As summer settles in, there’s no better time to explore the rich history and vibrant arts scene that define our region.

From captivating theater performances to immersive historical sites, Lynchburg offers a unique blend of culture and storytelling that brings the past to life. Whether you’re rediscovering familiar landmarks or venturing to new experiences, this guide is your perfect companion for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure.

The Back Nine Golf

Experience The Back Nine Golf Simulator — where 30 minutes feels like 90 on the course. Enjoy pro-level analytics, lifelike simulation, and 24/7 access to perfect your swing anytime. Get faster results, elevate your game, and play like the pros. Whether driving, putting, or practicing, it’s golf without limits. Join today and improve year-round.

Visit thebackninegolf.com/lynchburg-va/ for more information.

Hill City AquaZoo

AquaZoo is home to the most unique experiences. You’ll meet a wide variety of animals from numerous different species. Discover fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians from around the planet! During this hands-on adventure, you’ll journey through the Amazon Rainforest, Caribbean, Mayan Jungle, and Pirate Island while touching and feeding the exotic residents!

www.hillcityaquazoo.com

Lynchburg Cooks for Change

Lynchburg Cooks for Change returns with a fresh, elevated twist on a beloved community tradition. This community event used to be called Lynchburg Cooks for Hunger Relief and was held at Phase 2. Come out on June 6th for an unforgettable evening filled with incredible food, refreshing drinks, live music, exciting raffles, and all kinds of auctions. Savor tastings form 221 Tap & Table, Benjamins, Charley’s and The Neighbors Place while enjoying a lively atmosphere featuring the Karlee Raye Band. This unique culinary experience brings the community together for a night of connection and purpose. Guests can also enter a raffle for a chance to win your choice of a 4-Wheeler or Jet-Ski from Polaris Motorsports which adds even more excitement to the event. But most important of all, every ticket purchased and dollar raised at this event supports the United Way of Central Virginia, our local Lynchburg Daily Bread, and our local Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg making your night out both enjoyable and impactful.

So please BUY a ticket at unitedwaycv.org/lynchburgcooks and hurry as tickets are limited!

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

History comes alive, onstage and outdoors at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Join us on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat for these special events this summer!

Don’t miss “The Day Is Past and Gone,” Teresa Harris’s poignant drama inspired by the lives of the enslaved people at Poplar Forest and their struggles to survive, with two performances only, on May 29 & 30 at 6:30 p.m. 

Plus, join us for a historic salute to our nation’s 250th anniversary, with our “Independence Day Celebration” on July 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring colonial crafts and entertainment, children’s activities, and more!

Tickets for these events and more are available now at poplarforest.org/events. 

Sweet Briar College

Discover Your Best Summer at Sweet Briar College!

Nestled on 2,847 stunning acres with old-growth forests, two lakes, and 22 miles of trails, Sweet Briar College is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience.

Whether you’re a middle schooler dreaming of athletic glory, a high schooler ready to explore engineering, environmental science, or music, or an adult seeking creative renewal, Sweet Briar has something for you. Sharpen your skills in cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, tennis, or volleyball. Saddle up at our world-class 130-acre equestrian center. Unleash your creativity at our Summer Arts & Writing Retreat, featuring three-day workshops led by our own distinguished faculty.

With room to roam and inspiration around every corner, your best summer starts here.

Explore summer programs at Sweet Briar College today! For more information visit www.sbc.edu/summer-programs

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill in Brookneal with an unforgettable evening of history, family fun, and patriotic spirit! A direct descendant of Patrick Henry will take the stage to read the Declaration of Independence aloud and powerfully recite the famous “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with local vendors, including food trucks, plus enjoyable activities like historic building tours, Living History demonstrations, children’s games, face painting, and much more! Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs as the night builds to a spectacular grand fireworks display lighting up the sky. Do not miss this exciting celebration of America’s founding. Still just $10/car! For more information, visit www.redhill.org or call us at 434-376-2044. Plan your visit today! 

Check out www.redhill.org and head to our events page to see what’s coming up!

MasterWorks Festival

Experience extraordinary classical music this summer at the MasterWorks Festival, June 16–July 11. Enjoy over 30 free events featuring world-class performances by renowned faculty, guest artists, and outstanding young musicians. Highlights include inspiring orchestra concerts and faculty recitals every Friday and Saturday evening,as well as engaging guest artist masterclasses and recitals throughout the festival. This year’s guest artists include acclaimed soloists such as 2025 Van Cliburn Competition Finalist and MasterWorks alumnus Carter Johnson.

The MasterWorks Festival is a four-week celebration of excellence in the classical performing arts, bringing together exceptional artists and students in performances in an atmosphere of dynamic Christian faith. Come experience music of the highest caliber, free and open to the public.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.masterworksfestival.org.  

Experience Lynchburg Restaurant Week
June 13-20, 2026!

Get ready to indulge in the culinary delights of Lynchburg during this year’s Lynchburg Restaurant Week, brought to you by Lynchburg Living magazine. From June 13 to June 20, nearly thirty of our city’s best restaurants will open their doors, offering specially crafted three-course menus that showcase the local flavors and talent that make our food scene so exceptional. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or trying something new, this is the perfect opportunity to savor the hard work and creativity of our local chefs.

From innovative appetizers to mouthwatering entrees and decadent desserts, Lynchburg Restaurant Week invites you to enjoy delicious meals, all while supporting our community’s vibrant restaurant culture.

And don’t forget—if one of our participating restaurants leaves you wowed, you can cast your vote at lynchburgrestaurantweek.com!

The winning restaurant will receive well-deserved recognition and exciting prizes. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the flavors that make Lynchburg unique.

ATTENTION AREA DOCTORS!!

Lynchburg Living Magazine’s Top Docs is a reputable peer-to-peer survey conducted by a third-party research company, Data Joe. This survey identifies and honors the doctors across a variety of specialties that doctors trust and recommend the most. For example if you are a General Practitioner, what doctor would you refer a loved one to that was experiencing a cardiac issue? If you’re a doctor in Roanoke Valley or the Greater Lynchburg area, we ask you to take part in our poll and nominate the physicians that you trust and refer your patients to when in need.

Nominations in our annual Top Docs Contest is officially open and will conclude on March 8, 2026.

Selected honorees will be featured in the July/August 2026 issue of Lynchburg Living Magazine and The Roanoker Magazine . You must have a medical license in order to participate.

Click Here to Nominate a Top Doctor >>

Join us at the 2026 Lynchburg Living Best Of Party!

SEE EVENT RECAP HERE

When: January 31, 2026 | 6-9 p.m. Where: The Virginian Hotel

Come celebrate the winners of the 2025 Lynchburg Living Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards! This event is going to be extra special and extra fun! The event will feature live music to dance the night away, as well as delicious bites from local restaurants and cash bars. Plus, there will be a raffle off at the event with the raffle proceeds benefitting a local charity.

Each ticket includes:

• Tastings from all restaurants
• A drink ticket
• Live entertainment: Local Call Band
• General seating at a table

Tickets:  NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!

Participating Restaurants:

• Downtown Cairo
• Market at Main
• My Dog Duke’s Diner
• Skyline Grill at the Virginian
• Virginian Hotel
• William & Henry Steakhouse

Entertainment:

• Live music from Local Call

It’s never too early to plan for the future. This comprehensive resource is a great way to get started.

Living Well, Living Smart
Staying active, connected, and informed is at the heart of living well at any age. This year’s Senior Living Guide celebrates the ways older adults in our community are redefining retirement—focusing on independence, wellness, and meaningful connection.

Inside, you’ll find expert insights on how to protect your finances from scams, plan for your future with confidence, and choose communities and amenities that make every day feel like home. Whether you’re planning for yourself or supporting someone you love, our goal is to help you navigate this season of life with clarity, confidence, and joy.

Beyond the Basics
Protecting Against Scams & Financial Exploitation
Travel Made Easy

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful—all it takes is the right resources in your corner and you’ll be getting hitched without a hitch. Consider our Best of Central Virginia Weddings your resource guide to finding the right venue, attire, photographer, caterer, and more.

 Newlyweds, industry colleagues, and our readership nominated and voted on the people and businesses listed in 30 categories. With these picks in hand, your wedding day will be one to remember. 

Not sure where to go for your oral health or dental treatments in the Lynchburg area?

Look no further than the experts referenced in our Area Dental Guide. From braces for your kids to the dental professionals you want in your corner when there’s an issue, we have you covered.

What makes a great lawyer?

While impeccable communication skills and high intelligence are a part of the equation, truly great lawyers also earn a respect that follows them out of the courtroom and into the community.

Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is the result of a comprehensive peer-to-peer survey, facilitated by DataJoe Research Company. (See methodology and disclaimers on page 142.) 

Read on to see who lawyers themselves recommend in 26 specialties.

Not sure what gifts to give this holiday season? Have no fear… Lynchburg Living is here! We’ve partnered up with local companies provide you with a list of ideas. Check them out below!

1) Massage Envy
Give the gift of “ME Time” with a gift card to Massage Envy. This is the perfect gift for your loved ones who deserve extra relaxation and self-care this holiday season. Visit them at 3901 Old Forest Rd Bldg G or call 434-385-8600. Learn more here.

2) Nothing Bundt Cakes
‘Tis the season for JOY! Let Nothing Bundt Cakes create your personal/family, client, or employee gifts for the Holidays! From beautiful, decorated Bundt Cakes and festive Bundtlet Towers to Bundtinis by the dozen with fun Toppers, we have unique solutions for any budget!
– 8″ Decorated Holiday Cake: $42
– Wrapped Bundtlet Towers – 1 Tower: $8, 2 Tower: $14, 3 Tower: $20
– Dozen Assorted Bundtinis starting at $28; Toppers are sold separately
You’ll make the NICE LIST when you show up at your family gatherings with our delicious cakes!
Visit us at Nothing Bundt Cakes – Lynchburg, 19399 Forest Road, Ste 4, Lynchburg, VA or online at www.nothingbundtcakes.com.

Look What I Found!

Not sure where to start with that holiday shopping list? You’ve come to the right place! 

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is an overview of unique gift ideas, all found in local stores.

So you’ll not only feel good about what’s under the tree, but you’ll also know your purchase helped support the local economy.