🍂 IT’S FALL, Y'ALL! 🍃
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains boast a beautiful fall backdrop for the city of Lynchburg. And while spending an evening on the parkway is a must during these fall months, there is something special about this cozy season here in Downtown Lynchburg. Maybe it’s the views of the James River while the autumn-colored leaves begin to fall. Or it’s the eager anticipation of upcoming fall events (pumpkins, hayrides, cider… YAY). And it could be as simple as the crisp autumn air in your lungs when you step out onto the city streets. We can all agree that autumn air hits different, right!?
Whatever your reason is for loving this time of year, we can all agree that no fall season is complete without a pumpkin spice latte, cozy flannels, buffalo chicken dip on game day, or a spooky movie. To make things easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of 12 (give or take) must-do fall activities in Downtown Lynchburg. Scroll for more!
Shop autumn goods at the FARMERS market 🍎🥕🥧
Where:
It’s corn! (A big lump with knobs?) We can’t imagine a more beautiful thing…than strolling through the market on a Saturday morning.
There is no shortage of fresh fall flavors available at the Lynchburg Community Market, and they are all from local or regional makers. You’ll find pumpkins for decorating (or eating) and plenty of fresh produce for your seasonal dishes.
ADMIRE FALL’s VIBRANT colors on the trails 🍁 🚴🏽
Where:
Take in the stunning array of fall colors on the Blackwater Creek Trail and Percival’s Island Trail. If you’re more of a rider than a walker, just stop by Bikes Unlimited beforehand to rent a bike.
Tip: The peak time range for fall foliage in Virginia is supposedly sometime between October 10 and October 31, so mark your calendars now for a crisp fall outing during that time!
Organize a cozy coffee crawl ☕️ 🥰
Where:
5th Street Grind
Mission House Coffee
White Hart Cafe
Nomad Coffee Co. (inside Gilded)
Marigold Cafe
Grains of Sense
The Loving Co.
It’s not fall without pumpkin spice! We have seven outstanding coffee shops downtown, each with their own seasonal specials.
Lucky for you, we have a whole blog just about fall coffee options. Plan a coffee crawl with your friends, or pick one shop to hunker down and get cozy in.
Update your wardrobe with fall trends 🧦🧣👢
Where:
Ayven Avenue
Empire Fleet Vintage
Heritage Connection Gift Shop
Lexie & Lee
Live Trendy or Die
Shay’s Unique Gifts
Spearman Artisanry
Sylvia’s Boutique
Baby B’s
Time to freshen up your closet and trade out those sandals for boots and tank tops for sweaters!
We’ve got our eye on these game-day-inspired clothes from Ayven Avenue, chunky sweaters from Live Trendy or Die, and cozy puffer vests from Lexie & Lee. Looking for some fall-inspired looks for the kiddos? Baby B’s has you covered!
Don't forget to stop by one of Downtown’s newest retail shops: Sylvia’s Boutique at 1111 Church Street.
Kayak or fly fish on the James RIVER 🛶🎣
Where:
For a more adventurous activity with an even better view of the James River, we recommend a boating or fishing on the river itself. You can find all the gear you need and more at Taletellers Fly Shop on Main Street.
Check out the ‘Paddle Downtown Experience’ at James River Adventures for some stunning sights of the autumnal colors on the banks of the river.
STOCK UP ON fall décor 🌻 🏡
Where:
Tired of putting up the same fall decorations year after year? (Pumpkin) spice it up this year with the huge selection of seasonal décor at Accents, Flags & Gifts (1716 Main Street). Looking for a more vintage-inspired look? Estates Revisited and Estates & Consignment bring out a great selection of classic decorations each fall.
Snack on seasonal TREATS 🍪 🍩
Where:
Batter Bar
Father’s Cafe and Bakery
MayLynn’s Creamery
Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats
Hill City Donuts
Cinn City
Our favorite way to experience fall is by taste! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the fall flavors you’ll find downtown this fall:
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts at Batter Bar on Main Street (pictured)
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at Father’s Cafe and Bakery on Main Street
Fall flavors at Hill City Donuts on 5th Street: soon to be announced!
Pumpkin Spice Mixer at MayLynn’s Creamery. Snag one before they’re gone!
Catch a spooky show or scary movie 👻 👹
Where:
Is Halloween your favorite part of fall? Downtown has a wealth of activities and events for you to get your spooky on.
Riverviews Art Space is screening scary movies, while the Academy is hosting an ‘All Hallo-Queens Drag Brunch’, as well as a ‘Slasher Weekend’ multi-day movie marathon event.
Pose for a downtown photo shoot 📸 😀 🌆
Where: Everywhere!
Take photos along the downtown streets for the classic urban cityscape, then head down to the river for more of a nature-inspired aesthetic with the changing leaves.
Whether you’re looking for new headshots for yourself, or you’re trying to capture that perfect shot for the Christmas card, Downtown Lynchburg is a photographer’s dream!
@lizclaraphoto on Instagram
Try all of the FALL FLAVORS 🍻
Where:
Starr Hill on Main
3 Roads Brewing Co.
Greenhaus Beer Garden
Reserve Tasting Room & Wine Lounge
Everyday Sommelier
Downtown Restaurants/Bars
Downtown Lynchburg is home to two local breweries, as well as countless top-notch bars and tasting rooms. These local spots boast impressive fall drink specials and menus.
From hand-crafted bourbon cocktails to classic fall brews, these refreshing drinks will warm you up when the chilly autumn weather sets in.
ENJOY THE BIG GAME AT A DOWNTOWN BAR 🏈🍗
Where:
Nothing screams fall like football and wings! Gear up and cheer on your favorite college or NFL team at one of our downtown bars or restaurants. For a full list of the best downtown wing spots, check out this blog from last year.
Attend A downtown EVENT 🎭 🎪 🎤
Where: Click here for the full list of events!
Perhaps the most exciting bucket list item of all—events! Lynchburg is known for its plethora of public events, and many of the most popular regional events take place in the fall. Check out our event calendar to get the full list of events, including:
Academy Clay Festival (FREE!), hosted by the Academy Center of the Arts on October 15
3rd Annual Oktoberfest in Riverfront Park, hosted by the Water Dog on October 22
Harvest Festival at the Lynchburg Community Market on October 29
Riverviews Halloween Makers Brunch at Riverviews Artspace on October 30
Mark your calendars! Lynchburg’s favorite street festival, Get Downtown, returns on October 1st. Main Street will be packed with vendors, performers, and festival-goers from 4-9pm. You won’t want to miss it!
Well that just about covers it. Now, it’s time to break out your favorite cozy sweater and boots and make your way downtown! Be sure to tag us on social at @downtownlynchburg so that we can share your fall adventures with others.
