Fun things to do in LYH on a small budget!
By Kari Smith
Many folks love to travel, but look to do so on a budget to stretch those vacation dollars further. Lynchburg offers a host of affordable activities year-round that are fun for all ages.
Take a LOVEworks tour
LOVEworks at Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts Shop
Plan a day trip to visit the area’s LOVEworks. A statewide map of exhibits is here, but check out these local installations:
- Percival’s Island Natural Area: This LOVEwork is located at the trailhead of Percival’s Island and features symbols of hiking, biking, paddling, and skateboarding – all activities you can enjoy on this accessible trail.
- Craddock Terry Hotel: This shoe-shaped sculpture made of wood, glass, and mirrors gives a nod to the boutique hotel’s history as a shoe factory.
- Lynchburg College: This sculpture was the first of the LOVEwork series to be featured on a college campus in Virginia. It cleverly blends the college’s initials into the word “LOVE”.
- Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts: This 10-foot-wide mural is painted on the brick wall of the trendy donut shop in uptown Lynchburg.
- I Scream You Scream: This sweet mural features some of the seasonal shop’s delicious merchandise and a giant cherry, which replaces the letter “O” in the word “LOVE”.
- Madison House of the Arts: This installation features a film reel, camera, paintbrushes, and a musical note paying homage to the art space it graces.
Be sure to ‘share the love’ by tagging your LOVEwork pics with #LOVEVA on social media.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Goats at Old City Cemetery
Split family or friends into teams, and head out with a list of photos to collect. For fun now AND later, make a scrapbook that holds the day’s memories. Build on this list of scavenger hunt location ideas:
- The Craddock Terry Hotel’s resident fox terrier puppy, Penny Loafer
- The train exhibit at Riverside Park
- The gorgeous landscape of Point of Honor
- The friendly goats at Old City Cemetery
Or, add the LOVEworks items above to your photo scavenger hunt!
Time to Eat!
Hawaii Poke and Greens
For affordable eats, check out Hawaii Poke and Greens – one of Lynchburg’s newest restaurants. It features healthy poke bowls packed with fresh Hawaiian flavor and topped with house-made sauces. If you are looking for a variety of classic menu options made with high-quality ingredients, try Shakers Good Food and Drink. From steaks, chops, and ribs to seafood and tacos – their diverse food and drink menu will satisfy even the pickiest appetite. For chef-crafted burgers and more, check out the quality cuisine of {RA} Bistro. If the whole family is dining, check out their Family Pack, which serves up to five. Or, check out the modestly-priced array of entrees and sandwiches served at the eclectic eatery Macado’s.
Who Wants Dessert?
Rolled Cold Creamery
After dinner (or any time), head out for ice cream – whether it’s soft-serve at family-owned MayLynn’s or premium frozen yogurt at Sweet Frog. Or, for a unique rolled ice cream (and maybe an energizing Nitro Cold Brew coffee), head to Rolled Cold Creamery, where you’ll find unique creations including dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. Their gorgeous desserts start with a house-made sweetened heavy cream and lactose-free milk base. The base is then poured and frozen on a steel pan, followed by toppings added to the mixture. Finally, the sheets are rolled up and topped with fruits, cookies, and candies. Yum!
Spend the Night
Hilton Garden Inn Pool
If you are visiting Lynchburg overnight, there are several budget-friendly lodging options. Enjoy the year-round indoor pool and fitness center at Hilton Garden Inn, which offers suites perfect for families. The Comfort Inn and Suites nearby offers guests a free hot breakfast and free premium WiFi. (*Please check with hotels prior to booking for amenity availability during this time.)
Whether you’re day-tripping or have an extended stay in Lynchburg, there are many affordable options for food and fun. Tag #LYHVA on social media to show us your favorites!
Kari Smith is a Virginia native whose love of writing began as a child, writing poems and songs. In 2006, her dream became reality when she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to sing and record her own original compositions. She continued on to pursue writing magazine articles and blogs to chronicle and share her personal adventures and interests. Besides teaching music and performing in the Richmond, VA area, she also enjoys riding horses, raising goats and chickens, and gardening.
Find out more about Kari HERE