As summer’s golden days begin to wane, gather friends and family for one last sun-soaked celebration. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a pool party, or a quiet evening on the porch, the right drink can set the mood and make your gathering memorable.

Classic Margarita

No Labor Day cocktail list would be complete without the ever-popular margarita. This tequila-based drink is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of tart lime and sweet orange liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz triple sec (Cointreau or Grand Marnier work well)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into a plate of coarse salt.
2. Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
3. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a classic margarita glass, and for an extra twist, try rimming the glass with a mix of salt and chili powder to add a subtle kick.

Watermelon Mojito

The mojito is another summer favorite, known for its refreshing minty flavor. Add a seasonal twist with watermelon, which not only sweetens the drink naturally but also gives it a beautiful pink hue.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3-4 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup cubed watermelon
• Soda water
• Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the watermelon and mint leaves together.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a highball glass and consider using a watermelon slice on the rim for an eye-catching garnish.

Tropical Piña Colada Mocktail

For a non-alcoholic option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, the Piña Colada mocktail is your go-to. This creamy blend of coconut and pineapple transports you to a beach, even if you’re just lounging in the backyard.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup ice
• Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend the pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice together until smooth.
2. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a hurricane glass and add a paper umbrella for a festive, tropical vibe.

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

If you want to spice things up, this twist on the traditional margarita combines sweet pineapple with the heat of jalapeños for a drink that’s both refreshing and exciting.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 2-3 jalapeño slices (more or less depending on your heat preference)
• Pineapple wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the jalapeño slices in a shaker.
2. Add tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Fill with ice, shake well, and strain into a glass with ice.
4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and jalapeño slice.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a rocks glass and rim the glass with a mixture of salt and chili powder for an added punch.

Lavender Lemonade Mocktail

This mocktail is perfect for those who prefer a softer, more fragrant drink. The combination of lavender and lemon is both soothing and refreshing, making it ideal for a relaxing Labor Day afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup lavender syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup water
• Ice
• Lemon slice and lavender sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the lemon juice, lavender syrup, and water in a pitcher. Stir well.
2. Fill a glass with ice and pour the lemonade over it.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice and lavender sprig.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a mason jar for a rustic touch, and add a sprig of lavender for a beautiful, aromatic garnish.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

For those who appreciate a good bourbon, this Blackberry Bourbon Smash combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the sweetness of blackberries and the zing of fresh mint.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 cup fresh blackberries
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Mint sprig and blackberry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the blackberries and mint leaves in a shaker.
2. Add the bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Fill with ice and shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a mint sprig and a blackberry.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a rocks glass with crushed ice for a classic Southern look, and add a mint sprig for an aromatic finish.

Cucumber Mint Cooler

This mocktail is a crisp, refreshing drink perfect for cooling down on a hot Labor Day afternoon. The cucumber and mint combination is light, hydrating, and beautifully presented.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Soda water
• Cucumber slice and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
2. Add the lime juice and simple syrup, then shake with ice.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig.

Presentation Tip: Serve in a tall glass, and consider adding a cucumber ribbon around the inside of the glass for a striking visual effect.

Labor Day is not just a long weekend; it’s the unofficial farewell to summer. If you’re in Lynchburg and looking to make the most of this holiday with a quick, yet special getaway, you’re in luck. Within a two-hour drive, you can find destinations that offer unique experiences—perfect for celebrating the end of the season. 

1. Charlottesville: A Blend of History and Modern Charm

Approximate Distance: 1.5 hours
Charlottesville is not just any town; it’s a city rich in history, culture, and modern-day vibrancy. Start your day at Monticello, the iconic home of Thomas Jefferson. The estate, with its stunning gardens and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, offers guided tours that delve into the life and legacy of one of America’s Founding Fathers.

After soaking in the history, head to downtown Charlottesville, where the pedestrian-friendly Historic Downtown Mall awaits. Here, you can explore an array of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. For a special treat, consider lunch at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants, such as Tonic, which showcases the best of Virginia’s seasonal produce. If you’re into wine, a short drive from downtown takes you to some of the best wineries in the region, like King Family Vineyards or Veritas Vineyard & Winery, where you can enjoy a tasting with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

2. Shenandoah National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Approximate Distance: 1 to 2 hours, depending on entrance point
For those who crave a deeper connection with nature, Shenandoah National Park offers an unparalleled experience. About two hours from Lynchburg, the park is home to over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Skyline Drive, the park’s scenic byway, is particularly stunning as summer transitions to fall. The drive offers countless overlooks where you can stop to admire the sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley below.

For the more adventurous, hiking options abound, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Old Rag Mountain is a popular choice for experienced hikers, offering a strenuous trek with a rewarding 360-degree view at the summit. If you prefer something less intense, the Dark Hollow Falls trail is a short, family-friendly hike that leads to one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls. 

3. Richmond: A City of Arts, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Distance: 2 hours
Richmond, Virginia’s capital city, is the perfect blend of old and new, where history meets a thriving modern cultural scene. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum’s collection spans more than 5,000 years and includes everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Best of all, general admission is free, making it an accessible option for all.

After feeding your mind, head to the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, where you can explore the cobblestone streets lined with trendy restaurants and bars. Richmond’s food scene is legendary, so consider lunch at a top-rated spot like L’Opossum, known for its quirky décor and imaginative dishes. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, Richmond won’t disappoint. The city is home to a booming craft beer scene with breweries like The Veil Brewing Co. and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery offering unique brews in lively settings.

Before heading back to Lynchburg, take a stroll along the James River, where the Riverfront Canal Walk offers a peaceful escape with views of the city skyline and historic landmarks.

4. Staunton: A Historic Town with a Shakespearean Twist

Distance: 1.5 hours
Staunton is a hidden gem in the Shenandoah Valley, offering a rich blend of history, arts, and small-town charm. One of the town’s highlights is the American Shakespeare Center, home to the Blackfriars Playhouse—the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Catching a performance here is a special experience, with productions that stay true to the spirit of the Bard’s work while engaging modern audiences.

After the show, explore Staunton’s well-preserved historic district, filled with Victorian architecture, antique shops, and cozy cafes. If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, where you can learn about the life and legacy of the 28th President of the United States, who was born in Staunton.

For a unique culinary experience, have dinner at The Maude and the Bear, a story-book 1926 Montgomery Ward kit house, which has been whimsically recreated as a modern restaurant and inn. Chef Ian Boden (known for bringing accolades to Staunton via The Shack) has created inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. 

5. Natural Bridge and Caverns: A Geological Wonder

Distance: 1 hour and 15 minutes
For a trip that combines natural beauty with a sense of wonder, head to Natural Bridge, about an hour and 15 minutes from Lynchburg. The massive limestone arch, standing 215 feet high, is a stunning sight that has captivated visitors for centuries. The surrounding Natural Bridge State Park offers trails that wind through serene forests, leading to other attractions like Lace Falls.

But the adventure doesn’t end above ground. The nearby Natural Bridge Caverns offer an underground exploration that takes you through a series of awe-inspiring chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the history and formation of the caverns.

Finish your day with a visit to the nearby town of Lexington, where you can stroll through its historic downtown, dine at a local restaurant, and soak in the charm of this quintessential Virginia town.