Co-written by Krista Boothby, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator with the Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Once the competition is over, it is time for more fun! Check out the list below of some exciting things to do in – and around Lynchburg during (or before and after) your next sporting event.1. LOVE the Urban Trails
Lynchburg has more than 40 miles of urban trails that wind through the city. Walk, bike, or run on the Blackwater Creek Trail at Percival’s Island, crossing the historic James River. Snap a photo with the LOVEwork then explore the downtown area where delicious local restaurants are at every corner. If you are thinking about biking, rentals are available at Bikes Unlimited and Blackwater bike shop!2. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

3. Lynchburg Community Market
Saturday morning is the best time to visit the bustling Lynchburg Community Market, the third oldest continually operating farmers market in the country. Engage with local artisans and farmers then head down 12th Street to the Bluffwalk for alfresco dining with a view.4. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre

5. The Maier Museum of Art
Photo Credit: Jill Waugh
The Maier Museum at Randolph College was the secret storage location for the National Gallery during the Cold War. Today it is home to one of the best American Art collections in the country. After you tour the museum, grab a craft brew and a slice of pizza at locally-owned Rivermont Pizza.
6. Riverviews Artspace
Blend the historic with the modern with a river ride on a replica 19th-century Batteau, the long-haul truck of its day, at James River Adventures, then get contemporary at Riverviews Artspace’s Craddock Terry Gallery.7. Amazement Square
Downtown Lynchburg is home to the award-winning children’s museum, Amazement Square, where kids of all ages can learn, play, and explore. Afterward, take the family down the block to MayLynn’s Creamery for an ice cream cone.8. Walk the gardens at Old City Cemetery
Despite being a place of burial, the Old City Cemetery is one of the most popular attractions. With beautiful picnic areas to enjoy the weather and five small museums to explore. The cemetery also has the largest public collection of antique roses in Virginia!9. Presbyterian Cemetery Twin Towers Memorial
The Presbyterian Cemetery on Grace Street is the final resting place for many Lynchburg notables, including the infamous General Jubal Early and Edwin “Ned” Emerson, actor and confidant of John Wilkes Booth. But one of the lesser known monuments at the cemetery is a memorial created and erected by local artist Adrian Gagesteyn of New York’s Twin Towers.9. Point of Honor

10. Old Sandusky and South River Meeting House
One of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in Central Virginia, the Sandusky mansion served as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg. Visit the museum to hear the tale of its owners during the home’s occupation. Nearby, is the South River Quaker Meeting House, organized in 1757 when the mother of Lynchburg’s founder, Sarah Lynch, donated two acres of land to the congregation.11. Cocktails with a View at Skyline Grill

13. Rise Up Climbing
You wouldn't expect to find a rock climbing place downtown. Well, guess what… there is! Rise Up Climbing was established in 2008 by Dan Hague. Rise Up Climbing has more than 6,000 square feet of climbable surfaces that accommodates all levels of experience. For an adventure with friends and family, Rise Up Climbing is an experience you won't forget.14. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and the American Civil War Museum
A short 25-minute drive on 460 east gets you to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where Generals Grant and Lee met to bring an end to America’s Civil War. For the full immersive experience, stop in the American Civil War Museum just down the road from the Park.15. Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
Visit the home of the internationally acclaimed Harlem Renaissance poet and Civil Rights leader, Anne Spencer. House tours are by appointment, but her beautiful and eclectic garden is always open to the public. Take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the Farm Basket shop and restaurant.16. The National D-Day Memorial

17. SeaQuest
Located inside the River Ridge Mall, SeaQuest provides a hands-on experience! You can feed, touch, and interact with animals from five continents. This is a great weekend adventure that you can't pass up!18. Jump Trampoline Park
Lynchburg’s only trampoline park, Jump has over 10 square feet of connected, world-class trampolines including angled wall trampolines, foam block pit, jousting pit, basketball goals, and a dodgeball court.19. Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter Lodge

20. Batteau Ride
Blend the historic with the modern with a river ride on a replica 19th-century Batteau, the long-haul truck of its day, at James River Adventures.21. One Way Out Escape Room
Test your problem-solving skills and bond with your friends and family at the same time. Keep your group entertained while challenging your group to find their way out of the cleverly “locked” rooms.22. Lynchburg Museum and Monument Terrace
Immerse yourself in the stories and people that built this city and contributed to the Nation with a visit to the Lynchburg Museum in the venerable Old Court House. The Museum sits atop Monument Terrace, 132 steps commemorating Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in domestic and foreign wars.23. Canoe or Kayak the James River
Explore the James River in Lynchburg! Rent canoes or kayaks from James River Adventures and put-in at RiverEdge Park for a 9-mile paddle and take-out at Joshua Falls Point. Don’t forget to grab a sandwich from Magnolia Foods or The Farm Basket to picnic at one of the islands along the river.23. Sprayground at Riverside Park
Grab a meal at Magnolia Foods, one of Lynchburg’s favorite gourmet sandwich shops then take the kids to Riverside Park to cool down at the Sprayground. Beat the heat with water buckets and misters or let them enjoy the two non-water playgrounds in the park.24. Snap a photo with a LOVEwork
