Lynchburg Zoo Daily
Natural Bridge Zoo
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Located about 30 minutes from beautiful Lynchburg Virginia, Natural Bridge Zoo offers more animal variety than you have ever experienced. Their program for rare and endangered species allows you to see many animals that may not be available in any other facility. Many of the zoo animals are bottle fed from birth which creates closer, more friendly encounters than you have ever experienced. On your visit, you will encounter a variety of exhibits and wide open regions that offer the maximum in up close experiences. Natural Bridge Zoo in Natural Bridge VA is one of the few zoological parks in the US to offer an African elephant ride with an opportunity for hands-on interaction. Feed a herd of Giraffe, Tigers, get an elephant ride, and see baby animals more »The Heart Of Virginia
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Lynchburg Virginia
Introduction to Lynchburg, VA
Cradled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Virginia's heartland is Lynchburg, a city that is a gracious blend of past and present.
Founded by a Quaker named John Lynch in 1786, Lynchburg grew into a major trade center, thanks to its proximity to the James River. Riverboats called bateaux were used to transport tobacco and other goods from Central Virginia to Richmond.
One of Lynchburg's most famous visitors and sometime resident was Thomas Jefferson, who built his retreat, Poplar Forest, just outside the city in the early 19th century. Jefferson would leave Monticello to seek quietude at Poplar Forest which now is open to the public for tours. In the summer of 1989, archaeological digging began on the property as researchers continue to study the life of one the nation's most brilliant minds.
During one of his visits to Lynchburg, Jefferson stopped at the Miller-Claytor House where he is said to have bitten into a tomato, also known as a "love apple" and believed to be poisonous. In the 1930's, the Miller-Claytor house was moved to Riverside Park where it remains today.
On nearby Cabell Street stands the majestic Point of Honor, so named because of the duels once fought on its lawns. Point of Honor was built by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., personal physician to Patrick Henry. This fine example of Federal architecture is operated and maintained by the city museum system. It contains appropriate period furnishings and is the site of special events during the year.
The Lynchburg Museum system's headquarters is located in the Old Court House Museum, a Greek Revival-style building that for many years was a courthouse. Permanent exhibits trace Lynchburg's history from the time when Monocan Indians still roamed its many hills until the present.
Also near Lynchburg's central downtown area is the home of intemationally-known black poet Anne Spencer. The late poet who wrote during the Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920's, did her reading and writing in the garden house built by her husband in the couple's backyard. That cottage, "Edankraal", is filled with many of the poet's artifacts, memorabilia and gifts.
The Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1806, it is the final resting place for as many as 25,000 diverse citizens, including seven early mayors of the city, five Revolutionary War soldiers, many prominent African-American citizens, and includes three Potter's Fields for the city's indigent.
It also includes a Confederate Section where 2,201 Confederate soldiers from 14 states are interred. Close by is the Pest House Medical Museum, a two-room building moved into the cemetery in 1985, and which includes the furnishings and artifacts of Dr. John Jay Terrell who practiced medicine in the area in the late 1800s. Also included in the museum is a re-creation of conditions in the wretched House of Pestilence, or quarantine hospital, during the Civil War.
Lynchburg's Fort Early was named after General Jubal A. Early, whose Confederate troops defended the city against invasion by Union General David Hunter. Remaining are the breastworks and the fort which contains the history of Early's troops.
Elsewhere in Lynchburg stands the Sandusky House, another of the few remaining landmarks directly linking Lynchburg with the Civil War, and another reminder of a battle that could have brought disaster to the Thriving tobacco town.
In nearby Appomattox is the scene of the Civil War's historic denouement. At Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, exhibits tell the story of General Robert E. Lee's surrender.
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Lynchburg Virginia
notables about Lynchburg Virginia & surroundings
Lynchburg is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2006 census, the city had a total population of 67,720, but is at about 70,000 residents as of 2007. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills", "The Hill City" and sometimes described as "A City Unto Itself" because it is not located within any county limits, but a city in the middle of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and Appomattox Counties.
The 2,122 square mile Metropolitan Statistical Area of Lynchburg is near the geographic center of Virginia and encompasses Amherst County, Appomattox County, Bedford County, Campbell County, City of Bedford, and City of Lynchburg. It is the fifth largest MSA in Virginia with a population of 239,510. Other nearby cities include Roanoke, Charlottesville and Danville.
Lynchburg is the home of Central Virginia Community College, Christ College, Liberty University, Lynchburg College, Randolph College, and Virginia University of Lynchburg. The Lynchburg MSA also includes Sweet Briar College.
Lynchburg is the regional center for commerce and retail. Industries within the Lynchburg MSA include nuclear technology, pharmaceuticals and material handling. A diversity of small businesses with the region has helped maintain a stable economy and minimized the downturns of the national economy. Reaching as high as 4th place, Lynchburg has been within the Top 10 Digital Cities survey for its population since the survey's inception in 2004.
Also a city with a strong cultural heritage, Lynchburg, today, is home to the Virginia School of the Arts, boasts a Fine Arts Center, a symphony orchestra and is home to five colleges, all of which offer varied arts programs. Often called the City of Churches, Lynchburg is home to more than 121 churches, from the tiny Quaker Meeting House where the city's founder and his family worshipped, to the sprawling complex that is Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Lynchburg is where the internationally known running event, the Virginia Ten-Miler, is run each September during the city wide Kaleidoscope Festival, and is home to the Lynchburg Hillcats minor league baseball team.
Lynchburg's Community Market, one of the oldest continually operated markets in the state and the largest heated and enclosed facility of its kind in Virginia, sponsors a special event almost every month. Events range from craft shows to garden shows and food festivals.
(To reach Lynchburg from the Blue Ridge Parkway, motorist may exit at milepost 86 near the peaks of Otter Lodge, milepost 61.6, or milepost 63.7.)
Lynchburg - it's truly the "heart" of Virginia.
Visitor Information
With its varied climate and dramatic natural features, Central Virginia has become a year-around vacation destination.
Start with the Blue Ridge Mountains, which perch atop the region like a crown. You can view them at a distance throughout most of Central Virginia or drive a few miles to a section of the Appalachian Trail and immerse yourself in trees and solitude.
Be sure to check out the festivals. Central Virginians are always celebrating something; art, rivers, garlic, railroads; with plenty of food and live music.
If you’re intrigued by history, this area offers the entire spectrum of American yesterdays, from the homes of founding fathers to Civil War battlefields, hospitals, and cemeteries.
The city itself spills across seven hills, each with its own neighborhood and personality. Many of these neighborhoods are now historic districts, offering shining examples of Lynchburg’s prosperity during the 1800s, when tobacco-made fortunes produced some of the most ornate architecture in America.
ALSO IN LYNCHBURG, BE SUREAND EXPLORE…
The Community Market. Downtown Lynchburg’s Community Market is the third oldest farmers’ market in the USA. Located on the corner of Twelfth and Main Streets, the market performs double duties. On Friday evenings during the late spring and summer its alive for a series of concerts and block parties known as “Friday Cheers.” But it returns to its roots on Saturday mornings when local residents shop there for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Legacy Museum. This charming Victorian structure just a block from the Old City Cemetery is dedicated to preserving the rich African-American history of Lynchburg and the surrounding counties.
Miller-Claytor House. For anyone fascinated with Thomas Jefferson, the Miller-Claytor House near the entrance to Riverside Park is a must. Legend has it that this is where Jefferson first ate a tomato to prove the “new” fruit wasn’t poisonous.
Monument Terrace. This beautifully landscaped, 39-step hillside stairway is dedicated to the memory of the city’s wartime dead, from the Civil War to Vietnam. It is Lynchburg’s most recognizable architectural feature and gathering place, often serving as the scene of patriotic rallies.
Old City Cemetery. This city of the dead is lively, yet! Not only does it feature an extensive section of Confederate graves, but it also offers the Pest House Medical Museum (where Dr. John Jay Terrell struggled to contain a Civil War smallpox epidemic), a restored train station, a hearse museum, a chapel and a year-around program of lectures and tours.
Point Of Honor. Named for its early reputation as a dueling site, this 19th century mansion on Cabell Street was once the residence of Patrick Henry’s personal physician, George Cabell. The home is now operated by the Lynchburg Museum System.
What To Do and See
The following attractions are located within the Lynchburg MSA:
Cattle Annie's Restaurant & Entertainment: A 1000+ capacity, multi-function venue providing a variety of entertainment and other events. Established in 1993, Cattle Annie's is perhaps best-known for hosting nationally recognized artists on a frequent basis. Local, regional and nationally touring rock, pop and country artists perform regularly as well. The facility hosts numerous community and private events and has a full-service restaurant and banquet services.
Amazement Square: Central Virginia’s first multidisciplinary, hands-on children’s museum.
Lynchburg Museum: Through the doors of the Lynchburg Museum one can relive the city's past, rich with tales of Monocan tribes, early Quaker settlers, the reign of King Tobacco, the bloody struggle of the Civil War, the New South, and the drama of change in the 20th century.
The Old Court House: The Hill City's most famous historic landmark built in 1855. Fashioned as a Greek temple high above the James River, it is now the home of Central Virginia's best collection of memorabilia, fine furnishings, costumes and industrial history.
Point of Honor: The Federal-era mansion of Dr. George Cabell, Sr., friend and physician of the patriot Patrick Henry
Miller-Clayton House: Pre-19th century townhouse where Thomas Jefferson allegedly proved to the owner of the house's garden that tomatoes were not poisonous by eating one of the fruit. Home was dismantled in 1936 and rebuilt at its Riverside Park location, where the garden was also restored.
Smith Mountain Lake: A public lake with a surface area of over 22,000 acres (89 km²) and a shoreline that exceeds 500 miles.
Natural Bridge: Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Peaks of Otter: Three mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, overlooking the town of Bedford, Virginia and in prominent view through-out most of Lynchburg
Crabtree Falls: The falls trails lead hikers along a rigorous five-mile loop which offers stunning views of the five cascades of Crabtree Falls. The vertical drop totals over 1,500 feet!
Appomattox Courthouse: The site of the Battle of Appomattox Court House, where the surrender of the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee to Union commander Ulysses S. Grant took place on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War.
National D-Day Memorial: Located in Bedford, Virginia, it commemorates all those who served the United States during the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 during World War II.
Annual events include: Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival, Home and garden tours, Kaleidoscope, Christmas Spectacular /Living Christmas Tree, James River Batteau Festival, Sedalia Center’s Chili Cook Off, Centerfest, Cooks for Hungry Relief at Cattle Annie's.
Getting There
By Car -- Primary roadways include U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 501, U.S. Route 221, running north-south, and U.S. Highway 460, running east-west. Lynchburg is among the largest cities in the United States not served by an interstate, although much of Route 29 has been upgraded to interstate standard and significant improvements have been made to Highway 460.
By Plane -- Lynchburg Regional Airport, 4308 Wards Rd, Lynchburg (434) 455-6090, provides service by US Airways Express to Charlotte and Delta Connection to Atlanta.
K and J Limousine Service- www.kandjlimos.com
1183 Greenbriar Dr, Lynchburg - (434) 385-7780
By Train -- The Amtrak station is situated at 825 Kemper Street. Lynchburg will be a primary hub of the TransDominion Express.
City Layout
The first neighborhoods of Lynchburg developed upon seven hills adjacent to the original ferry landing. These neighborhoods include: College Hill, Daniel's Hill, Diamond Hill, Federal Hill, Franklin Hill, Garland Hill, and White Rock Hill. Other major neighborhoods include Boonsboro, College Park, Rivermont, Fort Hill, Forest Hill (Old Forest Rd. Area), Timberlake, Windsor Hills, Sandusky, Linkhorne, and Wyndhurst.
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Thomas Jefferson built his unique octagonal house in Bedford County as a getaway. Today, the home is not only open daily for tours, but is the scene of concentrated archaeological activity designed to unearth even more about Jefferson and his world.
Forest is most recognized as a rural suburb of Lynchburg, VA containing many subdivided properties carved from and around surrounding farms and woodlands. The Ivy Hill community is the largest development and is built around the Ivy Hill Golf Course.
The most popular attraction of the town is Poplar Forest, the summer home of Thomas Jefferson, which is open to the public for visitation and is the subject of ongoing archaeological studies. Nearby attractions include Point of Honor in Lynchburg, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, and the Peaks of Otter in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The nearest urban center is in downtown Lynchburg, approximately 10 miles northeast of town. Forest is accessed via US Rt. 221 and US Rt. 460. The nearest rail line is Amtrak's Crescent Train at the station in Lynchburg. The nearest airport is Lynchburg Regional offering commercial service through US Airways Express and The Delta Connection to Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, respectively. Private charter flights are available through Virginia Aviation.