Budget-Friendly Activities in LYH

Budget-Friendly Activities in LYH

Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly night out or a relaxing day of exploration, Lynchburg offers something for everyone. From scenic parks to historical landmarks, here are some of the best budget-friendly activities in LYH to enjoy!

1. Explore art and Culture

• Downtown Lynchburg Association Events
  Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) fosters a vibrant cultural scene with events celebrating local artists, performers, and businesses. Be on the lookout for their special programs and pop-up events! DLA is a driving force for Lynchburg’s growth, a promoter of cultural resources, and a hub for downtown businesses.
  • Downtown Movie Nights
    Grab a blanket and head downtown for free community movie screenings during summer evenings. Enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends.
  • First Friday
    On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Lynchburg comes alive with art, performances, and exhibits. Celebrate local talent starting at 5:00 p.m. 
• Riverview Art Space
  Enjoy contemporary art at Riverview Art Space, located at 52 9th Street. Admission is free, and First Fridays feature extended hours until 8:00 p.m. for special events and exhibits.
• Findings Art Gallery
  Enjoy unique and originally works of art at Findings Art Gallery, located at 4925 Boonsboro Road. Shop or enjoy the select group of the region’s top artists, specializing in a variety of art forms. 
• Art Alley & Bluffwalk
  Located at 110 Commerce Street, Art Alley is a vibrant public art space and one of several entrances to the Bluffwalk. Take a scenic stroll and experience colorful public art that showcases the work of local LYH artists.  
• Venue Cinemas
  

  Venue Cinemas is the discount movie theater in Lynchburg, Virginia. Venue was started by a local family in Lynchburg to bring back quality cinemas experience and an affordable price. Venue cinemas boast eight screen with state of the art digital projectors.

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2. Discover Scenic Parks

• Riverside Park
  This 49-acre gem at 2238 Rivermont Avenue behind the Miller Claytor House, offers spraygrounds, historical landmarks, picnic areas, and scenic trails. The historical landmarks of the trail include a train exhibit, Packet Boat Marshall, Fink Deck Truss Bridge, Dr. Walter Johnson Tennis Courts, and Horticultural Markers. Highlights of the trail include the Alpine Trail and a stunning stone overlooks. 
• Riverfront Park
  Located at 1100 Jefferson Street between The Water Dog and Bikes Unlimited, this park features fountains, gardens, and an event space. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy downtown festivals or summer movie nights. 
• Ivy Creek Park
  This peaceful park at 118 Clemmons Lake Place has fishing, kayaking, ADA-compliant trails, picnic and play areas. It’s an excellent destination for families and nature lovers. 
• Miller Park
  

  Located at 2100 Park Avenue, Miller Park is a hub of activity with sports facilities, playgrounds, and an upcoming 2024 update adding yard games and refurbished amenities.

• Peaks View Park
  

  As Lynchburg’s second-largest park, Peaks View Park offers something for everyone, such as tennis courts, bike trails, disc golf, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Find it off Old Forest Road.

• The Nature Zone
  Located in the Miller Center, the Nature Zone offers hands-on exhibits and live animal interactions, perfect for learning about Central Virginia ecosystems. The Nature Zone is free to the public to explore.

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3. Historic and Artistic Landmarks

• Lynchburg Museum
  Dive into Lynchburg’s rich history at the Lynchburg Museum and Visitor Center, located at 901 Court Street across from Monument Terrace. Explore archives and exhibits that uncover the stories that shape Lynchburg’s identity. 
• Old City Cemetery
  Stroll through the beautifully preserved museums and grounds at 401 Taylor Street. Discover 19th- and 20th-century mourning customs, Civil War medical history, beautiful gardens burrowed among the tombstones, and visit the five small museums that cover the grounds.
• Point of Honor
  Visit the grounds of Dr. George Cabell’s historic plantation home at 109 Norwood Street, which captures an early era of Lynchburg from 1815-1830. While guided tours require a ticket and reserved in advance, the surrounding landscapes and annual events, like Day at the Point, are free to the public. Check out their website for upcoming events. 
• Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
  Randolph College’s Maier Museum at 1 Quinlan Street features an impressive collection of American art from the 19th to 21st centuries. Free rotating exhibits and family-friendly programs make this a must-see.   Housing a collection of American art from the 19th,20th, and 21st centuries. The museum is open to visitors year-round, with rotating exhibits and family-friendly programs from Randolph College’s personal art collection. The museum hosts many events and programs for children and families with special installations.
• Walk the Grounds of Poplar Forest
  Wander the 600-acre parkway surrounding Thomas Jefferson’s retreat at 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway. While entry to the house requires a ticket, the historical and beautiful grounds are open to the public. Poplar Forest Parkway is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

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4. Visit Local Libraries

• Library Visit
  Lynchburg has two public library locations. Check out both of their websites and social media for upcoming events! 
  • Lynchburg Public Library 
    Located at 2315 Memorial Avenue, the public library offers books, public computers, and study spaces. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, housed in the same building, adds further educational opportunities. The Lynchburg’s Main Library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. 
  • Downtown Branch Library
    Set in the historic visitor center at 900 Church Street, this cozy location features trending books, book clubs, and family events.

From historic sites to outdoor adventures, Lynchburg has no shortage of free activities for all ages. Discover the best of the Hill City without breaking the bank!

All Things to Do in LYH