The town of Lynchburg sits along the banks of the James River and Rome-like, covers seven hills (the obvious difference being that the hills are in Virginia, not Italy). Here at the center of Virginia, history lurks around every corner, from the Revolutionary War to Civil War battles and mansions dating back to an earlier boom time. This college town's revitalized downtown offers a wealth of antique shopping, museums, art galleries and historic driving tours.The seven hills of Lynchburg include five historic districts along the river including Court House Hill with its war memorials, Diamond Hill with its golden age mansions and Daniel's Hill, home to Point of Honor, an 1815 Federal-style mansion.
The Battle of Lynchburg Driving Tour visits eight sites around town, an easy way to get a feel for the area layout. Historic Sandusky, a home used as a headquarters during the battle is open for touring as is Pest House Medical Museum, the office of a Civil War physician used for isolating small pox victims.
Outdoor activities on offer in the general vicinity include trails through Riverside Park leading to a typical 19th century packet boat and hiking (and biking) along paths penetrating a peaceful stretch of Blackwater Creek Natural Area. Within less than an hour's drive, it's also possible to reach the state's most popular freshwater recreation area, Smith Mountain Lake, which lies south of Lynchburg. In addition to boating, fishing and an assortment of water sports, there are also activities for land-lubbers like hiking and horseback riding trails.
There are several cultural side-trip possibilities from Lynchburg like Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's retreat from Monticello. Restoration is an on-going process at the home; visitors may observe some of the activity during guided tours. Also nearby is Appomattox Court House National Historic Park which commemorates the site where Robert E. Lee and his Confederate troops surrendered in 1865, now open for touring. Bedford, to the southeast, is similarly stocked with history-associated sights, including the National D-Day Memorial.
Lynchburg is located in Central Virginia, about 130 miles west of Richmond, VA, between US 460 and US 29.
