12 Things to Do in Lynchburg, VA, Before Graduating College
Young adults gravitate toward Lynchburg, VA, for its esteemed colleges and universities, and many wind up falling in love with the community along the way. In fact, Travel + Leisure named Lynchburg one of the 25 Best College Towns in the U.S.
With the help of Gillian Trost Price, a Lynchburg local and stewardship coordinator for the University of Lynchburg, we compiled a list of things to do around Lynchburg, VA, to ensure your time in college here is well-spent. Just remember, the fun doesn’t have to end after graduation. Without further ado, here’s our list of 12 things to do in Lynchburg before graduating college.
In This Article
1. Buy local goods at Lynchburg Community Market
Lynchburg is home to one of the oldest community markets in the nation. Head downtown to grab fresh produce and local goods and feel immersed in the community.
“When I was younger, I used to go with my grandfather almost weekly,” Trost Price says. “It’s always fun to see the local goods that people have.”
2. Watch a Hillcats game
You can’t live in Lynchburg and not root for the Hillcats, aka Lynchburg’s minor league baseball team. Home games are held at Calvin Falwell Field, with games taking place April through August. If you get hungry, be sure to grab a bite and a drink or two from the concession area.
*Bonus points if you can score a photo with Southpaw, the team’s mascot.
3. Soak in the local history
History buffs and architectural enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the restored retreat of the Virginia native and former president. Consider signing up for a tour, and be sure to keep watch for special events, like wine tastings, historian lectures and holiday festivities. Another must-visit spot is the Lynchburg Museum, which allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s past.
“It’s really cool, and it has a lot of history built into it,” Trost Price says. “It’s located in the original courthouse of Lynchburg.”
4. Catch a performance at the Academy Center of the Arts
Lynchburg’s Academy Center of the Arts is a catch-all for cultural experiences. This nonprofit arts organization maintains multiple performance venues, rotating art galleries and studios suited for a variety of artistic endeavors.
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5. Explore Lynchburg’s hills
Of the many things to do in Lynchburg, VA, checking out the city’s hills is a must, given its nickname “Hill City” or the “City of Seven Hills.” A little tip: Don’t hit all seven hills at once. Schedule seven picnic dates for friends or your special someone and take time to enjoy each one. Another fun option? Climb Monument Terrace, a memorial that honors all the Lynchburg soldiers who have served from the Civil War to present day. It’s a 132-step climb.
6. Grab food at the T-Room
Texas Inn, otherwise known as the T-Room, is a local staple for late-night cravings and one of the city’s oldest restaurants. Consider trying its signature sandwich called the “cheesy western.”
“It’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of restaurant, but if you’ve been in Lynchburg long enough, you just know about it,” Trost Price says.
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7. Snap the quintessential Lynchburg photos
There are plenty of things to do to embrace your Lynchburg, VA, residency, and a big one is taking the quintessential Lynchburg photos. Take one at Art Alley, Lynchburg’s art covered alleyway, one in front of the bright red LOVE sculpture at Percival’s Island, and one when the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring at Riverside Park.
8. Go through Hollins Mill Tunnel on Blackwater Creek Trail
Take a walk/ride through Lynchburg’s historic railway tunnel, a beloved spot along the Blackwater Creek Trail.
“When I was little, my parents and I would go on bike rides all the time over there,” Trost Price says. “My mom and dad used to go rollerblading there, too, when they were younger.”
9. Grab a beer at a local brewery (once you turn 21, of course)
If you’re looking for things to do in Lynchburg in the evening, Lynchburg buzzes with great breweries, like Three Roads Brewing and Starr Hill Brewery. Check their websites for events like trivia, live music or karaoke.
10. Visit Old City Cemetery
Old City Cemetery is a beautiful 27-acre public garden and history park that was originally established in 1806. It is home to five small museums that tell the stories of those who are buried there, plus its grounds feature hundreds of varieties of native and heirloom plants, including the largest public collection of antique roses in Virginia. While exploring the cemetery, embrace your inner child and swing on the swing that hangs from the big pecan tree. In the fall, make sure to come back to the cemetery to experience its Candlelight Tours.
“The cemetery uses true stories of people buried there; as you visit each grave, an actor portrays them,” Trost Price says. “I was able to participate in the tour as a performer when I was with Curtain Call, the University of Lynchburg’s musical theater ensemble.”
11. Attend the 10 Miler
Whether you’re an avid runner, a newbie to the sport or one who simply loves attending community events, the historic Moore & Giles Virginia 10 Miler is for you. Sign up and be one of the few thousand who participate or cheer on runners as they strive to gain a PB. The event is held every September.
12. Spend time with a pet
Caring for a cute, cuddly pet – even if it’s just for a few hours – is a must. Check out the Lynchburg Humane Society’s (LHS) Petcations program, where you can take a pet home for a few hours during the day or even for a night or two. LHS will equip you with all the supplies you need to succeed. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your next permanent pet during the process. You must be 18 years or older to participate.
This article is sponsored by the City of Lynchburg offices of Economic Development & Tourism and Communications & Public Engagement.