No, we aren’t talking about AutoZone. We’re referring to something much more familiar - Downtown construction. Let’s be honest, no one likes a sea of orange cones, but the end result is going to be amazing. Just imagine the beautiful sidewalks lined with new plants and trees. Not to mention upgraded water and sewer lines that AREN’T LITERALLY 100 years old.
So, while we wait for all of this hard work to wrap up, we need YOU to do us a solid. Follow those detour signs to a nearby parking spot and take a visit to one (or more) of the businesses located in the construction zone. After all, by avoiding construction, you avoid supporting a small business when they need you the most.
Retail
Come shop around - there’s a little bit of everything. Find great new and old (we’re talking beautiful antiques) houseware items, buy something to make yourself feel pretty, or even grab a sick new skateboard deck.
Scene 3 - 1107 Main Street
The Wig Center - 1122 Main Street
Estates & Consignments - 139 Twelfth Street
Enchanted - 1204 Main Street
McCraw’s Furniture - 1210 Main Street
Bailey Spencer - 1216 Main Street
Oshun Organics - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Spearman Artisanry - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Lynchburg Community Market Gallery - 1219 Main Street
Lexie & Lee - 1220 Main Street
The Hip Tulip - 1220 Main Street
Beeswax Candle Co. - 109 Thirteenth Street
Estates Revisited - 1301 Main Street
Restaurants & breweries
There’s SO MUCH that can be said about the delicious options available in the construction zone. But rather than talking on and on, we will leave you with this food & drink haiku:
Seafood, Philippine
Beer, small plates, caffeine
So much great cuisine
Badger on Main - 1118 Main Street
Dish - 1120 Main Street
Main Street Sports Bar & Grill - 1125 Main Street
COMING SOON: Greenhaus at Crisp - 1124 Church Street (enter on 12th Street)
Hot & Cold Cafe - 1206 Main Street
The White Hart Cafe - 1208 Main Street
Farmer’s Market at the Lynchburg Community Market - 1219 Main Street
Philippine Delight - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Grains of Sense - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Country Cooking by Irene - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Barb’s Dream Hut - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Father’s Cafe & Bakery - 1219 Main Street (inside the Market)
Starr Hill on Main - 1300 Main Street
spa & hair Services
Ladies and gentlemen in need of cuts, color, waxing, facial, and cosmetic services – you are in luck. One of the many providers in the construction zone will surely have what you are looking for.
Ronnie’s Hair Cuts & Styles - 1101 Main Street
Gentleman John’s Classic Barber Shop - 1103 Main Street
La Femme Permanent Cosmetics & Esthetics - 1200 Main Street
Mojo Hair Bar - 1301 Main Street
Getting around
Trying to follow detour signs can be confusing at times. Get prepared with our list of tips below and be sure to reference the map at the bottom of the page.
When heading eastbound from Church - You should be prepared to drive straight through the 12th Street intersection passing the YMCA, take a left onto Pearl Street, and then another left onto Main Street. From there you can:
Park in the Crossroads Lot at Main & Commerce (free two-hour parking on weekdays).
Head down Commerce Street to access Main from 11th Street.
Check to see if there is any on-street or Lynchburg Community Market parking in the “local traffic only” portion of Main. Just remember that you will have to turn back the way you came if you don’t find any open spots.
Specific Businesses - If it were US in your shoes, this is where WE would park…
Scene 3 - ON Eleventh Street (approaching from Commerce) or in the City Center Deck and walk just about one block.
Main Street Sports Bar (1100 Block of Main) - IN their parking lot which can still be accessed from 12th Street by turning left at the light on Church Street.
Estates & Consignments (12th Street) - IN the 12th Street Lot that is free on nights and weekends.
Lynchburg Community Market et al (1200 Block of Main) - IN the Crossroads Lot and walk the one block in order to avoid congestion that might occur when looking for an on-street space. But, hey, we’re just trying to avoid that drama.
Starr Hill or Estates Revisited (1300 Block of Main) - IN FRONT of those businesses by looping around Commerce Street to 13th Street and turning left back onto Main. And if that doesn’t work, just turn left at the stoplight and park in the Crossroads Lot.
Don’t forget that Main Street is TWO WAY! What we are trying to say is that you could approach Downtown Lynchburg from 5th Street, turn eastbound onto Main Street, and drive all the way to 11th Street. On this route, you pass the Midtown Parking Deck (between 9th and 10th) and the City Center Deck (between 10th and 11th). Both of these parking lots offer free two-hour parking during the week days!
The moral of the story is DON’T BE SCARED. Just take your time, don’t get frustrated, and take satisfaction in supporting small business. We promise, it will be over soon – and if you need some more convincing of how incredible Downtown Lynchburg has become, check out this exciting new video!
