The Lynchburg Region offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Actually, it’s one of the top reasons young professionals choose to live here. Within a short drive, you can find yourself hiking, biking, fishing, or visiting a local winery. Whatever your little outdoor-loving heart desires can be found right at home.
Here are ten things we recommend you check out this summer:
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a 469-mile scenic byway through Virginia and North Carolina. The parkway is accessible in Bedford. There are multiple hiking trails at the Peaks of Otter, located at Milepost 86, for hikers of all abilities. Book a staycation at Peaks of Otter Lodge for a weekend getaway, visit the Bedford Wine Trail, or check out the Town of Bedford’s unique shops and restaurants.
2. Food Truck Thursday
Need some fresh air on your lunch break? Lynchburg Parks and Recreation organizes Food Truck Thursday every Thursday from 11am-2pm throughout the spring and summer. The event at Miller Park brings food trucks from around the region and offers outdoor seating or to-go options.
3. Smith Mountain Lake
SML is Virginia’s most popular lake. It offers a vast amount of recreational activities from boating, fishing, skiing, and swimming. Around the lake you can find boat & jet ski rentals, restaurants, hotels, and shopping. Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers beach access, a children’s play area, camping opportunities, and more.
4. Wolfbane Productions
Wolfbane Productions offers a theatre experience like no other – an outdoor one! The company is comprised of passionate artists dedicated to providing a show that will have you coming back again and again. Wolfbane is located in Appomattox and offers multiple performances throughout the summer.
5. Riverfront Park Summer Concert Series
City Auditorium will present a summer concert series at Riverfront Park in downtown Lynchburg for 2019. Acts to date include Steve Miller Band with Marty Stuart and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals. Additional indoor events are planned for July and November.
6. The James & Stanton Rivers
The region offers several opportunities to explore and enjoy its rivers. James River Adventures is located in Madison Heights on the James River and provides river enthusiasts canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tubing rentals. Staunton River Outdoors offers canoe rentals and shuttle service in the Town of Altavista for those interested in checking out the Staunton River.
7. The Farmer’s Markets
There is no shortage of available homegrown goods in the Lynchburg Region. One of Virginia’s oldest markets, Lynchburg Community Market, is located in downtown on 12th and Main. Forest Farmer’s Market offers producer only products every Saturday morning behind the Forest Library. There is also 2nd Street Market and Amherst County Farmer’s Market in Amherst, the Bedford Farmer Managed Market in Bedford, and Appomattox Farmer’s Market.
8. Holliday Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park is located in Appomattox. It offers a ton of activities for outdoor lovers, including fishing, camping, hiking trails, and water activities. For the junior outdoor enthusiasts, it has an amazing water playground and beach area for swimming.
9. The Wineries
Virginia is home to over 300 wineries and gaining notoriety with states like California, Oregon, and New York for great wine. Within the region there are many wineries that offer tasting rooms and events throughout the year. Make a day of it on the wine trail, enjoy the outdoor settings at many of the locations, or plan a picnic during your visit.
10. Rock Climbing
Riveredge Park located at the base of Rocky Hill Road in Madison Heights is just a few feet from the James River and has approximately 35 acres for public use. For the super adventurous the park allows access to the cliffs for rock climbing. Just across the river in downtown, Rise Up offers an indoor climbing facility for days you can’t get outside.
These are just a few of the outdoor activities that make summers in the Lynchburg Region so wonderful. We invite you to explore the parks, trails, and natural amenities whether you’re a resident or visitor – there’s something for everyone.