Artists, athletes, educators, businesspeople, tourists all gather here

Downtown Lynchburg is in the midst of a revitalization prompted by the restoration of historic buildings and residences as well as the influx of new business and arts and entertainment in the area.

Bluff Walk Center

The newly-opened hotel, restaurants and Event Center are located in the historic Craddock-Terry shoe factory and William King Jr. tobacco warehouse buildings. These two buildings were fully renovated in 2006-2007 and today are together known as Bluff Walk Center. The buildings are connected at several points. Bluff Walk’s historic roots are ever the focal point, with décor and ambiance appropriately emphasizing the history and people associated with these marvelous structures.

Academy of Fine Arts

The 1905 Academy of Music Theatre is one of Central Virginia’s most notable historic treasures of the last century. The renovations once completed will include restoration of the historic theatre, two historic buildings into an education center, art galleries, offices, lobbies, and open spaces. A flexible studio space for theatre productions, social events, and business meetings also completes the complex.

Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children’s Museum

Amazement Square is Central Virginia’s first multi-disciplinary, hands-on children’s museum. Climb, slide and discover as you make your way through four floors of exciting, interactive exhibits, activities and programs. Visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can explore global and regional topics, the arts and humanities, science and health-related themes, as well as expand their creativity.

Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark

The Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark is one of downtown’s newest additions. Right next door to Amazement Square, the skatepark, a joint venture between Amazement Square and the local Rotary Club, opened at the end of 2007.

Dance Theater of Lynchburg

The Dance Theatre of Lynchburg facility includes three spacious dance studios, a reception area, student lounge, the Helen McGehee Dance Library (featuring more than 300 dance books and films), the Laurie McCauley Costume Shop, and the Mezzanine Gallery & Café.

Historic Lynchburg Community Market

Since 1783, Lynchburg’s Community Market has established itself as a community focal point of river trade and commerce. It is open year round and still upholds the Market tradition of a community gathering place for commerce with regional grown produce, quality crafters and an array of eateries.

Riverviews Artspace

Riverviews Artspace presents exhibitions of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. The organization offers monthly poetry readings, open houses, film programs, art lectures, film festivals, performances, and classes. Riverviews Artspace is a private, non-profit art organization with galleries, public programs, open artist studios, classrooms, and shared performance studio.

Renaissance Theater

The theater, located on Commerce Street, offers an open space, excellent acoustics, and an inviting atmosphere to enjoy the best of local theatre.

Riverfront Festival Park

The riverfront is a site for concerts featuring nationally-known acts and festivals including Friday Cheers and the Batteau Festival.

Monument Terrace

Extending from Church Street to Court Street with 139 steps, Monument Terrace was built in 1924 as a memorial to citizens who fought and died in American wars. At the base of the monument steps is a listing of Lynchburg’s World War I dead and Charles Keck’s representation of a doughboy, “The Listening Post.”

Percival’s Island Natural Area

The island is approximately one and one-half miles long and goes across the historic James River to Amherst County. The old railroad bed is approximately one mile long and traverses the length of the island. The park includes walking trails and is maintained in its natural state as a haven for plants and animals. Fishing is permitted in accordance with State of Virginia fishing regulations.

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