Drawing from its rich collection of artifacts and documents, this American Civil War Museum location is located 25 minutes east of Lynchburg and interweaves the story of the Confederate States government, the military, civilians, and enslaved and free African-Americans. Exhibits detail events leading up to and following the War. Visitors experience the “Appomattox moment” when the armies of two warring nations clashed at a rural crossroads in April of 1865. The words of Robert E. Lee’s final order to his troops can be heard surrounded by images and uniforms of those present at the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Of special interest are General Lee’s sword and the uniform that he wore to the meeting with Grant at Appomattox Court House. Visitors can explore the lives of soldiers, civilians and African-Americans, both during and after the War, with the interactive Wall of Faces.

On the revitalized Lynchburg riverfront, Riverviews Artspace is a mixed-use space in a renovated warehouse with artist studios, galleries, art-related shops, and residences.The Craddock-Terry Gallery has exhibitions of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized contemporary artists. Film screening, poetry readings, and open houses take place as well. The creative community at Riverviews is composed of artists, art-related businesses, fashion designers, and architects. Traditional oil paintings & water colors, contemporary & abstract work, photographs, ceramics, masks, fabulous couture, jewelry, textile art, industrial style furniture, antiques and more. The best art supply store in the state. Even a fairy tale party palace.

4.7

Just a short ten-minute drive to the west of Lynchburg, Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s secluded retreat, now a National Historic Landmark. A mature and innovative architectural masterpiece, Jefferson designed the octagonal house at Poplar Forest during his second term as President of the United States. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest between the ages of 66-80 to rekindle his creativity, spend time with his grandchildren and escape the crowds at Monticello. Currently undergoing award-winning preservation, restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours and special events. Group tours year-round, by appointment, or tour online to get a sense of why you should visit.

The Academy Center of the Arts is Greater Lynchburg’s center for arts, culture, and community building, with a campus located on the corner of Fifth St. and Main St. in Downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. The Academy’s campus includes the Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre, complete with a black box theatre, classrooms and studios, the Harrington Gallery Building, and the 1905 Historic Academy of Music Theatre.

The Academy showcases a variety of performances and visual arts events each year, including professional, community, and youth theatre performances, speakers, comedians, on and off-site gallery exhibits, live music, dance, and more. The Academy also provides arts education throughout the year to students of all ages. For more information on performances, events, or classes, visit the Academy’s website at academycenter.org or call (434) 846-8499.

See all the Academy Center of the Arts has to offer!

4.6

Explore the rich history of Central Virginia at The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House. The Museum shares stories about the people and fascinating events that shaped the region. Exhibits include antique toys, military items from all wars, fine art, furniture and silver made in Lynchburg, costumes, historic photographs, sports and music memorabilia, three media programs, and much more.

FunQuest is an indoor entertainment center with roller skating, laser tag, arcade games, and a climbing gym. There’s also a snack bar. It’s the perfect place to take the whole family or have a birthday party!

One Way Out hosts real-life escape rooms in Lynchburg, VA. This exciting new type of game “locks” guests in a room with only one way out– discover the clues, solve the puzzles, and work together as a team to escape the room in under 60 minutes. Friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers get to work together and use their critical thinking skills to escape the room. Are you up for the challenge?!

Putt-Putt Fun Center® is a favorite Central Virginia family entertainment center offering both indoor and outdoor activities, such as the area’s only go-kart track, a two-story laser tag arena, 36 holes of authentic Putt-Putt® Golf, a 40+ game arcade and prize center, bumper cars, and bumper boats. With a variety of attractions, a café, open and private event space, Putt-Putt Fun Center® is the ideal destination for groups of all sizes!

The ultimate destination for gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike! Located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Lynchburg, Super Rad Arcade Bar is a time machine to the golden age of arcades. They are a world where classic games and a love for all things retro converge to create an unforgettable atmosphere!

Tucked inside 1220 Main Street, Fox Burrow Books is downtown’s only bookstore and stationery shop. It’s a cozy spot to browse new and used books, discover beautiful stationery, and get personalized recommendations from owner Aidan Perkins, who’s always ready to help you find your next great read.

Amazement Square is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary, hands-on museum, and Virginia’s first museum to be a Certified Autism Center (CAC) located in historic Downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. The museum offers four floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun. At Amazement Square, we believe that creative play is one of the most important ways children learn and grow! Guests of all ages can paint on the walls, explore life on the farm, create a rainstorm over downtown Lynchburg, float a boat down the James River, and even rock out on stage in a band of your own! Right in the center of the historic building is the Amazement Tower, the indoor play structure extends through all four floors of the museum offering an endless maze of slides, ladders, tunnels and a zip-line!

The Peaks of Otter – Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill – have dominated the view in this region of Virginia for centuries, first attracting the attention of Native Americans who saw the area as a rich hunting ground. Famous naturalists and such notable historic figures as Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee wrote about or visited the Peaks of Otter during their lives. The summit of Flat Top or Sharp Top offers a unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenic vistas and sunrises. Interpretative programs, wildlife exhibits, walking trails, self guided wildflower walks, picnic areas, campground, restaurant and lodge are available in this developed area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shuttle bus service close to the summit of Sharp Top is available.

It’s all here from a leisurely stroll around Abbott Lake to a challenging hike up Sharp Top Mountain, to night skies viewing and special events. There is something for everyone at Peaks and the surrounding regions.

On the rooftop of The Virginian, Skyline offers exceptional views of the city, both inside and out. You’ll enjoy delectable food and a relaxing atmosphere. Sit outside around one of the cozy fire pits or dine indoors with an open-air experience during warmer weather. Come for a dinner and stay for the wine flights and views.

Three Roads Brewing Company is opening a new taproom and brewery in the great city of Lynchburg in early 2020. Housed in a former Ford dealership, the Lynchburg taproom will feature the signature, relaxed Three Roads style, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, games, live music, community events, and of course, great beer.

Anne and Logan will be hosting an after party at Three Roads Brewing, after the wedding reception.

Sit on top of the world — or at least the top of Downtown Lynchburg — and have a glass of wine or craft cocktail. Perched high above the Bluffwalk and the James River (and just above Fratelli’s), No. 7 Rooftop Bar offers spectacular views of the city. You’ll enjoy the warmth of friends and family and the cool breeze across our beautiful patio. Lounge around our fire pit or cozy up to the bar.

As the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia, Starr Hill has led the way as a pioneer in the industry, helping to lay the groundwork for the growing craft beer community in the region. Starr Hill now brews 28,000 barrels of beer each year and its growing selection of beers can be found across the Southeast.