OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM TOUR
Did someone say field trip?! Is your classroom studying World War II, The Civil War, or one of our Presidents? If you answered yes to any of these, then Lynchburg and Central Virginia have you covered. The attractions on this itinerary are happy to team up with you and cater the content to fit within the required Standardized Learning Tests. So hop on board and let’s get outside of the classroom in LYH!
DAY ONE
National D-Day Memorial honors the Allied forces who shared in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, during World War II. 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. Next up is Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest! now a National Historic Landmark former President Thomas Jefferson enjoyed spending his time on this private retreat. 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.
For lunch, visit Depot Grille, a converted freight train station now great food and drink spot.
Lynchburg Museum at the Old Courthouse allows you to explore the rich history of Lynchburg and Central Virginia, and how Lynchburg played an integral part in the Civil War. The Museum shares stories about the fascinating people and events that shaped the region through rotating exhibitions and permanent collections. The Museum has created hands-on programs based on the Virginia Standards of Learning to help students reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.
Amazement Square is a museum dedicated to motivating children and adults of all backgrounds toward greater creativity and understanding of themselves and the world through hands-on learning. The museum’s exhibits and educational programs encourage all participants to explore the arts and humanities, culture, science, technology and their interdisciplinary relationships. Amazement Square offers four spacious floors of interactive exhibitions, workshops, and educational programming.
Check-in to Hotel: Lynchburg boasts an array of student-friendly hotels that are sure to suit any group’s needs.
Dinner & Bowling: Enjoy dinner at one of our group-friendly restaurants. Then put your game face on and enjoy a night of pin-crashing fun with your friends before settling into your hotel room for the night.
National D-Day Memorial
DAY TWO
Starting off with the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park commemorates the heroic acts which took place in April 1865 in this, the original village, to bring about the end of the Civil War. 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. American Civil War Museum draws 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. Exhibits detailed events leading up to and following the War.
For today’s lunch try Choice Hibachi Buffet, Golden Corral, or check out the new Food Hall at River Ridge Mall.
Experience Earth’s majestic wonders at SeaQuest! Interact with the innumerable species we share this planet with at this petting zoo aquarium. SeaQuest provides enhanced, age-specific STEM-centered adventures for all ages, inspiring the conservation and protection of our planet’s diverse inhabitants. Students will connect with animals and learn about their ecosystems through hands-on activities including feeding sharks and alligators! After all that fun return to the hotel to relax and freshen up
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. End a great adventure with Tubing at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center Located atop Liberty University’s serene 5,000-acre mountain, the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center is the country’s premier point for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Composed of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, spend the afternoon at this high-performance playground which is the first of its kind in the U.S.
Liberty Snowflex
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE ADD-ONS
Point of Honor Historic Mansion Experience life during the early 1800’s as you explore the house and grounds of the original owner and builder, Dr. George Cabell, whose patients included American patriot Patrick Henry. 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.
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 a Confederate burial ground with over 2,000 graves, significant African American history, and five small museums equipped with push-button audio. Interpretive plaques, signage, and brochures are available throughout the 26-acre site.
Historic District Driving Tour Our step-on guide 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.
Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum 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.