Location: Lynchburg
Top Things to do in Lynchburg
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia (VA)
Lynchburg, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has had a prosperous history, serving as a center of trade, the home of numerous notable personages, and the site of the official end of the Civil War. Visit Appomattox Court House, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The house and gardens of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer, the landmarked Old City Cemetery and Thomas Jefferson's retreat at Poplar Forest are also open for tours.
Restaurants in Lynchburg
1. One Way Out
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 296 reviews
One Way Out is a real-life escape room business in Lynchburg, VA. This exciting new type of game "locks" guests in a room with only one way out-- discover the clues, solve the puzzles, and work together as a team to escape the room in under 60 minutes. Are you up for the challenge?
Reviewed By JenniferMobo
We were able to book last minute. They had several rooms to check out and they ranged in difficulty. We choose a medium difficulty ecuse it was the one we wanted and out of all 4 rooms it was the first one ready that day. The room had several types of combination locks and a few key lock and an interesting plot. My husband and I were the only ones in the room (it was still kind of early in the day) but we got though just over half of the locks and i know if their had been 1-2 more people in the room we would have made it out. We had loads of fun solving puzzles. If you thi k you can beat the room then you should check out One Way Out.
2. Old City Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 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 DillonKey - Roanoke, United States
When my friend and I decided to go to the cemetery, I was just expecting to look at some old headstones and leave but I was blown away by what was there. It seemed pretty normal at first but the further we walked the more we realized how big this cemetery is. Not only is it huge, George Washington’s nieces are entombed here, there is a special confederate soldiers section within it, there are 2-3 museums that you can look on the outside or schedule inside tours, there’s a special spot to scatter pet ashes, and a spot for children’s burials that is very sweet with a peaceful swing. I was amazed at how much history is actually there. I could easily spend hours there and I plan on going back soon. Definitely recommend.
3. Anne Spencer House
4. Pest House Medical Museum
5. Tiny Town Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
6. Amazement Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 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 lapislee1 - Lynchburg, United States
Great resource for school age children and their parents. Many different activities for arts and sciences.
7. Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Randolph College’s Maier Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of American art from the 19th-21st centuries, chiefly paintings, works on paper, and photographs. The Maier serves the College community and public, offering changing exhibits, rotating displays of the collection, and programs. Artists include Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, and Andrew Wyeth. In 1951, facing nuclear threat by the Soviet Union, the National Gallery of Art chose Randolph-Macon Woman’s College as the site of a secret storage facility to safeguard the nation’s art treasures. Given the code name “Project Y,” construction was supervised by NGA staff, and it was dedicated December 11, 1952. Though never used by the NGA, the College maintained and insured the facility for 50 years. It remained listed as an emergency location until 1979 and a 1983 endowment established by the Pauline and Sarah Maier Scholarship Fund created today’s Maier Museum.
Reviewed By Mollyh123 - Venice, Italy
A beautiful collection in a jewel box of a museum. I enjoy strolling the galleries whenever I am in Lynchburg. A big treat!
8. Historic Sandusky
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Sandusky is a federal style home built in 1808 by Charles Johnston. Today, the home is open as a historic house museum and is currently under ongoing restoration to the 1864 period when the home was used as Union Headquarters by General David Hunter. Historic Sandusky is operated by the Historic Sandusky foundation in partnership with the University of Lynchburg.
9. Point of Honor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Point of Honor, the elegant Federal-style home built by Dr. George Cabell in 1815. Point of Honor is furnished with period antiques, and the grounds contain a recreated plantation kitchen, gardens, and the Carriage House Gift Shop.
Reviewed By C2985AZrobertb - Kernersville, United States
We spent a couple of months in Lynchburg Virginia, January and February, checking out the area, enjoying the historic sites, the people, and mild Winter weather. Point of honor was recommended to us as a must see place to visit and we agree. I found the story about how it got it’s name very interesting. It was located outside the City limits and 19th century gentlemen in Lynchburg used to location to settle disputes of honor. They have a small gift shop and the staff and tour guides are very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.
10. Lynchburg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House consists of the Court Room Gallery, the history of Lynchburg from the First People to the 21st century, and four other specialized galleries including: Art & Artisans, Piedmont Pride, Lynchburg Life, and An Oranment on the Hill.The First Friday of each month the Museum is open for free from 5pm to 8pm and each month is a different topic relating to Lynchburg history.
Reviewed By geoslaton
Visiting this local history museum was a priority for my traveling to Lynchburg, and I was not disappointed! The museum’s exhibits are professionally done and they provide a comprehensive survey of the area’s history from pre-colonial period to the present. The town’s early settlement and Civil War and Reconstruction are well-represented by objects of the period. World Wars I and II are covered as well. The museum’s educator was on hand to graciously answer my questions. The history lover will not want to miss a visit! Admission is free.
