (website link)
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21. Things to Do in Lynchburg, Virginia: One Way Out
There is only one way out of these escape rooms. The question is, will you have what it takes to find that one way before the clock strikes and your time is over. One Way Out brings the Escape Room craze to Lynchburg, offering no fewer than 5 exciting and immersive games to try. You and your friends and family will have just 60 minutes to unravel puzzles and break codes if you are going to succeed. Themed escape rooms include Search for the Lost Professor (medium), The Experiment (medium), Paravell’s 3 Keys (difficult), Railway Robbery (medium) and The Glove of Destiny (medium). Book your room on line.
One Way Out, 2264 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501, 434 329 7329
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22. Putt-Putt Fun Center
The Putt-Putt Fun Center in Lynchburg prides itself on providing families with a clean, safe and affordable environment where the whole family can have fun. The original Putt-Putt fun center opened back in 1954 and the idea was so well received that these days you will find one in many parts of the country. Each of the entertainment centers has been built to exacting standards to ensure that they offer a fun game for all ages. The center is an ideal place to hold children’s birthday parties – a quick phone call is all you need to do to book your child’s dream party.
Putt-Putt Fun Center, 8105 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 237 7888
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23. Jump Trampoline Park
Jump Trampoline Park guarantees hours of fun and exercise all year round, regardless of the weather. The park boasts more than 10,000 square feet of connected trampolines – there are more than 50 individual trampolines including several angled wall trampolines to test your skills. There is also a jousting pit where you can take on your friends and family, 3 basketball goals and a dodge ball court. Younger visitors who are not quite ready to take on the trampolines can have fun in the foam block pit. Open jumping sessions are available on a first-come-first-served basis – weekend slots tend to fill up quickly.
Jump Trampoline Park, 3700 Chandlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 338 1376
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The top attractions to visit in Lynchburg, Virginia near me today according to local experts:
- 1. Amazement Square
- 2. Blackwater Creek Natural Area, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 3. Legacy Museum of African American History
- 4. Lynchburg Community Market, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 5. Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball
- 6. Lynchburg Museum, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 7. Monument Terrace, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 8. National Civil War Chaplains Museum
- 9. Percival's Island Natural Area, Lynchburg, VA
- 10. Pest House Medical Museum
- 11. Point of Honor, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 12. Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 13. Sandusky House, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 14. White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co.
- 15. Apocalypse Ale Works, Lynchburg, Virginia
- 16. The Anne Spencer House and Garden
- 17. The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
- 18. SeaQuest Lynchburg
- 19. Riverside Park
- 20. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center
- 21. Things to Do in Lynchburg, Virginia: One Way Out
- 22. Putt-Putt Fun Center
- 23. Jump Trampoline Park
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
