Cool Things to do in Lynchburg - A Trendy Neighborhood Guide

Lynchburg Trendy Neighborhood Guide

If you are looking for a charming small city with lots to do, friendly faces, historic buildings and stunning mountain views, Lynchburg is for you. With over 40 miles of urban trails and riverfront downtown as well as a plethora of restaurants, shops and galleries, you are bound to find something you love. 

Lynchburg has a palpable sense of community that pairs perfectly with the city’s ability to keep stunning historic buildings alive while incorporating modern new businesses and a forward thinking mindset. You will find unique restaurants and shops built into perfectly restored buildings for a vibe that's all its own. I highly recommend starting your trip at the Bluffwalk, a pedestrian path downtown with awesome views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. ;)

Where to Stay in Lynchburg

The Virginian

With a hint of timeless romance and subtle luxury, The Virginian Hotel provides for a comfortable and easeful stay right in the heart of downtown. Opened in 1913, the hotel is rich in history while also providing modern conveniences, including a coffee shop and rooftop restaurant.

Love Caboose

A 1951 Southern Caboose turned modern Airbnb? What more could you want? The caboose has been entirely renovated inside with upscale, minimalist-modern decor and overlooks the James River. It features fun touches like fresh local milk for your coffee, a desk with a view and a fire pit. Book here.

Irvington Spring Farm

Located on a family-run, regenerative flower farm, The Farmhouse is a unique stay that offers options for different group sizes. There are three room options that sleep from 4-14 people. The interior design is beautiful, there is a sauna on site and an easy walking path takes you straight to the flower farm! Book here.

Craddock Terry Hotel

What was once the Craddock Terry Shoe Company factory has been transformed into an upscale hotel overlooking the James River. The Craddock Terry Hotel is a beautiful stay with charming touches paying homage to the company and their love of shoes! Not to mention, the location is just a short walk to plenty of bars, shops and restaurants as well as Riverside Park and walking trails.

Downtown Lynchburg

Eat 

White Hart Cafe- A rustic and homey spot serving breakfast all day, White Hart has been a gathering spot for the community for over 15 years.

Batter Bar- A bakery and creperie located inside a beautiful renovated building serving the most creative and incredible sweet crepes.

Duke’s Diner- Another Lynchburg staple, Duke’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cheery, upbeat space.

The Water Dog- A delicious, approachable menu at great prices in a historic building with lots of outdoor space.

Grey’s on Fifth- A brunch must, Grey’s is a lively bar and restaurant with brunch specials and lots of fun energy.

Skyline- On the rooftop of The Virginian Hotel, Skyline is a must. Lovely interiors accompanied by delicious, thoughtful fare and awesome views.

Market at Main- A beautiful restaurant in a renovated, historic building with a creative menu, think M&M Pancakes or fried green tomato BLT.

Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats- For dessert (or anytime!), be sure to stop by Mrs. Joy’s for a homemade tasty treat. She serves up the best sweets in town from donuts and cupcakes to whoopie pies and more.

Inka Grill- A local chain, Inka Grill’s Peruvian-inspired menu never disappoints.

Drink

Reserve Wine Room- Lynchburg’s first farm winery and tasting room, stop by for a flight or sit and enjoy a bottle in the romantic, brick walled tasting room.

Starr Hill- A brewery born in Charlottesville, Starr Hill has expanded around the state for a reason: great beer. Relax in the cool, industrial space with one of their many tasty brews.

Three Roads Brewing Co.- A casual brewery with lots of fun and games (literally), plus tasty beers to boot. Stop by for a beer, play some darts or have a seat on the patio.

No 7. Rooftop- Situated high above the Bluffwalk, No. 7 is the perfect spot for a happy hour drink to take in the sunset as well as stunning river and city views.

Shop

Everyday Sommelier- So this is a 2-for-1, not only is it an awesome wine shop but they do tastings on Fridays and Saturdays and they are a blast. Taste a little, learn a lot and have fun!

Empire Fleet Vintage- Vintage lovers rejoice! This vintage shop is a true treasure with beautifully curated pieces and great prices.

Scene 3 Boardshop- A cool, independent skate shop selling brand name boards, clothing and shoes.

Riverview Vinyl- A simple yet stylish record store selling new and vintage records.

Rhodora/Live Trendy or Die- A lighthearted, trendy shop selling womens clothing as well as fun jewelry and home wear.

Things To Do

Percival’s Island 

A beautiful island with an easy, paved walking trail, Percival’s Island is a river oasis with an entrance downtown. Bring your family, walk, or rent bikes from Bikes Unlimited right next door and bike around, taking in the natural surroundings and keeping an eye out for unique waterfowl. Don’t miss the charming LOVEwork located right next to the trail entrance.

Curious History Comedy Walking Tour 

Learn about the history of Lynchburg with a walk and a good laugh. Book a ticket in advance and let one of Lynchburg’s best comedians guide you around town.

Old City Cemetery

Old City Cemetery is a beautiful, historic Cemetery as well as a 27-acre public garden. It is home to the largest collection of heirloom roses in the state and a highly sought after wedding venue. If you are around in May or June, be sure to stop by their Antique Rose Festival where they display rare varieties of roses that you can also purchase and take home.

Lynchburg Community Market (Saturday morning)

A quaint market with an indoor and outdoor presence, stop by the community market for local arts and crafts, home goods, and fresh produce. The open air portion is available on Saturdays from 8am-1pm offering fresh produce from local farms and the indoor artisan market is open from Tues-Sat 7am-2pm.

Legacy Museum of African American History

The Legacy Museum of African American History is a beautiful museum that displays rotating exhibits on African American history and culture with a focus on collecting and preserving artifacts central to the story and contributions of African Americans in Lynchburg and elsewhere. 

Amazement Square Children's Museum 

A hands-on museum for kids housed in a historic building, Amazement Square is all about making learning fun. Four floors of different interactive exhibits with a climbing tower that spans all four floors, slides too!

Hill City Keys

Hill City Keys is a local initiative that started with students painting donated pianos and turned into an opportunity to provide access to musical instruments for free in public spaces. There are 6 pianos around downtown Lynchburg.

Check out the Murals/ Art Alley

Lynchburg is full of amazing street art including areas like Art Alley, a dedicated alleyway covered in local art located at Commerce and 11th Street. Our friends at Lynchburg Tourism have this amazing page sharing all the murals and street art around downtown.

Rivermont Neighborhood

Eat & Drink

Golf Park Coffee- A spacious and chic coffee shop with big windows, lots of light and delicious coffee.

Truss- New in 2023, this modern restaurant features thoughtful, locally inspired dishes in an incredible industrial-chic setting.

Flour District- A new bakery specializing in European style pastries with a stylish interior and delicious coffee. Connected to Scratch Pasta Co.

Rivermont Beirhaus- Located on Historic Rivermont Avenue, this German-inspired bierhaus is charming and casual, perfect for a beer and lunch.

Magnolia Foods- A beer and wine shop with a tasty cafe inside as well as patio seating.

The Dahlia- A casual seafood restaurant with simple, cozy decor and patio seating.

Rookies Cookies & Ice Cream- A regional chain, Rookies is famous for their homemade ice cream sandwiches and serve up specialties like cookie skillets and affogatos.

Rivermont Pizza- The perfect relaxed pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas, beer on draft and awesome live music.

Bentleys on Bedford- Housed in a unique, restored gas station, Bentley’s is an upscale dining experience serving classic dishes and fun cocktails.

Things To Do

Scratch Pasta

Head to 2204 Bedford Ave, where you will find Truss and The Flour District mentioned above, and stop in Scratch Pasta Co. Not only do they sell fresh, handmade pasta as well as boxed pasta you can save for a later date, you will also find all kinds of charming home goods, cookbooks and other fun kitchen items.

Maier Museum of Art

The Maier Museum of Art is located on Randolph Macon College’s campus and features a variety of art from the 19th-21st centuries.

Rhodora

In case you missed the Rhodora downtown, you can find their second location in Historic Rivermont!

Riverside Park

Over 49 acres of greenspace makeup this long-standing beloved park in the Rivermont neighborhood. It's perfect for hiking and biking, plus it has playgrounds for the kids.

The Farm Basket

Located just outside the official lines of Rivermont, The Farm Basket is a beloved Lynchburg staple selling home and garden goods, gifts, plus an on-site counter serve cafe. This place is so charming and an absolute must during your time in Lynchburg. It also has a small Golf Park Coffee attached as well as the storefront for leather goods makers, Moore & Giles. 

Wyndhurst Neighborhood

Eat & Drink

Montana Plains Bakery- Do not come to Lynchburg without visiting Montana Plains, particularly if you love pastries. This unassuming cafe serves the most delicious cinnamon rolls and sticky buns, likely in the whole state, plus other awesome baked goods and lunch fare.

Muse Coffee- A charming, cozy coffee shop with delicious coffee and homemade baked goods as well as cafe items.

Beer 88- A relaxed space with innovative burgers and beer on tap, plus a selection of over 88 craft beers available for purchase.

Ty Thai- A casual, easy spot for tasty Thai food.

Millie’s Living Cafe- For a healthy meal, stop by Millie’s Living Cafe. They serve acai bowls, smoothies, juices and other healthy (but delicious) takes on traditional dishes.

Outside the Cone- A cute spot to grab some homemade ice cream with fun, rotating flavors.

Things To Do

Poplar Forest

Head to the new entrance to the Poplar Forest at 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway and drive through the park taking in the sites or park at the entrance and take a long stroll through the property.

A.dorn Boutique

For a little shopping in the area, pop in to the locally owned A.dorn Boutique for cute women’s clothing and accessories.

Health Nut

Attached to Millie’s Living Cafe, Health Nut is a great stop for all your holistic health and self care needs! The spacious store is stocked full of all-natural products and groceries.

Additional Must-Visit Spots in Lynchburg

Irvington Spring Farm

We listed Irvington Spring Farm above as an awesome option for places to stay in Lynchburg, however, if you stay elsewhere, we still highly recommend stopping by the farm. It's a beautiful flower farm, open for you to stroll through and admire all the gorgeous flowers as well as purchase a bouquet or more to take home.

Meanwhile Back on the Farm

Another local favorite, Meanwhile Back on the Farm falls outside the lines of our trendy neighborhoods mentioned above but is still one of the top things to do in Lynchburg. They make high quality leather and waxed canvas goods as well as apparel.

Ed Page Entrance to Black Water Creek & Awareness Garden

Black Water Creek Trail was built along an abandoned railway bed and is one of the more popular trails in Lynchburg. We recommend heading to the Ed Page Entrance located at 1720 Langhorne Road where you will find Nomad Coffee shop, their unique coffee-bean LOVEwork and a beautiful Awareness Garden. The Awareness Garden was sponsored by the Awareness Garden Foundation and is intended to be a quiet, thoughtful space for those whose lives have been impacted by cancer.