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Academy Center of the Arts

Lynchburg VA center for arts, culture, and community building

  • Home
  • Events
    • Performances
    • Camps
    • Education
    • Exhibits
    • Field Trips At the Academy
    • Academy Youth Theatre
    • 2025 National Juried Photo Exhibition
  • About
    • About the Academy
    • Our Spaces
    • Box Office
    • Staff Directory
    • Parking and Directions
    • Access Programs
    • Gift Certificates
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • Artist & Vendor Opportunities
  • Support
    • Membership/Donate
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment
    • Sponsorships & Small Business Memberships
    • Volunteer
  • Rent With Us
    • Birthday Parties
    • Corporate Events and Rentals
    • Social Events and Private Rentals
    • Weddings
    • The Theatrics of Teamwork
    • Ticketed Rentals
    • ACOA Performance Partner
  • My Account
Magnolia Foods – Phyllis Hollenbeck- Mixed Media
May 2 - May 30
Anne White Gallery – Karen and Lawrence Bowden
May 2 - May 30
Up Front Gallery – Mark D. Johnson
May 2 - May 30
Virginian Hotel – Purnell Pettyjohn- Watercolor
May 9 - August 8
Westminster Canterbury – Nelfa McReynolds- Acrylics
May 12 - July 26
Beginning Hand Building
May 15 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday Independent Studio
May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Lynchburg Pops Presents And All That Jazz
May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Academy Paint Night : Paint & Sip May
May 16 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ecclesia School of the Arts Presents Alice “Wonders”
May 17

A DAY IN DOWNTOWN LYNCHBURG: BEN FOLDS CONCERT EDITION

July 18, 2023

So, you got your tickets to Ben Folds at the Academy on Tuesday, September 12, but why not make a day of it? With all Lynchburg has to offer, it’s easy to turn your concert experience into the mini vacation you deserve!

Didn’t get your tickets yet? Enter for a chance to win two tickets or buy them here.

This blog post brough to you in collaboration with The City of Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism.

Food

Even if you’re just free in the evening, every concert-goer needs a good pre- (or post-) show meal to fuel their fun!

Inka Grill

One of Downtown’s newest restaurants, Inka Grill offers authentic Peruvian Cuisine just a few blocks away. From traditional Ceviche to savory Lomo Saltado, their menu has something for everyone to enjoy. Drinks and appetizers are offered as well. Inka Grill is open from 11 AM  – 9 PM on Sunday-Thursday.

The Water Dog

If you’re looking for some pre-show food and drinks, you can’t go wrong with The Water Dog. Open from 4 – 11 PM on Tuesdays and 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM on Wednesdays, you can stop by for dinner before or after the show, or lunch or dinner the next day. The Water Dog has lots of tasty food on the menu (including seafood, soups, salads, sandwiches, and even vegan options), as well as 36 Craft Beers on tap, and wine and cocktail options. Be sure to go hungry, because the apps and desserts are delicious as well! The Water Dog is a short drive or ~10 minute walk from the venue.

Benny Scarpetta’s

Pizza lovers rejoice – Benny Scarpetta’s is just a short walk from our Historic Academy Theatre! Grab yourself a giant slice (or two) or order a whole pie with friends. Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, and Garlic Mushroom are always available, and there’s two specialty flavors that swap out often. Domestic and local craft beers are available, as are chips and desserts. Benny Scarpetta’s is open 11 AM – 10 PM on weekdays and later on weekends.

Texas Inn

Need a late night or early morning bite? The Texas Inn (known to locals as The T-Room) is just across the street from the Theatre and is open 7 AM – 12 AM Monday through Wednesday, and even later Thursday through Saturday! They’ve got all your diner favs, including burgers, dogs, chili, and sides. And don’t forget to try their signature – The Cheesy Western.

Even More Restaurants!

Looking for more great eats? Downtown Lynchburg is home to nearly 50 eateries, so there’s something for everyone!

Visit the Lynchburg Tourism website for all of Lynchburg’s tasty culinary options. You can even sort by part of town and type of cuisine! Check it out.

Activities

Looking for more to do? We got you covered! 

Downtown Shopping & Art

Since you’ll already be downtown for the show, take some time to walk around Downtown Lynchburg and visit some of our shops and galleries. 

Along Main St., you’ll find numerous attractions including our mural and galleries in the Patricia Harrington Building next door to the Theatre, America’s Oldest Pawn Shop – L. Oppleman, Scene 3 Boardshop, Lynchburg Community Market, numerous boutiques, antique shops, and more!

Also within walking distance is Riverview Vinyl, which sells new and used records in a variety of genres. Fashionistas should check out Empire Fleet Vintage over on 5th St to find their next perfect outfit.

Breweries & Wine

If you fancy a drink, Lynchburg’s got you covered. 

Downtown, you’ll find both Starr Hill on Main and 3 Roads Brewing. Both breweries sell their products at stores all over the place, but here in Lynchburg you can stop by where the products are made, as well as sample a variety on tap!

If wine is your drink of choice, you’ve got options as well. Downtown, you’ll find Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Reserve by Vino Wine, and Everyday Sommelier. The first two offer food and wine flights, while the third offers a retail wine shop with accessories, specialty foods and books.

Outdoor Recreation

Looking for outdoor activities while in town? Lynchburg has plenty to offer!

One such attraction is The Bluffwalk. This pedestrian walkway offers scenic views of the James River and distant Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the walkway, you’ll encounter numerous restaurants with outdoor seating, as well as local shops and public art displays.

Nature lovers will want to visit Percival’s Island Natural Area, located on Percival’s Island in the James River. A paved walkway bisects the 1.5-mile  island, where visitors can enjoy views of the James River up close, as well as encounter local flora and fauna, along with herons and migrating waterfowl. The trail is a part of the larger Lynchburg trail system.

If you’d like a bike for your adventures, stop by Bikes Unlimited. This downtown shop sells, rents, and repairs bicycles for all your biking needs!

Stays

Looking for a place to stay in town? Lynchburg has a variety of options for every type of traveler!

Hotels

Downtown, there are three hotels within walking distance from our campus. Right across the street, you’ll find the Lynchburg Grand Hotel, a 3-star hotel with a variety of accommodations. A few blocks away, you’ll find AAA four-diamond luxury hotel The Virginian. Also nearby is the Craddock Terry Hotel, a four-star stay located in the renovated Craddock Terry Shoe Factory and William King Jr. Tobacco Warehouse.

Alternate Stays

Looking for a truly unique stay? Lynchburg also boasts a variety of Airbnbs, B&Bs, and more that will offer you treasured memories for years to come. 

All Belong Co hosts a variety of properties around Lynchburg, including the James Station rental – a remodeled train caboose just across the river. If you’re looking to be a little closer, All Belong Co has multiple properties in the heart of downtown as well.

Other groups with multiple properties throughout the Lynchburg area include T & E Properties and Abide Stays.

View all Lynchburg lodging.

A Trip to Remember

Regardless of what you choose to do, we hope you have a fantastic time in Lynchburg! If you have some time, be sure to check out everything Lynchburg has to offer. And we hope to see you back at The Academy for another thrilling performance!

Filed Under: Academy News

Contact Us

Phone: 434-528-3256

600 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504

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