On the Road

Lynchburg

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For a destination beyond the usual Virginia stops, consider visiting Lynchburg, Virginia. You’ll be charmed by its mix of historic lore, lively food-and-drink scene, top-rated universities, and abundance of opportunities to get in touch with nature.

The city sits on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains above the James River. The waterway has been Lynchburg's lifeline for nearly three centuries—from John Lynch's 1757 ferry crossing and the city's early tobacco trade to today's trails, parks, and outdoor recreation like canoeing and kayaking.

The Bluffwalk is a series of walkways and overlooks along the James River, with independent businesses within reach of the water views. It’s a social hub and connects the river to downtown. Just a few steps away, you can book a stay or grab a bite at the New American restaurant Truss or stop by the fusion lounge Tiger Sun for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

In downtown Lynchburg, former tobacco and manufacturing warehouses have been turned into restaurants, breweries, and boutique shops. When dining out, visitors will discover local craft beers, Virginia oysters, rooftop bars, creative pizzas, and date-night destinations. In the Cornerstone neighborhood, Iron & Ale is a popular spot for celebrations with friends and family, serving lobster mac and cheese, craft cocktails, and thick steaks.

When you're not exploring the growing food scene, take advantage of one of Lynchburg's many unique amenities. The Blackwater Creek Trail, Percival’s Island, parks, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains make it easy to get outdoors. For history and arts, the city offers many museums, landmarks, galleries, tours, and events. Start with a tour of the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center to learn more about “Hill City.” Visit Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, his former retreat, and stop into nearby Beer 88 for a laid-back lunch of Carolina Gold wings and a pimento cheese burger.

If you brought the kids along, then consider an afternoon at the Hill City AquaZoo. This hands-on aquarium lets visitors interact with rare species, including sloths, tropical birds, and large reptiles.

Discover Lynchburg's Black history at the Legacy Museum of African American History or the former home of civil rights figure Anne Spencer, then continue to Historic Fifth Street, once the commercial and cultural center of Lynchburg's Black community. Visitors can then wander through more of the downtown scene, seeing public art and murals along 5th Street and beyond, including Main Street, Commerce Street, and Jefferson Street. For more artistic expression, look into Riverviews, a contemporary art creative hub.

Lynchburg is a choose-your-own-adventure city with options for history buffs, culinary obsessives, art collectors, and trail seekers. Delicious expeditions are scattered throughout the city. Plan your trip here.