TIPS & TRICKS TO ENJOY YOUR SUMMER IN DOWNTOWN LYNCHBURG
As the weather continues to warm up, there are more than just a few activities to do in Downtown Lynchburg. From taking a bike ride to walking on the trails to enjoying live music, we have a long list of things to keep you busy all summer long. Here are some things to plan for if you love to be in that hot VA heat.
WALK, BIKE, BOARD, OR SCOOT
THE BLUFFWALK
A quick stroll along the Bluffwalk will give you overlook views of the James. Why not pick up some takeout from one of your favorite restaurants and take advantage of one of our three Takeout Patios located under the pergola by the Water Bearer. And if you want that dine-in experience, make a dinner reservation at Fratelli to sit under their lighted pergola while enjoying fine Italian dining.
THE TRAILS
If you aren’t utilizing the Blackwater Creek Trail and Riverwalk Trail, you are sorely missing out. With beautiful landscapes , river and creek views, plenty of shaded sections, and wide paved pathways perfect for sharing, this is a great place to take a walk, run, or ride with your friends and family. Read below to see how to utilize this gem of our city.
One of the downtown entrances of the Blackwater Creek Trail is at Jefferson and 8th streets, right behind Amazement Square and by the Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark. A staff favorite, this trail has the option to take you on a loop that starts creekside through a tunnel to cool down, and ends up right back where you started. You can refer to this map to plot your course.
The Riverwalk Trail, otherwise known as Percival’s Island, is another great place to enjoy the beautiful nature of our downtown. The iconic bridge with the gorgeous view of the James River and our beloved Downtown leads straight to a natural area with wheelchair-accessible paved trails and plenty of benches to stop along the way.
Not in the mood to be on foot? Stop by Bikes Unlimited (which is conveniently located right off of the Riverwalk Trail) to rent a bike for yourself and your family!
RIVERFRONT PARK
This wide-open green expanse that is Riverfront Park is the perfect place to throw a frisbee with friends (furry and non-furry), have a romantic picnic, or play some croquet (why does no one play croquet anymore??). It’s also a perfect spot to let the kids run around and get out all of that summer-time energy. With The Water Dog, MayLynn’s Creamery, and Reserve Wine Tasting Room & Lounge just a stone’s throw away, you can start and finish your visit to the park with a delicious brew and food, ice cream cone, or glass of wine. Plenty of other amazing restaurants are close by, so check out the full list here.
MONUMENT TERRACE
For those looking to burn some calories, the Monument Terrace stairs are sure to get that heart rate up. This landmark also has a gorgeous view of downtown at the very top. Another great way to get from Church Street up to Court Street to see that lovely view is the Lynchburg Public Elevator located in the parking lot right across from City Hall.
ROTARY CENTENNIAL RIVERFRONT SKATEPARK
Complete with a new half pipe, the Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark also offers a street course and bowl with vibrant community art. Skateboard need a tune-up? Scene3 has got your back!
EVERYWHERE DOWNTOWN
There’s a reason why we call it the “Hill City”. We love walking around Downtown street to street, but the hills can be a bit brutal. With the recent appearance of the BIRD Scooters all around downtown, you can grab one, ride it to your desired location, and leave it.
DINE OUTSIDE
Speaking of takeout, our Takeout Patios are a great spot to enjoy your favorite grub, but there are also numerous places to dine outside in Downtown Lynchburg.
TAKEOUT PATIOS
We mentioned this above, but we are super proud of the takeout patios we created in 2020. Don’t forget to grab your favorite takeout before heading down to one of our 4 spots around downtown.
Takeout Patio at the Grove- nestled in between Depot Grille and the Riverfront Parking lot is a lovely little birch grove with colorful tables and just enough shade to enjoy a relaxing meal. (wheelchair accessible)
Takeout Patio at the Market- in the Lynchburg Community Market parking lot you’ll find our most recent takeout patio complete with our signature colorful tables and bistro lights overhead. (wheelchair accessible)
Takeout Patio at the Bluffwalk- right next to the Water Bearer statue and overlooking Jefferson Street is our original takeout patio under a lighted pergola - great for those late-night dinners. (wheelchair accessible ramp located at 12th and Commerce)
Donna Park on Church Street - situated at the corner of Church and 11th is our pocket park. Great for that quick break with a large sail shade to keep you cool. (wheelchair accessible)
DRINK OUTSIDE
PINTS AFTER PEDALS
Exercise with a reward at the end? Yes, please! Bikes Unlimited and The Glass House are a match made in heaven with their Pints After Pedals weekly event. Every Tuesday, you can get a FREE bike and helmet rental from Bikes Unlimited (first come first served), take an hour-long ride on the trail, and then end your evening at The Glass House with drinks and $12 delicious shareable (or not) small plates. This event is family-friendly, all skill levels, and open to the public.
ROSÉ THURSDAY
Rosé, live music, small plates, friends….we LOVE Rosé Thursday. Buy your rosé by the bottle or the glass, but remember that a portion of the proceeds of each bottle purchased goes towards a local charity. We aren’t saying you HAVE to buy the bottle, but it’s for charity, right?!
THREE ROADS BREWERY
The deck at Three Roads Brewery is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing brew at the end of your work day or on the weekend. And on Sundays, there’s even a market with local artisans to peruse in the parking lot.
RESERVE WINE TASTING ROOM & LOUNGE
Reserve Wine Tasting Room & Lounge has such a great spot on Jefferson Street. You can make a reservation to sit in the shade under one of their tents to taste some of the many amazing wines that Virginia has to offer.
SHOP OUTSIDE
‘Tis the season for delicious and vibrant produce at the Lynchburg Community Market. The bounty that Virginia summer and soil gives us during these next few months is incomparable. Plan to get to the market early to get your haul, pop inside to grab some breakfast, and take advantage of our Takeout Patio.
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC
SUNSET ON 7TH
The Academy Center of the Arts is bringing us some great live music in the Pacific Life parking lot. The next event is on June 19 featuring Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. If you’ve been missing that live concert feel, this is for you!
WATERSTONE PIZZA
Waterstone Pizza has great line-ups of live music every weekend on their back lawn. Enjoy their delicious fire-roasted pizza, corn hole, giant chess, and drinks with friends, all while listening to some amazing local musicians.
As you can see, there are plenty of things to enjoy outside while in Downtown Lynchburg, and we suspect more things are on the horizon. Make sure to follow all of these great businesses on social media so you can keep up with what is happening downtown. Oh, and you’ll want to follow us on Instagram and Facebook as well, because we might just have something up our sleeve that we think you will be very excited about. So, stay tuned, and go GET OUTSIDE!
Eager for more? Check out our events calendar for exciting shows and happenings in Downtown Lynchburg.
