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7 Things You'll Love about Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOut
Anna Marie

Anna Marie

7 Things You’ll Love About Lynchburg, Virginia

A woman sipping coffee outside
Hi, I’m Anna Marie. I’m a wife, mother, Irish dancer, and pug mom living in North Carolina. I also love to travel. Come along for the ride! If you see something you like, don’t be afraid to say, ‘Pull over and let me out.’

7 Things(1)
They say, “Virginia is for Lovers.”    They must have had Lynchburg in mind when the expression was coined. I spent a fun 24-hours in Lynchburg and found a multitude of reasons to love this vibrant historic city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are seven things you’ll love about Lynchburg, Virginia.

1. Riverwalk Trail

Riverwalk-sign-Lynchburg-VA
The Riverwalk is the perfect mix of nature and urban scenery. The trail winds along the banks of the James River through the historic downtown district and extends to Amherst County. The multi-purpose trail offers a unique outdoor experience with loads of options. Walk, cycle, jog or find a bench and take in the wildlife and lush landscape – Riverwalk is an enjoyable spot to while away an afternoon.

2. Riverfront Park

Amazement Square Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOut

Amazement Square, a hands-on children’s museum, at the corner of Jefferson Street is beside the Riverfront Park.

Even if you don’t have time to explore the Riverwalk Trail, the Riverfront Park at 1100 Jefferson Street is a great starting point for exploring the historic district. The park connects to the Riverwalk and is dotted with nearby attractions such as Amazement Square, a hands-on award-winning children’s museum, multiple restaurants and a Zero Depth Fountain which is superb for cooling off on a hot summer day.

Zero Depth Fountain Lynchburg Virginia PullOverandLetMeOUt

The Zero Depth Fountain is a cool attraction during the summer months.

3. Homes, History, Tours, and Trails

Historic Home Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOUt

Homes, history, tours, and trails. Okay, that’s four things to love, but Lynchburg was founded in 1786 so it’s packed with history.

Also known as Hill City, there are seven historic districts which emerged in the 1800’s when tobacco and professional residents including lawyers and doctors made Lynchburg one of the richest cities in the nation. As a result, the city is renowned for its spectacular sprawling homes in both Queen Anne and the Federal architectural styles. Pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour of these splendid neighborhoods.

Beyond architectural notoriety, The Civil War left its mark on Lynchburg as well. Lee’s Retreat, Battle of Lynchburg, Hunters’s Raid, and nearby Appomattox make Lynchburg a destination for education and historic exploration. By foot or by car, traverse Lynchburg and soak in its history.


Old City Cemetery Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOUt

Old City Cemetery on Taylor Street is the oldest municipal cemetery in Virginia still in use with over 20,000 graves and 2,200 Civil War Soldiers.

4. Food, Drink, and FestivalsIce Cream Dream Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOut

Ice Cream Dream on Jefferson Street is a popular spot along the Riverwalk.

From Southern comfort foods, wood-fired pizza, burgers, hand-crafted chocolates, ice cream, food trucks, craft brews, bountiful breakfasts to vegan options and more, food is plentiful in Lynchburg. There’s even a farmers market if you’re looking for the ultimate in fresh foods and veggies.

We were treated to a fantastic lunch at Market at Main. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. There was also a stop along the Riverwalk for a tasty refreshment at Ice Cream Dream. Oh, and brunch the next morning at {RA} Bistro – that’s going to be its own story in a future blog post. Suffice to say, epicurean delights abound in Lynchburg.

Lynchburg is festive too! The city’s event calendar is brimming with unique festivals throughout the year. Whether it be a garden festival, craft beer, music, or art – the city welcomes a variety of guests to celebrate in a festive atmosphere.


French toast {RA} Bistro Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOut

Amazing French toast at {RA} Bistro on the corner of Main and Washington.

5. The Arts!

Mural in Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOUt
Art is alive and well in Lynchburg. The theater, the symphony, Jazz music, and art museums featuring styles from contemporary to works by 19th and 20th century American artists all contribute to the rich cultural environment. There’s so much art it spills into the streets where colorful murals adorn brick walls and painted pianos asking to be played beautify the city streets.

Love-in-Lynchburg

6. Outdoors

James River Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOUt
Lynchburg will make you want to get outside and breathe in the fresh Blue Ridge Mountain air. With a long list of parks, trails and golf courses it’s easy to find a healthful invigorating activity. There’s Percival’s Island Natural Area, Blackwater Creek, Ivy Creek Park & Lake, Miller Park, Peaks View Park and the James River Heritage Trail to name a few. Lynchburg’s recreational options are extensive and varied.

7. Location, Location, Location

Lynchburg is extremely accessible and within a day’s drive of most east coast cities. Situated along the banks of the James River with the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, it’s an ideal hub for exploring Central Virginia. A trip to Lynchburg is a manageable drive from Raleigh, Charlotte, Richmond, and Washington, D.C., and Amtrak offers direct service to Lynchburg from New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. Lynchburg’s location and convenience produce a delightful destination for a weekend getaway.

Main Street Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOUt

Tips for Planning Your Visit to Lynchburg

Before venturing to Lynchburg, make an online trip to LynchburgVirginia.org. It’s here you’ll find a compilation of fascinating and wonderful things to do and see in Hill City. There’s a lot happening in this iconic city including development and construction downtown – I can’t wait to return and see the finished product!

Upon arrival, stop at the visitor center. Located at 216 12th Street, this is not only the place to get the most up-to-date information on events and attractions, it’s also an awesome example of Art Deco architecture. The colorful re-purposed filling station is a standout for its eclectic beauty. You can also make all your Lynchburg souvenir purchases here as well.

Lynchburg has a variety of lodging options ranging from downtown hotels like the Craddock Terry Hotel, Hill City Inn or Holiday Inn. There are also several B&Bs and Airbnb’s throughout the historic city.

And one final piece of advice, it’s called Hill City for a reason. The city streets are laid out on a grid which makes getting around easy, however, it’s hilly. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uphill walking – great exercise for the quads, glutes, and heart!


Downtown Riverfront Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOut

“Lynchburg is perhaps the most rising place in the U.S…. It ranks now next to Richmond in importance…” ~ Thomas Jefferson

Though Mr. Jefferson said this a long time ago, one might assert his assessment holds true today. This picturesque community at the foothills of the Blue Ridge is a regional destination replete with shops, restaurants, art, museums, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks. I arrived with no expectations for my visit, but departed feeling I’d only lightly brushed upon all there is to do and see in and around Lynchburg.

I’ll be back!


7 Things You'll Love About Lynchburg, Virginia PullOverandLetMeOut

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Special thanks to Krista Boothby, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator Lynchburg, Virginia, for meeting us and sharing her expertise!

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