Life In Lynchburg 24/7
Central Virginia's shop, dine out, do their banking, and attend services, just like people everywhere. Only these days there's a lot more to explore.
Anyone who has driven up and down the streets of downtown Lynchburg understands why the town is nicknamed the City of Seven Hills. Looking at the historic architecture, it immediately becomes apparent why it's also known as the City of Churches. An amazing array of steeples punctuates the cityscape. Their soaring display is a lasting tribute to the diversity of worship encouraged by Lynchburg's founding Quaker tradition of religious tolerance. Everyone can find a place to worship here.
When it comes to shopping, there are more stores popping up everyday. This welcome influx began with the open of the River Ridge mall on the outskirts of Lynchburg in the early 1980's, a facility recently remodeled and upgraded to add a large food court. Then came an number of new shopping centers in Amherst, Bedford, Altavista and Rustburg. Recently, there has been impressive growth among big-box retailers and national chain stores taking place along US 29 (Wards Road) south of the city. And, simultaneously, specialty stores and boutiques are finding their niches in downtown Lynchburg, suburban mini-malls, and newer planned communities like Wyndhurst.
Convenience and price are not he only reason savvy shoppers "buy it in The Burg." They also know that local businesses give back to the community in myriad ways throughout the year. Literacy programs, teaching awards, summer camps and arts organizations all benefit from the support of the city's Retail Merchants Foundation.
Hungry? The change in the gastronomic landscape over the past decade has been astonishing. Central Virginia now offers more than 100 restaurants, ranging from cutting edge ethnic to quaint Mom n' Pop eateries. An Indian restaurant is now open on Wards Road, joining a host of Mexican and Asian establishments. There are German, Mediterranean, Latin American and Thai restaurants scattered across Lynchburg. For more down homes tastes, there are steakhouses, pizza places, barbecue emporiums, seafood restaurants, coffee houses, sports, bars, and all the fast food your kids can handle.
Short on cash? More than a dozen banks do business in Central Virginia, maintaining plenty of branches with drive-through and ATMs in convenient spots throughout the region.
The questions of what to do on Friday and Saturday nights is answered by a number of venues. Many restaurants offer live entertainment on weekends from small jazz combos and rock bands to stand-up comedy and everything in between. One Lynchburg night spot, featuring and expansive dance floor and state of the art sound system, regularly draws Billboard charting acts like Martina McBride and Phil Vassar, along with occasional old favorites like the Commodores, Delbert McCinton and The Coasters.
