Travel to...Lynchburg, VA

Lovely Lynchburg, Virginia

I have the fortunate opportunity to travel for education withmy  Loreal Professionnel job as an Educator for them and this years' fall Artist Foundation was held in Virginia.  A historical city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains is also known as "the city of seven hills" and has a few noteworthy attractions.  After spending the day in its downtown with my camera in hand, I noticed that the seemingly once lively downtown is more of a relic filled with antique stores and deserted  buildings.  Worn off advertisements on brick buildings yearn for the audience that used to parade these streets.  Downtown Lynchburg was at first to me, disappointing and a little sad.  Coming from a populous area of California, that is pretty constant with its growth rate, I wandered around hoping to see some signs of rebirth, or construction.  The beautiful dilapidated homes on the hillside overlooking downtown, hint at the Gatsby-esque balls and parties that could've been held there; now either boarded-up empties or never-updated homes in a less affluent area.  I was urged to look closer, and appreciate the beauty, the promise of this town and so I kept returning, for dinner, for strolling and I began to see that spark happening, with the buzz of a salon converted from an apartment building or a now 4 star hotel that used to be a shoe factory.  Perhaps this is as good as it gets for this town anymore? or maybe in ten years it could be like San Diego's redeveloped Gaslamp district?  Thats not for everyone I suppose; I'm not even sure myself how I feel about many of our western towns becoming so homogenous with their urban outfitters and lululemons. I think it was me and my opinion that needed to change and see the town for its museum-like preserved qualities and the picture it paints of the south that if you are passing through,  consider staying for a look.  

Craddock Terry Hotel used to be a shoe factory with one of their main products being combat boots for World War II

Schewels is one of the only still successful stores on Main St in its original location with locations throughout as well.

Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest

Located out in the suburbs area of Lynchburg is one of Thomas Jefferson's estates. It was a summer home of his that he was adding onto up until his death.  Pictured to the right is one of the "necessaries" or outhouses that were used at the time. I must say it is the nicest outhouse I've seen thus far!

http://www.poplarforest.org

  
About 45 miles outside of Lynchburg are The Natural Caverns and Natural Bridge.  If you are a fan of wonders, I highly recommend the drive.  Its scenic in itself and once you get here you are greatly rewarded.  The caverns are thousands of years old, and are closed during rain due to the fact that they are underground and become a river for the water.

http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/caverns-natural-bridge-virginia.php

The Natural Bridge gave me a sense of peace just to see it.  Carved out by a creek/river that just chipped away at it over thousands of years, it stands there now with a highway on top of it...

The view from underneath the Natural Bridge

A few of the other highlights I would like to mention-

Jimmy's on James Restaurant- Live music and good food make this a go to in downtown.  The walls are flanked with pictures of old Hollywood and I ate my fried green tomato crab crake stakc listening to songs by Sinatra and Bennett. 

http://www.jimmysonthejames.com

The Muse Coffee-  The best coffee I had during my stay in Lynchburg.  Full bodied, flavorful, great service and love the mini upstairs. Hip ambience and it became my go to after sampling other less superior spots.  I even purchased a bag to bring home!

http://www.themusecoffeeco.com

Biscuitville-  This place caught my attention as the line literally wrapped around the block.  It is just the sort of greasy spot you would expect to come across in the south.  I was good by only ordering a snack but when in Lynchburg...

My accomodations were setup through Loreal, and I wouldnt really recommned it.  If staying in Lynchburg, you must stay at the Craddock Terry Hotel and i would have changed my accomodations but they were not available for my time frame. A lovely hotel with its own restaurant "Shoemakers'. 

http://www.craddockterryhotel.com

Thank you for reading and coming next week is a fashion review of the MTV video awards!

Apparently they think they still play music videos?!