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Itinerary

Father’s Day Weekend Itinerary

Itinerary Overview

A laid-back Father’s Day weekend in LYH filled with great food, outdoor adventure, and quality time together. Whether Dad enjoys exploring local trails, relaxing with a craft beverage, or simply spending time with family, this itinerary highlights some of the places locals love most.

plan a visit to lyh

Daily Breakdown
1
Friday Evening
3:00 PM
Check-In & Settle In

Arrive in LYH and check into your hotel or local stay. Whether you’re staying downtown or near Liberty University for the weekend or planning a quick getaway, take some time to relax before kicking off the weekend and heading out to explore. With a walkable downtown, scenic trails, and plenty of local restaurants nearby, the weekend is just getting started.

5:30 PM
Explore Downtown LYH

Start the weekend with a stroll through Downtown Lynchburg. Browse local shops, walk along the Bluffwalk, and take in views of the James River as the city begins to wind down for the evening. It’s a great way to slow down, stretch your legs, and experience the charm that makes LYH unique.

7:00 PM
Dinner

Kick off Father’s Day weekend with a meal at one of LYH’s local restaurants. Whether Dad prefers a perfectly cooked steak, wood-fired pizza, classic comfort food, or a locally crafted burger, there are plenty of options to choose from across the city. The best part? No cooking and no dishes.

A couple places to check out:

  • Bootleggers
  • Shoemakers American Grille
  • The Dahlia
  • Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
  • Iron & Ale
  • Beer 88
  • Neighbor’s Place
  • Skyline Bar & Grille
2
Saturday
8:30 AM
Breakfast Your Way

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and a good cup of coffee before heading out to explore. Whether you’re looking for a classic diner experience, a leisurely brunch, or something quick before an outdoor adventure, you’ll find plenty of local favorites throughout LYH.

  • Squared Biscuit Co.
  • Bacon Street Bagels
  • Ironclad Coffee Roasters
  • Millie’s Living Cafe
  • The Flour District
  • Hill City Donuts
  • Lula Mae’s
  • Barb’s Dream Hut
10:00 AM
Get Outside

Take advantage of the weekend and spend the morning outdoors. Walk or bike along Blackwater Creek Trail, enjoy river views from Percival’s Island, or explore Riverside Park and the James River overlook. June is one of the best times to enjoy LYH’s natural beauty, and it’s the perfect setting for quality time together.

  • Riverside Park
  • Percival’s Island Natural Area
  • Blackwater Creek Trail
  • Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Trail
  • Liberty Mountain Trial System
12:30 PM
Lunch

After a morning of exploring, recharge with lunch at one of LYH’s favorite local spots. From riverfront dining and casual pubs to sushi, barbecue, and classic American fare, there’s something for every appetite.

  • The Water Dog
  • Kenko Hibachi
  • Millie’s Living Cafe
  • Magnolia Foods
  • Neighbor’s Place
  • TBR Bistro
2:00 PM
Choose Your Afternoon Adventure

Spend the afternoon discovering some of LYH’s favorite attractions and hidden gems. Whether you’re interested in local history, outdoor recreation, shopping, or river adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to spend time together and experience the city. However you choose to spend it, this is your time to slow down and enjoy the weekend.

  • Visit the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center to explore local history
  • Play a round of disc golf at Peaks View Park or Sandusky Park
  • Browse the Lynchburg Community Market and Downtown shops
  • Explore Hill City AquaZoo
  • Spend time on the James River with James River Adventures
5:30 PM
Local Craft Beverages

Before dinner, unwind with a local craft beverage. LYH’s breweries and wineries offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up, sharing stories, and celebrating Dad. Grab a flight, find a seat outside, and enjoy a laid-back summer evening.

  • Three Roads Brewing Company
  • Starr Hill on Main
  • Beer 88
  • Reserve Winery 
  • No. 7 Rooftop Bar
  • The Water Dog
  • Raven Lounge
7:00 PM
Dinner

End the day with a memorable dinner surrounded by family. Whether you’re looking for an elevated dining experience or a casual local favorite, LYH offers plenty of places to gather around the table and celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who mean so much.

Elevated Dining

  • William & Henry Steakhouse
  • The Dahlia
  • Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
  • Shoemakers American Grille
  • Tori Blue
  • Truss
  • Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Casual Dining Options

  • Waterstone Pizza
  • Trailhead
  • Bootleggers
  • Neighbors Place
  • Iron & Ale
3
Sunday
10:00 AM
Father's Day Brunch Spots

Start Father’s Day with a relaxed brunch and a little extra time together before heading home. From Southern comfort classics to elevated brunch menus, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion with good food and good company.

Brunch options in LYH:

  • Tiger Sun Bar & Lounge
  • Bentley’s on Bedford
  • Truss
  • The Bistro at Acorn Hill
  • My Dog Duke’s Diner
  • Market at Main
  • Lonestar Market & Cafe
2:00 PM
Explore a LYH Landmark

Before wrapping up the weekend, spend some time discovering the places that help tell LYH’s story. Explore local history, tour a nationally significant landmark, stroll through beautiful gardens, or take a scenic drive through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a relaxing way to slow down, spend time together, and experience another side of the city before heading home.

  • Poplar Forest
  • Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
  • Legacy Museum of African American History
  • Old City Cemetery
  • Blue Ridge Mountain Scenic Drives
4:00 PM
End the Day with Great Food

Before saying goodbye to LYH, grab a casual meal and soak up the final moments of Father’s Day weekend. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, a local favorite, or a patio to enjoy the summer weather, LYH offers plenty of ways to end the weekend on a high note.

  • The Cavalier Store
  • Mellow Mushroom 
  • Beer 88
  • Neighbor’s Place
  • Rivermont Pizza
  • The Water Dog
  • Iron & Ale
  • Bootleggers
5:30 PM
A Sweet Treat

No Father’s Day weekend is complete without something sweet. Stop for ice cream, frozen custard, or a specialty dessert before hitting the road. Whether Dad prefers a classic cone, homemade custard, rolled ice cream, or an over-the-top sundae, there’s a sweet treat waiting in LYH.

  • Maylynn’s Creamery – Boonsboro & Downtown Location
  • Rookie’s
  • Klines Dairy Bar
  • craveABLEs

No matter how you spend the weekend, Father’s Day in LYH is all about enjoying simple moments together, exploring local favorites, and making memories with the people who matter most.

Featured In This Itinerary
Bootleggers
Located along downtown Lynchburg’s scenic Bluffwalk, Bootleggers is a vibrant, speakeasy-inspired restaurant famous for custom-ground craft burgers and seasonal adult milkshakes. Hidden down a lower-level alley entrance, it features a […]
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The Bluffwalk
The Bluffwalk is a pedestrian walkway providing views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Located between Jefferson and Commerce Streets, a stroll along the […]
View more about The Bluffwalk
Shoemakers
Shoemakers offers upscale American dining inside the historic Craddock Terry Hotel, blending exposed brick, wood beams, and warehouse architecture with an elegant atmosphere. The menu features steaks, fresh seafood, and […]
View more about Shoemakers
The Dahlia
AuthentiThe Dahlia has been serving Lynchburg since 1947 and is one of the city’s longest-running restaurants. This neighborhood favorite offers a menu of pub fare, seafood, steaks, burgers, and Southern-inspired […]
View more about The Dahlia
People cheersing their wine and cocktail glasses together at a table.
Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
Since 1999, Isabella’s Italian Trattoria has been serving classic Italian cuisine in Lynchburg’s Boonsboro area. This family-owned restaurant offers a menu of traditional antipasti, hand-tossed pizzas, fresh house-made pastas, seafood, […]
View more about Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
Iron & Ale Lynchburg Tap and Table
Iron & Ale Tap & Table serves fresh American cuisine in a casual yet upscale setting. The menu features steaks, seafood, salads, sandwiches, and chef-inspired specialties, complemented by more than […]
View more about Iron & Ale Lynchburg Tap and Table
Beer 88
Beer 88 is a casual neighborhood pub serving gourmet burgers, wings, appetizers, and a large selection of local, domestic, and imported beers. Guests can enjoy rotating draft selections, “crowlers” filled […]
View more about Beer 88
The Neighbors Place
The Neighbors Place offers a wide-ranging American menu with Southern and Cajun influences. The menu includes steaks, seafood, chicken dishes, salads, and vegetarian options, along with desserts and cocktails. The […]
View more about The Neighbors Place
The Skyline Grill
Located atop The Virginian Hotel, Skyline offers panoramic views of downtown Lynchburg alongside a menu of seafood, steaks, burgers, flatbreads, and handcrafted cocktails.
View more about The Skyline Grill
Sandusky Park
Sandusky Park spans over 21 acres of scenic green space along Blackwater Creek and features a paved trail lined with native trees and plants. The park includes athletic fields for […]
View more about Sandusky Park
The Bistro At Acorn Hill
The Bistro at Acorn Hill is a cozy restaurant located inside Acorn Hill Lodge, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a relaxed setting. The menu features comfort food favorites, breakfast […]
View more about The Bistro At Acorn Hill
Interior of The Vault with chandeliers
TBR Bistro and The Vault by TR
TBR Bistro offers chef-driven dining and crafted cocktails in a restored historic building, combining elevated cuisine with a modern social atmosphere. Hidden above the restaurant, The Vault is a nightlife […]
View more about TBR Bistro and The Vault by TR
My Dog Duke’s Diner
My Dog Duke’s Diner is a dog-themed breakfast and brunch spot serving all-day breakfast, specialty coffee, and comfort food in a lively, casual setting. Popular dishes include breakfast skillets, chicken […]
View more about My Dog Duke’s Diner
Market At Main – Downtown
Market at Main is a historic breakfast and lunch spot known for classic Southern cooking. The menu features traditional diner favorites, including hearty breakfast plates, biscuits, sandwiches, and daily lunch […]
View more about Market At Main – Downtown
Market at Main – Boonsboro
Market at Main is a historic breakfast and lunch spot known for classic Southern cooking. The menu features traditional diner favorites, including hearty breakfast plates, biscuits, sandwiches, and daily lunch […]
View more about Market at Main – Boonsboro
Market at Main – Wards Road
Market at Main is a historic breakfast and lunch spot known for classic Southern cooking. The menu features traditional diner favorites, including hearty breakfast plates, biscuits, sandwiches, and daily lunch […]
View more about Market at Main – Wards Road
Lonestar Market and Cafe
Lone Star Market & Café offers a Texas-inspired café and market experience with bold flavors and Southern hospitality. Guests can enjoy Lavazza coffee drinks, along with breakfast and lunch options […]
View more about Lonestar Market and Cafe
Lynchburg Community Market
The Lynchburg Community Market, at the corner of 12th and Main, has operated continuously since 1783 and is one of the oldest public markets in the country. It includes indoor […]
View more about Lynchburg Community Market
Barb’s Dream Hut
Located inside the Lynchburg Community Market, Barb’s Dream Hut serves Southern-style comfort food and all-day breakfast in a casual, welcoming setting. The locally loved spot is known for hearty breakfast […]
View more about Barb’s Dream Hut
Magnolia Foods
Magnolia Foods is a boutique wine shop, craft beer market, gourmet deli, and specialty grocery known for its scratch-made lunches and curated selection of provisions. The menu features custom sandwiches, […]
View more about Magnolia Foods
Waterstone Pizza
Waterstone Pizza is an upscale-casual downtown Lynchburg restaurant known for hand-tossed, fire-roasted pizzas made in a stone oven. The menu also includes pasta, sandwiches, salads, and shareable appetizers such as […]
View more about Waterstone Pizza
Squared Biscuit Co.
Squared Biscuit Co. is a downtown breakfast and brunch spot known for its scratch-made square biscuit sandwiches. Menu favorites include fried chicken biscuits, house-made sausage biscuits, and specialty creations topped […]
View more about Squared Biscuit Co.
Millie’s Living Cafe
Located inside Health Nut Nutrition, Millie’s Living Cafe offers pure, clean snacks and drinks. Ranging from smoothies to kombucha to pressed juice, anyone can find something to enjoy at Millie’s.
View more about Millie’s Living Cafe
The Flour District
The Flour District is a European-style bakery and café known for its handcrafted pastries, breads, and specialty coffee. Using locally grown grains and freshly milled flour, the bakery produces a […]
View more about The Flour District
Riverside Park
Riverside Park is the second oldest park in Lynchburg and spans over 49 acres of rolling parkland along the James River. The park features wooded trails, open green space, and […]
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Alpine Trail
Winding through the steep, wooded hillside of Riverside Park, this historic earthen hiking path stands as the city’s very first dedicated walking trail. Developed in the 1920s and 1930s, the […]
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The Water Dog
Located along the James River, The Water Dog pairs a large selection of craft beer with a menu of oysters, burgers, sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and shareable appetizers. Indoor and outdoor […]
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Percival’s Island Natural Area
Percival’s Island is a familiar landmark in downtown Lynchburg.  Visitors may see herons, migrating waterfowl, and many native plants and animals as they follow the paved trail, which bisects the […]
View more about Percival’s Island Natural Area
James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center
James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center is the premier eco-tourism and river recreation destination for the Greater Lynchburg area. Located at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights, this […]
View more about James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center
LYH Public Art
Discover Downtown Lynchburg’s vibrant public art scene, where murals, sculptures, and creative installations bring color and energy to the city’s streets. From Jefferson Street through Main, Fifth, and beyond, visitors […]
View more about LYH Public Art
Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway
Blackwater Creek Trail is one of Lynchburg’s most popular outdoor destinations, offering a scenic paved pathway for walking, running, and biking along the winding Blackwater Creek. Built on a former […]
View more about Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Just a 10-minute drive west of Lynchburg, Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s secluded retreat and a National Historic Landmark. Jefferson designed the distinctive octagonal house during his presidency and later […]
View more about Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Hibachi dish surrounded by other plates of food, someone picking up meat with chopsticks
Kenko Hibachi
Located in Cornerstone, Kenko serves a variety of fresh sushi, specialty rolls, sushi pops, Japanese entrées, and boba tea drinks in a casual, welcoming setting. Whether you’re looking for a […]
View more about Kenko Hibachi
Table and chairs overlooking a rooftop railing
7 Rooftop Bar
Perched high above the Bluffwalk and the James River in Downtown Lynchburg, No. 7 Rooftop Bar offers an open-air dining experience with spectacular scenic views. The chic setting features patio […]
View more about 7 Rooftop Bar
Legacy Museum of African American History
The Legacy Museum of African American History was established through the Legacy Project, originally sponsored by the Lynchburg branch of the NAACP and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1995. The […]
View more about Legacy Museum of African American History
Breakfast and lunch sandwiches on table at Tiger Sun
Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge
Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge in Lynchburg offers a multicultural menu blending Asian fusion, Polish, and Haitian influences. The space transitions from daytime brunch and casual dining to a late-night […]
View more about Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge
Three Roads Brewing Company
Three Roads Brewing Company’s Lynchburg taproom and brewery spans 6,700 square feet in a renovated former Ford dealership. The space features an open, relaxed environment with local art, games, snacks, […]
View more about Three Roads Brewing Company
Exterior of the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Welcome to Lynchburg, Virginia! The Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center is the city’s official visitor center and a great starting point for exploring Lynchburg. Located in the historic Old Court […]
View more about Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Point of Honor
Point of Honor is a historic Federal-style house and museum in Lynchburg, built around 1815 and originally part of a plantation centered on Dr. George Cabell’s estate. The site, once […]
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Monument Terrace
Monument Terrace is a 132-step limestone staircase in downtown Lynchburg. It serves as a multi-tiered memorial honoring local citizens who died in American military conflicts. Each landing features plaques and […]
View more about Monument Terrace
Raven Lounge
The Raven Lounge is a wine and charcuterie bar known for its moody, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere with dark interiors, warm lighting, and velvet seating. It serves artisanal charcuterie boards, gourmet grilled […]
View more about Raven Lounge
Reserve Winery & Lounge
Reserve is Lynchburg’s first and only winery offering a curated selection of its own wines along with award-winning wines from across Virginia. Guests can enjoy wine flights, glasses, or bottles […]
View more about Reserve Winery & Lounge
CraveABLEs
CraveABLEs is an ice cream shop and supported employment program creating meaningful job opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Through its storefront and mobile ice cream trailer, CraveABLEs focuses on […]
View more about CraveABLEs
William & Henry Steakhouse
William & Henry is an upscale steakhouse offering a classic white-tablecloth dining experience with USDA prime steaks, premium seafood, and an extensive wine selection. The menu includes dry-aged beef, seafood […]
View more about William & Henry Steakhouse
Hollins Mill Park
This popular park provides large shade trees, picnicking areas, fishing access, and wonderful views of Blackwater Creek and historic Hollins Mill Dam. The park also includes trail connections to the Blackwater […]
View more about Hollins Mill Park
Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Fratelli blends wood-fired cooking, handcrafted pastas, and thoughtfully selected wines in an inviting, upscale setting. The menu focuses on Italian-inspired dishes prepared with precision and simplicity, while private dining spaces […]
View more about Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Trailhead
Trailhead is a casual, family-friendly restaurant and bar located on Jefferson Street in Lynchburg, next to Bikes Unlimited. It features a self-pour tap system with craft beer, wine, and cocktails, […]
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Liberty Mountain Trail System
The Liberty Mountain Trail System is a vast outdoor recreation area offering more than 50 miles of multi-use trails across thousands of acres on Candlers Mountain. The network includes everything […]
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Bacon St. Bagels
Bacon St. Bagels serves hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels made fresh daily in the heart of Lynchburg’s Rivermont neighborhood. Known for its New York-style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, house-made spreads, and coffee drinks, […]
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Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co. serves specialty coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and fresh-baked pastries in a welcoming café setting. Known for its precision roasting process, Ironclad highlights the unique […]
View more about Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co.
Truss
Truss is a family-owned restaurant in Lynchburg serving chef-curated New American cuisine in an upscale-casual setting. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with options ranging from brunch to […]
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Lula Mae’s
Lula Mae’s is a soul food kitchen rooted in generations of family tradition, serving comfort food inspired by Lula Mae Grooms and her home-cooked Sunday dinners. Guests can enjoy soulful […]
View more about Lula Mae’s
The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum preserves the home of poet and Harlem Renaissance figure Anne Spencer. Spencer was also a civil rights activist, teacher, librarian, and gardener, and […]
View more about The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Old City Cemetery Guided Tours
Guided tours are available by appointment, offering a range of themed experiences including Civil War history, African American history, horticulture, Victorian-era medicine, burial customs, and broader Lynchburg history. These tours […]
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Blue Ridge Parkway
America’s most scenic drive extends 470 miles linking Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Lynchburg is only 30 minutes from a beautiful drive to see the spectacular mountain vistas […]
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Cavalier Store
The Cavalier is a longtime Lynchburg favorite known for its burgers, seasoned fries, and laid-back atmosphere filled with character and history. Housed in a former carriage house and trolley turnaround, […]
View more about Cavalier Store
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom serves specialty pizzas, calzones, hoagies, salads, and appetizers made with fresh ingredients in a fun and eclectic atmosphere. Known for its creative menu and extensive selection of craft […]
View more about Mellow Mushroom
Rivermont Pizza
Rivermont Pizza is a neighborhood restaurant known for specialty pizzas, subs, salads, and appetizers, along with a rotating selection of more than 20 beers on tap. The menu features over […]
View more about Rivermont Pizza
MayLynn’s Creamery Boonsboro
MayLynn’s Creamery’s original Boonsboro location is a seasonal walk-up ice cream trailer known for soft-serve treats, specialty sundaes, and signature stackers layered with toppings and mix-ins. 
View more about MayLynn’s Creamery Boonsboro
MayLynn’s Creamery Downtown
MayLynn’s Creamery Downtown serves soft-serve ice cream, rolled ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and edible cookie dough in the heart of downtown. Known for its creative flavors and custom-made rolled ice […]
View more about MayLynn’s Creamery Downtown
Rookie’s
Rookies takes ice cream sandwiches to the next level. Here you can customize your order by first choosing from their selection of fresh baked cookies and then selecting a delicious […]
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Kline’s Dairy Bar
Serving Virginia since 1943, Kline’s Dairy Bar makes premium, old-fashioned ice cream fresh daily. Their signature production process creates an exceptionally smooth, dense, custard-style treat. Every location features classic vanilla […]
View more about Kline’s Dairy Bar
Hill City AquaZoo
Hill City AquaZoo is an interactive indoor zoo and aquarium offering hands-on encounters with animals from around the world. Located inside River Ridge Mall, the attraction features immersive exhibits inspired […]
View more about Hill City AquaZoo
Hill City Donuts
Hill City Donuts is a locally owned downtown favorite serving fresh-made donuts, coffee, and plenty of personality. Known for its creative cake donuts and rotating specialty flavors, the shop offers […]
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Colorful cocktail drinks sitting on top of bar in front of blue Tori Blue menu
Tori Blue
Tori Blue is a casual upscale restaurant located inside the Bella Vista Hotel & Suites. The menu features classic American dishes with Southern and internationally inspired options, including steaks, seafood, […]
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Exterior of Bentley's on Bedford
Bentley’s on Bedford
Housed in a beautifully restored former gas station, Bentley’s on Bedford offers a casual, contemporary dining experience in the heart of Lynchburg. The menu features shareable small plates, American favorites, […]
View more about Bentley’s on Bedford