The last year proved to be an exciting one in Lynchburg, Virginia. Countless festivals, art installations, community events and new businesses kept Lynchburg visitors and residents busy and bustling. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited Lynchburg, here are a few new restaurants, hotels and shops to keep an eye out for.
The Academy Center of the Arts
The Academy Center of the Arts opened this December for the first time in 60 years. Restored to its 100 year old glory, the Academy Center of the Arts was once a mecca of Vaudeville entertainment. Now, the Academy will be home to gallery exhibits, live music, dance, theatre performances and more.
Photo credit: Skyline at the Virginian, via.
The Virginian
The Virginian Hotel is another Lynchburg legacy that has been restored to its former glory. Built in 1913, The Virginian got its start as a hotel and experienced decades of grandeur until switching into a college dormitory and then a subsidized housing unit. Now, over 100 years later, The Virginian is home again to a luxury hotel, complete with a cosmopolitan rooftop bar, high-end steakhouse, quaint cafe and newly restored ballroom.
Hoppy Books
Mixing a love of craft beer and literary works, Hoppy Books specializes in used books and has a diverse selection of local, regional and national craft brews, hard ciders and wine.
Photo credit: Daughters and Sons Pizza, via
Daughters and Sons Pizza
As part of the 5th Street Revival, Daughters and Sons Pizza opened up on 5th Street in 2018. Serving Sicilian style square pizza with a handmade focaccia dough, salads and sandwiches, Daughters and Sons was created to be a place that offers great food, fun ambiance and friendly service in the Arts and Culture neighborhood.
Small Batch Barbecue
Located on Bedford Avenue, Small Batch services fresh and simple barbecue and a diverse bourbon and beer menu. On their menu you’ll find barbecue that has been slow cooked in the classic Southern style and a flavor profile that has a smoky, and sweet influence.
Rendez-Vous
Opened up right in the heart of Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg, Rendez-Vous serves up traditional French and Caribbean cuisine. Here, you can sample from their menu of eclectic finds such as Escargot and Goat Curry, as well as more traditional offerings like Arroz con Pollo and Cassoulette. Restaurant goers can cap the meal off with beer on tap, or by sampling from the generous cocktail menu (tip: they have the only Sazerac in the city!).
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Photo credit: Chill City Pops, via
Chill City Pops
Even though it’s new on the scene, people are already keeping their eyes peeled for Chill City Pops pop-ups. Offering gourmet ice pops crafted right in Lynchburg with the freshest fruit and ingredients, Chill City Pops will show up at local events, but can also be found at their permanent location on Wards Road (including their waffle pops for more cold-weather-friendly food!).
Get out and explore Lynchburg
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, returning after an extended absence, or are an old friend to our city, get out and explore the new and old businesses alike in our city. Don’t forget to share with us on social media, or even reach out to us for help planning your next visit.