Explore the Charm of Lynchburg, Virginia
We might be a little biased, but we believe Lynchburg, Virginia, is an amazing place to call home. Nestled in the heart of “The Hill City,” The Summit’s 143-acre campus is surrounded by a vibrant area that perfectly blends big-city entertainment with small-town charm. It’s a place where there’s always something new to explore, yet it still feels familiar and welcoming — a true gem with something for everyone.
To help you get to know the greater Lynchburg area, we’ve compiled a list of seasonal activities you and your family members can explore and enjoy nearby. Plus, if you’re looking for a way to be involved in the Lynchburg community, many of the places we’ve included have volunteer opportunities. So, buckle up. We’re going on an adventure!
Where Outdoor Adventures Await
One of the best parts about living in Lynchburg is its beauty — offering amazing views, mountains, lakes, and trails into a charming 50 square miles. If you love the great outdoors, and are looking for cool activities, you can try:
- Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway
One of the most popular trails in Lynchburg, this three-mile paved trail was built on an abandoned railway bed. Perfect for jogging, walking, and biking, it connects to the entire Jefferson Heritage Trail system which winds throughout the city. Segments of the trail let you see a waterfall, go through an abandoned railroad tunnel, into downtown Lynchburg where you can pick up the Riverwalk Trail and the James River Heritage Trail.
- Riverwalk Trail
It’s the ultimate urban/scenic nature walk. This paved trail starts where the Blackwater Creek Trail ends on Jefferson Street, and travels along the Riverfront Park, through historic downtown Lynchburg. This vibrant corner of downtown offers a little something for everyone. Visitors can explore a nationally acclaimed children’s museum, rent a bike for a scenic ride, unwind with a hot or vinyasa yoga class, admire local art, or simply enjoy a delicious pizza paired with a craft beer.
Take the pedestrian’s bridge across the James River to Percival’s Island Natural Area, a stunning natural retreat featuring earthen trails that wind through its lush landscape, perfect for a peaceful stroll or an outdoor escape. Looking for a unique photo/selfie opportunity? The LOVEworks sculpture at Percival’s Island could serve as the perfect backdrop.
- Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Open to the public, Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre offers year-round winter recreation for all. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and stunning mountain views. Briton Engineering’s patented Snowflex® surface is recognized as the closest replication of snow and makes it possible to participate in skiing and snowboarding year-round. Snowflex offers two Neveplast tubing runs, and is a safe and fun way to enjoy time with the grandkids.
Where History Lovers Thrive
The Hill City’s roots date back to the 1750s when the grounds of Lynchburg were first pioneered by Quakers. The city’s name honors John Lynch, a Quaker abolitionist and businessman. History buffs will love exploring a multitude of historical sites and museums that preserve not only Lynchburg’s past but also the past of our nation.
- Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Thomas Jefferson’s choice of Bedford County, VA, as his personal retreat is a testament to the area’s serene beauty. Through ongoing archaeological discoveries and research as well as a meticulously restored home, visitors gain new insights into Jefferson’s life and the lives of the free and enslaved people who shaped the community at Poplar Forest.
- Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Approximately a 25-minute drive from The Summit, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is the location where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, marking the end of the Civil War. The historical site features more than a dozen buildings, a museum, theater, hiking trails, driving pull offs, and a park store.
- National D-Day Memorial
Experience life-size courage in nearby Bedford, Virginia at this awe-inspiring site. Here, you’ll see how the memorial pays tribute to the valor, fidelity, and unimaginable sacrifice of the Allied Forces of World War II by sharing their stories, showcasing meaningful artifacts, offering engaging tours and more. It’s definitely worth visiting with the grandkids.
- Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
The Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum, the former home of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer, boasts the only restored garden of an African American in the United States. With up to 95% of the original house and cottage furnishings intact, it stands as one of the nation’s most well-preserved house museums. Beyond her poetry, Anne Spencer was a dedicated civil rights leader, advocate, and librarian. Her home and garden served as a gathering space for prominent African American figures, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Martin Luther King Jr., making it a cornerstone of cultural and historical significance.
Where Arts & Culture Come Together
Lynchburg is a city bursting with creativity and innovation. Its rich history, coupled with a lively arts and culture scene, makes it a unique and inspiring place. From established institutions to emerging artists, the city’s cultural landscape is constantly evolving. As the city continues to grow and thrive, it’s clear that this is a place where history and creativity come together.
- The Academy Center of the Arts
Take in a live musical or theatrical performance, check out the art gallery or take a class at the Academy Center of the Arts. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to enriching the community through the arts, fostering collaboration, and expanding opportunities for personal growth.
- The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College showcases an expansive collection of American art, featuring paintings, works on paper, and photographs spanning the 19th through 21st centuries. Open year-round on Randolph’s campus, the Museum invites both the academic community and the public to enjoy rotating exhibitions, highlights from the permanent collection, and engaging educational programs.
- Riverviews Artspace
In historic downtown Lynchburg, Riverviews provides gallery and studio space for established and emerging creatives. The venue offers a range of exhibits from visual mixed media and film to literary events.
- Lynchburg Community Market
One of the nation’s oldest markets, the Lynchburg Community Market serves as a community gathering place and offers access to fresh, farm-grown food as well as the best products and services from local vendors and artisans. With both an indoor and an outdoor market, it’s a year-round destination.
Where the Crowds Cheer
If you’re looking to enjoy some exciting competition, the area offers plenty of sporting events to choose from. Whether you’re cheering on the pros or rooting for your favorite D1 college athletes, there’s action for every sports fan.
- Lynchburg Hillcats
Want to take in a ball game? The Lynchburg Hillcats are a Minor League Baseball Team that plays in the Single-A Carolina League. Affiliated with the Cleveland Guardians, the Hillcats play at Bank of The James Stadium, the fifth-oldest ballpark in all of Minor League Baseball.
- Liberty University
No matter what time of year, there’s always something happening at Liberty University. If collegiate sports are your passion, be sure to check out the Flames, Liberty University’s dynamic D-1 athletic program. Watch ice hockey, football, basketball, baseball, volleyball or 16 other sports.
- University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg is a member of the Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) with 26 varsity teams — and more than 200 conference wins in the ODAC and beyond. Check out their schedule to see which teams are in action.
Where the Grandkids Can Play
Lynchburg is a family-friendly place, with plenty of activities to keep everyone of all ages engaged. However, if you’re looking for fun geared for the little ones, you could try:
- Amazement Square
Amazement Square, located in historic Downtown Lynchburg, is an award-winning, hands-on museum that makes learning an adventure! It’s the ONLY museum in Virginia to earn the title of Certified Autism Center. With four floors of interactive exhibits, it’s no wonder this family favorite is one of Central Virginia’s top spots. Serving over 90,000 visitors annually — from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries — Amazement Square inspires curiosity and creativity through school programs, workshops, special events, and more. Take the grandchildren and see why learning at Amazement Square is anything but ordinary.
- Hill City AquaZoo
Home to unique and interactive experiences, the AquaZoo has plenty of wildlife to admire. Discover fish and sea creatures as well as mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians from around the world. Connect with animals and learn about their ecosystems through hands-on activities including feeding sharks and alligators.
Plan Your Visit
The Summit gives you the latitude to create a maintenance-free lifestyle you love with options for your home, life-enriching amenities, and events that reflect your interests. Beyond our beautiful sprawling campus lies something more. Our prime location in Lynchburg provides easy access to a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and plenty of outdoor activities.