Lynchburg was a city we chose for our annual girls’ weekend based mostly on its location, but it was such a pleasant surprise! You might remember that our girls’ weekend must-haves are something historic, something fresh and healthy, a coffee shop, and tacos. And Lynchburg has them all! Known as the City of Seven Hills, the city was named for John Lynch who began the ferry service on the James River in 1757. Here’s what we would recommend for your 2 day itinerary in Lynchburg, VA.
Where to Stay in Lynchburg
If you want to stay downtown, The Virginian is a beautiful historic hotel with a gorgeous rooftop restaurant. The Craddock Terry Hotel was originally a shoe company and is now a lovely modern hotel with exposed brick walls.
Things To Do in Lynchburg
Get Outdoors
Walk the James River Heritage Trail or wander through Riverside Park, enjoying the Bicentennial Garden, the historic train, and stone gazebo.
Rent a kayak from James River Adventures and get out on the water.
Drive 30 minutes to Monroe, VA to take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fall is certainly the peak time to visit the mountains of Virginia, but it’s also lovely in the spring and summer.
Go Downtown
Wander the outdoor farmer’s market, indoor craft vendors, restaurants, and shops at Lynchburg Community Market. The best days to go are Wednesdays and Saturdays although some vendors are there more days of the week. The market has plenty of yummy foods to try, but there are also many restaurants to choose from within walking distance.
Check out the paintings and murals in Art Alley.
If you have kids, spend the day at Amazement Square children’s museum or SeaQuest aquarium and zoo.
See a performance at the Academy Center of the Arts.
Go Historic
Visit Poplar Forest, the private retreat of Thomas Jefferson and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can choose a docent-led tour or a self-guided audio tour using the Poplar Forest app.
Climb the steps of Monument Terrace to the Lynchburg Museum, stopping at the war memorials on the way. Spend a few hours at the museum, and don’t miss the unique architecture of the Lynchburg Police Foundation building next door. You can also enjoy several digital exhibits online, including the history of the Seven Hills.
Visit Point of Honor, historic home and former plantation in the historic Daniel Hill neighborhood.
Drive past stunning historic homes on the old streets of the Garland Hill Historic District or go for broke and drive around all 7 historic hills.
What to Eat in Lynchburg
For upscale dining, eat at Shoemaker’s Restaurant or William & Henry Steakhouse, or enjoy a meal overlooking the city at Skyline. If you’d like something more casual, grab a burger at Bootleggers, seafood at The Water Dog, or tacos at El Jéfe Taqueria.
Have breakfast at My Dog Duke’s Diner or enjoy a crepe at Batter Bar. Or stop by at breakfast or lunch to try one of their savory crepe options. Coffee lovers should also stop at La Vida Coffee & Market. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a loaded cinnamon bun at Cinn City or a cone at MayLynn’s Creamery.
Weekend Lynchburg Itinerary
Saturday:
Start the morning at the Lynchburg Community Market, wandering the outdoor farmer’s market, indoor craft vendors, restaurants, and shops. For lunch, we recommend tacos at El Jéfe Taqueria. Tacos are a STAPLE of girls’ weekend and these were some of our favorites! And this is just a 5 minute walk from the market.
Drive north to wander Riverside Park or take the James River Heritage Trail from Riverfront Park. There’s also a fun LOVE sign where Washington street meets the waterfront. You’ll find these LOVE signs all over Virginia, and they make for great photo spots.
Sunday:
Pick up coffee at The Muse Coffee Company on your way to Poplar Forest. I’m partial to a chai tea latter, but their Christmas in a Cup also sounds delightful. They have a couple of breakfast items here as well.
Spend the day at Poplar Forest, taking either the docent-led tour or self-guided audio tour.
Have lunch at Millie’s Living Cafe, The Neighbors Place, or Upper Crust Pizza, all just a short drive from Poplar Forest.
If you want to combine your 2 days in Lynchburg with other cities, find our other Virginia Road Trip posts here:
Virginia Road Trips:
4 Day History Lovers Virginia Road Trip
4 Day Hiking & Off-Roading Virginia Itinerary
Charlottesville 3 Day Itinerary
Lynchburg 3 Day Itinerary
Roanoke with Kids
Big Levels Off-Roading
3 Virginia Campgrounds