Lynchburg has been a pretty exciting place to be in in the past year. The number of events that have taken place and the number of new businesses that have arrived all herald the continuing growth of our city. With that in mind, here’s what we loved seeing happen in Lynchburg in the past year.
SeaQuest
(Image Via SeaQuest)
While it hasn’t been open long, the River Ridge Mall SeaQuest attraction has already begun stealing the hearts of Lynchburg visitors and residents. Its combination of aquarium and interactive zoo exhibits can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. It also has a family-friendly environment and offers great deals and season pass ticket options.
AJI Ramen & Sushi
(Image Via AJI Ramen & Sushi)
The Downtown area of Lynchburg is experiencing even more exciting growth, attracting more and more people to this part of town due to its diverse selection of dining options and entertainment. One of the latest additions to the Downtown restaurant scene is AJI Ramen & Sushi, a restaurant that serves up just about any kind of Asian food you could ask for.
Mama Crockett’s Donut Shop
(Image Via Mama Crockett’s)
Mama Crockett’s cider donuts have been a staple treat in Lynchburg for a while now, but this year saw their success reach new heights. Normally based out of a small trailer as part of the growing food truck movement in town, they have become well-known and loved, so much so that they were able to open a permanent brick and mortar shop downtown on 5th Street. Since then, they have announced several new mouthwatering flavors, sizes and specialty coating and customizing options for their cider donuts. They also often gluten-free options on Tuesdays, too! We couldn’t be more proud and excited about the future of this awesome donut shop.
Concerts at The Glass House and Speakertree Records
There’s an infectious live music scene happening in Lynchburg, particularly in the Downtown area with The Glass House and Speakertree Record Shop. Ever since The Glass House changed ownership early this year, it has become a destination for music lovers. With the diversity of music genres and frequency of band performances at this venue, it’s able to offer a little something for everyone. Speakertree has also experienced growth with live music events, and they recently expanded to include the Backline Coffee bar.
Oktoberfest
If Lynchburg has proven anything with Oktoberfest and events like it, it’s that we know how to have a good time with the best of them. Opportunities for social gatherings and entertainment in this city are becoming more frequent and higher quality in nature. Oktoberfest was a prime example of this, with live music, delicious pretzels and beer, axe-throwing and more. We can’t wait to see what other fun events Lynchburg can cook up.
Renaissance at the Academy Center of the Arts
After extensive renovation, the Academy Center of the Arts reopened with much pomp and circumstance in December 2018. 2019 has seen it become a main entertainment destination in Lynchburg and a boon to the Downtown economy. It has hosted plays, operas, ballets, concerts, media personality talks and more, and has made a name for itself as a once again fully-functional piece of living Lynchburg history.
Hill City Handmade
The Hill City Handmade holiday market returned to the Urban Arts garage in November, showcasing much of the great talent that Lynchburg loves to be known for. Lynchburg loves small businesses, and this was a great opportunity for people to come out, support and celebrate what local artisans and businesspeople have been working on.
2019 has been a great year for Lynchburg, and we’re grateful to all who have come out to participate in community events and support local businesses. We eagerly look forward to seeing what exciting opportunities the coming year brings!