Location: Amherst
Top Things to do in Amherst
10 Things to Do in Amherst That You Shouldn't Miss
Amherst (formerly Dearborn) is a town in Amherst County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,231 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Amherst County.
Restaurants in Amherst
1. Crabtree Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By afinetraveler - Herndon, VA
Crabtree Falls is a beautiful spot to visit, especially on a cool Fall morning. It’s described as a hike, though I’d say it’s more like climbing stairs. And it’s kind of busy too, so don’t expect to feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. All in all, it’s well worth the 2 to 3 hours or so it’ll take to go all the way up and down.
2. Amazement Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Amazement Square is Central Virginia's first multidisciplinary, hands-on children's museum! Climb, slide and discover as you make your way through four floors of exciting, interactive exhibits, activities and programs. Visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can explore global and regional topics, the arts and humanities, science and health-related themes, as well as expand their creativity.
Reviewed By Franklin H - Palm Coast, Florida
Absolutely the best place in town for kids. Maybe the best anywhere. Lots of hands on experiences and games for all ages. The kids will stay all day and beg to come back.
3. Endstation Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Endstation Theatre Company is committed to producing new works, reinterpretations of classical plays, and original theatrical productions for the Central Virginia community based on the historical, current, and cultural events specific to the area.
Reviewed By Amy R - Newport News, Virginia
We love to drive out to the Shenandoah mountains and take in some live theater along with the wineries. Endpoint productions at Sweet Briar College are fabulous outdoor productions with the mountains as a backdrop and viewing setting Shakespeare in more familiar local territory and timeframes. They include live music, theater in the round, picnic seating - it is a really cool experience and we have loved the show each time. Cymbelline, re-visioned as a young girl in a depression-era camp telling a story her father used to tell her, was fabulous on both counts - as a story and as a story within the glimpses we got of this young girl with an active imagination being caught in hardships she could hardly comprehend.
4. Loose Shoe Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Loose Shoe Brewery is a microbrewery offering 12 revolving taps of unique and delicious craft beer made on the premises. The brewery offers pints, half pints, and flights in our spacious and comfortable taproom with growlers available for purchase to fill and take home. We also offer 32 oz. crowlers to go. Visitors are welcome to bring food from any of the local restaurants or from home to enjoy while quenching their thirst. Our patio will feature music most weekends and provide some fun in the sun with our custom made corn hole boards. Hours: Wed. and Thur. 3-9, Fri. 3-10, Sat. 12-10, and Sun. 2-7. OPEN ON LABOR DAY 12-7 OPEN LABOR DAY!
Reviewed By DB643_13 - Rice, Virginia
Very good place to go for micro brew beers- as well as for music.
However final tab was provided on tablet screen and with no receipt offered. Will ask for written one on next visit.
5. Riverwalk Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By David C - Livonia, Michigan
Starting just two blocks from town, you can walk about a mile and a half to the other end of Percival's Island in the middle of the James River and have no idea that you are that close to the city. The main trail is paved, but there is a trail that goes off to the side for a half mile or so and then comes back to the main trail. When we took that trail, we saw a nursing fawn on the trail less than 50 feet in front of us.
The walk is shaded the entire length of the island, so it is reasonably comfortable, even on a hot day, which it was the day we walked it.
Afterwards, we had lunch at Waterstone Pizza, the top rated restaurant in Lynchburg, which was just a block from the trail.
6. Warehouse Antiques
7. Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By ConnyR22 - Lovingston, Virginia
This 7 mile hiking/biking/equestrian/XCountry skiing trail is one of the most interesting you will find anywhere. The original train station has been renovated as has the caboose that was operating when the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway ceased operations in 1982. At the end of the trail is a section of track featuring a restored dump car. The trail contains three bridges; one over the Piney River, one over the Tye River and a covered bridge that crosses a small tributary. The trail head parking area is on Rt. 151 in the little town of Piney River. Another trail access/parking area is on Old Rose Mill Road, 1.8 miles down the trail. This is the site of a mini-triathlon the second Sat. in April every year. The trail closely follows the Piney and Tye rivers for its entire 7 mile length. Beautiful woodland, farmland, rock cliffs and Class II rapids make sure the voyager never loses interest. Be advised that there is no outlet at the end of the trail. One must turn around and hike back to one of the parking areas described above.
Although a primitive hike the trail is well kempt. Deigned primarily for hiking, biking and horse-riding one can generally count on a few days per year when cross-country skiing is possible. Porta-potties are available at the parking areas and food and gas are available in the very nearby town of Piney River.
8. Old City Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
The Old City Cemetery, established in 1806, is one of the oldest public cemeteries in the United States still in use today. Mayors and other prominent civic leaders, along with the city's indigent and "strangers," are among the estimated 18,000 people buried here. Two thirds of those interred here are of African descent, both enslaved and free. The cemetery's Confederate section contains the graves of more than 2,200 soldiers from 14 states. Museums on the property interpret the diverse history of this rehabilitated graveyard and its inhabitants. Today, Old City Cemetery is the most visited historic site in the City of Lynchburg and is Central Virginia's most unique public garden. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By Franklin H - Palm Coast, Florida
Great history in an old well taken care of cemetery. Even has swings to keep kids occupied lots of old monuments back to the civil war
9. Lazy Days Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Our family owned winery is located in beautiful Amherst County, Virginia, offering a broad spectacular view of the natural beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Close to both Charlottesville and Lynchburg, it is easy to reach Lazy Days Winery. Our winery is family friendly and is sure to entertain the adults as well as children. The tasting room is open Wednesday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm.
Reviewed By mike b - Chesterfield, Virginia
Nice, big tasting room, and some decent wines. Staff was friendly and seemed to know the wines fairly well.
10. Amherst County Museum and Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
The Amherst County Museum and Historical Society collects and preserve objects related to the history and genealogy of Amherst County Virginia. The Museum exhibits, interprets and offers those collections to provide educational experiences for people of all ages.
Reviewed By Tavishboo
We are just beginning to dig into serious genealogy and this the place to go! The staff was friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and NOT pushy at all. They listened and provided plenty of information without going on and on. Very knowledgeable and very eager to provide just the right amount of help. We are already planning our next trip!!
