It’s easy to fall in love with Lynchburg when every day brings about a new discovery. From your initial glimpse at the spectacular views of the majestic mountains and peaceful lakes to the first visit to a one-of-a-kind historical park, cultural exhibition, festival, concert or show, visitors and residents alike love to discover Central Virginia in every direction!
Lynchburg
Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children’s Museum
(434) 845-1888
Right off of the James River in downtown Lynchburg, this museum offers children a whole new place to explore science, culture, and art in a unique and interactive way.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a scenic drive through Bedford, Amherst and Nelson counties! Now in its 5th year, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers its visitors grand views of the mountains and valleys that will keep them enticed for hours.
The Community Market
(434) 455-4485
Lynchburg boasts the third oldest farmer’s market in the country, located on the corner of 12th and Main Streets in downtown Lynchburg. Every Monday through Saturday, the Market offers fresh fruits, veggies, breads, arts and crafts.
Miller-Claytor House
(434) 847-1640
Believed to be the 4th house built in Lynchburg, the Miller-Claytor House, near the entrance of Riverside Park, is Lynchburg's only remaining 18th-century town house.
Monument Terrace
Easily one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, each level of this recently renovated memorial pays homage to those from Lynchburg who lost their lives in the armed service, from the Civil War to Vietnam.
Old City Cemetery
(434) 847-1465
Home to the final resting place of over 20,000, including many Confederate soldiers, this cemetery features a hearse museum, a chapel, the Pest House Medical Museum and year-round lectures and tours.
Point of Honor
(434) 455-6226
This early 19th century mansion, nestled in the heart of Lynchburg, was once the residence of Patrick Henry’s personal physician, George Cabell.
AMHERST/NELSON COUNTIES
Crabtree Falls
(800) 732-5821
Billed as the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Crabtree Falls offers outdoor enthusiasts a place to stretch their legs on the trails while taking in the beauty of the five cascades as water flows down the mountain.
Oak Ridge Estate
(434) 263-8676
Oak Ridge is a 200-year-old estateformerly owned by a number of prominent businessmen throughout Virginia’s history. Open for tours year-round.
Walton’s Mountain Museum
(434) 831-2000
Located in Nelson County, across the street from the childhood home of the television show’s creator and John-Boy’s alter ego, Earl Hamner, this museum is full of Walton family fun.
APPOMATTOX COUNTY
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
(434) 332-5996
This national park is the place where the leader of the Confederate Army, Robert E. Lee, surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, General-in-Chief of the Union Army, therefore ending the Civil War. The majority of the buildings on this site are original and have been maintained just as they were on April 9, 1865.
Clover Hill Village
(434) 352-3996
Experience the daily life of Appomattox between the years of 1840-1920 at this enchanting 6-acre village featuring a general store, blacksmith, one-room schoolhouse, quiet, little chapel and a cozy
log cabin.
Cub Creek Pottery
(434) 248-5074
Get inspired as you watch the artists at this local apprentice-style pottery studio create works of art. Cub Creek Pottery is located on the edge of Appomattox County in the western foothills.
BEDFORD COUNTY
The Avenel
(540) 586-1814
Built in 1838, The Avenel is one of the region’s most unique architectural treasures, offering a venue for current educational, social and political activities.
National D-Day Memorial
(540) 586-3329
In remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Normandy Invasion of 1944, the National D-Day Memorial is designed to honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Peaks of Otter
(540) 586-4496
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, three mountains make up the majestic Peaks ofOtter at an elevation of 4,200 feet. Guests can enjoy numerous hiking trails, picnic clearings, campgrounds, fishing holes, cozy lodges and a charming restaurant.
Thomas Jefferson’s Popular Forest
(434) 525-1806
Thomas Jefferson's octagonal retreat home still serves as a place of learning and discovery, as current preservation efforts and concentrated archeological activity ensure that Jefferson’s beloved estate will be around for generations to come.
CAMPBELL COUNTY
Avoca Museum
(434) 376-2044
This Queen Anne-style house is the home and burial place of Colonel Charles Lynch, a Revolutionary War patriot and brother of Lynchburg’s founder, John Lynch. Tours are offered from mid-April to mid-October.
OTHER AREA ATTRACTIONS
Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial
(434) 376-2044
Red Hill serves as the last home and burial place for the fiery legislator and orator Patrick Henry. Today, this working farm is home to seven historic buildings including the reconstructed main house and Henry’s law office.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
(540) 721-2094
This monument honors the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington, who rose out of slavery to prominence as an educator, orator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Monacan Indian Village and Museum
(434) 946-2531
The Monacan Indian Nation, located near Natural Bridge, is a small tribe composed of 1,000 people. The tribal museum was developed by the Monacans with grants from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, the Sweetgrass Foundation and the Easley Foundation.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
LYNCHBURG
The James River Batteau Festival
Once every year, a week-long excursion down the James River is taken to celebrate the Batteau raft and the purposes that it served many years ago. Local communities and civic groups gather to rebuild these historic rafts and enjoy a leisurely trip along the James.
Celebrate America
As the biggest fireworks display in Central Virginia, this 4th of July event is sponsored by Thomas Road Baptist church and offers carnival rides, popcorn, music, tours and games. The day is concluded with a brilliant display of fireworks.
Friday Cheers
During summer evenings in downtown Lynchburg, Friday Cheers helps raise money for local non-profit organizations while offering guests a weekly concert headlined by local and nationally-known bands.
Kaleidoscope
Every year, during the month of September, Lynchburg residents can attend the collage of multi-cultural events known as Kaleidoscope, including the Virginia 10 Miler, Day in the Park, the Lynchburg Art Festival and Lynchburg Craft Show.
Garden Day
Garden Day is Lynchburg’s event during the annual History Garden Week in Virginia, and is the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour event in the country.
Virginia Christmas Spectacular
Since 1971, this Broadway-style production during the first two weekends of December has grown to feature twin giant “living” Christmas trees, hundreds of thousands of lights and the lively Thomas Road Choir.
Winterfest
Ring in the New Year with Liberty University’s Winterfest. One of the most popular celebrations of Christian rock, this weekend conference features high-profile artists and speakers.
Christmas at Point of Honor
This event recreates the Christmas seasons of the early 19th-century Federation.
AMHERST COUNTY
Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival
Every October, Rebec Vineyard in Amherst County attracts thousands of garlic and wine lovers.
Steeplechase
The Steeplechase Horse Competition at Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and its proceeds go to the Jubilee Center for Lynchburg’s at-risk youth.
Monacan Powwow
The annual Monacan Powwow features Native American dancers, drummers and artists from Virginia and across the country.
APPOMATTOX COUNTY
Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival
Held on the second full weekend in October, families enjoy small town life with a parade down Main Street, craft vendors, live bands, food, fireworks and, of course, train rides.
BEDFORD COUNTY
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
Held each year in September, this two day event draws tasters and non-tasters alike to a weekend of live music and local wineries.
Centerfest
Each year, Bedford celebrates small town life with a day-long event held on a Saturday in the early fall. Streets fill up with guests who enjoy car and motorcycle shows, food vendors, artisans, craft vendors, kid’s activities and a concert at night.
Elks Home Christmas Lights
Hailed by locals as the “Christmas Capital of Virginia,” hundreds of thousands of lights cover this retirement community for a holiday scene not to be missed each year.
Horse & Hound Wine Festival
Held in July, enjoy wine from 8 of Virginia's finest wineries while listening to good music and visiting art, craft and food vendors. Virginia's most unique wine festival has events throughout the day with horses & dogs as the primary attractions such as the Parade of Horses, agility dogs and muskrat racing.
CAMPBELL COUNTY
Uncle Billy’s Day
www.unclebillysdayfestival.com
Pony rides, firefighter exhibits and live music draw crowds to the town of Altavista. Over the years, this summer event has turned into a block party and giant reunion and remains one of the largest flea markets around.
Golfing
Amherst County
Poplar Grove Golf Club:
(434) 946-9933; 18 holes, Par 73
Winton Golf Course:
(434) 946-5134; 18 holes, Par 71
Bedford County
Ivy Hills Golf Club:
(434) 525-2680; 18 holes, Par 72
London Downs Golf Club:
(434) 525-4653; 18 holes, Par 72
Mariners Landing Golf and Country Club:
(540) 297-7888; 18 holes, Par 72
Poplar Forest:
(434) 525-0473; 9 holes
Colonial Hills Golf Club:
(434) 525-3954; 18 holes, Par 71
Peaks Par 3 Golf Course:
(434) 528-3458
Nelson County
Stoney Creek Golf Course at Wintergreen:
(434) 325-2200; 27 holes, Par 72
Wintergreen Golf Resort - Devil's Knob:
(434) 325-2200; 18 holes, Par 72
Orchards
Amherst/Nelson County
- Morris Orchard: (434) 929-2401
- The Apple Shed: (434) 263-8843
- Drumheller's Orchard: (434) 563-5036
- Saunder's Brothers Orchard: (434) 277-5455
- Mountain Cove Orchard: (434) 263-5392
Bedford County
- Gross Orchard Apple Valley: (540) 586-2436
- Johnson’s Orchard: (540) 586-3707
Vineyards/Wineries
Amherst/Nelson County
- Rebec Vineyards: (434) 946-5168
- Mountain Cove Vineyard and Winery: (434) 263-5392
- Wintergreen Vineyard and Winery: (434) 361-2519
- Hilltop Berry Farm and Winery: (434) 361-1266
- Delfosse Vineyard and Winery: (434) 263-6100
- Veritas Winery: (540) 456-8000
- Afton Mountain Winery: (540) 456-8667
- Cardinal Pointe: (540) 456-8400
Bedford County
- LeoGrande Winery: (540) 586-4066
- Savoy-Lee Winery: (540) 297-9275
- Hickory Hill Vineyards: (540) 296-1393
- White Rock Vineyards & Winery: (540) 890-3359
- Peaks of Otter Winery: (540) 586-3707
