Christmas Giveaway!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At Lynchburg’s Finest, we are excited to embrace this season of joy and sharing by giving back to you, our readers, who mean so much to us.

Now we are encouraging our followers to enter for a chance to win our Stocking Giveaway!

That’s right, we have a stocking full of surprises including the Young Living Essential Oil Collection which features Christmas Spirit, Frankincense and Myrrh! Additionally, it's stuffed with chocolates and gift cards for coffee, shopping and dinner.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page to enter to win. Good luck!

Graphic by: quiltinglines.com

*Participants must live in the Lynchburg, VA area. The contest ends on December 20th, 2016. The winner will be selected and must pick up their prize by December 22nd, 2016 at 113 Goldenrod Place.

For more prizes and giveaways, keep your eyes on the Lynchburg’s Finest blog.

Lynchburg's Finest Christmas Flicks

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a list of holiday movies I want to see!

There are so many shows on TV now, it’s nearly impossible to keep track of everything you want to watch. But, Christmas movies are a special exception because they are only aired during this season!

We wanted to be sure you and your family got to see all of your favorite holiday movies this year. So, for your viewing pleasure, we have made an easy to reference evening schedule so you don’t miss any of your holiday favorites throughout the season! All the fun begins on December 1st, so be sure to print this handy calendar so you don’t miss out on our top picks!

Click the image below to enlarge or print our calendar! 

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Graphic by: Charissa Cox

Christmas movies warm our hearts and help prepare us for this magical season! We hope you enjoy this list, made especially for you and your family! 

For a complete viewing schedule, click these links:

Freeform 25 Days of Christmas

Hallmark Original Holiday Movies

Vintage Lynchburg Holiday Sale

Christmas Day is 60 short days away! If you are panicking about gifts, have no fear, Vintage Lynchburg Holiday Sale is next weekend!

On November 5th, the Vintage Lynchburg Holiday Sale begins at 10am and will continue until 5pm.

Are you still looking for gifts for family and friends? More than 80 vendors are already registered to provide a variety of crafts, art, clothes, treats, teas, coffee, jewelry, furniture and more. In addition to the vendors, there will be eight food vendors providing tacos, kettle-corn, burgers and vegan options.

As you browse the vendors and indulge in delicious food, be sure to stop by and participate in a free photo-booth provided by Lynchburg’s Finest! That’s right, a free photo booth for you to enjoy with props and poses for you and your crew! Be sure to enter your name in our raffle and share photos on social media with #vlhs2016 and tag @lynchburgsfinest for a chance to win prizes!

So how can you enjoy this event?

Tickets will be $3 at the door and children are free!

If you are anxious to get first dibs, this year Vintage Lynchburg is offering an Early Bird Special for just $15! Early Bird tickets will allow you to enter the sale at 8am, two hours before the general public, giving you the opportunity to get a jump on all the greatest gifts!

Do you want an Early Bird ticket but you're trying to save for the sale? Lynchburg's Finest is giving away 2 free Early Bird tickets! You can enter to win by going to our Facebook page (Lynchburg's Finest Team) and liking our "Win 2 Free Tickets" graphic! Don't wait, the winner will be announced next Wednesday.

Vintage Lynchburg is a can’t miss for Lynchburg’s locals. We look forward to seeing you there!

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For more information on fun things to do in Lynchburg, check out the Lynchburg’s Finest blog!

~ Anna Cribb

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!

26th Annual Virginia Garlic & Wine Festival!

The air is crisp, leaves are crunching under foot, pumpkin spice tickles the senses and sweaters and boots abound, this can only mean one thing…it is finally October! Not only is autumn fully underway, but it’s time for the 26th Annual Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival!

Located just 25 miles north of Lynchburg, the Wine & Garlic Festival is one of the area’s most culturally rich experiences. What can you expect to find at Wine and Garlic Festival? Simply put, all of your favorite things! You will encounter more than 150 craft and art vendors, specialty foods from Central Virginia, four stages providing live music and entertainment throughout the festival, and of course, guest wineries from your favorite vineyards.  

                     Photo provided by thewokoflife.com

More than 10 vendors will be providing specialty recipes, highlighting, you guessed it! Garlic!  These hand-selected creations have been intentionally chosen to pair with the wine selections to be featured. The array of delicious morsels includes pizza, Greek dishes, flame grilled delicacies, succulent crab and everyone’s favorite treat, popcorn!

You will also find 10 wineries, each one featuring tastings of their choice selections for the event. More information on tickets to participate in the wine tastings can be found at the conclusion of this post.

                             Photo provided by the washingtonpost.com

Throughout the weekend, a variety of bands featuring folk, jazz, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, pop and country will provide music you are sure to love! You will also be able to see a comedy and magic show, plus solo artists! A complete list of performances can be found on the official website found here.

In addition to entertainment for everyone, you will find 19 vendors providing jewelry, pottery, woodwork, handmade crafts, coffee, pillows, soaps and more!

The festival will begin on Saturday, October 8th and continue on Sunday, October 9th. You can experience the fun from 10am until 5pm on both days.

You will find these tasty dishes, delectable wines, priceless crafts and lifelong memories at Rebec Vineyards, 2229 N Amherst Hwy, Amherst, Virginia.

                 Photo provided by wtkr.com

General Admission: $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.

Wine Tasting: $25 in advance and $30 at the gate.

Weekend Pass with Tasting: $35 in advance and $40 at the gate.

Tickets are available through this link.

With so much to taste and experience, we hope you will plan to attend this year’s Wine and Garlic Festival! As they say “Eat. Drink. And Stink.” We hope to see you there!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

~ Anna Cribb

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

Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway with Lynchburg's Finest

Lynchburg, Virginia is uniquely situated in the midst of some of the East Coast’s most incredible attractions. From the sandy beaches of Florida to Maine’s rocky shores, the eastern United States is full of adventure. One such venture is the 469 miles of breathtaking scenery, captivating overlooks, and picturesque picnic plazas contained in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Over 600 million visitors have made their way to see the Parkway since construction began in 1935. The 52 year project has awarded our generation the exhilarating experience of hiking through nature without having to leave the comfort of your vehicle.

The Parkway begins near Rockfish Gap, VA close to Skyline Drive. The scenic highway continues through a series of more than 20 tunnels and enchanting bridges woven throughout Virginia. Heading south, the Parkway passes Lynchburg, and finally ends in Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, the sites of the Parkway are organized by mileposts. This enables visitors to plan what they would like to see while traveling. Skyline Drive in Virginia is milepost 1, and Cherokee, North Carolina wraps it up on milepost 469.

                                                              Peaks of Otter: MP 86

There are more than 100 overlooks along the way that will leave you breathless. Additionally, visitors can traipse through museums, historical sites, festivals, fishing spots, campgrounds, shopping centers and restaurants.

                                                         Waterrock Knob: MP 451.2

This much variety can be overwhelming, and those at the Blue Ridge Parkway official website know it! So, they have created a list of suggested itineraries to take the guesswork and stress out of the experience. For a list of itineraries, click here.  

                                                      Craggy Gardens: MP 364

Autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway is unlike anything you have ever seen. ABC13 Meteorologist, Matthew Ferguson, predicts that the most beautiful leaves can be seen this year the last week of September and the first week of October. For Lynchburg specifically, the most gorgeous leaves are to be visible the last 2 weeks of October. Be sure to incorporate this inside scoop when planning your fall activities!

                      Autumn on the Parkway

Whatever you decide to do for your next family vacation or adventure with friends, we hope you will consider joining the 600 million who have visited the Blue Ridge Parkway. Named the largest linear National Park as of 2015, this winding, breathtaking tour is sure to leave you in awe. Get out there and explore!

For more information on fun things to do near Lynchburg, follow the Lynchburg’s Finest blog.

~ Anna Cribb

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

Lynchburg's Finest Farmer's Markets!

Summer is fully underway, which means it’s time for fresh blueberries, juicy plums and crisp cucumbers. Of course, the best place to find these tasty summer treats is your local farmer’s market! Farmers and vendors from all over central and western Virginia gather weekly to sell fresh produce, homemade jellies, pickled treats and so much more! If you’re looking to purchase healthy food grown by local farmers, the Lynchburg area has a few convenient options for you!

Lynchburg Community Market: Located on Main Street downtown, this farmer’s market is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7am until 2pm. On Saturday, a myriad of farmers from the surrounding area, along with craft vendors, make their way to Lynchburg to bring you their best produce and products. Located towards the back of the Community Market are additional vendors selling fresh baked goods, nuts, crafts, cheeses coffee and Irvington Spring Farm, providing the largest variety of flowers in Central Virginia! There’s nothing quite like being able to shake hands with the men and women who provide those delicious fresh fruits and vegetables and to experience Lynchburg’s downtown culture.

Doc's Market Square Farmer's Market: This fresh market experience is located on Liberty University’s campus and takes place every Thursday afternoon until late fall. Here you’ll find fresh eggs, hearty greens, fish, coffees, teas, handmade jewelry, woodwork and a myriad of other specialty crafts. Many local vendors arrive early with their food trucks and trailers to provide ice cream, hot doughnuts, delicious burgers and tasty empanadas. Whether you’re looking for that perfect gift, fresh food you can trust, or just want to browse, this is a great place to spend your Thursday afternoon!

Bedford Farmer’s Market: Main Street: Just a few miles down the road, a multi-partner group comes together every Tuesday from 3-6 PM, Friday from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM and first Saturday of each month from 9 AM until 1 PM. You can count on these dates from May – October 1, 2016 for locals to bring fresh produce, often time picked as recently as that morning. Additionally, you’ll find an assortment of handmade arts and crafts, local meat, baked goods and homemade jams and jellies.

Forest Farmers Market: Last, but certainly not least, this farmer’s market offers programing as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Located at 15583 Forest Road, this market will be functioning until October 29th! With more than 30 vendors, you are sure to find just what you are looking for, from homemade barbecue sauces, fresh fish, grass fed beef, coffee, kettle corn, not to mention the artisans and crafts, there is sure to be something for you! Open Saturdays from 8 AM until noon, be sure to check out the link for a list of events and programs, including food demonstrations and children’s activities.

You don’t have to worry about finding fresh food and handcrafted treasures, they are closer than you think! Be sure to check out Lynchburg’s most popular fresh markets this week, there’s a little something for everyone.

For more information on what’s going on in Lynchburg, keep your eye on the Lynchburg’s Finest blog!

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!