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. Want more Garden Day and ticket info? Visit the official site.


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 21, 2026, 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

Wild Grove Florals & Lexie & Lee
A dual treasure on Main Street — Wild Grove specializes in wildflower arrangements and gifts, while Lexie & Lee curates home décor and local artisan goods. Pick up a bouquet on your way home!

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.

Palmera House
Palmera House is the perfect place to purchase gorgeous pots and planters and home plants, and grab a glass of wine or a smoothie bowl.

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

If you didn’t get to the point of interest on Garden Day, be sure to check them out before you end the celebrations.

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
FarmBasket
Farm Basket is a full-service gift shop offering home décor, women’s clothing and accessories, children’s gifts, bridal registry services, custom stationery, gift baskets, and personalized gift wrapping. The shop also […]
View more about FarmBasket
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
Depot Grille
Located along the downtown riverfront, Depot Grille is a railroad-themed restaurant serving a wide variety of American fare in a unique historic setting. The restaurant features an antique bar and […]
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
Located along the James River in downtown Lynchburg, Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center is a boutique hotel and event venue housed in a restored historic shoe factory. The property […]
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
Lexie & Lee is a boutique offering women’s apparel, accessories, home goods, and lifestyle items. The shop features a curated selection of clothing and gifts, along with locally inspired products […]
View more about Lexie & Lee
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
Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante
Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante has been serving Lynchburg since 1990, offering classic Italian cuisine alongside chef-driven specials and an extensive wine selection. The menu features handmade pastas, stone-fired pizzas, […]
View more about Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante
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
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
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 […]
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 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