9 Places To Celebrate National Ice Cream Month in Downtown Lynchburg

It is almost July and summer is in full swing in Downtown Lynchburg — which means outdoor activities, plenty of sunshine, and of course lots of ice cream to help beat the heat!

Since July is National Ice Cream Month, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to grab a sweet treat downtown. Because there is no such thing as too much ice cream, especially in the summer, right? 

1. Ice Cream Dream

Calling all ice cream enthusiasts! This parlor has something for everyone — whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fruit fanatic or a fan of fun flavors like birthday cake and cotton candy. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Check out their all-new rolled ice cream, made right behind the glass. Try the “Oreo Overload” for a total chocolate explosion, or the “Campfire” flavor, complete with crumbled S’mores Pop-Tarts, marshmallows, and graham crackers. If you're craving a walk down memory lane, the shop even serves a rolled ice cream with all the childhood favorites, including fruit loops and rainbow sprinkles.

2. Mrs. Joy's Absolutely Fabulous Treats 

Perhaps best known for their donuts and beautifully decorated cakes, Mrs. Joy's is expanding their menu this summer to offer some refreshing twists on classic bakery items. Order the ice cream sandwich — a choice of brownie or cookie — packed with chocolate, black cherry, mint chocolate chip or vanilla ice cream. Also be on the lookout for the newest addition, the whoopie pie ice cream sandwich, coming soon!

3. Bootleggers

There nothing quite like a classic ice cream sundae, and Bootleggers makes one of the best downtown. Drop by and order the chocolate, strawberry or caramel for a refreshing treat that’s perfect any time of the day. Looking to try something new? Order the vanilla ice cream bowl, served with deep fried Oreo cookies, for a unique texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

4. Altus Chocolate

When it comes to gelato, Altus Chocolate is a master at recreating the authentic Italian dessert. The shop makes a variety of unique flavors, including white chocolate raspberry, lemon blueberry, sea salt caramel and fresh coconut. Each gelato is made with all-natural ingredients, and free from preservatives and colorings. Enjoy a scoop in-shop or on the go for the perfect solution to any craving.

5. THE DEPOT GRILLE

Visit the Depot Grille for an all-American ice cream experience. The restaurant borders the James River and is the perfect stop after a walk or bike ride downtown. Drop in, sit at the soda shop counter and enjoy a dish of chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Want something a little different? Try one of their milkshake combinations to help cool off, or a bowl of sherbet for a fun and fruity blast of nostalgia on a hot summer day.

6. The Water Dog

If you’re in need of a treat that is comforting and familiar, the Water Dog has you covered. The restaurant serves up some seriously delicious hand scooped ice cream in vanilla and chocolate flavors, as well as salted caramel. Enjoy a bowl of ice cream on the outdoor patio with a beautiful view of the James River, and a side of freshly baked in-house cookies.

7. White Hart Café

Looking for a coffee fix that won’t leave you completely melted in the summer heat? Drop by the café to try a famous “Lynch-Vegas Affogato.” It’s made with scoops of rich vanilla ice cream, and covered in house made espresso. The dessert is layered with puffs of whipped cream and drizzled in Ghirardelli chocolate syrup. Trust us, this treat is as good as it looks. 

8. Hot & Cold CafÉ

If you're craving something that is especially fresh and summery, try a bowl of homemade mango ice cream (left) from the Hot & Cold Café. Made with real mangoes, almond milk and coconut, the dessert is perfectly creamy and drizzled with a sweet mango puree. The café also offers a pistachio and almond ice cream, as well as a mango kulfi (right) for vegan guests. 

9. Crisp

Looking for a healthier alternative? Crisp’s smoothie bowl — a sweet treat that is just about as satisfying as ice cream, but is actually chock-full of nutrition — is about to become your new best friend. Choose from four different pre-made bowl combinations, like the mixed berry, banana and peanut butter, or the green bowl packed with fruits and vegetables. If you’re feeling bold, try the “build your own” option to customize a bowl that is as colorful and delicious as you can imagine!

15 New Happenings in Downtown Lynchburg

Here’s the latest on new developments and openings in Downtown Lynchburg!

It doesn’t take long to see that Downtown Lynchburg has been a hub of activity lately. Revitalization and rehabilitation is happening all throughout the district from lofts and restaurants on Jefferson, to road expansions and reopenings along Church and Main. 

We did some digging to bring you the latest and greatest about the downtown district — see what you may have missed and be sure keep up with our weekly posts online via Facebook and Instagram. #DowntownLynchburg.

1) Dublin 3 Coffeehouse is serving up serious coffee.

Jefferson Street continues to develop at lightning pace with the latest opening of this coffeehouse in mid-April. Stop by to check out the awesome rough stone interior, and stay for a single origin pour-over (MudHouse, CounterCulture and Lamplighter are served) to see why people are already raving. With free WiFi and great hours, we foresee a lot of productivity and good conversations happening here.

2) The Emerald Stone Grille is Downtown’s hottest new restaurant.

If you haven’t stepped into this unique eatery on Jefferson Street, make plans to head over soon. Featuring rustic decor and lighting, the grille offers a multi-cuisine menu that gives guests a truly authentic experience. The restaurant specializes in handcrafted cocktails, a variety of appetizing starters, and entrees including duck, lamb, and steak. Be sure to take a stroll along the river after dinner for a truly relaxing evening downtown. 

3) CRISP is back and better than ever.

After months of renovations, this downtown eatery, offering healthy, whole food has reopened in a bright and beautiful space on the corner of Church and 12th. Grab a Thai wrap, some freshly squeezed juice and cozy up to the front window from a prime view of downtown. You can find their current menu — and expanded hours, yes! — on their Facebook page.

4) Experience life in a 19th century building at The Piedmont Flour Mill Lofts.

Downtown's most recently completed housing project is the truly unique Piedmont Flour Mill Lofts, giving you the option to literally live in a piece of local history. Dating back to the early-1800s, the building now houses multiple, high-end units complete with original wooden walls and updated with modern finishes. Each space is unique in layout, and most have views high above Jefferson Street, giving you a prime view of the river, passing trains and the bustle of downtown life.

5) Coming soon: The Wills-Camp Lofts will feature a historic, yet modern aesthetic. 

Located right on Main Street, the building plans to offer five different loft styles for residents to choose from. Each suite will display original hardwoods and metal ceilings that date back to 1880, as well as contemporary lighting and a modern kitchen. Choose to settle in one of these lofts and you will have a one-of-a-kind living experience, complete with a beautiful view of the city. 

7) The 11th Street Lofts enter the downtown scene.

The construction of a three-story building of single and two bedroom units recently began downtown. Located right on the Bluffwalk, each room will have a private balcony and a towering view of the James River, and will be in close proximity to many of the riverfront businesses and restaurants. 

8) The Glass House is up and running and ready to host your event.

Since its opening last year, The Glass House has brought a variety of bands and musical acts to the streets of downtown. It has also become one of the most sought-after spaces for private events and weddings. Located on Jefferson Street, it is the perfect venue for those looking for an exciting, urban venue in the middle of the downtown action. 

9) Lynchburg Community Market is still up and running.

Don’t let the yellow tape and cones confuse you: everyone’s favorite market is still open in the midst of the area’s current construction work. Thankfully, the work being done is helping to reinforce and strengthen the parking deck, which means the market will be safer and more accessible to guests for years to come.

10) Riverfront Park promises a summer of events.

Before long, the days of an empty Riverfront Park will be a distant memory. Beginning with Lynchstock and continuing throughout the summer, you’ll now find events being held riverside every weekend. From events like the first ever Lynchburg Food Fest to Movies in the Park to the monthly Riverfront Park Concert Series, you’ll be making this your new go-to weekend destination.

11) The Barking Dog will be serving up breakfast in the near future.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for this fun breakfast joint, slated to open around late summer. The latest installment from the Parry Restaurant Group — of Waterstone Pizza, Shoemakers, El Jefe, and Bootleggers fame — will feature a vintage diner-vibe, serving breakfast classics on the corner of 10th and Commerce. We can’t wait try it ourselves!

12) Windblown Apothecary to be offering holistic shopping by summer’s end.

Downtown will be just a bit cooler, and hopefully healthier, with the launch of this new storefront coming to Church Street. Brought to us by the owners of Live Trendy or Die, the store will supply locals with “a brick-and-mortar source for healthy living that caters to healing and fauna.” With a planned opening for this fall, the shop will include succulents, crystals and vegan-dyed clothing. The owners also hope to collaborate with local florists so downtown residents can easily pick up fresh arrangements each day.

13) Grassroots Local Market coming soon.

With hopes to bring downtown its own dedicated grocery space — complete with local and organic offerings — this Lynchburg co-op is closing in on its final round of funding. Be sure to look for them to open within the near future, right on Main Street, and visit their site to find out why 700 others have already purchased memberships.

14) Amazement Square is undergoing a $5 million expansion. 

With a growing demand for educational programs in Lynchburg, Amazement Square is adding 17,000 square feet onto their current location. The new space will offer five classrooms, more space for traveling and in-house exhibitions and theater performances and a designated workshop for design staff. They also plan to stabilize the nearby train tunnel for a time travel exhibit that is sure to add to the incredible learning experience found at Amazement Square.

15) The Virginian is poised for greatness.

The completion of this massive restoration and renovation — one that will restore a historic, circa 1913 landmark, while also promoting local business — is slated for the end of 2017. For now, check out the latest photos of the work that is underway, and be looking for the hotel boutique, conference center and roof top restaurant to send out updates as progress moves forward!

BONUS: Work on the The Historic Academy of Music Theatre continues!

Restoration of one of Lynchburg's most notable historic treasures is coming along. The 1905 Academy of Music Theatre has been silent since 1958, but is finally poised to reopen in 2018, creating a beautiful 800-seat venue right here in Downtown Lynchburg. This one is a game changer!

PLUS: Lynch’s Landing has officially rebranded as the Downtown Lynchburg Association.

We have an updated name, logo, and plenty of new programs and events planned for this upcoming year. Learn about our recent changes and the reasons behind them here.

As always, thanks for reading and keep up with us on social media: now the Downtown Lynchburg Association on Facebook and still @DowntownLynchburg on Instagram.

Share your favorite discoveries and adventures with us by tagging #DowntownLynchburg.