Celebrate Graduation Week in LYH
We are so thankful to welcome family and friends during graduation week in LYH! We want to give a special congratulations to all graduates of Central Virginia Community College, Liberty University, Randolph College, Sweet Briar College, The University of Lynchburg, and the Virginia University of Lynchburg. Thank you for spending the last few years here with LYH as the backdrop for your education. We hope you come back to visit us often… or even decide to put down roots with us and live and work here!
In honor of graduation week, we’ve created a special itinerary to show off the LYH experience to your family and friends.
Thursday Evening – Welcome to Lynchburg!
After a long day’s travel, there is nothing better than enjoying a relaxing cocktail to help settle in and decompress. Enjoy a specialty cocktail with a sunset and cityscape view at the Skyline Grill at the Virginian Hotel paired with tapas plates. Or if you prefer a locally brewed beer, be sure to check out Starr Hill on Main or Three Roads Brewing where you can sip on some locally themed brews.
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Friday Morning Brunch & Exploration
After a well-rested night at one of our lodging options, catch breakfast with your graduate-to-be at My Dog Duke’s Diner where you can enjoy “The Lynchburg” – country-fried sausage, scrambled eggs, pimento cheese, and a toasted English muffin, or indulge in the delightfully fluffy sweet potato pancakes from the southern themed restaurant, Market at Main.
After fueling up on brunch, stretch your travel-lagged legs on the James River Heritage Trail where you can catch gorgeous views of Blackwater Creek and the James River. Bike, Walk, or run over to the Percival’s Island Overlook Bridge on the 9.5-mile trail that passes through the heart of historic Lynchburg. Rent a bike for the afternoon from Bikes Unlimited and ride along the scenic setting where the James River meets the Blue Ridge Mountains.
While you’re close to the downtown area, you might as well enjoy our historic downtown and some local shopping where you can shop for gifts, antiques, and boutique clothing. We recommend stopping by Lexie & Lee, Gilded, Beeswax Candle Company, and Estates & Consignments.
Enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River scenery at the Overlook at Percival’s Island Bridge
If you have little ones with you, keep them entertained and engaged at Seaquest or Amazement Square. Amazement Square Lynchburg’s award-winning and hands-on children’s museum is located on Jefferson Street in Downtown Lynchburg. Observe how a bee colony works at the Bee In the Know exhibit, an interactive and live exhibition that explores the critical importance of bees in our daily lives, and how we can learn much from these amazing insects.
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Still have some time on your hands? Venture out to one of our major attractions, like Thomas Jefferson’s vacation home at Poplar Forest, or the National D-Day Memorial, which was constructed to honor those who died on June 6, 1944. The National D-Day Memorial features a 44-foot tall arch, a reflecting pool, and a captivating scene that symbolizes the fight that took place on the beaches of Normandy.
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Friday Evening Celebratory Dinner and Ice Cream
Treat your graduate to a celebration dinner at one of our fine dining establishments like Shoemakers American Grille, or William & Henry Steakhouse. *Insider Tip- You may want to make a reservation ahead of time as restaurants tend to fill up quickly during graduation week! After Dinner, tame your sweet tooth at Maylynn’s Creamery where you can get made-to-order soft-serve ice cream, or stop by Outside the Cone where you can enjoy homemade ice cream, or treat yourself to hand-rolled ice cream at Rolled Cold Creamery.
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Saturday Graduation Day
Before the Commencement Ceremony begins, step into the Community Market to grab a muffin or Danish from Fathers Café & Bakery and a cup of artisan coffee to go from Grains of Sense. The Lynchburg Community Market is the 2nd oldest continually operating outdoor farmer’s market in the country. The indoor/outdoor market hosts local artisans, fresh produce and meats, and restaurants.
Pick your own veggies and talk to farmers at the Community Market downtown.
After the ceremony, enjoy lunch or dinner out at Iron & Ale where you can enjoy lobster Mac & Cheese and gourmet burgers. Be sure to get your photo in front of one of our many LOVE signs out in front. Or, dig into a more of a laid-back atmosphere at The Water Dog where you can slurp on Virginia oysters or eat a Po’boy sandwich while overlooking the Riverfront Park.
After a full day of graduation activities, be sure to fuel up on some caffeine at one of our local coffee shops. Savor last-minute views at LYH’s most iconic spots. Visit the recently restored stone overlook at Riverside Park where you can get exceptional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the James River, or snap your picture in front of Lynchburg’s premier LOVE sign at Percival’s Island… after all, you didn’t really visit LYH unless you get your photo taken at the LOVE sign!
Pose for a photo at the LOVE sign- Photo by Jake & Katie Photography (www.jakeandkatie.co).
Sunday- Farewell
After you’re done helping your new grad move out of the dorms, grab some pizza to-go to enjoy on the trip home from Jo Jo’s pizza or Blaze Pizza. Be sure to come back to visit; LYH will miss you and your graduate!
Lodging Tip- During Commencement, nearby accommodations may be difficult to find. Make sure to book well in advance. Here is a comprehensive list of hotel and lodging options for your stay in LYH.
Download our full Visitor Guide