Point Lookout Guidebook
Restaurants
Upscale dining at its very best. Perfectly prepared seafood, steaks, chicken; imaginative salads and delicious sides and desserts plus a very good wine list and classy bar. Reservations recommended.
67 locals recommend
Shoemakers
1312 Commerce StUpscale dining at its very best. Perfectly prepared seafood, steaks, chicken; imaginative salads and delicious sides and desserts plus a very good wine list and classy bar. Reservations recommended.
Rooftop restaurant and bar. Hip scene for date night or hoping to meet someone. Fire tables, full bar, good food and beautiful skyline views of the city. On the top floor of the Virginian Hotel on Church Street.
52 locals recommend
Skyline
712 Church StRooftop restaurant and bar. Hip scene for date night or hoping to meet someone. Fire tables, full bar, good food and beautiful skyline views of the city. On the top floor of the Virginian Hotel on Church Street.
In the basement of the Virginian is the best steak house in Lynchburg, the William & Henry. Sleek, handsome, dark place perfect for serious steak eaters and first dates. Impressive bar and atmosphere. Food's good too!
30 locals recommend
William & Henry Steakhouse
712 Church StIn the basement of the Virginian is the best steak house in Lynchburg, the William & Henry. Sleek, handsome, dark place perfect for serious steak eaters and first dates. Impressive bar and atmosphere. Food's good too!
My favorite little hidden gem, The Dahlia serves beautiful food including fish and chips, sautéed scallops, seared salmon, steaks, burgers, salads, casual fare and more. Upstairs is great for date night. Downstairs is lively and fun for groups and families. Full bar. Don't be put off by the iffy-looking neighborhood. It's cool (and across the street from Small Batch Barbeque).
34 locals recommend
The Dahlia Restaurant
2221 Bedford AveMy favorite little hidden gem, The Dahlia serves beautiful food including fish and chips, sautéed scallops, seared salmon, steaks, burgers, salads, casual fare and more. Upstairs is great for date night. Downstairs is lively and fun for groups and families. Full bar. Don't be put off by the iffy-looking neighborhood. It's cool (and across the street from Small Batch Barbeque).
El Jefe Taqueria Garage is an eclectic tequila bar with 85 tequilas to satisfy your craving. A small but flavor-packed nuevo Mexican menu stands up to the tequila and keeps regulars coming back for more. Tiny restaurant with a big ego, El Jefe is just FUN!
99 locals recommend
El Jéfe Taqueria - Lynchburg
1214 Commerce StEl Jefe Taqueria Garage is an eclectic tequila bar with 85 tequilas to satisfy your craving. A small but flavor-packed nuevo Mexican menu stands up to the tequila and keeps regulars coming back for more. Tiny restaurant with a big ego, El Jefe is just FUN!
Located at the end of Lynchburg's Riverwalk, Waterstone serves hand-crafted beer, inventive pizzas and complex salads in a family-friendly and historic setting. Full bar.
113 locals recommend
Waterstone Pizza
1309 Jefferson StLocated at the end of Lynchburg's Riverwalk, Waterstone serves hand-crafted beer, inventive pizzas and complex salads in a family-friendly and historic setting. Full bar.
A wide array of American food. Upscale but casual dining and a full and busy bar that's a scene all its own.
76 locals recommend
RA Bistro
1344 Main StA wide array of American food. Upscale but casual dining and a full and busy bar that's a scene all its own.
A favorite among locals for date night. Beautiful restaurant with delicious Italian food in a fine dining atmosphere without pretention. Good wine list. Reservations recommended.
58 locals recommend
Isabella's Italian Trattoria
4925 Boonsboro RdA favorite among locals for date night. Beautiful restaurant with delicious Italian food in a fine dining atmosphere without pretention. Good wine list. Reservations recommended.
Hip breakfast place with a modern soda shop vibe with the long bar seating. Indoor and covered outdoor seating. Big plus: they have dedicated, covered parking next door. So if the weather's bad, Duke's is convenient place for breakfast or lunch.
71 locals recommend
My Dog Duke's Diner
1007 Commerce StHip breakfast place with a modern soda shop vibe with the long bar seating. Indoor and covered outdoor seating. Big plus: they have dedicated, covered parking next door. So if the weather's bad, Duke's is convenient place for breakfast or lunch.
Made famous by the Today Show, Woodruff's is known for their homemade pies. Made daily, pies are varied, some according to season. Small eat-in café serves light lunch. Most ordered? Chicken Salad Sandwich. Tables outside too.
Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10-4.
16 locals recommend
Woodruff's Cafe and Pie Shop
3297 Elon RdMade famous by the Today Show, Woodruff's is known for their homemade pies. Made daily, pies are varied, some according to season. Small eat-in café serves light lunch. Most ordered? Chicken Salad Sandwich. Tables outside too.
Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10-4.
The best breakfast in Lynchburg (IMO) with all types of eggs including Eggs Benedict with crab cakes or fried green tomatoes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, potato cakes, stuffed French toast, smothered biscuits, chicken and waffles, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Comfortable atmosphere.
86 locals recommend
Market At Main
904 Main StThe best breakfast in Lynchburg (IMO) with all types of eggs including Eggs Benedict with crab cakes or fried green tomatoes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, potato cakes, stuffed French toast, smothered biscuits, chicken and waffles, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Comfortable atmosphere.
Fresh bagels - as close to NY bagels as you'll get here in Lynchburg - and bagel sandwiches. Great coffees too. Outdoor tables or take out.
25 locals recommend
Bacon St. Bagels
306 Rivermont AveFresh bagels - as close to NY bagels as you'll get here in Lynchburg - and bagel sandwiches. Great coffees too. Outdoor tables or take out.
Cinn City Gourmet Buns & Beignets
1344 Main StYummy pastries and beignets!
Lively place with a great and varied menu for small and large groups. Terrific salads and craft beers. Down on the railroad tracks on the east end of a great dog park.
74 locals recommend
Depot Grille
10 9th StLively place with a great and varied menu for small and large groups. Terrific salads and craft beers. Down on the railroad tracks on the east end of a great dog park.
Known for their burgers and bourbon, Bootleggers is great for a casual date night or get together of friends.
101 locals recommend
Bootleggers
50 13th StKnown for their burgers and bourbon, Bootleggers is great for a casual date night or get together of friends.
Grey's
512 Fifth StFresh, local food imaginatively paired. Just yummy.
Deli and market with prepared foods, sandwiches, bottled drinks and wines. Eat in or out.
41 locals recommend
Magnolia Foods
2476 Rivermont AveDeli and market with prepared foods, sandwiches, bottled drinks and wines. Eat in or out.
Satisfying Mexican food in a busy, well-loved restaurant 7 minutes away in Madison Heights. Great Margaritas and Tacos al Pastor. Eat in or take out.
8 locals recommend
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
4678 S Amherst HwySatisfying Mexican food in a busy, well-loved restaurant 7 minutes away in Madison Heights. Great Margaritas and Tacos al Pastor. Eat in or take out.
Mama Crockett's Cider Donuts
500 Fifth StNow Hill City Doughnuts!
Delicious pastries, sandwiches, coffees, teas, and smoothies. dine indoors or out.
77 locals recommend
White Hart Cafe
1208 Main StDelicious pastries, sandwiches, coffees, teas, and smoothies. dine indoors or out.
Historic, small diner at the Fifth Street Bridge in downtown Lynchburg, the Texas Inn has comforting Southern breakfasts, grilled cheese and eggs, burgers, and other diner staples. An institution here.
23 locals recommend
Texas Inn Downtown
422 Main StHistoric, small diner at the Fifth Street Bridge in downtown Lynchburg, the Texas Inn has comforting Southern breakfasts, grilled cheese and eggs, burgers, and other diner staples. An institution here.
The freshest salads, wraps, and grain bowls. Crisp is known for healthy, super-fresh fare. A local favorite.
30 locals recommend
Crisp
1124 Church StThe freshest salads, wraps, and grain bowls. Crisp is known for healthy, super-fresh fare. A local favorite.
Quaint open-air market offering farm-grown produce, fresh breads, meats, seafood, baked goods, coffees, and gifts from area vendors. Tuesday-Saturday.
100 locals recommend
Lynchburg Community Market
1219 Main StQuaint open-air market offering farm-grown produce, fresh breads, meats, seafood, baked goods, coffees, and gifts from area vendors. Tuesday-Saturday.
Absolutely delicious down home southern and soul food. Sunday lunch buffet is a tradition with many local families.
Open Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Merredith's Restaurant
1558 Dixie Airport RoadAbsolutely delicious down home southern and soul food. Sunday lunch buffet is a tradition with many local families.
Open Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Small Batch Barbecue
2302 Bedford AveNo longer open.
Parks, Museums, Points of Interest, & Sightseeing
The oldest house in Lynchburg, Miller-Claytor House is a beautiful little gem at the entrance to Riverside Park. Appointment needed for a tour. Garden open to drop-in visitors.
Miller-Claytor House
2200 Miller Claytor LnThe oldest house in Lynchburg, Miller-Claytor House is a beautiful little gem at the entrance to Riverside Park. Appointment needed for a tour. Garden open to drop-in visitors.
Charles Johnston, a contemporary of Thomas Jefferson, built Sandusky Plantation on 1200 acres in 1808. He and Jefferson often communicated and did business together when Jefferson was in residence at Poplar Forest, his summer home. A perfect example of architecture and furnishings of the period, Sandusky Plantation also houses an archaeological museum.
9 locals recommend
Historic Sandusky
757 Sandusky DrCharles Johnston, a contemporary of Thomas Jefferson, built Sandusky Plantation on 1200 acres in 1808. He and Jefferson often communicated and did business together when Jefferson was in residence at Poplar Forest, his summer home. A perfect example of architecture and furnishings of the period, Sandusky Plantation also houses an archaeological museum.
Built in 1815, Point of Honor has a complex history and commands breathtaking views of Lynchburg and the James River. Worth a visit.
58 locals recommend
Point of Honor
112 Cabell StBuilt in 1815, Point of Honor has a complex history and commands breathtaking views of Lynchburg and the James River. Worth a visit.
Thomas Jefferson's summer home, this beautiful house and grounds were his escape from busy Monticello. He said, "I built Monticello for statesmen and Poplar Forest for family." Take a fascinating tour of the house, wander the grounds, and visit the gift shop. Reservations recommended.
90 locals recommend
Poplar Forest
1776 Bateman Bridge RdThomas Jefferson's summer home, this beautiful house and grounds were his escape from busy Monticello. He said, "I built Monticello for statesmen and Poplar Forest for family." Take a fascinating tour of the house, wander the grounds, and visit the gift shop. Reservations recommended.
Lovely park with 49 acres of open spaces, views of wooded hillsides and the James River, trails for walking (The Alpine Trail) and biking, a large field for spots and festivals. Bring your dog. There is also a large playground for children and a transportation exhibit which includes a train locomotive, tender, and caboose, the Fink Deck Truss Bridge, and the hull of the packet boat, "Marshall."
There are also tennis courts.
49 locals recommend
Riverside Park
2238 Rivermont AveLovely park with 49 acres of open spaces, views of wooded hillsides and the James River, trails for walking (The Alpine Trail) and biking, a large field for spots and festivals. Bring your dog. There is also a large playground for children and a transportation exhibit which includes a train locomotive, tender, and caboose, the Fink Deck Truss Bridge, and the hull of the packet boat, "Marshall."
There are also tennis courts.
This is a serene, wooded nature preserve with scenic paved and dirt trails for biking, jogging & walking.
123 locals recommend
Blackwater Creek Natural Area
This is a serene, wooded nature preserve with scenic paved and dirt trails for biking, jogging & walking.
Rent bikes from Bikes Unlimited in downtown Lynchburg and ride this beautiful trail right by the James River.
77 locals recommend
Percival's Island Natural Area
1600 Concord TurnpikeRent bikes from Bikes Unlimited in downtown Lynchburg and ride this beautiful trail right by the James River.
Bike trails, tennis, soccer fields, ultimate frisbee, baseball and cricket happen here. There are workout stations and areas for biking and walking, pavilions for cookouts. Beautifully maintained park.
47 locals recommend
Peaks View Park and playground
170 Ivy Creek LnBike trails, tennis, soccer fields, ultimate frisbee, baseball and cricket happen here. There are workout stations and areas for biking and walking, pavilions for cookouts. Beautifully maintained park.
Right down River Road in Madison Heights, Riveredge Park isn't the most well-maintained park. But, you can put your boat in here, rent kayaks, and fish this stretch of the river. It can get trashy here, though.
Riveredge Park
150 Rocky Hill RdRight down River Road in Madison Heights, Riveredge Park isn't the most well-maintained park. But, you can put your boat in here, rent kayaks, and fish this stretch of the river. It can get trashy here, though.
A child's paradise, Amazement Square is all about the children. In fact, an adult cannot visit without a child! For $10.75/person, this award-winning hands-on museum offers four floors of exhibits and activities designed to make learning fun.
111 locals recommend
Amazement Square
27 9th StA child's paradise, Amazement Square is all about the children. In fact, an adult cannot visit without a child! For $10.75/person, this award-winning hands-on museum offers four floors of exhibits and activities designed to make learning fun.
Learn about the history of Virginia, of Lynchburg and her people. This museum houses travelling exhibits as well as Resources for local history and genealogical research. Open Monday - Thursday
24 locals recommend
Lynchburg Museum
901 Court StLearn about the history of Virginia, of Lynchburg and her people. This museum houses travelling exhibits as well as Resources for local history and genealogical research. Open Monday - Thursday
An outstanding collection of American art from the 19th-21st centuries. Open Wednesday-Sundays.
18 locals recommend
Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
1 Quinlan StAn outstanding collection of American art from the 19th-21st centuries. Open Wednesday-Sundays.
The Queen Anne style home of Anne Spencer, poet of the Harlem Renaissance, from 1903 to 1975. House and gardens are open free of charge daily from dawn to dusk.
13 locals recommend
The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum
1313 Pierce StThe Queen Anne style home of Anne Spencer, poet of the Harlem Renaissance, from 1903 to 1975. House and gardens are open free of charge daily from dawn to dusk.
A 215-foot tall natural bridge monument carved out by Cedar Creek. Beautiful forests, rolling meadows, mountains, and the James River valley display nature's splendor here. 7 miles of hiking trails. 1,540 acre park. Check the web for events and programs.
Natural Bridge Caverns are great, especially on a hot summer day when the caverns are a cool 70 degrees. Zip lining, adventure tours, and a 5,000 sf outdoor maze. Pan for gems, fossils and other treasures. Shop at Big Daddy's Sweets and Brew and Discovery Village Trading Post.
88 locals recommend
Natural Bridge State Park
6477 S Lee HwyA 215-foot tall natural bridge monument carved out by Cedar Creek. Beautiful forests, rolling meadows, mountains, and the James River valley display nature's splendor here. 7 miles of hiking trails. 1,540 acre park. Check the web for events and programs.
Natural Bridge Caverns are great, especially on a hot summer day when the caverns are a cool 70 degrees. Zip lining, adventure tours, and a 5,000 sf outdoor maze. Pan for gems, fossils and other treasures. Shop at Big Daddy's Sweets and Brew and Discovery Village Trading Post.
Antique stores
Buzzards Roost
718 Commerce StCall before visiting as Buzzards Roost keeps irregular hours.
Federal House Antiques
1421 Main StFusty and dark but you can find some great antiques here.
Estates Revisited, Inc.
1301 Main StAntique store with wide array of styles and prices. Bargain basement.
Peddler Antiques Mall
1165 Burnbridge RdLarge antiques mall where you can spend hours and find beautiful things.
Great place. They'll bargain for cash. Furniture, lamps, rugs, artwork, accessories. Some very nice primitives on occasion.
Lou's Antique Mall
105 2nd StGreat place. They'll bargain for cash. Furniture, lamps, rugs, artwork, accessories. Some very nice primitives on occasion.
Good place for 1,000s of books of all descriptions: local, Virginia, and Civil War history books, and a wide variety of other books.
Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore
8230 Thomas Nelson HwyGood place for 1,000s of books of all descriptions: local, Virginia, and Civil War history books, and a wide variety of other books.
My personal favorite, Tuckahoe Antiques is packed with beautiful things, some bargains. Booths are managed by individual dealers but the curation is cohesive. Bargains downstairs.
29 locals recommend
Tuckahoe Antiques
4202 Rockfish Valley HwyMy personal favorite, Tuckahoe Antiques is packed with beautiful things, some bargains. Booths are managed by individual dealers but the curation is cohesive. Bargains downstairs.
Not a large antique store but one of my favorites: beautiful pieces, some primitives, a few English antiques. Great accessories and smalls. Bargains upstairs.
Covesville Store Antiques
5930 Covesville Store RdNot a large antique store but one of my favorites: beautiful pieces, some primitives, a few English antiques. Great accessories and smalls. Bargains upstairs.
Liberty Antique Mall
703 Industrial AveBeautiful antiques, some significant. Pricey but quality.
Ware-House Antiques
195 S Main StFun antique store with great furniture, old toys, equipment, signs, etc.
Grocers
Gourmet grocery with an array of cheeses, meats, coffees, and other specialty items. Fresh produce and candies in a lovely shopping atmosphere. Try Forager's Cashew Milk Yogurts for a special treat.
36 locals recommend
The Fresh Market
3901 Old Forest RdGourmet grocery with an array of cheeses, meats, coffees, and other specialty items. Fresh produce and candies in a lovely shopping atmosphere. Try Forager's Cashew Milk Yogurts for a special treat.
A meat market with groceries, F and L is notable for its selection of meats from baby-back and short ribs to all manner of beef cuts, chicken feet, chitterlings, tripe, turkey legs and wings...almost every part of popular meat animals. Basic groceries and household supplies.
F and L Market Grocery Store
2517 Memorial AveA meat market with groceries, F and L is notable for its selection of meats from baby-back and short ribs to all manner of beef cuts, chicken feet, chitterlings, tripe, turkey legs and wings...almost every part of popular meat animals. Basic groceries and household supplies.
One of two Food Lions in Madison Heights that are equidistant from Point Lookout. The other one, in Amelon Square, has a more extensive wine selection. Otherwise, they are almost identical.
56 locals recommend
Food Lion
4925 Boonsboro RdOne of two Food Lions in Madison Heights that are equidistant from Point Lookout. The other one, in Amelon Square, has a more extensive wine selection. Otherwise, they are almost identical.
The large of the two Food Lions in Madison Heights, this one also has a more extensive wine department.
56 locals recommend
Food Lion
4925 Boonsboro RdThe large of the two Food Lions in Madison Heights, this one also has a more extensive wine department.
One of several Krogers in Lynchburg, this one is closest to Point Lookout. Large grocery store with a variety of vegan options. Fresh fish market, fresh meat market, deli, bakery, arranged flower department, seasonal offerings, and large wine department.
82 locals recommend
Kroger
15069 Forest RdOne of several Krogers in Lynchburg, this one is closest to Point Lookout. Large grocery store with a variety of vegan options. Fresh fish market, fresh meat market, deli, bakery, arranged flower department, seasonal offerings, and large wine department.
City/town information
Home of Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Park, the location of Lee's surrender to Grant at the end of the Civil War (April 9, 1865) and a preserved 19th century village, Appomattox is a must see for those interested in American History.
19 locals recommend
Appomattox
Home of Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Park, the location of Lee's surrender to Grant at the end of the Civil War (April 9, 1865) and a preserved 19th century village, Appomattox is a must see for those interested in American History.
Shopping
Farmville is a home goods shopper's mecca! Green Front Furniture is a series of 8 or 9 textile mills repurposed to showcase thousands of SF of furniture, rugs, and accessories at discount prices. Other shops have opened in support of Green Front's customers and include restaurants, fabric stores, antique shops, custom rug makers, upholsterers, etc.
Green Front has delivery services. Otherwise, be sure to take your SUV or truck.
36 locals recommend
Green Front Furniture
316 N Main StFarmville is a home goods shopper's mecca! Green Front Furniture is a series of 8 or 9 textile mills repurposed to showcase thousands of SF of furniture, rugs, and accessories at discount prices. Other shops have opened in support of Green Front's customers and include restaurants, fabric stores, antique shops, custom rug makers, upholsterers, etc.
Green Front has delivery services. Otherwise, be sure to take your SUV or truck.
Cato Fashions
4127 S Amherst HwyReasonably priced fashions for women.
Sightseeing
Breathtaking drives and vistas in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina
7 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge ParkwayBreathtaking drives and vistas in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina