Author Lucy Maud once said: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” We’re with you, Lucy. And where better to celebrate everyone’s favorite season than Downtown Lynchburg? Pumpkins and cobblestone streets; spiced lattes and spiked drinks—it’s all downtown. Pull out your best chunky sweater and plaid-everything, because here’s our definitive list of how you can get your fall on in Downtown Lynchburg.
EAT & DRINK
Pumpkin Spice Truffles
Where: Altus Chocolate
This is not a drill: you can get all the flavors of fall wrapped up in a delicious chocolate package. We recommend trying each of their seasonal truffles, just to be sure you find the right one(s) to take home. Current flavors include pumpkin spice, autumn pear, carrot cake, and apple pecan.
Autumn Spiced Lattes
Where: Cafe Bliss
Oh and also pumpkin cream cheese muffins, maple pecan pie, and autumn spice bars. We could go on, but you get the point. Eat all the fall things here with a hot cup of autumn goodness. You’re welcome.
Oktoberfest
Where: Main Street Eatery
It doesn’t get more authentic than an age-old German festival in celebration of the season. Raise a mug of Franziskaner Spaten Bräu while enjoying a dish of traditional German fare. We bet you can’t try just one: take a look for yourself.
delicious fAlL COCKTAILS
Where: Waterstone Fire Roasted Pizza and El Jefe Taqueria Garaje
As if we need another reason to eat the delicious pizza and tacos made downtown, right? Now, you can celebrate the season on the beautiful porches of these two downtown restaurants with a warming autumn-inspired cocktail. Head to Waterstone for a Thin Mint, Fall Harvest Sangria, or Pumpkin Pie White Russian. Or (and?) head up the bluffwalk stairs to grab a shot of their apple-cinnamon infused tequila. It's all good,
Seasonal Ale
Where: Market at Main
Try one or try them all—a variety of seasonal craft brews await you at this local fixture. You can take them home, drink them there, or, do all of the above—fall only comes once a year. We won’t judge.
SHOP
Pumpkins and more
Where: Lynchburg Community Market
You can never have enough pumpkins. It’s the first rule of fall. The market offers a variety of heirloom varieties along with the classic round orange sphere. Pick up decorative gourds while you’re at it, fresh flowers and maybe even a squash for some homemade soup? Don’t hold back—we know you love fall as much as we do. Bonus: Check out the new fall décor offered by the market’s year-round and seasonal artisan vendors.
All the Fall Things for Home
Where: Accents Flags and Gifts
Fully embrace your obsession with fall and stock up on seasonal fragrances, gourmet food mixes, decorative flags, more pumpkins, etc. It’s a short season after all, so take advantage while you can.
Autumn-Infused Specialty Oils
Where: Favored Flavors
Take your seasonal cuisine to a new level and drizzle on some Black Currant Balsamic, Maple Balsamic, or Cinnamon Apple Balsamic. Your guests will be impressed—we promise. Bonus - check out the fall-inspired events and activities happening here as well.
DO
Leaf Gazing Across the James
Where: The Bluffwalk
Mark this down: the height of the leaf season is the last few weeks of October into the very early days of November. Enjoy the expansive views across the river with a stroll along the Lower Bluffwalk.
Fall Yoga
Where: Hot Yoga Downtown or Yoga Goodness Studio
Always been intimidated by hot yoga? Now’s the time to give it a go at Hot Yoga Downtown. The cooler weather should be invigorating after this sweat-inducing experience. Or, check out Yoga Goodness Studio for traditional yoga at all levels. Bonus: They’re offering an October Challenge for those who need a kick-start to the season.
Leaf Obsessing on the Trails
Where: Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
Can’t stop, won’t stop. With temps lowering and leaves changing on the daily, a bike ride on Percival’s Island or Blackwater Creek Trail will give you an afternoon of full-on fall obsession. Bonus: Bike rentals available right on Jefferson Street.
Lynchstock Fall Fest
Where: Academy Center of the Arts
Live music from national and regional performers in the heart of downtown and in the middle of our favorite season. Heck yes. Tickets and more information here.
FALL FESTIVAL FOR KIDS
Where: Amazement Square
Guys our favorite kid's museum is doing a fall festival and it's HARRY POTTER THEMED! Nothing says fall like a striped scarf, a butterbeer, and a game of quidditch, right? Wizards are welcome, muggles tolerated.
FALL Concerts
Where: The Ellington
Grab your favorite scarf and boots to enjoy a night on the town courtesy of the live concerts put on by The Ellington throughout this fall. Performances by The Whiskey Rebellion, Tinsley Ellis, and more.
