48 Hours in Lynchburg, VA
So this week I had to fly to VA to distribute to one of my Frito-Lay accounts. I go to a lot of places all over the country but out of all the places I visit, I would say Lynchburg and one other destination are my favorites. Call me crazy but Lynchburg is one cool little town.
Three things make a good business trip.
1.) Nice People.
2.) Good Food and Beverage
3.) Pretty Scenery
Lynchburg is all those things. Nice people are pretty self explanatory. Despite the loss of some big industry Lynchburg is starting to resurrect itself as an artsy/technology driven city. And 2007 it was ranked the number 1 in the Top 10 Digital Cities.
Fodder: The food is surprisingly good,of the restaurants I have visited two top the list as being fantastic!
Waterstone Pizza: Casual dining at its finest. Waterstone fire roasted pizza is not your average pizza joint. Offering the best in fresh ingredients. Appetizers, gourmet salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizza and desserts wash down perfectly with our very own Jefferson Street Brewery draught beer or one of many one-of-a-kind martinis. Their unique atmosphere is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Their pizza is fantastic, cooked in a fire brick oven, the whole kitchen is open for patrons to view. No secrets about where their fresh ingredients come from. This trip I avoided temptation and went with a Steak House Salad.
Shoemakers American Grille: When you walk through the doors of Shoemakers American Grille, you are struck with an ambiance that just can’t be duplicated. From the exposed brick lining the interior walls, to the sleek, yet welcoming, décor, Shoemakers American Grille will quickly become your downtown favorite. Tucked away along the bank of the James River, Shoemakers offers the chic, uptown feel without leaving the Southern comfort of home. Think it just can’t get any better? Just wait until you try the food.
http://www.shoemakersdining.com/ I was really hungry considering my breakfast was a muffin so I went with the Monte Christo, a personal vice that I can hopefully keep hidden for another year.
Two other spots I need to try are Robin Alexander American Bistro and Jimmy’s on the James. I hear they have very good food as well, maybe next time. “Life is too short to eat the same thing twice” MJ and James’ new Brent Family Motto. Beats the heck out of “Silentio et Diligentia” (with silence and diligence)
The Jefferson Street Brewery: Rarely am I any place that has any of the larger microbrews available. Being in a town that has its own microbrewery on tap in the restaurants is a real treat! Good American Pale Ale, not a huge fan of their wheat beer, maybe if I had warmer weather I would reconsider.
Another surprising thing about Lynchburg is its nice hotels. I don’t mean they are resorts but certainly some of the nicest ones I’ve stayed in on someone else’s tab. The Craddock Terry Hotel (have not stayed but looked around it) is located in the same building the once major American shoe manufacturer operated from. This is a small boutique hotel but don’t let the size fool you, this former factory building is full of upscale charm.
http://www.craddockterryhotel.com/5 Stars
The two I have stayed in are also mentionable. The Kirkely Hotel and the Holiday Inn Down Town are also upscale. My definition of upscale business lodging is a large flat screen TV, with large rooms, and a hot breakfast.
Both 3 Stars Respectively
by James Brent
