Lynchburg, Virginia began as a small ferry crossing established by John Lynch in the late 1700s, its steep streets climbing from the James River up through seven distinct hills. By the time it was incorporated as a city in 1852, it had grown into a community of trade and industry, a place where river traffic and tobacco warehouses shaped the daily rhythm.  Today, with a population just over 79,000, Lynchburg still carries the marks of its layered history, from preserved 19th-century architecture to old brick factories that have found new lives.

Among Lynchburg’s most distinctive attractions is Old City Cemetery, a 27-acre blend of active burial ground and history park. Established in 1806, it houses five small museums, including one dedicated to mourning customs and another to medical history. The site is also known for its expansive collection of antique roses, many of which bloom in colors and varieties rarely seen elsewhere. Point of Honor offers a different view of the past—this early 19th-century home belonged to Dr. George Cabell, a friend and physician to Patrick Henry, and now serves as a museum surrounded by walking trails with sweeping river views.

Lynchburg is home to businesses that defy easy categorization. Givens Books & Little Dickens takes the concept of an independent bookstore and expands it to include an extensive toy shop and an educational supply section, creating a space where literature and play share equal footing. L. Oppleman, founded in 1890, is recognized as one of America’s oldest operating pawnshop. Beyond its role in lending and trading, the store houses an extensive collection of musical instruments, vintage jewelry, and rare collectibles. Its historic showroom, filled with both everyday items and unusual finds, reflects over a century of continuous business in the city.

Outdoor spaces in Lynchburg invite exploration beyond the usual park picnic. Percival’s Island Natural Area, reached via a pedestrian bridge from downtown, follows the path of a former railway through meadows and riverside forests. The Blackwater Creek Trail winds for miles beneath old railway trestles and limestone outcroppings, with side paths leading to secluded spots for fishing or birdwatching.

Lynchburg’s calendar includes events that lean heavily into its heritage and setting. Each June, the Batteau Festival launches a fleet of recreated flatboats down the James River, recalling the days when these vessels carried tobacco and other goods to Richmond. Later in the year, the nearby Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival offers an unusual pairing of live music, local vintages, and garlic-infused foods, attracting both culinary experimenters and those simply curious to see how many forms garlic can take.

The foodie experience in Lynchburg doesn’t end there. The Water Dog, set along the riverfront, focuses on oysters and craft beer, offering a raw bar alongside plates such as fried oyster po’boys and fish tacos. Isabella’s Italian Trattoria emphasizes house-made pasta and seasonal dishes, with menu items like squid ink linguine with seafood or braised short ribs over creamy polenta.

Art and performance spaces in Lynchburg speak to a determination to preserve the past while making room for new work. The Academy Center of the Arts includes a restored 1905 theater that had once fallen into severe disrepair. Now its ornate plasterwork frames performances ranging from chamber music to contemporary plays. Smaller galleries and studios operate in converted warehouses, often hosting open-studio nights where visitors can see works in progress.

If your Lynchburg home could use a little preservation work beneath the surface, Star City Crawl Space offers expert inspection, repair, and encapsulation services to protect your foundation from moisture and decay. Contact us to schedule an inspection.