Behind the Scenes
The team behind the cover

To see our cover, you would think you had stepped into the middle of a holiday party. While the team did enjoy a festive serving of charcuterie after the shoot was over, the cover was actually shot in our office studio using a creative combination of bamboo flooring, coolers, and ladders.

Helping make the shot absolutely perfect was Vista Graphics Creative Director David Uhrin as photographer and Art Director Chris Meligonis, Office Manager Tracy Thompson and Web Content Manager Kelsey Thomas as our hand models. The greens were clipped from backyards in the middle of a tropical storm—not the most festive of weather, but definitely a memory to keep!

Read more on pairing wines and cheeses on page 125.

Mark Your Calendars

November 12
Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival
It’s the favorite event of wine and history lovers alike! Join Poplar Forest on November 12 for their annual Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival. Sample from Virginia’s regional wines, enjoy live performances by local musicians, graze on foods by local vendors, and shop the artisan market for one-of-a-kind finds. Tour the president’s private retreat at a reduced rate throughout the day. Visit poplarforest.org for info.

November 24
Lynchburg Turkey Trot
Join the 34th annual Lynchburg Turkey Trot, presented by Scott Insurance, on Thanksgiving Day! This beloved tradition is a great way to support local nonprofit organization, HumanKind, plus it’ll get your appetite ready to indulge in a hearty meal. Participate in-person on Thanksgiving Day or register to run virtually from anywhere you choose! Registration information can be found at humankind.org.

December 10
Christmas in Sedalia
Christmas in Sedalia is an annual event that offers holiday shoppers an opportunity to purchase unique hand-crafted gifts for everyone on their list. The Sedalia Center and neighboring Mountain Run Farm partner to showcase the best of the region’s creative community. This is an indoor event and is free to the public. Santa always makes a surprise visit to take selfies with kids of all ages! Light lunch items will be available for purchase along with hot cocoa, and fresh-baked Christmas cookies to enhance your festive shopping experience. Visit sedaliacenter.org for more info.

December 13
Glenn Miller Orchestra
The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform on the Historic Academy Theatre stage on December 13, 2022. Enjoy the 18-member ensemble as it plays many of the original Miller arrangements. Additionally, it will also play some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. For tickets and event information, visit academycenter.org.

November 26 & December 3, 10, and 17
Mistletoe Market
Visit the Lynchburg Community Market for its annual Mistletoe Market! Take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays with artisan vendors, handmade crafts, fresh greenery, and local produce. Horse drawn carriage rides through the city will take place on December 10 and 17.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to The Aloha Hut
Hello! to Kline’s Dairy Bar
Hello! to Goosehead Insurance
Goodbye to Champion Brewing on Main Street
Hello! to First Watch, The Daytime Cafe

Mark Your Calendars | January/February 2022

January 29
Back to the Best
Our widely popular Readers’ Choice awards come to life at Lynchburg Living’s Best Of Lynchburg Party, which will return to the Virginian Hotel after a hiatus in 2020. We are excited to get “back to the best” and hope you will join us to celebrate the best businesses, restaurants, and people that make our region so great. Learn more at lynchburgbestof.com.

February 4
Big Apple Ballet
The Academy Center of the Arts will host Dance Theatre of Harlem, a leading dance institution founded in New York City in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook. Find more information about tickets at www.academycenter.org.

February 5
Ice, Sweat and Tears
Bundle up and head to Hydaway Outdoor Center for this challenging “Arctic 5k” race that takes runners down a single track trail intermixed with some forest roads. Find more race details at runsignup.com.

February 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Shakespeare and Coffee
James River Theatre Company presents A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream at one of Lynchburg’s newest small businesses, La Vida Coffee & Market on Langhorne Road. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.jamesrivertheatre.com.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to a new location of Mi Patron Mexican Restaurant in the Boonsboro Shopping Center.

Hello! to Skincare by Blaire, opening in January on Leesville Road.

Hello! to the newly relocated TaleTellers Fly Shop at the corner of 10th and Main streets in Lynchburg.

Hello! to Lynchburg Treasure Hunt on Lakeside Drive, selling discount overstock or open-box items.

Goodbye to The Nested Magpie inside ElectricCo Market in Bedford.

Hello! to a newly relocated Batter Bar on Main Street beside the Community Market.

Hello! to The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar, expanding to Lynchburg in early 2022.

Hello! to The Taco Wagon food truck located in Appomattox.

Hello! to a second location of Bean Barn on Memorial Avenue.

Mark Your Calendars | November/December 2021

We compiled this Central Virginia Holiday Bucket List to help guide you through the region’s top events and activities. See how many you can check off this season!

Wave at a hometown parade.
After a very weird 2020, many of Central Virginia’s hometown parades are back with a bang this year in their traditional formats. The theme of the 2021 Lynchburg Christmas Parade is “A Stroll Down Gingerbread Lane” (Dec. 5). It will start at Bank of the James Stadium at 4 p.m. and end at E.C. Glass High School. Other local parades were still in planning stages as of mid-October but be on the lookout for confirmed dates!

Go on a tour of the best local lights.
It’s not officially Christmas until you’ve seen the spectacular light display at the Elks National Home in Bedford. Another easy drive-through option is Liberty University, where the campus trees are decked out with dazzling lights following Thanksgiving. Or, trade your car for a carriage as Lynchburg Parks and Rec hosts its Celebration of Lights event in the magically decorated Riverside Park
(Dec. 10-11, registration required).

Support local businesses at one-stop-shop events.
Step away from your Amazon cart! You’ll find diverse local businesses and makers at regional events such as the Holiday Maker’s Market on Commerce Street (Nov. 26-27), Mountain View Events’ CHRISTmas in the Country (Nov. 12-13), Christmas in Sedalia at the Sedalia Center (Dec. 11) and the Holiday Craft Fair at the Moose Lodge on Lakeside Drive (Nov. 13). Also, be sure to stop by the Lynchburg Community Market’s Mistletoe Markets on Saturdays leading up to Christmas (starting Nov. 27).

Create a Christmas craft with friends or family.
Check out the Academy Center of the Arts class offerings to make fun décor such as a Snowman Stocking Holder (Dec. 4) or Holiday Tea Towels and Sugar Scrubs (Dec. 18). If you’re stumped on what to get your friends, consider booking a painting session at Imagination Station, Board and Brush Forest, Blue Mountain Barn or AR Workshop. These local DIY studios offer holiday craft options every year!

Buy tickets to a festive show.
Returning in 2021 for its 50th anniversary is the Thomas Road Baptist Church Virginia Christmas Spectacular, a professional-level production that includes the iconic Living Christmas Tree (Dec. 10-12). Music lovers will cherish the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra’s Happy Holidays with the LSO show at the Historic Academy Theatre (Dec. 4). The Academy is also hosting the Sara Evans Blue Christmas Tour (Dec. 9).

Stay fitness-focused by signing up for a local race.
While it’s not the peak 5K season, there are still several race options during the holiday months. The Lynchburg Turkey Trot (Nov. 25), a fundraiser for HumanKind, is an invigorating way to start your Thanksgiving Day. Bring the whole family to the Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic (Dec. 2) in Bedford, which includes a 5K, one-mile run and kids’ run. Runners are encouraged to “dress for the season” at the Reindeer Run 2 Mile Trail Race at Hydaway Outdoor Center (Dec. 4).
<brBinge on your favorite holiday movies.
No need to dig out those old DVDs—the Historic Academy Theater has you covered with its all-day Holiday Movie Marathon (Nov. 27). You can also enjoy your favorite festive flicks on the big screen at Venue Cinemas during the month of December as they feature some of the top films with holiday vibes.

Take a trip back in time to Christmases past.
The Holiday Candlelight Tours at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest give you a one-of-a-kind experience of his villa that’s fully decorated for the holidays
(Dec. 2-17). Or take a trip to Brookneal for the annual Christmas Open House at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, which includes docent-guided tours and more (Dec. 6).

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to new owners of Goode Country Store in Goode.

Hello! to a new location of Rookie’s on Norfolk Avenue in Lynchburg.

Hello! to Beauty Bar on 9th Street in Lynchburg.

Hello! to La Vida Coffee + Market on Langhorne Road.

Goodbye to MMG Burger Bar on Wards Road.

Hello! to women’s boutique Cashe’ on Enterprise Drive in Wyndhurst.

Hello! to new boutique Mosaic Collective on 5th Street in Lynchburg.

Hello! to Annie’s Indian Kitchen on Forest Road near Graves Mill Road.

Hello! to Relevant Law’s new location on Enterprise Drive.

Goodbye to Crown Sterling restaurant on Fort Avenue, closing after five decades.

Hello! to three new places to eat at River Ridge Mall: Grounded, Stonefire Pizza and Mein Bowl.

Mark Your Calendars May/June 2021

Sunset on 7th Concert Series
May 8, June 19, July 17
The Academy Center of the Arts is back and ready to party this summer! The Sunset on 7th Series will be held in the Pacific Life parking lot, featuring the No BS! Brass Band in May, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression in June and The Hackensaw Boys in July. Enjoy the show from your own personal parking space “pod” with up to 10 guests. Learn more at academycenter.org.

Memorial Day 10K
May 31, 8 a.m.
For the past five years, Lynchburg Road Runners Club and Type 1 Diabetes Experience have partnered together for this race that supports local families living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. If a 10K isn’t for you, try the shorter two-mile walk to support the cause. Learn more at runsignup.com.

Steel Magnolias
June 3-27,
various showtimes
Join Truvy, Shelby and the rest of the gossiping gang as Wolfbane Productions brings this Southern classic to life at its Appomattox Wolf Den venue. The hilarious repartee and heartbreaking moments make this a beautiful show you won’t forget. Learn more at wolfbane.org.

Outdoor Summer Job Fair
June 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dust off your resume and save the date for this free job fair at the Forest Public Library, sponsored by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. Advance registration is not required.

Discover Your Downtown

Raise a Toast to River Restoration

During the month of May, you can enjoy one of Starr Hill Brewery’s award-winning beers while supporting an impactful nonprofit at the same time.
Starr Hill’s “Love Your River” program is a partnership with the James River Association. Every time someone buys The Love Wheat Beer in May, the brewery will donate $1 to the JRA.

“All great beer starts with great water,” says Brewmaster Robbie O’Cain. “We are encouraging our fans to support river restoration and show their ‘Love’ for the largest river in Virginia. As a brewer and a fisherman, I know how important it is for our community to maintain our waterways and we hope that the craft beer community will support this exciting and important program.”

According to the JRA, more than 2.7 million Virginians rely on the James for their drinking water.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to The Ridge, formerly Phase 2. The entertainment venue has new owners after being up for sale since 2019.

Hello! to the Backyard in Forest, featuring multiple food trucks and gathering space.

Hello! to Kaleidoscope Studios on Fifth Street.

Hello! to women’s clothing

store Carter Bates inside River Ridge Mall.

Hello! to Main Street Sports Bar and Grill on Main Street.

Goodbye to Chestnut Hill Hardware, a fixture on Fort Avenue since 1948.

Hello! to Popeyes on Candlers Mountain Road.

Hello! to a new location of Blue Mountain Barn in River Ridge Mall.

Hello! (again) to Gary’s Garden Center, now on Leesville Road.

Hello! to The Chicken Coupe Boutique in Amherst.

Hello! to the second location of Elite Realty on Graves Mill Road.

Hello! to Hearts & Kisses on Leesville Road offering wedding gown and formal dress rentals.

Hello! to Fratelli Italian

Kitchen, now open on the Bluffwalk downtown.

Hello! to Alpaca by Jaca, moving to a new location inside River Ridge Mall.

Hello! to Findings, a unique curated art gallery in the Boonsboro Shopping Center.

Mark Your Calendars January/February

Guys and Dolls
Jan. 30 – Feb. 23
Let the fantastic performers of Wolfbane Productions in Appomattox take you back in time
to Depression-era New York City with this classic romantic comedy. Shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are at 8 p.m. or catch a matinee on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Find tickets at wolfbane.org.

Arctic 5K
Feb. 1, 9 a.m.
Don’t let the chilly temps stop you from meeting those 2020 fitness goals! Head to Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center and tackle this cold morning run that takes you through the forest. Register at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lynchburg/Arctic5kTrailRace.

The Best Of Lynchburg Party
Feb. 1, 7 p.m.
Join Lynchburg Living at The Virginian Hotel as we celebrate the winners of our popular Best Of Lynchburg contest! Enjoy tastings from local restaurants and catering companies, live entertainment and more. Find more information at lynchburgbestof.com.

The Second City: Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons
Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Beat the winter blues with this hilarious revue at the Historic Academy Theatre that’s breaking all of the comedy rules—and may even make you rethink what’s funny! The Second City is celebrating nearly 60 years of comedy performances. Learn more at academycenter.org.

Local Openings & Closings
Hello! to Batter Bar, a crepe food truck in Lynchburg.

Hello! to C-Ann’s Southern Bistro off Timberlake Road at The Clubhouse.

Hello! to Iron & Ale Bistro located inside River Ridge Mall.

Goodbye to Main St. Eatery and Catering Company, a downtown favorite since 1997.

Hello! to Simply Vanilla Gourmet Cheesecakes in Forest.

Goodbye to Gabe’s restaurant in Madison Heights.

Goodbye to Farmer’s Seed & Supply, a downtown business for more than 110 years.

Hello! to a new location of Blue Ridge BBQ on Graves Mill Road.

Mark Your Calendars January/February 2019!!

Academy Presents: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Jan. 19
Bluegrass fans—you won’t want to miss this pickin’ party! Dubbed “the king and queen of the banjo” by Paste Magazine, Fleck and Washburn will perform pieces from their Grammy-winning self-titled debut, as well as their new record,
at the newly opened historic Academy of Music Theatre.
Find tickets at academycenter.org.

’Til Death Do Us Part: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Feb. 9
Don’t just sit back and watch—become a part of the performance with Wolfbane Productions’ interactive dinner theatre experience at Falling River Country Club in Appomattox. Help figure out “whodunnit” at a zany wedding while enjoying a meal catered by the Babcock House.
Find tickets at wolfbane.org.

Best Of Lynchburg Party
Feb. 21
Head to Phase 2 for our celebration of Lynchburg’s best businesses, people and more—it’s the list you see featured in this issue, brought to life! Enjoy live entertainment, and area restaurants will have samples of their best cuisine for you to try. Buy tickets at lynchburgbestof.com.

Academy Presents: The Second City
Feb. 22
Have a case of the winter blues? Snap out of it with this hilarious performance at the Academy of Music Theatre. Since opening its doors in 1959, The Second City has grown to become the world’s premier comedy club, theater and school of improvisation. Learn more at academycenter.org.

Local Openings & Closings
Hello! to Carmela’s at the Loft, an Italian restaurant on Timberlake Road.

Hello! to Rendez-Vous, a French Caribbean-style restaurant on Main Street.

Goodbye to Fire and Hops in Wyndhurst. (But hello! to a rebranded version of the restaurant, Scoreboards, set to open in February.)

Hello! to a new location of Hot and Cold Café on Main Street.

Hello! to a newly rebuilt Main Street Bridge that serves as a gorgeous gateway to the city.

Hello! to antique store Greige Market on Burnbridge Road in Forest.

Hello! to Uncle Joe’s Donuts & Things on Timberlake Road.