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Lynchburg, Amherst and Nelson County Area

About Lynchburg, Amherst & Nelson County Area

Lynchburg features a historic riverfront downtown, eclectic shopping, and now Snowflex, the only year-round, outdoor snow sports slope in the nation. Encircled by such renowned attractions as the National D-Day Memorial, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Natural Bridge, Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, visitors can discover unparalleled history, thrilling recreation, vibrant arts, and award-winning wineries.

Nelson County is best known as a destination to enjoy the great outdoors. Hike along the Appalachian Trail or to the top of Crabtree Falls, which is the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. There is abundant fresh water fishing on the Tye River, James River, Piney River, and Lake Nelson for all levels of experience. The county also features eleven watchable wildlife loops listed with the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail program.

Nelson County has multiple wineries, breweries, and the first Scottish-style whisky distillery in America and is also home to Wintergreen Resort, a four-season destination with skiing, golfing, mountain biking, spa, and family entertainment. More than 40 varieties of apples and peaches are grown in local orchards where spring apple blossoms paint the mountainsides pink and white, while every weekend in autumn, harvest festivals celebrate nature’s bounty. Orchards offer tours, pick your own experiences, and other farm products.

Nelson County is an easy drive to many celebrated sites including the homes of four U.S. presidents, among them Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello.

Area Visitor Centers

Lynchburg, Virginia

Lodging, Dining, & Things to Do

Stories from Lynchburg, Amherst and Nelson County Area

9 Hints for Planning a Successful Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
June 16, 2022
History & Heritage, Hiking Trails, Wildlife, Arts & Culture
I bet most of us have an example of a vacation that didn’t go as planned. A road was closed, a parking lot was full, traffic slowed or halted your progress to your destination. It throws a wrench into your travel plans and can even derail your trip. So, what should you do to help prepare for the unexpected? Here are nine practical tips for planning a successful Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
Brightly colored hot air balloons lift off from the ground in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Spring 2022 Events in the Blue Ridge
March 16, 2022
Arts & Culture, Wine Lovers, Craft Beer, Train Enthusiasts, Family-friendly, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Home & Garden, Live Music, Local Food, Nature & Outdoors
The trees are budding, the sun is shining, rain is falling (plus a few snowflakes, too!), and spring ephemerals are starting to peek out on the forest floor. It is spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Some sections of the Parkway may still be closed due to winter weather at high elevations, but check out all these amazing spring activities that you can enjoy without needing to access the Parkway!
A retriever lies in front of the LOVEwork in Wytheville which highlights trains, hot air balloons and the town's location at the crossroads of I-77 and I-81.
Virginia is for Photograph Lovers
September 16, 2021
Driving Tour, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly, Road Trip
Virginia's creative and sometimes whimsical LOVEworks are a wonderful photo opportunity. Why not start a new tradition and make some family memories finding and photographing a few LOVE signs while enjoying the out of doors this year?
Two volunteers clean a sign at Rocky Knob along the Parkway.
13 Free Things to Do on (or near) the Blue Ridge Parkway
June 17, 2021
History & Heritage, Education & Classes, Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Sunset Views, Sunrise Views, Get Involved, Stargazing, Live Music
Many activities in the regions surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway are available year-round for free. Special events, hiking, live music, volunteering and lots more are included in this article.
Polly Woods hosted early travelers in her single story log home near the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Discovering History & Heritage in the Blue Ridge
February 24, 2021
History & Heritage
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
Numerous motorcycles are parked in the gravel lot in front of Big Walker Lookout's multistory tower.
8 Tips for Planning Your Parkway Travels
January 25, 2021
Caves & Caverns, Gems & Minerals, Native American Culture
The last Tuesday in January is National Plan for Vacation Day. Academic research shows that trip planning and anticipation bring positive effects. Here are some tips for planning your upcoming Parkway travels.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
A Blue Ridge Parkway overpass in Fancy Gap, VA displays stonework from the 1930s.
Tours, Trails and Routes to Stimulate Your Senses
October 14, 2020
Artisan Trails, Craft Beer, Driving Tour, Food & Beverage Trails, Live Music, Local Food, Farms & Agriculture, Motorcycle Route, Music Trails, Wine Lovers
These routes offer sites worth visiting that promise to tickle your taste buds, enthrall your eyes and enchant your ears. There are tours, routes and trails to suit every traveler, taste, and location from Tennessee to Virginia.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?

Recommended Itineraries

Iconic architecture is the focus of the Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg.
A Weekend of Iconic Architecture in Lynchburg, Virginia
Region: Virginia
Duration:2 - 3 days
Pet-Friendly, Local Food, History & Heritage, Education & Classes, Arts & Culture
Lynchburg, VA offers some stunning examples of historic architecture. Architecture buffs can tour our walkable Downtown and seven historic districts to learn more about the architectural marvels of Lynchburg for a fantastic weekend trip.
Red metal sculpture outside Amazement Square in Lynchburg, VA.
A Day of Fun for Everyone in Lynchburg, Virginia
Region: Virginia
Duration:1 day
Local Food, Biking, Arts & Culture, Education & Classes
Take a turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 63.7 and wind your way through the beautiful scenery along route 501.  In just 30 minutes you’ll arrive in the urban center of Lynchburg, Virginia, where we’ve made it easy for you to get the kids out of the car and moving.
Golden foliage lines a two-lane road perfect for motorcycle travel.
Motorcycle Tour: Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway
Region: Virginia
Duration:2 - 3 days
Motorcycle-Friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Local Food, Craft Beer, BBQ & Appalachian Soul Food, History & Heritage
Sweeping ridgetop curves and sunset-lit country roads converge in one divinely placed mountain town. Waynesboro, Virginia located at the base of Skyline Drive and Milepost 0 of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers the perfect base camp for motorcycle touring, with multiple days of beautiful riding and evening entertainment.