Fun Things to Do in LYH on a Small Budget!
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank — and in Lynchburg, it’s easy to explore more while spending less. From public art and scenic trails to local eats and family fun, there are plenty of affordable ways to experience the Hill City year-round. Plus, getting from one adventure to the next is simple with our helpful How to Get Around Lynchburg guide. Here’s how to make the most of your visit — and your budget — in LYH.
Day 1
Start your morning with a little love! Take a self-guided LOVEworks Tour and visit some of Lynchburg’s most creative public art displays. Each installation celebrates the city’s personality through art, history, and community pride.
- Percival’s Island Natural Area – Located at the trailhead, this LOVEwork features icons of hiking, biking, paddling, and skateboarding — all activities you can enjoy right here on the trails.
- Craddock Terry Hotel – A shoe-shaped sculpture made of wood, glass, and mirrors, honoring the hotel’s origins as a shoe factory.
- University of Lynchburg – The first LOVEwork ever placed on a college campus in Virginia, with the school’s initials cleverly blended into the word “LOVE.”
- Madison House of the Arts – A creative piece featuring paintbrushes, film reels, and musical notes celebrating Lynchburg’s art scene.
📸 Don’t forget to tag your photos with #LOVEVA to “share the love!”
Add a playful twist to your morning with a Photo Scavenger Hunt. Split into teams or go solo to capture as many Lynchburg landmarks as you can.
Ideas to get started:
- Penny Loafer, the Craddock Terry Hotel’s resident fox terrier puppy
- The train exhibit at Riverside Park
- The landscape at Point of Honor
- The friendly goats at Old City Cemetery
- Any of the LOVEworks installations you found earlier!
This free activity makes for fun competition — and later, you can create a scrapbook of your day.
Enjoy an affordable lunch at one of Lynchburg’s top casual dining spots:
- Shakers Good Food & Drink – A local staple serving steaks, seafood, tacos, and comfort food favorites at great prices.
- Macado’s – Known for overstuffed sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes in a quirky, budget-friendly atmosphere.
- Aji Ramen & Sushi – A downtown favorite offering authentic Japanese ramen, creative sushi rolls, and flavorful rice bowls—all freshly prepared and reasonably priced.
You can’t visit LYH without a stop for dessert! Choose from several local favorites to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank:
- MayLynn’s Creamery – Handmade soft-serve in classic and seasonal flavors.
- Sweet Frog – Create your own frozen yogurt masterpiece with endless toppings.
As the sun dips, unwind with an evening walk through Downtown Lynchburg or a visit to Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum, one of the city’s most beautiful (and free) attractions. Enjoy the lotus pond, butterfly garden, and apple orchard — and don’t forget to say hi to Baxter, Morris, and Sampson, the friendly garden goats!
If you’re staying the night, Lynchburg offers plenty of budget-friendly lodging with great amenities:
- Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg – Family suites, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
- Comfort Inn & Suites – Free breakfast, WiFi, and a convenient location near restaurants and shopping.
Check directly with each hotel for current rates and availability.
From scenic trails to local eats, explore all the fun you can have in LYH without spending a fortune.
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank — and in Lynchburg, it’s easy to explore more while spending less. From public art and scenic trails to local eats and family fun, there are plenty of affordable ways to experience the Hill City year-round. Plus, getting from one adventure to the next is simple with our helpful How to Get Around Lynchburg guide. Here’s how to make the most of your visit — and your budget — in LYH.
Start your morning with a little love! Take a self-guided LOVEworks Tour and visit some of Lynchburg’s most creative public art displays. Each installation celebrates the city’s personality through art, history, and community pride.
- Percival’s Island Natural Area – Located at the trailhead, this LOVEwork features icons of hiking, biking, paddling, and skateboarding — all activities you can enjoy right here on the trails.
- Craddock Terry Hotel – A shoe-shaped sculpture made of wood, glass, and mirrors, honoring the hotel’s origins as a shoe factory.
- University of Lynchburg – The first LOVEwork ever placed on a college campus in Virginia, with the school’s initials cleverly blended into the word “LOVE.”
- Madison House of the Arts – A creative piece featuring paintbrushes, film reels, and musical notes celebrating Lynchburg’s art scene.
📸 Don’t forget to tag your photos with #LOVEVA to “share the love!”
Add a playful twist to your morning with a Photo Scavenger Hunt. Split into teams or go solo to capture as many Lynchburg landmarks as you can.
Ideas to get started:
- Penny Loafer, the Craddock Terry Hotel’s resident fox terrier puppy
- The train exhibit at Riverside Park
- The landscape at Point of Honor
- The friendly goats at Old City Cemetery
- Any of the LOVEworks installations you found earlier!
This free activity makes for fun competition — and later, you can create a scrapbook of your day.
Enjoy an affordable lunch at one of Lynchburg’s top casual dining spots:
- Shakers Good Food & Drink – A local staple serving steaks, seafood, tacos, and comfort food favorites at great prices.
- Macado’s – Known for overstuffed sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes in a quirky, budget-friendly atmosphere.
- Aji Ramen & Sushi – A downtown favorite offering authentic Japanese ramen, creative sushi rolls, and flavorful rice bowls—all freshly prepared and reasonably priced.
You can’t visit LYH without a stop for dessert! Choose from several local favorites to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank:
- MayLynn’s Creamery – Handmade soft-serve in classic and seasonal flavors.
- Sweet Frog – Create your own frozen yogurt masterpiece with endless toppings.
As the sun dips, unwind with an evening walk through Downtown Lynchburg or a visit to Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum, one of the city’s most beautiful (and free) attractions. Enjoy the lotus pond, butterfly garden, and apple orchard — and don’t forget to say hi to Baxter, Morris, and Sampson, the friendly garden goats!
If you’re staying the night, Lynchburg offers plenty of budget-friendly lodging with great amenities:
- Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg – Family suites, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
- Comfort Inn & Suites – Free breakfast, WiFi, and a convenient location near restaurants and shopping.
Check directly with each hotel for current rates and availability.
