Discover Lynchburg in every direction. Information about tourism in the city of Lynchburg and the surrounding area

The Academy of Fine Arts Music Theater, built in 1905, will be the centerpiece of a regional visual and performing arts center. The complex includes a studio Theatre and a historic theatre, which is undergoing renovation. The Theatre showcases a variety of performances including jazz, opera, improv competitions, magic shows, and professional road shows. The Arts Education Building includes...

Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children's Museum, is dedicated to motivating children and adults of all backgrounds toward greater creativity and understanding of themselves and the world through hands-on learning. The Museum's exhibits and educational programs encourage all participants to explore the arts and humanities, culture, science, technology and their interdisciplinary relationships....

Located twenty miles north of Lynchburg, The Amherst County Museum & Historical Society aims to preserve the history of Amherst County, Virginia through the exhibition of our collections and the operation of a genealogy research library. Housed in a 1907 Georgian home, the Amherst County Museum maintains two rooms of changing exhibits on the history of Amherst County. Amherst County...

Internationally acclaimed poet who was part of the Harlem Renaissance, Anne Spencer was the only black woman and the only Virginian included in the Norton Anthology of Modern American and British Poetry. On grounds is Spencer's writing cottage "Edan Kraal." Many dignitaries have visited here. Museum with artifacts, memorabilia, period antique furnishings. (House open by appointment.) The garden,...

Just a short thirty minute drive to the east, The Appomattox County Historical Museum is located in the Court House Square. The Appomattox County Historical Museum was previously a jail started in 1895 and completed in 1897. It was the third jail to have been built in Appomattox County and was in continuous use until May 1981. The museum houses a turn-of-the-century one-room school, a...

Just twenty miles east of Lynchburg, The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park commemorates the heroic acts which took place in April of 1865 in this, the original village, to bring about the end of the Civil War. The walking tour allows you to see all buildings which are original to the site, and have been restored to their original condition. The highlight of the Park is the McLean...

Thirty-five minutes east of Lynchburg, visit the renovated "Electric Company" circa 1880, that has been converted to a large gallery featuring local art and crafts. Also see working artists create in the "Artspace", visit the pet boutique "Pawcasso" and have lunch with an artistic flair at the "Artisan Cafe".

Just forty minutes west of Lynchburg, stately mansion built circa 1838 as manor house for 40-acre plantation. Destinguished guests included General Robert E. Lee and Edgar Allen Poe. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. Restoration underway. Tours by appointment.Available for private parties/receptions.

Just a short forty minute drive south of Lynchburg, Avoca, the principal architectural landmark of the Town of Altavista, is an American Queen Anne-style house, designed by architect J.M.B. Lewis and built in 1901. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Avoca is the home site of Colonel Charles Lynch, Revolutionary War hero.On the of...

Just a short thirty miles drive west, the Church building erected in 1838 as first Meeting House for Methodists in the town of Liberty. From 1886 it served a black congregation as St. Phillips Episcopal Church and was purchased by the Bedford Historical Society in 1970 and renovated. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Tours by appointment....

Located thirty miles west of Lynchburg, The Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library building was built in 1895 as a Masonic Temple. This is the only example of Romanesque Revival architecture in Bedford and is impressive with its multi-colored brick, stone archways, terra cotta ornamentation and bay windows. The museum showcases Bedford's history from early native American life through the War...

Thirty miles west of Lynchburg, the Bedford Wine Trail welcomes you. A great Virginia weekend getaway that is only four hours from Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia, three hours from Richmond, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina and only two hours from Greensboro, North Carolina. Enjoy the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smith Mountain Lake or visit the National D-Day Memorial and...

Located approximately sixty miles southwest of Lynchburg near Smith Mountain Lake, this site is maintained by the National Park Service. Washington, the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, was an orator, author and presidential advisor.

Lynchburg is home to an impressive twelve sites on the Civil War Trails. Enjoy discovering Lynchburg as you follow these historic markers from downtown, to midtown and beyond. Sandusky 757 Sandusky Drive, Lynchburg VA 24502  434-832-0162  Road map  This 1808 Federal-style home was taken over by  Gen. David Hunter and used as Union headquarters during the Battle of...

Approximately twenty-five miles east of Lynchburg, Clover Hill Village is a six acre village where the history and heritage of Appomattox County comes to life. Enjoy a glimpse into daily life in the past (1840-1920) as you browse through the many historic buildings, including a log cabin, chapel, one room schoolhouse, working blacksmith shop, general store, and post office. Self-guided tours...

The art gallery was established in 1974 and dedicated in 1990 as the Daura Gallery in memory of Pierre and Louise Blair Daura. Since then, the Gallery has expanded its facilities and collection through the generosity of their daughter, Martha Randolph Daura. The collection of works by the Catalan-American artist Pierre Daura, and many other American and Virginia artists, now includes more than...

Located less than twenty minutes from Lynchburg just off Virginia's Route 460, DeVault Family Vineyards is situated on 32 beautiful rolling acres. The surrounding Lynchburg region offers a variety of renowned attractions to satisfy your itinerary for days. DeVault boasts plenty to keep your family busy as well, ranging from tennis, volleyball, basketball and a stocked pond, to an indoor pool...

Located thirty miles west of Lynchburg, The "Electric Company" circa 1880 was the start of electric service for the City of Bedford. The building has been renovated with an exhibit of historic artifacts. The building is now used for the arts. There is a large gallery with works from local artists, with many unusual crafts.Many of the artists have art spaces where the public is welcome to observe....

The Ellington Fellowship Playhouse presents renowned artists several times a month to perform concerts and conduct workshops. Call for more information or schedule of events.

Named in honor of Jubal Early, Fort Early was a Civil War earthworks that anchored the outer defense line during the Battle of Lynchburg. Interpretive maps and displays showing both the inner and outer defenses are located on the grounds.

Located forty-three miles southwest of Lynchburg, Roanoke natives Roger & Judy Furrow started in the early 80’s with an experimental vineyard on Smith Mountain Lake. By 1992, they purchased a nearby farm and started the vineyard that in 2001 became Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery.Hickory Hill wines are made in a light and fruity style and began earning medals with the very first...

Just thirty minutes west of Lynchburg, Bedford is one of the most charming and unique small towns in Virginia. Come to Historic Centertown to experience a variety of shopping, including works by local artisans, jewelry, antiques, gifts, books, furniture, hardware, and more!

By foot or by car, Lynchburg’s seven historic districts are a must see. These prosperous neighborhoods sprang up in Lynchburg during the 19th Century when tobacco tycoons, doctors, and attorneys made Lynchburg the wealthiest city in the nation for its size. The impressive Queen Ann and Federal style mansions offer both an educational experience and unparalleled delight for the lovers of history...

Historic Sandusky, built in 1808, is one of the Lynchburg area's first homes to display the architectural details and refinements characteristic of Federal style mansions. Taken over and used as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg, the home is now the site of the Historic Sandusky Museum and Civil War Center.

The 80-plus voices of the Jefferson Choral Society, representing 15 different communities in Central Virginia, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary Season in 2009-2010. The Choral Society is one of the most widely traveled groups in the state, performing and touring abroad as well as at the Washington National Cathedral, Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford,...

Driving north twenty miles from Lynchburg, Lazy Days Winery, a new vineyard and winery, is situated in the beautiful Virginia countryside of Amherst County. Tour the vineyard and winery, sample delicious Virginia wines, picnic with family and friends, hold special events like weddings, receptions, family reunions, or attend a festival.

The Legacy Museum offers rotating exhibitions and programs on all aspects of local African American history and culture, from the first arrival of Africans in Central Virginia until the present day. The museum sponsors exhibit-related programs as well as special events during Black History month. In 2000 the Legacy Museum of African American History opened. New exhibits are mounted annually. The...

Approximately twenty miles west of Lynchburg, the family-owned and operated vineyard and winery is located in Goode, in the heart of Bedford County. Drop by and visit our tasting room and veranda which offers a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountain. Wines include many Italian varieties. Enjoy the 400 acre farm with its Black Angus, horses, goats, chickens & pot-bellied pigs. Call for...

A beautiful new theater located on the campus of Liberty University. The Tower hosts 6 productions each year as well as a variety of summer programs for children of all ages. Be sure to check the website for specific details on upcoming events.

Lynchburg Historic Tours offers a range of tours in and around Lynchburg and the Central Virginia countryside. A city rich in history, period architecture, and local color, Lynchburg rises above the James River in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Approximately 180 miles southwest of the nation's capital, this inviting city is a small turn off the beaten path and well worth the trip!

Explore the rich history of Central Virginia at The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House. The Museum shares stories about the people and fascinating events that shaped the region. Exhibits include antique toys, military items from all wars, fine art, furniture and silver made in Lynchburg, costumes, historic photographs, sports and music memorabilia, three media programs, and much more.

The Lynchburg Symphony is one of the most cultural jewels of the Central Virginia area and provides quality classical music each season. Begun in 1983 this talented group of instrumentalists exudes exceptional quality for a city of Lynchburg's size. Diverse yet united in their love of music, the symphony works together with the city schools music program, even inviting young school musicians to...

The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College houses an outstanding collection of American art, chiefly paintings, works on paper and photographs dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.The Maier is virtually unique among colleges and universities for its continual building of a collection focused on American art. The Museum's strengths lie in American Impressionism and in early 20th-century...

Twenty miles east of Lynchburg, here on April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, bringing an end to the Civil War. The war cost more American lives than World War I and II and the Korean War combined. The McLean House and the surrounding village, beautifully restored to their 1865 condition, are now the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The...

The sole surviving pre-18th century townhouse is where Thomas Jefferson allegedly proved to the owner that  garden tomatoes were not poisonous by eating one. The home was dismantled in 1936 and rebuilt at Riverside Park, where the garden was also restored . Interpreters relate lifestyles of the 18th century.

Located thirty minutes north of Lynchburg, The Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia is a small tribe composed of about 1,000 people, located in the Amherst County area and recognized as a tribe by the State of Virginia. Our culture in this region dates back 10,000 years, and the original territory of our tribe comprised roughly half of the state of Virginia, including most of the Piedmont region.We...

The inspiring rise of Monument Terrace commemorates Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and present day. At the base on Church Street stands the iconic doughboy statue. Many other sculptures and markers line the 139 steps and terraces all the way to the top, where the old Court House Museum stands on Court Street. 

The museum/research center is unique in that there is no other museum in the nation dedicated solely to the memory of the chaplains, priests, and rabbis who served in the US and CSA armies during the Civil War.  Employing videos, murals, paintings, artifacts, and displays, the museum/research gives its visitors an overview of the importance of religion to soldiers of both sides during the...

Twenty minutes west of Lynchburg is Bedford, Virginia,  from Lynchburg, the town reported to have suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. Here the National D-Day Memorial pays tribute to the Allied Forces participating in the largest land, sea, and air operation in history: the invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944. This 9-acre complex features a lush English...

An easy and beautiful forty-five minute drive, Natural Bridge, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a historic Virginia Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, is located one hour northwest of Lynchburg.  Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, this marvel of nature soars 215ft. high. Nearby you will find the Natural Bridge Wax Museum, Toy Museum, Professor Cline’s...

Established in 1806, this restored public cemetery is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive plaques, signage, and brochures are available throughout the 26-acre site. Features include a Confederate Section with over 2,200 graves of soldiers from 14 states, significant African-American history, and four small museums equipped with push-button audio:...

Omniterrum The Globe Museum Sponsored by the American Globe Preservation Society Opens its doors on February3, 2012. The museum offers a permanent location dedicated to the preservation of globes and related planetary from around the world spanning four centuries. The purpose of a globe museum is to: Showcase and preserve vintage and antique globes from around the world, including related...

An organization of music lovers in Central Virginia seeking to further the appreciation and enjoyment of opera through community education and quality performance.

A forty-five minute drive south of Lynchburg, nearby Red Hill is the last home of American patriot Patrick Henry. Best known for his five terms as governor of Virginia and his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, Henry and some of his 17 children are buried on site at Red Hill.

Bedford County's first winery and Virginia's first all fruit winery is nestled at the foot of the Peaks of Otter where we, the Johnson family, continue the farming tradition that our ancestors began here in the 1700s. In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on our fruit farm, we make 30 varieties of wine, primarily from the fruits that we grow. During the season, you may sample fruits, from...

Visit Point of Honor and discover the charm and surroundings of life in the early 1800's. A tour of this remarkable Federal style home, with its classic architecture and rich furnishings, echoes true grace and southern hospitality. The recreated hearth kitchen offers insight into the adventure and struggle of daily chores at this once 750 acre plantation. A fascinating exhibit explores medicine...

Located thirty minutes north of Lynchburg, this 70 acre estate and family home are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia Landmark. Tours and tastings are free. Visit during the second week in October when Rebec hosts the popular Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival.

The Renaissance Theatre, in historic downtown Lynchburg, presents a variety of contemporary productions throughout the year. Call for event schedules and reservations.

On the revitalized Lynchburg riverfront, Riverviews Artspace is a mixed-use space in a renovated warehouse with artist studios, galleries, art-related shops, and residences.The Craddock-Terry Gallery (W-Su:noon-5)has exhibitions of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized contemporary artists. Film screening, poetry readings, and open houses take place as well.The creative community...

Riverviews Artspace shows independent, foreign and documentary films. We have a Spring Foreign Film Series, documentary film series entitled, CREATIVE ENERGY: A renewable resource, and CINEviews, our annual film festival with celebrities and an opening night gala. Our two screening rooms, with seating capacities from 30-100 can handle multimedia events such as lectures and film/DVD/webinar...

Thirty-five miles south of Lynchburg, the first farm winery in Campbell County, specializing in growing Traminette, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo varieties of grapes for the production of fine boutique wines.

Located just a short thirty minute drive southwest of Lynchburg, a small family owned farm winery close enough to be convenient, yet remote enough to feel like you've visited the countryside.

In the mid-eighteenth century, pioneer Quakers settled the Lynchburg area. South River Meeting was organized in 1757 when Sarah Lynch gave 2 acres of land for the Quaker's first meeting house.The first meeting house burned in 1768, and a framed building was erected. Within 25 years the increased membership made necessary the building of a larger one. In 1791, John Lynch, Founder of...

Established in 1852, Spring Hill Cemetery was designed by the notable architect, John Notman, and became active with the burial of Howell Robinson on October 18, 1855. Since the first burial in 1855, the cemetery has become the final resting place for many notable residents of Lynchburg. Among these are the three Confederate Generals Jubal Early, James Dearing and Thomas Munford. Other...

An enjoyable and educational driving tour facilitated by CD and narrated by renowned Civil War authority James Robertson, Jr. The route encompasses eight sites critical to the events of June 17-18, 1864, each hosting informative historic and interpretive markers. Tapes or CDs and maps for the tour are available at the Lynchburg Visitor Information Center.

Located in the historic Kemper Street Station, this hands on museum allows you to touch, feel, feed and totally experience natures live works of art. Turtles, opossums and even snakes are all waiting to meet you 'up close and personal'!.The Nature Zone also boasts a gift shop on site. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

In 1823, the Presbyterian Cemetery was founded by six elders of the Second Presbyterian Church who had a vision of burying and commemorating the dead in a tranquil landscape, providing comfort to the bereaved. Take a stroll through the Presbyterian Cemetery and experience the charm of a park-like atmosphere and a rich history of past people and times.  So much of the history of Lynchburg...

Just a short twenty minute drive to the west of Lynchburg, Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded retreat, now a National Historic Landmark. A mature and innovative architectural masterpiece, Jefferson designed the octagonal house at Poplar Forest during his second term as President of the United States. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest between the ages of 66-80 to rekindle his...

A short thirty minute drive east of Lynchburg in the town of Appomattox, one will find a delightful walking tour facilitated by a informative, full color brochure. This exciting tour covers some of the majestic, "turn of the century" homes in Appomattox. You will also be guided past historically significant buildings, architecturally unique structures, national and local Historic Markers and...

Located one hour north of Lynchburg, The Walton's Museum, in Nelson County is a special blend of history, nostalgia and entertainment. The same building young Earl Hamner, Jr. attended school, now houses replicas of sets from the The Waltons, the memorable television series he created. Step back in time and memory to John-Boy's bedroom, the Waltons' kitchen and living room and Ike Godsey's store,...

Located forty-five miles southwest of Lynchburg, a family owned vineyard and farm winery in beautiful Bedford County. Visit the tasting room or veranda and enjoy the spectacular views, breathtaking sunsets and lots of good ole southern hospitality.