One city, four itineraries, nonstop fun
By Jodi Helmer
The next time you’re planning a quick getaway, set your GPS for Lynchburg. The vibrant destination has a big list of things to do —and 24 hours is just enough time to experience some of the highlights.
Virginia oysters at the Water Dog
Culinary adventurers: Lynchburg is a culinary gem with offerings ranging from food trucks to fine dining. Start your edible adventure with stuffed French toast from Market at Main Boonsboro.
Enjoy an alfresco lunch on the back deck at Waterstone Pizza. Rent bikes from Bikes Unlimited and work off the calories from the fire-roasted pizza with a biking trip along the RiverWalk.
Before dinner, explore the walkable downtown district and then grab a table at The Water Dog where the oysters and po’ boys are not-to-be-missed and handcrafted cocktails make the perfect nightcaps.
Book a room at Carriage House Bed and Breakfast. The historic inn is known for its sumptuous breakfasts to fill you up before you head home.
Point of Honor
History buffs: The City of Seven Hills was founded in 1757 and retains some incredible architecture and historic sites.
Start your day at the Lynchburg Museum to get an overview of local history through exhibits like Seven Hills of History.
Tour Point of Honor, a former plantation and the city’s most famous historic home, interpreting the stories of all who lived and worked there. Historic Sandusky, a Federal-style home used as Union Headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg is also a worthwhile stop.
For lunch, enjoy a bite at the Depot Grille. The converted train station overlooks the James River and serves up sandwiches and light bites with a side of history.
An exploration of the local historic sights wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the Craddock Terry Hotel. The former shoe factory, founded in 1888, is now the site of a boutique hotel that retains its industrial heritage.
Amazement Square Children’s Museum
Fun for families: Kids and kids at heart love exploring Amazement Square. The museum features interactive exhibits that combine learning and entertainment—just try not to smile as you navigate the four-story indoor play structure.
If you still have energy to burn after a morning at the award-winning museum, head over to Jump, an indoor trampoline park where you can bounce through a series of connected trampolines and land in a pit filled with foam blocks.
Order sandwiches from Macado’s and satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of ice cream from Outside the Cone. After lunch, test your problem-solving skills at One Way Out escape room.
The whole family will love the indoor pool, snacks and comfy bed at Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg.
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Nature lovers: Get the blood pumping with a morning hike at Poplar Forest. Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat includes a system of trails through native woodlands and historic sites.
Shop the vendors—and grab the fixin’s for a picnic—at Lynchburg Community Market; spread your picnic blanket at Riverfront Park before touring the gardens at the Anne Spencer House. Local garden clubs have restored the gardens at the home of the Harlem Renaissance poet and Civil Rights leader.
When it’s time for dinner, tuck into surf and turf at Shoemakers American Grille and then drink in the views from the rooftop deck at The Virginian before retreating to one of the beautifully appointed rooms for the night.
Twenty-four hours is not enough time to see everything in Lynchburg but it’s long enough to convince you to plan a return trip.
Jodi Helmer writes about food, drink and travel for National Geographic Traveler, Hemispheres, Huffington Post, AARP and Our State. She lives and works on a hobby farm near Charlotte, North Carolina.
Learn more about Jodi HERE