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

Is a too-small patio putting a damper on your parties? Or is the blazing afternoon sun making you sweat during that 5 p.m. beverage? It might be time for an outdoor space overhaul.

“You have to balance aesthetics with function,” says Rebecca Mahanes of Land Tech Group.

First, she says they usually address space issues. “The big thing is being able to have space for furniture and people to gather,” she says, adding that many standard new builds only provide a small concrete pad in the backyard. Their team will start by using pavers or concrete to make an area large enough for the homeowner’s entertaining needs.

Another common complaint that prevents patio usage—the sun. “In Forest, where a lot of newer homes are being built, there is not a lot of shade,” says Mahanes. “Pergolas are becoming more popular.” The slats or some type of fabric can provide the extra shade homeowners need to feel comfortable. Not only does it look good, it’s typically a very economical addition, she says.

Whether you have an unlimited budget or just enough money for one cool feature, we hope you can gain some ideas from this stunning project Land Tech completed a few years ago in Forest’s Ivy Lake neighborhood:

Overall Aesthetics:
It’s always trendy to have your outdoor entertaining area blend into its natural environment. Here, Mahanes says the homeowners wanted a rustic look. A stacked stone retaining wall adds to that vibe as well as the A-frame metal roof over the kitchen area.

In-Ground Hot Tub:
This custom in-ground hot tub has a water feature that runs on a pump and flows into the spa. It’s partially raised so that guests who don’t want to get in the water can still socialize with those who are.

Fire Bowls:
These run on gas/propane and can either be turned on with a wireless antenna or lit with a match. “I love these because they create a warm ambience,” says Mahanes. “It’s not just about having the space but also having the nice lighting at night.” Landscape lighting is another way to create a cozy atmosphere.

Outdoor Kitchen:
These are a highly popular addition to outdoor areas right now. Mahanes says those who seek one out always want a grill, but many are also starting to request smokers, such as a Big Green Egg. Outdoor kitchens function best if they are covered well and have enough counter space to operate like an indoor kitchen.

Fire Pit:
“This home’s fire pit is really the centerpiece that ties the whole area together,” says Mahanes. She adds that there’s about a 50/50 split between wood burning and gas fire pit installations. “People who like the smoky smell choose wood for the camping ambience. Those who choose gas just want to come out, turn it on and be done.”

Before the mercury drops, mark these items off your home to-do list

Heating & Cooling

Change your air filter monthly. “One of the leading causes of break downs are dirty air filters,” says Brandon Brown of Browns Heating and Air. He suggests setting a reminder on your phone for the first of the month to change filters. This will help your system work better and easier overall.

Line up a full system maintenance. This will clean your system inside and out. “A normal home HVAC system runs more than a car does per year and needs to be cleaned and maintained like a car needs its oil changed,” says Brown.

Fill gas or oil tanks. Do this now, “before cold hits and prices go up,” Brown says. It’s also a good idea to check on your gas logs and get them serviced if needed.

Have your ducts professionally cleaned. Brown says this is suggested for older systems that have been installed for a while. “This gets rid of all dust, dirt, mold spores and toxins in the duct system you breathe,” he says.

Exterior Upkeep

Check your roof for damaged shingles. According to All Phase Roofing and Construction, while roof damage happens throughout the year, the rough winter seasons in Lynchburg can be especially tough on your roof. Repairing damaged shingles now can prevent leakage once snow starts falling.

Clean and repair your gutters. This task needs to happen after all of the leaves have fallen and when temperatures are still above freezing. “If you [miss] cleaning gutters in the fall, you may have issues going into winter,” says The Brothers that just do Gutters on its website. “These issues are not always evident in the winter because your gutter is frozen, but during the first thaw they’ll show. The excess debris in your gutters that was not cleaned prior to winter will result in a sort of debris popsicle within your gutter system.”

Check around your windows and doors for air leaks. If needed, seal the leaks with caulk to keep out the cold air.

Inspect and clean your chimney to prevent fires. Statistics show dirty chimneys cause approximately 22,000 house fires each winter. Have a certified professional inspect your chimney annually, and make sweeps or repairs.

Miscellaneous

Store unused lawn care equipment. Local realtor and home renovation expert Dan Vollmer says whether it’s a mower or a trimmer, you should drain all of the gas before you put the equipment away.

Remove and store window screens. This is something else Vollmer does to prevent future, often costly, repairs. “Sometimes the weight of snow can stretch them out,” he says.

Replace smoke detector and CO detector batteries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, house fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six house fires.

Combining the nostalgia of an authentic farmhouse with 21st century amenities, the 2019 Lynchburg Living Idea House is a charming mix of old and new, traditional and modern, simple and ornate.

Located in the new Trent’s Landing subdivision off Waterlick Road in Campbell County, this farmhouse-style home fits in perfectly with Central Virginia’s gorgeous rural landscapes and country setting—but it also stands out, in a good way, with its modern black and white exterior.

The 2,832 square-foot, three-bedroom home is cozy, comfortable and convenient—without sacrificing sophistication and style. It’s a place you can lounge around with your family on Saturday morning… and host an elegant dinner party on Saturday night.32

Scott Elliott and the CS Custom Structures team were intentional in their design and plan, seeing that no space is wasted and no detail is overlooked—from the functional flow of the open floor plan to the high-tech master bathroom. Elliott’s wife, Meredith, created a vision for the décor—a subtle coastal style that uses white as its canvas and pops of gray and blue to calm the spirit.

As we take you on a tour, we believe you’ll find the 2019 Lynchburg Living Idea House is just… easy—easy on the eyes and, most important, easy to live in.

ENTRYWAY: A Welcome Sight
Nothing says “farmhouse” more than a spacious front porch—a place you can picture yourself sipping sweet tea while watching the sun set over the Blue Ridge Mountains. A driftwood gray semi-transparent stain on the deck gives you a taste of the distressed colors you will see inside, while black double doors with glass panels give this stately home the big reveal it deserves. Step over the threshold and your eyes are immediately pulled to the staircase with rustic treads (matching the distressed prefinished hardwood floors) and modern, square white pickets. To the left, a traditional foyer table and mirror from Virginia Furniture Market, similar to what you’d find in an authentic farmhouse generations ago. To the right, a powder room painted in a bright pop of coastal blue (Harbor Fog by Sherwin-Williams). You’ll wonder if Joanna Gaines is around the next corner when you notice what looks like shiplap on the walls throughout the downstairs. It’s actually something better—nickel gap siding, an easy-to-install and less finicky counterpart. The nickel gap siding and walls are painted white (Cotton White by Sherwin-Williams), to maintain a clean, neutral canvas for the home’s coastal décor.

GREAT ROOM: Something Old, Something Blue
All of the unique colors, textures and styles seen throughout the home come together gorgeously in the home’s great room, creating a warm and inviting place to sit down and prop up your feet. The creamy white sofa and chair not only look the part—with sleek lines and bronze button details—they are comfortable too. (We tested them out to be 100 percent sure.) Blue—from navy found in the woven jute rug to the light blue, distressed round coffee table—plays its strongest role in this room. A conversation starter for guests is the antique mantel, believed to be from a local home built in the early 1900s.

DINING ROOM: Everyone, Gather Round
Already comfortably seating six on a regular basis, the home’s dining table comes with a huge leaf that would add 4 to 6 more place settings—perfect to host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. A large painting of the ocean—a serene mix of green, blue and white—gives the space a dramatic focal point. But your gaze will also shift upward to the unique fixture over the table made out of glass beads with rustic jute detailing.

KITCHEN: An Entertainer’s Dream
The heart of this home has the space and flow you are looking for when hosting friends and family as well as the gourmet amenities needed to whip up a top-notch meal. The kitchen mirrors the home’s modern farmhouse exterior with its white and black color palette. White shaker-style cabinets and “true white” quartz countertops offer clean lines, and several cabinets have glass fronts with lighting, perfect for displaying your favorite china. From a convenient pot filler over the range to a large apron sink (a farmhouse trend that’s maintaining its popularity), all fixtures and pro-style appliances are matte black. Drawing you into the room—and making the entire space sparkle—is the seashell-inspired, penny tile backsplash with a sand-colored grout. Barnwood-style shelving balances out the shimmer and brings a rustic touch to the room. It’s also what you don’t see that makes this kitchen charming. The microwave, typically placed above the range and oven, was relocated to the island and is pulled out like a drawer. You also can ditch your Keurig if you wish, because the refrigerator has a place to brew K-cups right in the door.

MASTER BEDROOM: Cozy Cocoon
Located on the lower level of the home—a floor plan requirement, Scott says, for many homebuyers of all ages—the master suite is within arm’s reach of the main living area but still feels like its own private retreat. Numerous windows make this room feel bright and airy and the white shiplap walls, continued from the main living area, add that extra touch of quality and class. Furniture is minimal to reduce clutter—and you don’t need more than one dresser because just around the corner is a massive master closet to serve as your main clothing storage area and dressing room.

LAUNDRY: It All Flows
Connected to the master bathroom is a huge walk-in closet. From there, you can access the laundry room, which includes more storage, including barnwood-style shelving with lighting.

MASTER BATHROOM: Forward-Thinking Oasis
Elegant finishes and details take center stage in the master bathroom. The overall color palette is calming—from a gray ceramic printed tile that looks like marble (but is much easier to maintain) to white floors and cabinetry. Instead of a typical walk-in shower with a curb to step over, there is a wet room—a European concept that incorporates the shower and tub into one area. A frameless glass wall and door separate the space and make the room feel larger, and the tile floor—the entire bathroom has the same flooring, which is waterproofed—gradually slopes to the back of the shower to a linear drain. Inside the shower area, black matte fixtures include a rain head, two body sprays, a wall spray… and a digital shower control system by Moen. Each person using the shower can set up a profile that saves their individual settings. It’s also wireless—so you could start your shower on your drive home, if you wished. A Mirabelle tub by Ferguson with straight, modern lines completes the wet room and is spacious enough for a relaxing bath for one or a romantic soak for two. A window over the double vanity and another at the top of the shower area let in plenty of light, making this space equally as bright as its connecting master bedroom.

UPSTAIRS: Some Breathing Room
While the second level of a home is often overlooked and underdesigned, this upstairs is a breath of fresh air with its versatile layout and attention to detail that is up to par with the rest of the Idea House. Hardwoods continue on the landing along with the shiplap-inspired walls. On the right and left are two identical bedrooms that lead into a Jack and Jill bathroom, with a twist. The shower area is shared—with the shower featuring a vibrant blue-and-white stripe penny tile—but each room has its own closet area, toilet and vanity. Also upstairs is an office, “flex space”—you could make this area into a mini guest room with a sofa sleeper or create a small TV nook—and a large bonus room with dormer windows.

The bonus room is large enough to be a play room for kids or, for older adults, make it another place to entertain guests by adding a bar area.

EXTERIOR FEATURES: Looking Sharp
The sharp contrast between the white siding and black windows make this home a head turner. The white board and batten siding draws your eye upward, instead of side to side; vertical siding is also less busy than its horizontal counterpart, allowing other exterior features to stand out. Black double hung windows and a black standing seam metal roof pop against the white backdrop while gray stone along the foundation and gray-stained hitters above the windows tone down the modern color scheme.

Connected to the front porch with exterior doors leading into the great room is a large patio area with a table for six and other places to rest—a grillmaster’s retreat. On the other side of the home, a “live driveway” leads to a two-car garage. This new idea from Finley Corporation adds visual interest to the driveway—it features concrete poured in square formations with sod in between.

2019 Lynchburg Idea House was Built by Custom Structures. Furniture by Virginia Furniture Market. Sponsors: Terry, Divine Designs and Delights.

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Get some inside Information on the upcoming Lynchburg Living Idea House.