A Curious History Walking Tour
By Izzi Diaz Young | Photos by Ashlee Glen
The history of Lynchburg, Virginia is lengthy and engrossing. From its origin to where it stands today, there are hundreds of thousands of facts that can be found on each corner; each one more interesting than the last.
This is the basis of Curious History Walking Tours, an hour-long journey into the depths of the city of the Seven Hills. Guided by its CEO, or as she likes to call herself, “Curious Executive Officer,” Kathleen Davis started digging into Lynchburg’s past after hearing a peculiar story about the city years ago. From there, in her own words, Kathleen “just kinda never stopped researching.”
At a young age, Davis was exposed to the world of information, content creation, and journalism. Growing up in the heart of Decatur, Alabama, her family consisted of producers, videographers, and a retired anchor.
“As a kid, I could see how electrifying chasing down a story could be,” Davis stated. “You can’t plan on breaking news. My mom would get the call to go in and we’d rush to the TV station as if we were there to tell the world, or at least North Alabama, about whatever had happened.”
Soon enough, Davis’s mother began her own advertising agency where she’d let Kathleen assist in creating “catchy ideas for clients.” She continued following in her mother’s footsteps and eventually graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Advertising; shortly thereafter beginning her own career in Atlanta, Georgia, at The Weather Channel.
“Atlanta is where my love for performing and stand-up comedy came to life,” Davis reflected.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis and her now wife, Gail Goldsmith, made the decision to relocate.
“We decided to start our life together in a new city with new jobs and basically a fresh set of everythings that we’d build together,” Davis explained. “After trying out a few places, Lynchburg felt like home.”
Changing addresses in the midst of a pandemic came with a limited access to social life in their new city, so Kathleen and Gail mainly spent their time enjoying the scenery and looking in on Lynchburg life.
“We would take the dogs on a walk down Rivermont and take turns saying, ‘Look at that house,’ or, ‘And that one!’ until eventually I couldn’t take it anymore,” she said.
She was overcome with curiosity, wondering, “Who built all of these beautiful mansions?”
The couple’s dog walks slowly transitioned into what now could be seen as the true origin of Curious History Walking Tours, as Davis would fill their strolls with pieces of information she had happened upon while searching the houses they so adored.
“Eventually, friends and family were able to come up and visit and I’d take them on tours as well,” she reflected. “Without even realizing it, I was building Curious History—turning my love for storytelling, comedy, and people into a business.”
Davis’s appreciation for the past and all of the information that comes with it is the root of the Walking Tours, where she now guides many curious souls from all across Lynchburg and beyond. Starting in front of the giant red high heel statue in front of the Craddock Terry Hotel, a beloved city landmark, the hour-long endeavor is designed for people who simply appreciate weird history.
“On the tour, I talk about architecture, industry, music, scientific discoveries and more,” Davis explained. “When I feel like I’ve collected enough stories about a selected tour route, I create a March Madness–style bracket to narrow down the best stories.”
She continued, “Some stories I’ve included on this tour definitely feel like I’m doing stand-up comedy again, but others tug at deeper emotions. I try my hardest to paint the full picture of each story I share—it is important to me that I provide tour-goers with all the available facts and leave it to them to draw their own conclusions.”
Tour guests have the option to attend a public tour; a private tour, where groups can bring their friends and family; or even create a custom experience such as hiring a performer to host a personal event or enjoy a custom tour/experience created for a business.
Every few months, Davis and the team at Curious History Walking Tours will update the guided excursions with brand new themes. She has also recently teamed up with the staff at Ghost Stop to create “Lynchburg Ghost Tours,” a new and unique experience combining history and a sense of spookiness for all guests who are brave enough to embark on the journey.
“Being an extrovert, my favorite thing about doing these tours is meeting all kinds of people and getting to hear their takes on the stories I’ve presented to them,” Davis said. “When the tour begins, we’re a group of strangers talking about parking and the weather. When we’re done, we’re walking back together, discussing the realities and eccentricities of characters in the Lynchburg story. When we learn more about who these people were back then, it teaches us a little bit about who we are now.”
For history buffs and novices alike, these tours are certain to delight, educate, and even surprise every guest who joins in the fun.
“My goal is to use the art of storytelling to spin Lynchburg on its axis and reveal new angles, mysteries, and curious histories,” Davis concluded.
Curious History Walking Tours is any Hill City resident or non-resident alike’s newest and most entertaining way to dive directly into some of the town’s countless interesting stories. With Davis leading the way, these tours are guaranteed to go down forever in Lynchburg’s curious and wonderful history.
