Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest is a perfect pairing to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Get the…read morecombo ticket, you'll save a good deal of cash! There are guided tours available on a schedule, but we preferred to wander at our own pace. You can go in the house, just be nice and don't touch stuff. They had a free kennel on site, but we couldn't figure out how to work it, and dog's are allowed to stroll the grounds, so we just took turns going inside. I loved walking on the roof, and the cellar was extremely interesting! The shape of the home was intriguing, and there was a ton of information available to read and discover!!

Had the opportunity to travel back East to enjoy some fall activities with friends from my DC days…read more We chose to attend the annual Thomas Jefferson Fall Wine Festival at Poplar Forest. Something we used to do as a group. I once worked for a vineyard in Leesburg VA that closed in recent years yet reminisced with the owner of Notaviva a nearby vineyard that knew the owners. The Founder of Notaviva wrote a book about thier wine and farming journey, pairing elements of wine and music. I really enjoyed the cabernet franc from the property. It may be a surprise that you can order the wine in a bag. Not a bottle and not a box, but a packable bag! It was a beautiful November 70 degree day and the event provided programs, glasses and live music to name a few things. A beautiful day at this historic property. #FallFestival #WineFestival #JeffersonsPoplarForest #CentralVA

My husband and I (we live in NC) and 2 of our friends (they live in Ohio) toured the house and…read moregardens in September. Shaun Spencer-Hester gave us a wonderful tour! She really brought Anne and Edward Spencer back to life. She was a pleasure to be with and made our tour so enjoyable! I am from Lynchburg, Va. I had heard of Anne Spencer, since I was a child, from my father. What a joy it was to see her home, her garden and purchase her book - Half My Life (great read). Amelia Jane F.

This famous poet's home is a museum now. It is viewed by appointment only, but is worth it. There's…read morealso a garden in the summer. Great for poetry enthusiasts and others who appreciate literature.

Lynchburg was a pivotal city and transportation hub in the Civil War and it avoided destruction by…read moreUnion Forces thanks to the efforts of General Jubal Early https://www.yelp.com/biz/jubal-early-monument-lynchburg?hrid=4aLY_bdVctUltYVhUDaU8A. This marker points out some of why that was. It reads, "Here, facing west, ran the inner defenses of the city, located by General D. H. Hill. They were constructed by convalescents and home guards. General Early, after an inspection of the system, moved most of the men to the outer works well to the westward." On June 18, 1864, in the Battle of Lynchburg, Early's combined forces, though outnumbered, repelled Union General Hunter's troops. [Review 15093 overall, 595 of 2021, number 1309 in Virginia.]

According to local legend, Thomas Jefferson ate a tomato here to prove it wasn't poisonous. I'm a…read morehardcore history nerd, so of course, I had to check it out. I didn't take a tour (because of COVID-19), but the gardens were still open, so I enjoyed the tulips and peonies. The setting is beautiful, with plenty of large trees and flowering plants. This is the only house in the city from the 18th century, and it has been maintained wonderfully.

Today was the 25th Annual Day At The Point. Free house tours, carriage rides, apple cider, live…read morefarm animals, demonstrations......and the weather was perfect. Great day.

I really had high hopes for this tour. Not sure if it was the tour guide or we were the first tour…read morebut we basically got an architectual tour of the hour. I am impressed after changing hands so many times that it has been restored to its former glory BUT I really wanted to know more about the original owners, their lives, etc. and it's time as the community center for the town. I would give it 2 but I am giving them the benefit of the doubt and upping my rating so more people will visit.

Extending up the side of a pretty steep hill, Monument Terrace is a blocks-long series of stairs…read morefrom Church Street to Court Street. Along the way, a series of monuments and memorials to those from the Lynchburg area who have served or lost their lives in service to their country. At the tip, in pride of place, a Confederate soldier holding a rifle mounted with a bayonet. Because of its location along the James River and with access to the Shenandoah Valley, Lynchburg was a pivotal spot in the Civil War. And the Appomattox Court House to the east is where the surrender was signed and the war ended. The statue was dedicated in 1900 and has a time capsule. Inside, artifacts include Confederate currency, photographs of local veterans and a hair sample from Traveller (General Lee's horse). According to the caption, Monument Terrace consists of 132 steps and 10 landings was completed in 1925. Designed initially as a memorial to Lynchburg's World War I casualties, several other memorials have been placed over the years. It's a pretty good workout climbing the stairs. We saw several folks taking advantage of that exercise. [Review 15084 overall, 586 of 2021, round number 1300 in Virginia.]

This historical marker and the very tall granite obelisk are dedicated to Confederate Lieutenant…read moreGeneral Jubal Early. It is located on a triangular corner of a mini-mart. The marker reads, "Fort Early. Named for Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early, this roughly square earthen redoubt served as a part of the outer line of defense for Lynchburg in June 1864. Fort Early and the outer fortifications were constructed to provide additional protection for the vital railroad facilities in Lynchburg threatened by Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter's troops after Early arrived on 17 June. On 18 June, Hunter advanced his troops towards Confederate positions, while Union artillery bombarded Fort Early and other Confederate fortifications. After a number of unsuccessful assaults during the day, Hunter ordered a retreat that night. His troops withdrew to the southwest toward present-day Roanoke." Online, there is a lot more information. Jubal Anderson Early was a Virginia lawyer and politician. He was trained at the United States Military Academy (aka West Point) and resigned his U.S. Army commission after the Second Seminole War and his Virginia military commission after the Mexican-American War, in both cases to practice law and participate in politics. Early accepted a Virginia and later Confederate military commission as the American Civil War began, Early fought in the Eastern Theater throughout the conflict. He commanded a division under Generals Stonewall Jackson and Richard Ewell, and later commanded a corps. A key Confederate defender of the Shenandoah Valley, during the Valley Campaigns of 1864, Early made daring raids to the outskirts of Washington, D.C., and as far as York, Pennsylvania. Particularly after the death of Gen. Robert E. Lee in 1870, Early delivered speeches establishing the Lost Cause position. Early helped found the Southern Historical Society and memorial associations. So while he was certainly a hero to Lynchburg and the Confederacy, he was clearly not willing to accept defeat. It's a very beautiful monument here and that's why I rate it four stars. [Review 15069 overall, 571 of 2021, number 1287 in Virginia.]

I have gone to several theatrical events since I was 10 years old. I have loved almost all of them…read more But as a Virginian I only have had only one favorite which is Landmark Theater in Richmond. Last night was the first time I attended Academy Theater in Lynchburg and I now have a second favorite! I am so thankful it went so well as it was my husbands very first theatrical event. We also have tickets to the Nutcracker and he looks forward to going! He was actually interested in going to another event besides both of those. I think he is on his way to being a theatrical junkie! He said he liked the screen that translated italian to english so he could follow and understand what was going on. He and I both were also glad that when the Director??? welcomed everyone that she did not make any political affiliations which was very welcoming. 10 stars to Academy Theater!!

The historic theatre is truly a gorgeous space. We have been to two concerts here and it feels…read moreworth getting dressed up and being out late. The sound system is amazing, and the seats are very comfortable for theatre seating.