Itinerary

Lynchburg Flourishes in Spring: A Garden Week Itinerary

Experience the beauty of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week as Lynchburg’s homes and landscapes come alive in full bloom.
Itinerary Overview

Before you start exploring, check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for the best parking and travel routes throughout the city.


2.5 Days
Daily Breakdown
1
Tuesday Morning – Begin Your Garden Day
8:30 AM
Experience Lynchburg’s Garden Day

Each spring, the Garden Club of Virginia hosts Historic Garden Week — “America’s Largest Open House.” Across eight days, visitors can tour more than 250 gardens, homes, and historic landmarks throughout Virginia.

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Lynchburg opens its gates for Garden Day, offering an unforgettable glimpse of private gardens in full bloom. Stroll through historic neighborhoods bursting with cherry blossoms, admire stunning floral arrangements, and celebrate the creativity and beauty that make springtime in LYH so special.

2
Tuesday Midday – Lunch Among the Blooms
12:30 PM
Choose a Charming Local Spot

The Farm Basket
Overlooking Blackwater Creek, this local favorite combines relaxed charm with scratch-made Southern fare. Enjoy soups, seasonal salads, and desserts like apple dapple cake or lemon nut bread. Don’t miss their boutique shop for kitchenware, gourmet snacks, and garden gifts.

Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
For a sophisticated yet cozy meal, head to Isabella’s for northern Italian-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a glass of wine or a peach Bellini on the patio to toast a day well spent.

Depot Grille
Located downtown along Jefferson Street, Depot Grille offers a lively railroad-themed atmosphere with views of the James River. Choose from sandwiches, seafood, and grilled favorites — and maybe cap it off with one of their signature milkshakes.

3
Tuesday Afternoon – Check In & Shop Local
3:30 PM
Relax and Unwind in Style

The Virginian Hotel
A landmark since 1913, The Virginian blends historic elegance with modern comfort. Enjoy a coffee at the lobby café, or head up to the rooftop Skyline Grill for a sunset cocktail and city views.

The Craddock Terry Hotel
Once a shoe factory, now a boutique gem. Each room offers unique architectural details and views of the James River or Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t forget to say hello to Penny Loafer, the hotel’s four-legged greeter.

Local Airbnbs & Inns
Prefer a more personal touch? Lynchburg’s Airbnbs and local inns offer charming, design-forward spaces that make you feel right at home.

4
Wednesday Morning – Shop Home & Garden Favorites
9:00 AM
Shop Home & Garden Favorites

Irvington Spring Farm
Pick up a bouquet of freshly cut flowers or bring home native plants for your own pollinator garden. Everything here is grown right on-site.

The Hip Tulip & Lexie & Lee
A dual treasure on Main Street — The Hip Tulip specializes in wildflower arrangements and gifts, while Lexie & Lee curates home décor and local artisan goods.

Virginia Garden Supply
From perennials to pottery, this is your one-stop shop for gardening essentials and seasonal plants to brighten your own outdoor space.

5
Wednesday Afternoon – Garden-Inspired Dining
1:00 PM
Treat Yourself to a Garden-to-Table Meal

Skyline Grill
Located atop The Virginian, this rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking views of downtown. Savor seafood specialties, craft cocktails, and an excellent wine list while surrounded by mountain scenery.

Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Restaurant
A modern Italian kitchen serving steaks, seafood, and classic regional dishes. Their seasonal menu and refined atmosphere make it perfect for a midweek treat.

The Dahlia
A Lynchburg staple and one of the city’s oldest restaurants. Expect hearty pub-style dishes, fresh seafood, and a true local’s welcome.

6
Thursday Morning – A Farewell Among Flowers
9:00 AM
Explore Lynchburg’s Historic Gardens

Anne Spencer House & Garden
The home of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer features her lovingly restored garden, pond, and writing cottage. Press the interactive voice boxes to learn about her life and the historic figures who once visited.

Point of Honor
Tour this early 1800s Federal-style home, once owned by Dr. George Cabell, with sweeping views of the James River. Don’t miss the restored gardens and the stories they hold.

Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum
Founded in 1806, this 27-acre public garden and history park features antique roses, native plants, and one of the state’s largest arboretums — a must-see for any gardener or historian.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Visit Jefferson’s private retreat to see architecture and gardens inspired by classical ideals. This National Historic Landmark is a living restoration project supported by the Garden Club of Virginia — the perfect place to close your Garden Week adventure.

Before You Go

Thank you for celebrating Historic Garden Week in Virginia with us! We hope the blooms, history, and hospitality of Lynchburg have inspired you to return soon.

Explore more Things to Do, or download the Visitor Guide to plan your next trip to The Hill City.

Featured In This Itinerary
The Farm Basket
Farm Basket catering and events brings the same creative approach to entertaining as our signature farmbasket brand. Whatever the occasion, farmbasket delivers a memorable event. Looking for a unique venue […]
View more about The Farm Basket
Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
Experience Isabella’s northern Italian Cuisine in an upscale casual atmosphere. Featuring gourmet pizzas, pastas, Tuscan grilled meats and fresh seafood. Reservations accepted.
View more about Isabella’s Italian Trattoria
Depot Grille
Fun, railroad-themed family restaurant located on the riverfront downtown. Offering a broad range of American fare for business and casual lunch, or romantic dinner. The unique location offers a different […]
View more about Depot Grille
The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
A centerpiece of downtown Lynchburg since 1913, The Virginian was thoughtfully restored to its historic grandeur and refreshed with modern amenities. Walk to restaurants and shops, stroll along the James […]
View more about The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center
What was once a turn-of-the-century shoe factory is now a residential-style boutique hotel blending the urban architecture of two landmark brick warehouses with the fashionable styling of a modern hotel. […]
View more about Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center
Irvington Spring Farm
Venture out to Lynchburg’s one and only cut flower farm that is open to the public seasonally (March-October). Irvington Spring Farm sells fresh-cut flowers and potted pollinator plants directly from […]
View more about Irvington Spring Farm
Lexie & Lee
In partnership with the Hip Tulip downtown, Lexie & Lee offers a collection of capsule-worthy clothes. 
View more about Lexie & Lee
The Skyline Grill
On the rooftop of The Virginian is the Skyline Grill, the only rooftop dining in downtown Lynchburg. With exceptional views of the city, both inside and out, you’ll enjoy delectable […]
View more about The Skyline Grill
Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante
Stylish eatery with a patio offering locally sourced seafood and steak dishes, craft cocktails, homemade pastas with a plethora of wine options! Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante has been a […]
View more about Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante
The Dahlia
Authentic Pub Grub, and Surf and Turf, in Lynchburg, VA The Dahlia is your premier choice for exquisite pub-grub and excellent seafood at great prices. They’ve been in business since […]
View more about The Dahlia
The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Internationally acclaimed poet who was part of the Harlem Renaissance, Anne Spencer was the only black woman and the only Virginian included in the Norton Anthology of Modern American and […]
View more about The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Point of Honor
Visit Point of Honor and discover the charm and surroundings of life in the early 1800’s. A tour of this remarkable Federal style home, with its classic architecture and rich […]
View more about Point of Honor
Old City Cemetery
Established in 1806, this restored public cemetery is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive plaques, signage, and brochures are available throughout the 27-acre site. […]
View more about Old City Cemetery
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Just a short ten-minute drive to the west of Lynchburg, Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s secluded retreat, now a National Historic Landmark. A mature and innovative architectural masterpiece, Jefferson designed […]
View more about Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest