LYH Compass Tour

DAY ONE – NORTH 

For your first day in Central Virginia, you will stay within the Lynchburg City limits which sits on the northern side of our region. 

Lynchburg Museum at the Old Courthouse, Explore the rich history of Lynchburg and Central Virginia. The Museum shares stories about the fascinating people and events that shaped our region through rotating exhibitions and their permanent collections. Old City Cemetery & Arboretum Established in 1806, this restored public cemetery is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Features include five small museums equipped with push-button audio. Interpretive plaques, signage, and brochures are available throughout the 26-acre site.

Continuing on with historic places, the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum was home to an 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 British Poetry. Take a tour of the house and garden that many Civil Rights luminaries visited during her lifetime.

For lunch visit the Depot Grille, this fun railroad-themed family restaurant is a local favorite and is housed in a former freight station. Order the ribs, you won’t be disappointed!

After a filling lunch you will make your way to the Point of Honor Historic Mansion and experience life during the early 1800’s as you explore the house and grounds of the original owner and builder, Dr. George Cabell. A tour of this historic Federal style home, with its classic architecture and period furnishings, gives insight into the lives of all who lived and worked in this remarkable home.

To give your legs a break the Historic District Driving Tour will take you through Lynchburg’s seven nationally designated historic districts.These prosperous neighborhoods sprang up during the mid to late 19th century when tobacco tycoons, shoe production, doctors, and attorneys made Lynchburg one of the wealthiest cities in the nation for its size. After looking at the different districts its time to check in to your hotel to freshen up before an evening in Downtown. The LYH food scene embraces influences from around the region, the country, and the world. We’re becoming a base for big-city chefs who want to live more balanced lives, explore local flavors and support local farms and food. We’ve got pub food for connoisseurs, cookies, bakeries, and ice cream galore, expertly-brewed espresso, and a world of international inspirations. Dinner is on your own this evening, so walk through the doors of any of our restaurants and you’ll be met with extraordinary flavor and attention to detail that will make you want to stay for hours. 

DAY TWO – SOUTH & EAST

Today you will travel south into neighboring Campbell County to visit historic estates/ museums before traveling east to Appomattox County to see where the documents were signed to end America’s Civil War. 

To begin a day of Civil War history you will start off at the Avoca Museum Built in 1901, Avoca is an American Queen Anne-style house and is the home site of Colonel Charles Lynch, a Revolutionary War hero. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Avoca also features an 1880s log cabin and is home to an impressive Civil War exhibit. 

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the last home and the burial place of American patriot Patrick Henry. He is best known for his five terms as governor of Virginia and his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech to the Virginia Convention in 1775. After a busy morning its time for lunch at the Babcock House. The House is a restored, turn-of-the-century inn, dating back to 1884. You will truly feel you have taken a step back in time as you dine here for lunch.

After a break and some food, you will make your way to the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the highlight of the Park is the McLean House where Generals Lee and Grant crafted and signed the terms of surrender. The walking tour allows you to see all buildings which are original to the site and have been restored to their original condition. Before finishing up the day you will explore the American Civil War Museum. Drawing from the rich collection of artifacts and documents, the American Civil War Museum allows the visitor to explore the lives of soldiers, civilians, and African Americans during our country’s most trying time. The exhibits detail events leading up to and following the War! After an educational day, its time for Dinner at Charley’s Restaurant, founded in 1980 by former Major League Baseball player Charley Sands, Charley’s has grown into one of Lynchburg’s favorite restaurants with steaks, seafood, salads and more. 

DAY THREE – WEST 

Today is the final full day in the Lynchburg region. You will travel west towards the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains into neighboring Bedford County to honor those who fought and perished during World War II and visit a President’s summer retreat. 

Starting off at the National D-Day Memorial, the Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day participants. Visitors can expect both an educational as well as an emotional experience, leaving with a clear understanding of the scale and sacrifices made during the largest amphibious landing the world has ever seen. After the D-Day memorial it’s time to enjoy lunch at Liberty Station! This restaurant is a historic railroad station restaurant, located in Downtown Bedford featuring delicious American fare, created with the best ingredients available. Be sure to save some room and grab a slice of Harry’s famous cheesecake.

After lunch, it’s time to visit Thomas Jefferson’s, Poplar Forest! The secluded retreat is now a National Historic Landmark. A mature and innovative architectural masterpiece, Jefferson designed the octagonal house during his second term as President of the United States. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest between the ages of 66-80 to rekindle his creativity, spend time with his grandchildren and escape the crowds at Monticello.

Return to Hotel to Relax and Freshen Up Head back to your hotel and get prepared for tonight’s festivities as this is your final evening with us in Lynchburg. A fantastic place to enjoy dinner is shoemakers American Grille, located in the Craddock Terry Hotel it treats guests to big-city dining in the heart of Downtown Lynchburg. Offering fine cuisine in an upscale industrial setting, its shoe-themed rooms and décor reflect Lynchburg’s past as one of the nation’s leading shoe-manufacturing cities during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. After dinner, we are not done yet! Enjoy a Performance at the Academy Center of the Arts. The Academy Center of the Arts, now part of the Academy Center of the Arts complex, is one of Lynchburg’s most notable historical treasures. The theater has undergone extensive restoration to return the building to its original state and reopened its doors.

DAY FOUR – FAREWELL 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before heading out of town to the next destination on your itinerary or heading home, you deserve a little bit of free time to explore Downtown Lynchburg’s shops. Lynchburg Community Market & Shopping Lynchburg takes to heart the Buy Local trend. Before leaving Lynchburg for your next destination, visit the Lynchburg Community Market, purportedly the third oldest continuously running farmer’s market in the country. Duck into one of the many unique shops that feature local artisans where you’ll find special reminders of your trip.