Girls walking under pink cherry blossoms on fifth street, butterfly mural on exterior of building behind them
Itinerary

Spring Guide in LYH

Itinerary Overview

Spring in LYH is calling! Your go-to guide for the season is here! From sunny patios to blooming streets and everything in between, here’s how to make the most of spring in LYH.

Plan A Visit to See LYH in THE Spring


1 Day
Daily Breakdown
1
Where to Find Spring Blooms
  • Awareness Garden: Located along the Blackwater Creek Trail in Lynchburg, the Awareness Garden offers a peaceful space with beautiful blooms and a reflective memorial honoring those impacted by cancer.
  • Riverside Park: Riverside Park offers scenic views of the James River alongside open green spaces, walking trails, and seasonal blooms throughout the park.
  • Old City Cemetery: Old City Cemetery features a beautiful garden with hundreds of native plants and Virginia’s largest collection of antique roses, making it a must-visit spot for spring blooms.
  • Anne Spencer Home & Garden: Anne Spencer House is the only known restored garden of an African American in the United States, maintained by Hillside Garden Club. Be sure to check out the rose garden, which includes all of Anne Spencer’s original roses.
  • Miller Claytor House: Features a charming historic setting surrounded by a colorful garden, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy spring blooms.

BEST SPOTS TO SEE SPRING BLOOMS

2
Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
  • Isabella’s Italian Trattoria: Dishes range from traditional Italian antipasti to hand-tossed pizzas, salads, fresh house made pasta, seafood, seasonal entrees, and desserts
  • Bentley’s on Bedford: Located in the heart of Lynchburg, Bentley’s on Bedford is set in a beautifully restored fueling station and offers a unique mix of small plates and American cuisine in a charming, character-filled space.
  • Iron & Ale: Fresh, flavorful fare with an extensive beer and cocktail selection, served in a comfortable setting with outdoor seating.
  • Eight O’ One: Eight O One Raw Bar is a premier seafood spot offering fresh oysters, seafood boils, and a full bar alongside a diverse menu of sandwiches, pasta, and more.
  • Truss: A stylish eatery with sleek, modern décor and a carefully crafted menu offering cocktails and creative main courses.
  • Skyline Bar & Grill: Located atop The Virginian Hotel, this rooftop spot offers chef-inspired seafood dishes, craft cocktails, and cozy fireplaces for a chic atmosphere.
  • The Vaughan Garage: The Vaughan offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music nights, weekend brunch, and a lineup of upcoming events to enjoy.
  • The Water Dog: A riverside favorite serving craft brews, raw oysters, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. Enjoy the splash park and a 150” screen projector for game days.
  • Neighbor’s Place: Casual family dining with a diverse menu including steaks, fresh seafood, burgers, and a full-service bar.

RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR SEATING

3
Upcoming Spring Events
  • April 4: Spring Thomas Jefferson’s Wine Festival Poplar Forest
  • April 9-12: 2026 PDGA Champions Cup
  • April 18: Lynchburg Wine & Music Festival at City Stadium
  • April 18-25: Historic Garden Week
  • April 21: Historic Garden Day in LYH
  • April 19: Blooms & Brews
  • April 24: Amphitheater Free Community Event
  • May 2: International Festival
  • May 2: Antique Rose Festival at Old City Cemetery
  • May 8: Everclear at the Amphitheater
  • May 21: Dwight Yoakam & ZZ Top: Dos Amigos Tour at Lynchburg Amphitheater
  • June 19 & 20: 41st Annual Batteau Festival  

lyh events calendar

4
Coffee Spots
  • Golf Park Coffee Co: 2306 Bedford Ave
  • Montana Plains: 4925 Boonsboro Road
  • The Loving Co.: 901 Jefferson Street
  • The Muse Coffee and Roastery: 1509 Enterprise Drive
  • Nomad Coffee at Blackwater Creek Trail: 1700 Old Langhorne Road
  • Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co.: 3700 Candlers Mountain Road Suites 8 & 9
  • Buttercup + Friends: 6103 Boonsboro Road
  • Hill City Donuts: 500 Fifth Street
  • Troublemaker Cafe: 2236 Lakeside Drive
  • Cafe Monte Bello: 828 Main Street Suite 302

WHERE TO FIND YOUR NEXT CUP OF COFFEE

5
Outdoor Activities
  • Walk or bike the Blackwater Creek Trail: The Blackwater Creek Trail is a scenic paved path perfect for walking and biking, featuring a historic rail bed, creekside views, and connections to the city’s larger trail system.
  • Hollins Mill: Hollins Mill Park offers shaded picnic areas, scenic views of Blackwater Creek and the historic dam, along with trail access and a canoe/kayak launch for fishing and paddling.
  • Ivy Creek Park: Ivy Creek Park is a peaceful green space featuring a scenic lake, ADA-accessible trails, and opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing in nature.
  • Percival’s Island Natural Area: Percival’s Island features a scenic paved trail along the James River, offering peaceful views, wildlife spotting, and easy access for walking, biking, and fishing.
  • Riverside Park: Riverside Park offers scenic river views, walking trails, playgrounds, and a seasonal sprayground, along with unique historic features like a train display and engineering landmarks.
  • James River Adventures: Located along the James River, James River Adventures offers canoe, kayak, and batteau experiences with guided tours and scenic paddles through both downtown Lynchburg and its surrounding natural landscapes.
  • Kiwannis Centennial Riverfront Playground: Located in downtown Lynchburg, Kiwannis Centennial Riverfront Park features a vibrant, ADA-accessible playground, scenic river views, and access to trails and an upcoming amphitheater for community events.
  • Peaks View Park: Peaks View Park is one of the city’s largest outdoor spaces, offering trails, disc golf, sports fields, playgrounds, and a variety of recreational amenities for all ages.
  • Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre: Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre offers year-round skiing and snowboarding on a unique synthetic slope, along with tubing, lessons, and scenic mountain views.
  • Hill City Howlers Baseball Game: The Hill City Howlers are a High-A minor league baseball team that brings exciting games to Calvin Falwell Field, offering a fun, family-friendly atmosphere all season long.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

6
Places for Drinks
  • Hueso Loco: This vibrant cantina serves up bold bites like tacos, burritos, and aguachiles alongside creative cocktails in a lively, flavor-packed atmosphere.
  • Palmera House: Unwind with friends and enjoy a nourishing meal or explore their curated collection of home goods and greenery. Perfect for relaxing a cold beverage and healthy meal. 
  • No. 7 Rooftop Bar: No. 7 Rooftop Bar offers sweeping views of the city and James River alongside craft cocktails, wine, and a cozy open-air patio with fire pits.
  • Starr Hill on Main: Starr Hill Brewery is a pioneering craft brewery and one of Virginia’s oldest, offering a wide selection of beers in a laid-back taproom setting.
  • Raven Lounge: Lynchburg’s premier wine and charcuterie bar! Raven Lounge offers wine cocktails, wine slushies, mocktails, intense list of mimosas and beers!
  • Three Roads Brewing Co.: Three Roads Brewing Company is set in a former Ford dealership and offers a relaxed taproom experience with indoor and outdoor seating, live music, games, community events, and craft beer.
  • Cavalier Store: The Cavalier is a beloved local staple set in a historic carriage house, known for its carve-your-table tradition, eclectic decor, and classic burgers and seasoned fries.
  • Trailhead: Trailhead offers a welcoming indoor-outdoor setting with a covered deck and fire pit, perfect for relaxing with friends over quality food after a day of exploring.

eat & drink

Featured In This Itinerary
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
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
Nomad Coffee Company – Blackwater Creek Trail
Enjoy a cup of coffee at the physical Nomad Coffee Company location, and check out the awesome LOVE sign made from coffee! Go to the website to learn more about […]
View more about Nomad Coffee Company – Blackwater Creek Trail
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
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
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
Come to Lynchburg during Historic Garden Week
The Awareness Garden
Awareness Garden is a public memorial garden located along the Blackwater Creek Trail where visitors can reflect on and honor individuals affected by cancer. The space features landscaped walking paths, […]
View more about The Awareness Garden
Claytor Nature Center
Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Claytor Nature Center is a scenic environmental education and research property featuring woodlands, wetlands, streams, and part of the Big Otter […]
View more about Claytor Nature Center
Miller Claytor House
The Miller-Claytor House, erected in 1791 for tavern keeper John Miller, is Lynchburg’s only remaining 18th-century town house. Serving as an historic exhibit, the two-story frame building is an intriguing […]
View more about Miller Claytor House
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 […]
View more about Riverside Park
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
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 […]
View more about Truss
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
Delicious pizza and fries at The Vaughan Garage
The Vaughan Garage
Housed in a historic garage building in downtown Lynchburg, The Vaughan Garage combines casual dining, live entertainment, and a unique self-serve tap wall. Guests can enjoy burgers, wings, brunch favorites, […]
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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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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 […]
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Golf Park Coffee Co.
More than just a coffee shop, Golf Park Coffee Co. is a community gathering place built around quality coffee and local connection. Serving expertly crafted coffee, espresso, and tea, the […]
View more about Golf Park Coffee Co.
The Original Montana Plains Bakery
The Original Montana Plains Bakery is a family-owned bakery and café established in 1996. It is known for scratch-made baked goods, including breads, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, and cakes, along […]
View more about The Original Montana Plains Bakery
The Loving Co.
The Loving Co. seamlessly combines a coffee shop and retail space, serving a variety of delicious menu items while showcasing locally-made products available for purchase throughout the store.
View more about The Loving Co.
The Muse Coffee Company
The Muse Coffee Company is a locally owned coffee shop serving specialty coffee, tea, and house-made baked goods in a comfortable, multi-level space.
View more about The Muse Coffee Company
Nomad Coffee Company
Nomad Coffee Company operates a mobile coffee setup that rotates between different locations across the Lynchburg area throughout the week. The menu features espresso drinks, cold brew, and seasonal coffee […]
View more about Nomad Coffee Company
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.
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 […]
View more about Hill City Donuts
Troublemaker Cafe
Troublemaker Cafe is a casual, family-friendly coffee and sandwich shop located inside Givens Books & Little Dickens. It serves specialty coffees, breakfast items, pastries, and artisanal sandwiches in a relaxed […]
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Cafe Monte Bello
Cafe Monte Bello is a cozy downtown coffee shop serving handcrafted espresso drinks, cold brew, chai, matcha, and grab-and-go snacks in a welcoming atmosphere featuring local art and goods. 
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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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Peaks View Park
Peaks View Park is the second largest park in Lynchburg, offering a mix of active recreation and trails. The park includes lighted tennis courts, seven multi-purpose fields, volleyball and basketball […]
View more about Peaks View Park
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Liberty Snowflex is a year-round outdoor recreation destination featuring a synthetic ski and snowboard slope designed for all-season use. Visitors can ski or snowboard on a surface that mimics snow, […]
View more about Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Hill City Howlers
The Hill City Howlers are Lynchburg’s Minor League Baseball team and the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Home games are played at City Stadium and feature a full season […]
View more about Hill City Howlers
Hueso Loco
Hueso Loco is a downtown Lynchburg cantina serving tacos, burritos, aguachiles, and shareable bites alongside a full cocktail menu. Signature items include the Mondo Burger, salmon and mahi-mahi tacos, and […]
View more about Hueso Loco
Palmera House
Palmera House combines a café, natural wine bar, and boutique, serving smoothie bowls, wraps, salads, charcuterie, natural wines, and craft beverages alongside a curated selection of plants, planters, home goods, […]
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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 […]
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Starr Hill on Main Brewery
Starr Hill on Main is a taproom and brewery space in a restored building on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg that opened in 2020 and quickly became a local gathering […]
View more about Starr Hill on Main Brewery
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 […]
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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
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
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, […]
View more about Trailhead