Trick or Treat!

October 31st is just two weeks away, and aside from ghosts and goblins, there is only one thing children think about that day, and that’s candy! As the crisp day winds down, you scramble to put the finishing touches on costumes, make sure the candy is ready for dispersing and finally, choose the perfect trick or treating route. Though we cannot help with costumes, Lynchburg’s Finest has the perfect solution for your family to find the best treats without the tricks!

Beginning at 4:30 on Halloween evening, the Wyndhurst area transforms to provide a safe and family friendly trick or treating adventure. Families are welcome to make their rounds until 7:30pm, collecting candy for the kids, memories, and a “good ole days” feeling for parents.  

Halloween is the best day of the year for little ones, and anyone with a sweet tooth! While enjoying your evening in Wyndhurst, make sure to stop by Lynchburg’s Finest at 113 Goldenrod Place for candy, snacks and cash prizes! Don’t forget to dress up! We hope to see you there, if you dare!

Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches with Lynchburg's Finest!

There is nothing quite like autumn in the Virginia mountains. One of the most wonderful and thrilling experiences of the fall is the opportunity to pick fresh apples for delicious seasonal recipes, and select the perfect pumpkins to complete your autumn home décor. We have selected some of the area’s most accessible apple orchards and pumpkins patches for your family to enjoy!

Johnson’s Orchard      

2122 Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford, VA 24523                        540-586-3707

A family owned and operated farm; Johnson’s Orchard is a nestled quaintly in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. More than just apples, Johnson's Orchard hosts a general store selling fresh cider in season, apple butter, a winery, jellies, jams, honey mustard and a variety of other delicious goods. This is a great place to purchase a bushel of apples, stock up on fresh cider, and do some tasty Christmas shopping! Be sure to check the hours of operation before you set off on your adventure, as the hours vary by season.

January – March: on weekends noon-5pm.

April – December: daily noon-5pm.

August – October: FRUIT is harvest (call ahead to be sure).

Smith’s Pumpkin Patch          

6210 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24502                              434-316-4224

This is an autumn afternoon paradise with their pumpkin patch in full swing from September 24th – November 7th. If you’re planning to decorate your home with pumpkins this fall, look no further!

For a set price, there are numerous activities for the kiddos, these include bounce houses, teepees, and hay bales as well as pumpkin and face painting!

If your stomach starts to rumble while you’re roaming, stop by concessions for hot dogs, nachos and hot chocolate for sale on site!

Finally, groups and field trips are welcome, a perfect place for school trips, youth groups, community groups and families. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, be sure to mention Lynchburg’s Finest at the entrance for $1 off admission! Don’t miss out on this special deal from Smith’s Pumpkin Patch!

Morris Orchard              

226 Tobacco Row Ln. Monroe VA, 24574                           434-929-2401

This spot is not too far from Lynchburg; Morris Orchard is producing from June-October with a detailed schedule on their website of what is available, including some delicious “pick your own” options in September and October.

During the summer months, call ahead to learn about the availability of blueberries, peaches, blackberries, delicious sweet corn and crisp summer vegetables.

In the cooler months, make plans to try the fresh pressed apple cider, this is the real deal with no preservatives and containing only yummy apples. You can also plan to find cider doughnuts, pumpkins and gourds.

Open 9am-5pm and closed on Sunday. Be sure to call ahead!

For more ideas of fun things to do in Lynchburg, keep an eye on the Lynchburg's Finest blog.

 

Written by Anna Cribb

A Day on the James River with Lynchburg's Finest

If you live in the Lynchburg area for any amount of time, you know floating the James River isn’t just a hobby, it’s a must-have experience!  People from all over Virginia brave the chilly waters from early June until late August each summer. Whether kayaking, tubing, paddle-boarding or canoeing, this 348 mile waterway is bound to take your breath away while leaving you with memories that will not fade with your summer tan!

What you’ll need:

• Kayak, paddle-board, inner tube, or canoe. Something you can float in/on for a few hours.

• Note: If it’s rained recently this means higher water and a faster current. No/little rain means lower water (more likely to bump rocks along the way).

• Be sure to bring a pump if you have a large tube to inflate!

• 2 or more cars. You and your group will want to leave a car at both the entrance and exit locations as they are often several miles apart.

• A plastic/waterproof bag for the supplies listed below.

• Water! It takes a few hours to float even 3 miles, stay hydrated.

• Sunscreen. You’ll be in direct sunlight for the duration of your journey.

• Water shoes… I know everyone thinks these are lame, but when you get out of the river and hike/walk back to your car, your feet will encounter rocks, sticks and critters. Be prepared (Old sneakers, athletic sandals will also suffice).

• Snacks!

• Brightly colored bandana (red, yellow, orange).

• Cell phone (I recommend placing it in two sealed plastic bags inside a waterproof container).

• Carabiners! These are great to attach shoes, a cooler, etc. to your floatation device.

• Sunglasses you won’t miss if you topple over in rough waters.

• For children/mediocre swimmers: Life-vest. There are a few rapids along the way.

MAKE A PLAN:

1. You must plan ahead and choose your entrance and exit site. Click here for a list of entrance and exit locations.

2. Make sure your entrance and exit spots don’t have a dam in between them.

3. For your first time, when you arrive at the exit site, walk down to the bank of the river and ensure this is a location you are comfortable hiking/walking after you float. Tie that brightly colored bandana listed above to a sturdy tree, clearly visible on the river bank, this is how you’ll know when it’s time for you to get out of the river. Take note of the surroundings (after a few hours of floating, everything starts to look the same).

4. Don’t go alone, it’s more fun with a group and it’s safer too!

5. Be sure to take keys for BOTH cars with you in a sealed carrier on the water.

6. Know that parts of the river are more turbulent, this is not ideal for children or less experienced swimmers.

7. Have fun!

 Floating the James is a summer highlight for Virginia locals and visitors. You’ll be sure to see beautiful plant and wildlife as well as gorgeous mountainsides. Whatever your summer plans, be sure to include a day on the James!

For more information of fun things to do in the area, keep an eye on Lynchburg’s Finest blog!

Written by Anna Cribb

A Day at the Park with Lynchburg's Finest!

It’s July, which means warm afternoons for grilling, playing and outdoor adventures! Many people enjoy the serene summer evenings from the comfort of their own yard, but for those longing for a game of ultimate Frisbee, a peaceful stroll, a picnic with friends or that perfect play-place for your little ones, there is nothing quite like a summer sunset in your favorite outdoor oasis! We are highlighting just a few of the more than 15 parks the Lynchburg area has to offer.

A stroll through nature is unparalleled on a summer evening in Central Virginia. The Blackwater Creek Trail is a paved paradise for walkers, runners, bicyclists and skaters alike, which includes a rustic pedestrian tunnel carved into the bedrock. It is the perfect way to spend an evening whether you need time alone, or are looking for a romantic leisure walk with your special someone. If you are craving fresh air, a change of scenery and perfect way to start or end your summer day, take a look at Blackwater Creek!

               Blackwater pedestrian tunnel

For a more active park experience, Peaks View Park is central to the Lynchburg, Forest and Boonsboro area. This is the largest park in town and offers tennis and basketball courts, as well a myriad of picnic pavilions, trails by the creek, multipurpose fields and of course, a playground. This is a perfect place for the whole family with a little something for everyone!

                                                    A creek at Peaks View Park

We could not talk about parks without thinking of something specific for the kiddos! Whether you are babysitting, need a place to take the grandkids, or looking for a way to spend the day, look no further than Riverside Park. This historic park is just moments away from downtown Lynchburg and offers a recently built playground as well as an epic waterpark, Sprayground, for those especially hot summer days! Pack a lunch and some sunscreen and head to Riverside Park for memories that will last a lifetime.

                                                          Sprayground!

Last but not least, we can’t forget about a place for your best friend, the  Lynchburg Dog Park. As the name suggests, this park was designed with your faithful companion in mind and is the only off-leash park in the area. This is the perfect place to take your furry friend to meet other pups and exert some energy.  (Pictured right: The Ferguson’s dog enjoys an afternoon in one of Lynchburg’s parks!)

The Ferguson family dog enjoys a day at one of Lynchburg's parks!

For more ideas on fun things to do in the Lynchburg area, keep an eye on theblog for Lynchburg’s Finest!