Virginia's Impressive College Town Is Nestled In The Foothills Of The Blue Ridge Mountains

As part of the greater Appalachian range, the Blue Ridge Mountains include must-see attractions like Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks, plus multiple access points for the Appalachian Trail. The region also offers quaint urban getaways, as it features plenty of underrated cities in America's South that you shouldn't skip visiting. Among these gems is Lynchburg, Virginia.

Lynchburg is just over one hour from Roanoke and two hours from Richmond. Much like this quintessential Florida college town, Lynchburg actually has more than one college. The largest is Liberty University, a school well-loved for the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, where students and the general public can ski, snowboard, and sled down artificial slopes year-round. Meanwhile, the University of Lynchburg helps preserve some of the town's history. On and off these campuses, you'll find an impressive number of museums appealing to all ages, nature trails just minutes from downtown, and peaceful river views. You can even stay overnight in a restored train caboose in Lynchburg.

Step back in time to see what life was like for Virginians in the 1800s at Point of Honor, a mansion completed in 1815. The property was once a plantation, and its present-day goals to educate visitors include honoring those who were once enslaved here. As you take a tour and follow the timelines of the families who owned the land, you'll learn how slavery so unfortunately intertwined with the economy during this part of Virginia's history.

Learn more about the Civil War at Historic Sandusky, operated by the University of Lynchburg. During the Battle of Lynchburg in 1864, Union soldiers took refuge at this home while the local Hutter family still lived there. The site remained a private residency for decades afterward, and the Historic Sandusky Foundation and Hutter family descendants have carried out restorations to make the home appear as it did in the mid-1800s. Inside, you'll see the results of the meticulous restorations and historical depictions of Lynchburg in the mid-1800s. Explore the house on your own or use contact information on Historic Sandusky's website to schedule a guided tour.

See more historic buildings downtown near the Court House Hill Historic District and Lynchburg Historical Marker. Aside from stately buildings here, you'll also find Monument Terrace. Surrounded by stone steps and beautiful greenery, this part of town commemorates Virginians who served in various wars. A unique way to soak in all of downtown Lynchburg's history is by taking part in the Lynchburg Scavenger Hunt. Organized by travel company Let's Roam, this walking tour with a twist brings you to different Lynchburg historic buildings as you solve riddles, learn interesting secrets about the town, and get perfect views of the nearby James River. The Let's Roam app on your phone guides you through this engaging activity.

For kid-friendly educational activities, head to Amazement Square, also located in downtown Lynchburg. Exhibits here cover topics like Native American culture, the mechanics of the James River, bees, performing arts, and more. Guests can make crafts at these exhibits, and children can climb on a tower that is as tall as the museum itself.

College students and Lynchburg visitors alike can take advantage of Lynchburg's Amtrack train connections. For an extended vacation, consider exploring even more Blue Ridge by taking the Amtrak from Lynchburg to nearby stops like Roanoke and Charlottesville. In Lynchburg itself, railway enthusiasts will have more to see than just the historic Lynchburg Kemper Street Station. Book an overnight stay at James Station, a restored train caboose. This caboose is like staying in a luxury RV. It has enough room for three people, a full bathroom, kitchen equipment, and views over the James River (but beware of noise from trains and the nearby factory). Prices range from around $250 per night for weeknights to $320 per night on the weekends.

Busy college kids and outdoorsy visitors will also enjoy Lynchburg's combination of urban and natural spaces. Just minutes from downtown, you'll find the James River Heritage Trail. Lynchburg's section of this large trail system includes the James River Trail Tunnel and paved trails like Blackwater Creek and Ivy Creek Greenway. To get closer to nature, follow the Alpine Trail. This path is perfect for birdwatching and river scenery. For more picturesque trails, consider a detour up north to one of Virginia's most underrated national parks.