A decade ago, downtown Lynchburg was on the ropes. Empty storefronts lined the historic streets, and its 19th-century infrastructure had started to crumble. But after millions in investment, the city has a new vibe and swagger. Retail stores fill former warehouses, a restored grand hotel welcomes guests, and a network of riverside trails draws hikers, bikers, and picnickers. Here’s how to enjoy a weekend in central Virginia’s surprising comeback city.

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CHECK-IN ➞ When it first opened in 1913, the Virginian Hotel immediately became the center of city life, hosting society weddings and business travelers in its Beaux Arts splendor. But after decades, its luster began to fade. In 1972, the building became the first dormitory for what is now Liberty University, and later served as

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