Experience lyh at a leisurely pace
Relax and enjoy the ride to a more leisurely pace in Lynchburg, Virginia, where the James River rolls along the foot of our historic Downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. Upon your arrival, don your comfy walking shoes and let your shoulders relax as you will stroll through the eclectic garden of Lynchburg’s own Harlem Renaissance Poet, hear enthralling tales from voices of the past in our very own history park & public garden, and stand in awe of the iconic buildings and homes erected by Lynchburg magnates.
Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum
Established in 1806, this restored public cemetery is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Part history park, part public garden, a tour of the cemetery’s 27 acres will reveal a Confederate burial ground with over 2,000 graves of soldiers from 14 states, significant African American history, and five small museums equipped with push-button audio. The cemetery is also an arboretum of historic plants with specimens botanically labeled, including over 425 antique and heirloom roses, medicinal herbs, a butterfly garden, a lotus pond, and over 700 shrubs and ornamental trees.
Old City Cemetery
Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Internationally acclaimed Harlem Renaissance poet, Anne Spencer, was the only black woman and the only Virginian included in The Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry. On the ground of her beautiful and eclectic garden stands Spencer’s writing cottage “Edan Kraal” where she spent her time composing and being inspired by the flowers she planted in the arboretum her husband Edward created for her. Many dignitaries have visited her home over the years, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and W. E. B. Du Bois. The house is a museum of artifacts, memorabilia, and lovely period antique furnishings, portraying the life of this artist and Civil Rights leader
Lunch
Lynchburg has many dining options from which to choose. Here are a couple of recommendations:
Make your way Downtown for a proper cup of tea, some cucumber sandwiches, and grand conversation at Ploughcroft Tea Room, Lynchburg’s own across-the-pond experience. Along with High Tea and finger sandwiches, owner Pat Hutto also serves hearty British favorites like Cottage Pie, Aberdeen Scotch Eggs, and Somerset Cheese & Onion Tart.
Want to raise a toast at lunch? {RA} Bistro has a wide variety of signature cocktails, a long beer and wine list, and delicious menu offerings from stacked high sandwiches, pasta dishes, and bistro-style salads.
Downtown Architectural Walking Tour
The view of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and the place beside the historic James River made Lynchburg a unique place for industrialists and adventurers to call home. These people created a city that, at times throughout its history, ranked as one of the wealthiest communities per capita in the nation, with fortunes built on trade, tobacco, and manufacturing. This affluence fueled the construction of extraordinary buildings and homes in a diverse array of architectural styles. Some of the architectural styles to be found on this walking tour include Art Deco, Art Nouveau, modernist and Neoclassical.
Bluffwalk Dining Experience
The Bluffwalk is a pedestrian walkway in Downtown Lynchburg, providing views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Stroll along the walkway where you will find restaurants with outdoor dining opportunities, public art displays, and fantastic views. Find just what you’re craving, whether it is oysters, burgers, vegetarian or something sweet, enjoy a glass of wine or a unique cocktail, then sit back and enjoy the views.