What to Do with One Day in Lynchburg

Let’s say you’ve only got a day to spend in Lynchburg, VA. What should you do?

While our charming little city can be best enjoyed over a long weekend or week-long vacation, sometimes schedules only allow for that quick overnight. So if that’s the case, you’ll want to head straight to Lynchburg’s historic downtown.

While the word “downtown” may conjur up all kinds of ideas based on experience in other cities, it may help to know that Downtown Lynchburg is the best kind of downtown. There’s still options for free, accessible parking, lots of great dining options, tons of architecturally gorgeous buildings that have been renovated, plus miles and miles of nature trails that make you feel as though you’re anywhere but downtown.

What to Do

Start at the LOVE sign. (note: there’s a free parking lot) It’s a great place to take a keepsake picture of your trip. You’ll notice each letter of the L-O-V-E sculpture represents a popular activity downtown: hiking, bicycling, kayaking, & skateboarding.

Take the paved sidewalk/trail about a ¼ mile and once it turns sharply to the right, you’ll find yourself walking across the James River and catching some of the neatest views that downtown Lynchburg has to offer!

If you’ve got time and energy, you can plan this as a longer nature walk or rent bikes nearby for a nice workout on Percival’s Island with options to go off-road, throw rocks, or fish in the river. Another mile or so later, you’ll reach a second bridge crossing the James River followed by more trail before it eventually dead ends and you decide to turn back.

Once you’ve returned to the LOVE sign, either walk or drive to nearby Jefferson Street and start your city exploring here. If you’re hungry, try Waterstone Pizza (I looove the Greek pizza and my husband swears they’ve got the best gluten free crust in the city), Water Dog, or El Jefe (don’t even look at the menu- just order the nachos & a margarita and you’ll be glad you did.).

After your meal, check out the Reserve Wine Lounge or May Lynn’s Creamery (also on Jefferson Street). If it’s a Thursday night in the summer, you’re in luck! Check out Rose Thursdays on the patio of the Glass House. Live music, happy hour, charcuterie + cheeses- what could be better?

If you’ve got kids with you, head straight down Jefferson St to Amazement Square Children’s Museum to let the kids burn off steam for a few hours. 4 stories of slides, ladders, and interactive exhibits that you’ll love, too! This place is a MUST with little ones.

If you *don’t* have little ones with you, head up the stairs or ramps off Jefferson St near the Glass House called the Bluffwalk to keep exploring the rest of downtown. Some of our favorite places to check out are White Hart Coffee, Gilded gift shop, Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats, Lexi & Lee or Ayven Avenue clothing boutiques, Lynchburg’s Community Market, and Mama Crockett’s cider donuts. (on Tuesdays the donuts are gluten free!)

Is it time to eat again yet? Make a dinner reservation at Fratelli’s Italian kitchen and afterwards, take the elevator up to the 7th floor to enjoy another drink at No 7 Rooftop Bar (talk about awesome views- you won’t be disappointed!).

Where to Stay

Depending on your taste and preferences, we’ve got a few of our own recommendations on where to stay close to or in downtown…

·       The River House Apt is located in one of Lynchburg’s neatest historic neighborhoods adjacent to downtown and has one of the best views you’ll find of the James River. (1 BD 1 BATH, sleeping up to 4)

·       If you’re looking to be in the center of it all where you can walk to restaurants & catch a show at the Academy, you’ll want to check out Church St Loft, a cool historic building that’s been completely renovated. (2 BD 2 BATH, sleeping up to 5)

·       If you’re more of a nature lover but still want the accessibility to downtown, stay at the stylish Greenhouse Apt, located along the paved Blackwater Creek nature trails. (1 BD 1 BATH, sleeping up to 3)

·       Maybe you’re the artsy type and love the idea of a diverse, unique stay. In that case, check out the Nest, one of Lynchburg’s oldest homes (circa 1820!) renovated with a rustic repurposed style. (2 BD 1 BATH, sleeping up to 5)

Even with just one day, you can still get a quick taste of our cool little city!  Be on the lookout for a future post, “What to Do With 2-3 Days in Lynchburg” coming soon!