How do you define a top level attorney?

While a substantial number of wins or taking on high-profile cases can earn you recognition, it’s a lawyer’s reputation—both inside and outside of the courtroom—that really sets them apart.

For the fifth year in a row, Lynchburg Living has partnered with DataJoe Research Company to bring you Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg. This is a peer-to-peer survey—the lawyers included on this list were nominated by fellow lawyers, which speaks volumes about their integrity and professionalism.

2021 marks 10 years since our very first Lynchburg Restaurant Week, marking a decade of delicious dishes and great deals at diverse eateries across the region.

Even during the height of the pandemic last year, we kept this beloved community event going strong. Now, as restrictions are slowly lifted and many are returning to in-person dining, we hope you will join us to continue supporting Lynchburg’s thriving restaurant community June 12-19, 2021.

We are thrilled to showcase 13 local restaurants this year, each with its own handcrafted menu specifically for Lynchburg Restaurant Week.

Flip through the following pages to see what’s cooking and start planning out your stops today.

As soon as school lets out for summer break, the extra time at home—for those who were attending school in person—combined with the absence of constant homework obligations has both parents and kids breathing a sigh of relief and jumping for joy.

But after a few days, without fail, the “I’m bored” comments typically start to surface. We are here to help fill your warm weather months with fun, family-friendly and diverse activities—many of which can be enjoyed in the off-season as well! From historic destinations to breathtaking views, check out these 11 recommendations in our LL Fun Guide.

The Bower Center for the Arts
Join Us for a Summer of Creativity & Fun! Looking for an ARTVENTURE this summer? The Bower Center for the Arts is offering a perfect summer outlet for children and adults to expand their imaginations and artistic talents with a full line up of fun-filled Art Camps and classes beginning in June. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to express your creative spirit!
Visit bowercenter.org for details.

Clayton Nature Center
In 1998, Bedford businessman Boyd Claytor gave his beloved 500-acre Cloverlea Farm to Lynchburg College for the study and appreciation of nature. He envisioned the beauty and wonder of his iconic property to be available to everyone for evermore. Under the steady stewardship of the University of Lynchburg, the Claytor Nature Center is a conservatory of scholarship, the University’s Blue Ridge Mountain campus. But every visitor knows this beautiful sanctuary by their own experience. To many visitors we are a place with premiere breathtaking views of the Peaks of Otter. Others are blessed with lasting memories of joy from their weddings, engagements, celebrations, and holiday gatherings at Cloverlea Farmhouse and Gardens. Photographers and artists render incredible vistas in their media of choice. By day, children and families delight in our natural play area, Otter Space. Hikers and walkers wander over trails, along the Big Otter River, through forests, past ponds and pastures. Local school children engage their minds and senses in experiential outdoor environmental education, nature programs, and summer camps. Birders and other enthusiasts of fauna and flora scan the grasslands and forest for their quarry. By night, community groups of all ages partake of picnics, bonfires, and camping, or cozier overnights in the farmhouse or Eco-Lodge. And the Belk Observatory opens its telescopes to the grandeur of the night skies. Day or night in all seasons, the Claytor Nature Center opens in each of us remembrance of our connection to each other and to the heavens and Earth.
For more information visit www.Lynchburg.edu/claytor.

Imagination Station
We are keeping little minds growing and creating through art. Masterpieces will be made on different canvases, ceramics, glass, tiles, or wood, while learning to use a variety of mediums. These consist of but are not limited to acrylic, watercolors, oil pastels, gesso, charcoal and much more. Pack a NUT-FREE lunch with a drink and get ready to create.
Visit imaginationstationstudios.com for more information.

James River Association
Find enjoyment and education on the James River at James River Adventures! Lynchburg’s riverfront outfitter is your gateway to the beautiful scenery and solace of our local waterways. Trip opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and – new for 2021 – historic batteau rides!

Additionally, James River Adventures will be running outdoor recreation camps during the months of June and July for 4th – 8th graders. Campers will enjoy both water and land-based activities in a fun and collaborative environment!

The best part? By supporting James River Adventures, you’ll be helping to keep the James clean and healthy by supporting the James River Association, the only non-profit organization solely dedicated to protecting the entire James River and connecting people to it.
Find your adventure at www.jamesriveradventures.org!

James River Day School
For a summer filled with adventure and learning, kids can join a summer enrichment course at James River Day School. Designed and taught by James River’s incredible teachers, these classes for rising K-8 students are open to the public. Experiential learning drives these engaging summer programs, making the learning hands-on and fun in topics such as Summer STEAM Challenges, LEGO® WeDo, digital photography, nature, basketball, and Crazy 8s math camp, among others. With a wide range of topics from academics to art and on to athletics, James River has summer fun opportunities sure to excite your child.
Visit www.jamesriverdayschool.org/summer to learn more about what is available and to sign up.

LCA Theatre Camp
The LCA Theatre Camp will meet for two full weeks from July 5 through July 16. This comprehensive theatre camp is open to students who will be entering the second through the ninth grades. Campers will attend sessions in the areas of makeup, costuming, choreography, musical theatre, improvisation, characterization, acting and theatre. Each child will have the opportunity to take part in a Camp Cabaret or One Act production, where they will memorize lines and demonstrate their skills on the final day of the theatre camp. At the end of camp, various awards will be presented to campers who have distinguished themselves in various areas.
For more information or to register go to payit.nelnet.net/form/UcmOBqFr.
For additional information, email Ray Jones at LcaTheaterDepatment@gmail.com.

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
The City of Lynchburg Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of services and activities to residents and visitors. We maintain 17 parks, which offer organized and open areas for recreation, enjoying a picnic, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and children’s play. Over 40 miles of our trails wind through Lynchburg and are suited for a variety of activities.
For more information visit lynchburgparksandrec.com.

Natural Bridge Zoo
Natural Bridge Zoo is the wildest place in the state of Virginia, full of fun and excitement for any age and allows you to get up close and personal with a wide variety of rare and endangered animals. Stare into the eyes of a huge white tiger, feed a giraffe, hug a llama, have a pararkeet land on your hand in parakeet landing. Experience an elephant ride by looking at the world from a different view point while feeling the gait of the elephants walk (offered scheduled days and time).

See a wide variety of beautiful birds, colorful goats, monkeys, deer, mountain lions and many more. Spend a wonderful day at the Natural Bridge Zoo creating lasting memories with the whole family.
Visit naturalbridgezoo.com for more information.

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the final home and burial place of Founding Father, American Revolution hero, and five-time Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry. Visitors can tour Patrick Henry’s reconstructed home, kitchen, and blacksmith shop, as well as his original law office and family gravesite along with other structures. This summer, come walk numerous trails around the property, pack a picnic lunch to eat outside, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of over 1,000 of Patrick Henry’s original acres.
Red Hill is open year-round but offers special events throughout the warmer months including an Independence Day Celebration, Lantern Tours, Star-Gazing Nights, and Living History Days. Plan your visit to Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, a place he called “the garden spot of the world,” this summer!
Visit redhill.org for more information.

Putt-Putt Fun Center Lynchburg
Every summer has its own story. We hope you’ll choose to make lasting family memories at Putt-Putt Fun Center™ where cool activities abound for all ages to enjoy!

Feel the Breeze
Jump into the driver’s seat and zoom around our track for a rush of pure adrenaline. We have karts for single riders, as well as karts that can accommodate a parent and child.

Get Wet
A cool splash on a water ride is a great way to beat the summer heat. Battle it out with friends during a whirling, twirling and wet ride on
our bumper boats equipped with water cannons.

Indoor Fun
Escape the heat and challenge friends to a game of laser tag. Guaranteeing nonstop excitement, our laser tag arena is the only two-story arena in Lynchburg. With neon lights and dark colors, our arena is the place to escape sunburn and see who really the ultimate champion is.

Be Cool
Our arcade is the place where “cool” kids hang and parents come to “cool” off. Test your gaming skills with all sorts of arcade games from classic air hockey to our Typhoon Roller Coaster simulator. After you’ve won all the points you can, turn them in at the redemption counter for awesome prizes.

Loop the 18
Our two 18-hole Putt-Putt® Golf courses are the perfect way for the family to stay active, on their feet, and soak in the Vitamin D. You may even get lucky and ace your shot on our skill-based par 2 courses!
Visit PuttPutt.com/Lynchburg to start the fun!

YMCA
The YMCA of Central Virginia is committed to providing access to life-changing programs to everyone in our community. We offer a variety of inclusive programs, classes, and services. We bring people together to develop strong, positive relationships, healthy habits, and lasting memories. From summer camp to senior activities – we are your mission-driven community-focused non-profit, committed to building a better us. Visit ymcacva.org for more information.

For many newly engaged couples, wedding planning seems like a dream—until you are faced with dozens of choices all at once. From the venue to the dress (and all of those little details in between), it’s hard to know where to start!

We are here to help. Our Best Of Bridal Picks list tells you who recent brides and members of their wedding parties recommend in 27 categories. Read below to see who made the list!

Our 2021 Bridal Pick Winners

Our 2020 Bridal Pick Winners

The Results Are In. Thousands of you visited our website last year to vote in our 2021 Best Of Lynchburg contest.

From your favorite spots to eat to your preferred medical providers, this list shows you who
Central Virginians recommend.

Flip through to see who earned gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention in numerous categories—and congratulations to this year’s winners!

Financial investments, in-kind donations, mentoring programs—there are numerous ways that local businesses contribute to the overall betterment of the greater Lynchburg region.
To complement our Giving Back Awards, the Lynchburg Living Community Impact Appreciation feature is a way to give local businesses a pat on the back as well. This year, we selected eight businesses to recognize for their outstanding efforts behind the scenes.

Apocalypse Ale Works

How does your business impact the community?
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in March, the service industry was abruptly decimated. Not only did that affect our own livelihood, but it also affected all of our friends within the restaurant and service industries as well. We quickly partnered with Sysco for a food drive for all furloughed workers. We have continued collecting non-perishable foods to help support our community. Additionally, we have been working closely with local officials on improving infrastructure and have already committed another $24,000 on a project that will help dozens of local businesses in our area. Finally, this November will be our Apocalypse Helps Give Back Month, where we will partner with a different local charity every Saturday and help raise money, food, and clothing for our local neighbors.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes? 
Our goal is to help move our community forward. Big box stores provide jobs and goods to our community, but we strive to be more than that. Whether it’s providing food, hosting fundraisers for families in need, or helping our local infrastructure grow, a rising tide floats all ships.

Founded: 2012
Located: 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest
Number of Employees: 9

Beacon Credit Union

How does your business impact the community?
Beacon Credit Union understands the importance of giving back to the community. We have sponsored events and campaigns that have raised awareness and more than $57,000 for our nonprofit organizations. In addition, we understand that our employees want to serve in the community as well, so we award PTO hours to our employees who volunteer at approved charities. Beacon also believes in the investment of children and their futures. Each year, we award six scholarships, $12,000 total, to students in our community to assist them in their educational journey.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes? 
Ultimately, it is our responsibility as human beings to care for one another. It’s an honor to be part of this community, and we want to pay it forward. We believe that a charitable focus is imperative to any business organization and that it brings both the community and employees together for a common goal.

Founded: 1939
Located: Branches in Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Bedford, Danville, Buena Vista
Number of Employees: 80

Brownstone Properties, Inc.

How does your business impact the community?
Since our company’s beginning, we have supported programs and events focused on children and education. This past year, we sponsored the Bedford Hills Elementary School Carnival and Linkhorne Middle School Color Run. These events helped raise funds to support the PTO at each school and also provide assistance to teachers for programming needs. We also were the title sponsor of The Optimist Club of Lynchburg Oratorical Contest. This contest was created to encourage middle and high school students to participate in public speaking as part of a global competition through Optimist International.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes? 
Our company set a goal to support local causes very early. Over the years, as our owners got involved with their own children’s schools, education became a recurring cause. Through personal involvement it was impossible to ignore both the financial need and the need to encourage and engage these young people to be their best. In addition, we have supported various athletic, band, and theatrical programs of local schools because we also recognize the importance of extracurricular activities in the development of our youth.

Founded: 1998
Located: 3720 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg
Number of Employees: 18

CloudFit Software

How does your business impact the community?
CloudFit exists to generate funding for nonprofits including KidFit and JobFit. KidFit provides mentoring and opportunities via athletics for all youth whether they can pay or not. KidFit trains youth in Lynchburg in speed, strength and agility as well as enables athletic camp and travel ball opportunities for youth. JobFit enables students and career changers to get real training and real experience, including paid internships, to lower the barrier to entry for great IT careers. CloudFit employees get to volunteer a number of hours per year as PTO for CloudFit.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes?
CloudFit was literally founded to enable KidFit and other charities—the company bylaws require that CloudFit support KidFit and other charities. CloudFit’s founders believe that their mission on earth is to change the industry through CloudFit, but more importantly to use CloudFit to generate revenue that will help change lives through KidFit, JobFit and beyond. CloudFit is headquartered in Lynchburg because of a desire to help the Lynchburg region by providing hope and game-changing job opportunities for the wonderful people in this region.

Founded: 2018
Located: 300 Lucado Place, Lynchburg
Number of Employees: 140

I Scream You Scream

How does your business impact the community?
This has been a difficult year for all, but we did not want our local nonprofit groups to suffer or be unable to continue their great causes, so we continued our Community Give Back program. Our program started in 2016 with the goal to help local nonprofits, organizations, and individuals in need. This year we have donated a percentage of sales to local schools, church groups, humane societies, sports organizations for individuals with disabilities, a local fire department and other organizations.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes? 
We believe we all have the privilege and responsibility to use our talents and gifts to help others. Reflecting on our business, we feel we had a platform and opportunity to help and connect people, businesses, and organizations by giving financially, using our large social media following to advertise the efforts of local nonprofits, and provide a place for these groups to connect with the families of our community. Communities are stronger when people are united and working together for the betterment of all. Loving people is what it is all about.

Founded: 2012
Located: 13955 Wards Rd. Lynchburg
Number of Employees: 17

Jersey Mike’s Subs

How does your business impact the community?
• Month of Giving Fundraiser, raised $7,087.89 for The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lynchburg
• Three times per year, Meals on Wheels Fundraiser generates $12,000+ in donations
• COVID Donations
• Donated 850 subs to feed both hospitals
• Donated 150 subs to feed the Lynchburg Police Department
• Donated $6,176.03 to local schools through Spirit Fundraiser Nights
• Donated 1,100 Free Sub Coupons to local teachers
• Donated $3,576 to local organizations through our BOGO Fundraiser Coupons
• Donated 115 lunches to the Boys and Girls Club Golf Tournament

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes? 
Jersey Mike’s Subs as a company has a long-standing tradition of giving back and supporting the community that supports us. Our mission is Giving… Making a difference in someone’s life. We believe that making a great sub sandwich and making a difference can be one in the same. It gives us great pride to know that we have been able to make such an impact on the Lynchburg community since opening our first store in 2008.

Founded: 2008
Located: 3919 Wards Road, Lynchburg; 3901 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg
Number of Employees: 40-45

Sentry Equipment & Erectors, Inc.

How does your business impact the community?
Sentry makes a community impact through working with the youth of Lynchburg. Our engineers and shop team have welcomed many students into our facility to demonstrate first-hand how our equipment is designed and assembled. Last fall, Sentry hosted Ross Learning Academy’s STEM program students, during which our team gave students thought-provoking, hands-on exercises and a tour of the facility. Additionally, our engineers often visit Lynchburg City Schools to explain how our Electrical Engineering group brings our systems to life.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes? 
Sentry’s passion is to ignite the young minds of Lynchburg. We love our community and hope to help the next generation get excited about their education in a hands-on environment. Here at Sentry, our team takes great pride in the work that they do, and to share that with the youth of Lynchburg is an honor.

Founded: 1980
Located: 13150 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Forest
Number of Employees: 221

The Water Dog

How does your business impact the community?
Since opening our doors in Downtown Lynchburg, we have made it a priority to give back to the organizations around us, including the Downtown Lynchburg Association, Riverviews Artspace, Lynchburg Humane Society, Miller Home for Girls and many others. We also enjoy bringing our community together through a variety of events such as Pints After Pedals, Oktoberfest, and TWD Runner’s Club. In 2019, we reinvested in Downtown Lynchburg by purchasing The Glass House and have made an economic impact with that venue by donating a portion of our proceeds from the events we hold.

Why does your business choose to focus on these causes?
At face value, what we try to do is pretty simple: bring together great craft brews and tasty food with an awesome environment and some pretty rad people. But on a deeper level, we are passionate about connecting with the people and organizations around us that call Downtown Lynchburg home.

Founded: 2016
Located: 1016 Jefferson Street, Lynchburg
Number of Employees: 50