Lynchburg, VA

Weaving throughout the City, the trails of Blackwater Creek incorporate several sections of earthen and paved trails perfect for biking, walking, running and hiking. Make sure you grab a pic at our famous LOVE sign at the entrance of Percival’s Island where you can catch stunning views of the James River. There is a trail access point at Kemper Street Amtrak Station – follow the trail towards Point of Honor Trail to get downtown.

Amazement Square, a nationally recognized children’s museum, offers four floors of hands-on interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun for all ages. Paint on the walls, float a boat down the James River, rock out in your own rock band or enjoy the mazes of slides, ladders and tunnels. Anything is possible here.

Explore Old City Cemetery, a 27-acre “history park” filled with hundreds of varieties of native and heirloom plants, including the largest public collection of antique roses in the state. Five small museums tell the stories of the diverse population of nearly 20,000 buried here. You won’t want to miss the annual Antique Rose Festival in May and fall Candlelight Tours. Old City Cemetery is located .8 miles from Kemper Street Amtrak Station or a 15-minute walk.

LYH is known as the Hill City—and the walk-up is the best free exercise you can get. Rising more than 200 feet from Jefferson to Court St., there are several spots—including the Bluffwalk and Monument Terrace—to catch your breath for views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the James River. Visit the Lynchburg Museum (free to the public) or the Community Market for gifts, produce and specialty food items.