Your 3 Day Itinerary to enjoy Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg

Oct 20

If you’re stopping through town, our 1 day in Lynchburg itinerary might suffice. But if you’ve got a few extra days, you can really get a taste of our little city and its beautiful surrounding region.

Let’s get going!

DAY ONE

Morning: get to know the heart of Lynchburg.

”Virginia is for Lovers” is our state slogan, so let’s start our adventure with a selfie at the LOVE sign! (Fun Fact: there are over 370 registered LOVE signs across the state of Virginia, and one of them is on our train caboose stay.)

Head to the parking lot for Percival’s Island and you’ll spot this beauty, made by local artist Paul Clements.

Then take the paved path heading left from the LOVE sign, which will bring you to the old wooden bridge that crosses the James River and brings you onto Percival’s Island. (P.S. This is another great photo op!)

This lush, tree-covered trail is about 1.5 miles out-and-back, so feel free to go as far as you like. There is another beautiful old wooden bridge a mile down to check out, as well as some offshoot dirt trails that will take you down to the James River for an up close look.

Lunch

One option is to grab a picnic and chill out at Riverfront Park on Jefferson Street. Trading Post on Main Street has got everything you could need, including super yummy sandwiches plus snacks and beverages galore. There’s also plenty of other grab-and-go options at the Lynchburg Community Market across the street.
If you’re in a restaurant kind of mood, we’d highly suggest Waterstone Pizza or Water Dog, which are also on Jefferson Street. They’re casual with great menus, and both have outdoor seating for when it’s just too lovely to sit inside. (And they’re listed in our guide Top 10 Restaurants You Must Try in Lynchburg!)

Afternoon

Head up any set of stairs on Jefferson Street to the Bluffwalk for great views of the James River and see some cool old buildings that’ve been converted into swank living and working spaces.

Be sure to check out Art Alley (11th Street between the Bluffwalk & Commerce St.)

Amazement Square

If you have kiddos with you, a visit to Amazement Square is a MUST. Described as a “hands-on museum”, Amazement Square (open Wednesday-Saturday) is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Imagine 4 floors of ladders, slides, tunnels leading to interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun. Parents, you’ll enjoy it, too!

Grab an afternoon treat from Hill City Donuts or MayLynn’s Creamery!

Evening

If it's your first time in Lynchburg and it's a lovely evening, you've gotta try Skyline on the roof of the beautiful Virginian Hotel. The city views are gorgeous, and the atmosphere is perfect for a night out on the town. (They have a great bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.)

Close out your “date night” spot with the Glass House. It's fancy but not fussy, with a variety of seating options inside - regular table or sofa lounges. You'll loooooove the gorgeous interior - it's a definite must for taking selfies!

DAY TWO

Tip: For this day, make sure the weather’s going to be nice and wear good walking/hiking shoes. Bring an extra layer of clothing, some water, snacks, and bug spray if it’s the warm season.

Day 2: Morning
Lynchburg is looooaded with history, and you’ve gotta experience at least a touch of it.

This morning, pop into the Lynchburg Museum on historic Court Street downtown to check out the exhibits. The staff is always welcoming and informative. You’ll even get the answer to an often burning question, “Why is it called Lynch-burg?”

This might sound creepy, but one of our top attractions is Old City Cemetery. Take a self-paced stroll among some seriously old headstones, a historic chapel and a train depot.

This 27-acre public garden and “history park” is quite breathtaking, especially on a crisp autumn day when the trees are bursting with colors. Make sure you try out the large tree swing! (Yes, adults, we’re talking to you too…)

How about a drive through time?

Next, get yourself to the intersection of Rivermont Avenue and 5th Street and start heading up Rivermont Avenue.

As soon as you cross the bridge, the first historic homes you’ll see have been receiving much needed love lately since falling into disrepair many years ago.

The Colonial Gem

As you continue up Rivermont you’ll notice the homes become more grand, especially around Randolf College. They are from the Victorian Era, including Georgian Revival, Colonial, Queen Anne, Tudor and even some Arts & Crafts.

(You’ll actually drive right past one of our stays, the Colonial Gem!)

It’s such a pretty drive you’ll wish you had some serious moolah to buy one of these beauties and move in!

Day 2: Lunch

Before the next leg, it’s time for some grub!

While you’re driving up Rivermont Avenue, stop to eat or grab food for the road at Magnolia’s. They have really good sandwiches (like the curried chicken salad or the turkey and apples) and some tasty salads. (Psssst... They also sell wine and beer to go if you’re planning a picnic.)

Tip: It’s also a good time for a “natural break” before you hit the road again for our next leg…

Did somebody say scenic mountains? Oh, yeah. You’re going to love this… these beauties are just a 50’ish minute drive away.

Go ahead and set your GPS for Peaks of Otter Lodge.

Scenic tip: If you have multiple options, look for the one that takes you onto 501 North

The Peaks of Otter Lodge is a great picnic spot and it’s also your bathroom spot, too. There’s also a fairly level one-mile hike around a small lake if you’ve got folks who aren’t up for anything strenuous.

Day 2: Afternoon Hike or Drive

The Blue Rige Parkway is called America’s favorite drive with 16.7 million visitors every year. In total, it’s 469 miles spanning Virginia and North Carolina, and some of the best views and overlooks are in our backyard.

Depending on your group’s preferences, you can hike or drive along the Parkway. Either will be awesome.

Hiking
There are two great (but strenuous) hikes here, both with stunning views at the summit that generally take 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours to do:

Sharp Top is the more popular, a steep 1.5 mile hike to a summit boasting incredible panoramic views. In season, there is even a shuttle bus that can take you near the summit.
Flat Top: You likely won’t see many hikers on this strenuous 4.4 mile hike, but there are some great views at the summit.

We also have more hiking options in our area here.

Day 2: Fancy Pants Dinner

Let’s get you all dolled up for a show tonight, so the restaurant must be on brand, too.

William & Henry ($$$$) is the splurge-worthy place for dinner in downtown Lynchburg. It’s a classic white tablecloth steak house with new and classic cocktails, a well-curated wine list, and mondo-sized portions of rich, hearty dishes that will 100% not leave you hungry. (Plus, it’s right across the street from the Academy and a 3-block walk to Wolfbane’s downtown theater.)

Another option for dinner would be Truss.

Day 2: A Night on the Town!

Lynchburg may be a small town, but it is big on the arts!

The restored historic Academy theater (Academy Center of the Arts) has shows of all varieties just about every weekend.

Wolfbane Productions is another theatre to check out, putting on wildly entertaining renditions of Broadway hits, classic theatre, and their own campy productions. A Wolfbane show is a must see. (If you’re buying tickets, be sure to check the location because they also have an outdoor theater in Appomattox, VA, which is fantastic but it’s also 30 minutes away.)

And if getting dolled up for live entertainment isn’t your jam, go enjoy a Hillcats game during baseball season. It may be minor league, but it’s major fun. Even if you don’t love baseball, you’ll love the small town feel and watching the sunset mountain views from the stadium.

Be sure to check out Downtown Lynchburg Association’s Events Calendar too!

DAY THREE

Day 3: Choose your own Shopping Adventure!

While the Hill City isn’t New York or Paris when it comes to retail therapy, there are some charming and fun shops to check out. We’re gonna give you 2 shopping “hubs” and let you pick:

1. SHOPPING DOWNTOWN

You’ll find great Main Street shops and boutiques for women’s clothing, gift ideas, architectural salvage, and Lynchburg merch. The community market is filled with local handmades and food options. Downtown Lynchburg is also a mecca for antiques!

2. SHOPPING BOONSBORO

Boonsboro Shopping Center is about a 10 minute drive from downtown but has great local spots with more modern, high end goods. You’ll find chain stores like Talbots, Loft, and Starbucks, along with local boutique hotspots for men and women’s clothing, outdoors items, home goods, etc.

Day 3: Lunch
Depending on which shopping experience you took, here’s our eating recommendations for when hunger strikes:

DOWNTOWN

Inka Grill is LEGIT Peruvian food (ceviche, grilled meat, potato dishes, soups) packed with flavor! We highly recommend sharing and sampling as much as you can.
Benny Scarpetta’s (aka “Benny’s”) feels like a dive bar in the best sort of way because they make 28” pizzas!!! These pies are not only yummy and gawk-worthy, but their cost gives your wallet a little hug. You will absolutely have to join the crowd in posting the classic pic that screams “I can’t eat this slice, it’s so freaking big!!!”
The White Hart Cafe (aka “Lynchburg’s Living Room”) is a perfect lunch spot if you also need to fuel up on some coffee or mouth-watering lunch menu of sando’s and handhelds.

BOONSBORO

Isabella’s is a sophisticated yet casual Italian Trattoria. Every single item on the menu is sooooo good because they use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients! Get the bread basket with dipping oil. You will love it.

Day 3 Afternoon: Get that body moving *OR* choose fun and games

If you’re up for some more vigorous activity, here’s 2 great options:

Hit the slopes year round, 7 days a week at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre! Tubing, skiing, trampolining, and snowboarding are all up for grabs at this “snow” park with the most incredible sunset views. Kids and adults, beginners and experienced alike- there’s something for everyone!

Cool Fact: These “slopes” are made possible thanks to Briton Engineering’s patented Snowflex®. It’s recognized as the closest replication of snow ever created.

2. Walk or bike the Blackwater Creek Trail. You can access the trail from multiple points, but our favorite locations are the Downtown Lynchburg location on Jefferson at 8th Street or the Point of Honor 3 mile loop paved trail with a waterfall and a cool tunnel.

If you prefer to bike the trail (highly recommend), head to Bikes Unlimited for the best rentals!

Fun and Games

If you’re of a certain age (ahem…), Super Rad Arcade Bar will bring back memories of growing up in the 1980’s and 90’s. Two floors PACKED with arcade games. For a small flat fee, you can play unlimited games for as long as you wish! Plus, they have food and drinks (including adult beverages) when you need a break or a pick-me-up.

Important Tip: Check their social media accounts for notes about private events.

Day 3: Evening

First up this evening, head up to No.7 Rooftop Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail or appetizer with a gorgeous view. It’s situated on the 7th floor of the same building as where you’ll be eating dinner, so you only have to park once.

For dinner, take the elevator downstairs to Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. It’s the kind of cozy restaurant where you want to enjoy some really good wine and linger for a while. For appetizers, we recommend the arancini (roasted risotto) and the mussels. For dinner, any of the pizzas and pastas are perrrrfect. And if you want more of a protein option, the wood fired Tuscan salmon is divine.

Don’t forget to take one last look at downtown Lynchburg before you head off to a lovely night’s sleep.

Happy Trails to You

We really packed in Lynchburg’s highlights over 3 days, which really doesn’t do it justice. You’ll have to come again, stay at one of our places, and try the 5-7 day guide we’re cooking up!

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