Lynchburg downtown — Downtown Lynchburg — Downtown Lynchburg Association

The Airbnb’s are calling, and I must go.

That’s how the quote goes, right? Well, that’s certainly how we’re feeling about all of these amazing places to stay in Downtown Lynchburg.

In case you haven’t heard, Airbnb is an online lodging platform that has taken off across the globe, giving you multiple unique and beautiful options for overnight stays in cities just like Downtown Lynchburg. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or you need a place for the in-law’s when they come into town, there’s an Airbnb just for you. Here are a few of our favorite listings that already have us packing our bags to stay downtown!

Jefferson Street Loft

Location, location, location! This 3-bedroom loft, located on beautiful cobble-stoned Jefferson Street, is situated adjacent to Riverfront Park. This property is just a stone’s throw away from great food at The Water Dog and delicious ice cream at MayLynn’s Creamery. Sit outside and tap your foot along to nearby live music on the spacious outdoor patio.

Train Caboose & River Views

All aboard! Welcome to James Station, a train caboose overlooking the James River. This beloved Airbnb is less than a half mile from the heart of Downtown Lynchburg. Plus, visitors can enjoy a fire pit, pollinator garden, gas grill, porch swing, and so much more!

Trail Access Near ‘LOVE’ Sign

If you ‘LOVE’ the outdoors, this is space is perfect for you. Located just steps away from the popular Lynchburg ‘LOVE’ sculpture, you’ll have great access to the hike and bike trail to Percival’s Island. Right down the street, Bikes Unlimited offers bicycle rental gear for those looking to explore the trails around the river.

MLK Dream Home

The Airbnb that gives back! This gorgeous space, located directly off Historic 5th Street, boasts an assortment of MLK Art and amenities from local black-owned businesses. This location is perfect for walking to a variety of great dining and shopping locations along with local breweries.
Plus, a percentage of your cost to stay supports local organizations that fight poverty and racism

Cozy Studio Off Main Street

This little apartment, named Studio 114, is one of the coziest places to stay in Downtown Lynchburg. Studio 114 is located just off Main Street, which means you’ll be right outside of the Lynchburg Community Market and fabulous shops in the center of the city. Cuddle up with some coffee and your favorite TV show after a busy day exploring downtown.

Luxe Townhouse (the Jameson)

This luxury modern townhome will not disappoint! On top of the outdoor balcony, movie room, and convenient location, when you stay here your meal at My Dog Duke’s (up to $25) is on us! Enjoy this safe, quiet, and well-lit neighborhood while you unwind during your stay in Downtown Lynchburg.

Vintage Loft with Amazing Decor

This is what interior design dreams are made of. Fun fact: everything in this loft was sourced from local vintage and estate shops. We are loving the Lynchburg pride! The furniture, dark wall colors, and urban-inspired kitchen are just begging visitors to come in and stay awhile.

Huge Loft Living Space With Pool Table

You will have no shortage of space and sunlight in this gorgeous loft. Relax on the mid-century modern furniture, or challenge your friends to a game of pool. The industrial chic style of the apartment provides a relaxing change of pace from the active street life just outside.

La Place

This stunning short-term rental boasts 5 off-street parking spaces, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends traveling to Downtown Lynchburg. You will be greeted by stylish decor and high-end furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and two living areas. There is also a private outdoor space, complete with seating for all.

Gorgeous Loft Across From Community Market

As if the looks alone weren’t enough for this Main Street loft, this building also boasts a remarkable history. The owner claims that Thomas Jefferson himself was rumored to have stayed here and that the building was once home to “Cross Keys Tavern,” a popular spot in town during the 1880’s.

Do you hear the Airbnb’s calling your name now? With options for everyone, we hope you’ll make Downtown Lynchburg your next weekend getaway!

Plan your weekend before you book! See what events are happening downtown in the following months, and scope out what restaurants, shops, and activities you want to explore.

Al fresco dining is unlike anything else—food simply tastes better when fresh air and good company surround you. So we’re making the most of the few summery weeks remaining by visiting these 10 Downtown Lynchburg eateries with outdoor dining. From expansive river views to more intimate streetside dining, and with plenty of live music and local color thrown in as well, our complete list of downtown outdoor dining has us already anxious for our next meal. Share your favorite discoveries—dishes, views, company—using #DowntownLynchburg.

Waterstone Fire Roasted Pizza

If you haven’t ventured out to Waterstone’s back deck, you’re certainly missing a unique experience. With views of the downtown bike trails, train tracks, cobblestone streets, and general passersby, you’ll enjoy the energy and great food found here on Jefferson Street. The classic option at Waterstone is, naturally, the artisan pizzas, but the variety of sandwiches and salads offered all complement the bar menu as well. Whether grabbing a quick bite midday or looking for a more leisurely evening meal, you won’t be disappointed. After eating, take a quick jaunt over to Lynchburg’s iconic LOVE sign for a photo.

waterstonepizza.com
Open Sunday—Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday—Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

El Jefe Tequila Garaje Lynchburg Virginia

El Jefe Taqueria Garaje

Tequila is always a good idea (our official stance), and El Jefe has plenty to go around. Their margaritas made with fresh-squeezed lime and agave are not to be beat anywhere else in town. But even better than their extensive drink menu is their recent expansion, which offers tables on their back deck and the Lower Bluffwalk.

So whether you’re relaxing after work or looking to spend a casual Saturday afternoon downtown, the only thing better than the view is the fresh food; tacos of every variety—chicken, tuna, pork, chorizo, beef, beans, etc.!—served up with ample toppings and salsas.

facebook.com/eljefetaqueriagaraje
Open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

RA Bistro

Family outing, dinner with a client, first date—RA’s warm atmosphere leaves room for all possibilities. Take your pick from their side patio or back deck that overlooks the streets below and kick back with a specialty cocktail and a seasonal entrée from their modern American menu. You can sometimes catch some live music on a weekend night too. Between Sunday brunch—because $2 mimosas—and their weeknight drink specials—because $5 cocktails—there’s plenty to keep you frequenting this Main Street establishment.

rabistro.com
Open Monday—Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday—Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Shoemakers American Grille

Perched on the southern corner of the downtown Bluffwalk and with a view of the James River below, here you’ll find a welcoming patio with lantern-topped tables and comfortable chairs. With a classic surf and turf menu, you can enjoy the elegance of this downtown restaurant surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors. Lights overhead from the neighboring Craddock Terry Hotel create a lovely ambience when twilight arrives, so our recommendation is to pair some rich French pressed coffee and desserts with conversation among friends. If a cocktail is what you are in search of, consider their happy hour, which includes half price wine and beer from 4:30-6:30pm on weeknights. One of Lynchburg's best kept secrets, in our humble opinion.

shoemakersdining.com
Open Monday—Saturday, 4:30 pm. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday

Jimmy’s on the James

Evoking the warmth and charm of a 1920’s speakeasy, Jimmy’s is a fantastic option to enjoy open-air seating and live music. A renovated dining room transforms with the opening of a glass garage door, giving diners the experience of a street-side café. An ever-evolving menu and consistent drink specials are the highlights of what should be a musical and memorable evening on the town. Take a suggestion and stop by on Wednesdays for a true “happy hour” tasting experience; after a flight of four wines, you can purchase your top choice for only $5 a glass. Paired with an order of their decadent Baby Cakes, could you really ask for anything more when trying to survive the week?

jimmysonthejames.com
Open Monday—Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; lunch offered Monday-Friday.

Kegney Brothers

One of the newer additions to the scene, Kegney Brothers has brought a much-needed pub atmosphere to downtown. We love Kegney for its unique character (origins dating to 1879!), its love of all things Irish, its hearty and delicious food, and especially for the late hours and rooftop patio with views of the James River. From Guinness to specialty cocktails, pub fare to tikka masala, you won’t soon forget an evening spent here at the heart of Main Street.

kegneybrothers.com
Open Monday, 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Tuesday—Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The Depot Grille

When a train rolls into town, you can't help but stop to watch and listen. On the spacious deck of Depot Grille just a stone’s throw from the edge of Riverfront Park, you not only get a great selection of local brews , you also get a dose of history and a front row seat of the locomotives as they pass through town. Enjoy the shaded view and friendly ambience while sampling a variety of entrees from seafood and steak to pasta and burgers. Plenty of weekly specials—plus once a week All You Can Eat Shrimp feasts—mean you’ll have to visit more than once.

depotgrille.com
Open Monday—Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday—Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lynchburg Community Market

The Lynchburg Community Market is a local institution. As one of the oldest continually running markets in the country, The Lynchburg Community Market is not just your source for local produce, but for great prepared food as well. The beauty of this establishment is that you don’t have to choose just one dish; you can have some of Lorraine’s popular crepes and a heaping platter of southern fare from Irene’s, all while enjoying some fresh coffee and pastries on the side—no judgement here! We recommend sitting outside by the fountain where you will most likely meet some of your fellow foodies. Picnic tables are also available.

lynchburgcommunitymarket.com/vendors
Includes Philippine Delight, Barb’s Dream Hut, Lorraine Bakery,Country Cooking by Irene, Grains of Sense
Open Tuesday—Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

White Hart Cafe Downtown Lynchburg Outdoor Coffee

The White Hart

Not too long ago, this Main Street charmer had closed its doors only to be reopened via community efforts. Now, it’s once again a testament to good coffee, good conversation, and good food. Its back deck has a casual vibe with solid, wooden furniture in the form of gliding benches and pub tables with warm lights overhead. You may be happy with a house-roasted coffee, but keep in mind that they serve up some tasty entrees, satisfying apps, and an assortment of beer and wine as well.

thewhitehartcoffee.com
Open Monday—Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday—Saturday, 7 m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cafe Bliss

Housed on the main level of the Bank of the James building, Cafe Bliss is building a name for itself with fresh and decadent sweets like raspberry bread pudding and crème brulee pie from their sister shop Montana Plains. Serving up Trager Brothers Organic coffee drinks, this cute little shop delivers an afternoon pick me up with a front row seat to the happenings of Main Street. Follow them on Facebook to keep up-to-date with their rotating menu of sandwiches, wraps, soups, and entrees.

facebook.com/cafe-bliss
Monday—Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

BONUS: Food Trucks!

If you’re looking for some spontaneity, hit up one of Lynchburg’s many food trucks, serving everything from inventive grilled cheese concoctions to stuffed gyros drizzled in tzatziki sauce. And take an insider’s tip: you may want to save room for a bag of hot apple cider donuts as well. Our recommendation is to enjoy your food with a great view from the Monument Terrace steps or to have an easy and quiet picnic at Riverfront Park.

Check Facebook for our downtown regulars: Taco Shark, Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts, Action Gyro, Cheesy Rider, Jacked Rabbit, and Koto Grill
Hours and locations vary

12 Amazing Airbnb's in Downtown Lynchburg