History of the Garland Hill Historic District The Garland Hill Historic District is a small residential neighborhood located on one of Lynchburg's seven hills. Situated northwest of Fifth Street, the Garland Hill streets of Clay, Madison and Harrison are steeply bounded by Blackwater Creek. Many of Lynchburg's oldest homes are still standing in this neighborhood. The area from Third Street to Blackwater Creek was originally the William B. Lynch Farm. A son of John Lynch, founder of Lynchburg, is said to have had his house at what is now 208 Madison Street. The area between Second and Third Streets on the opposite side was known as Lynch's garden. Stables and servant's quarters were located between First and Second Streets. The only building left from the farm is 619 First Street, built ... 07/24/2009

Public Astronomy Event -July 24, 2009 All Day Event Lynchburg College Belk Astronomical Observatory Public Viewing Astronomical binoculars, 8-inch telescopes, and the 20-inch Margaret Gilbert Telescope. Admission by ticket only (four tickets per person/family; limit of 24 persons). Tickets available Saturday, July 18, noon, Information Center, first floor, Hall Campus Center. Information: 434/544-8378; sumerlin@lynchburg.edu. For information about weather postponements, call 434/544-STAR (7827). Lynchburg College's Claytor Nature Study Center, 9 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, July 25) The construction phase of the observatory project is finished, but our needs are ongoing!  Our Observatory Capital Fund supports the purchase of new equipment, and maintenance and repair of the current facilit... 07/23/2009

High Peak Sportswear has 4 retail shops for VT, UVA, JMU and State of Virginia fans. Our customers rave about our excellent quality and great prices. You will find a wide selection of collegiate gift items and apparel in a pleasant shopping atmosphere. Our retail stores are located in Lynchburg, VA, Blacksburg, VA, Charlottesville, VA, and Roanoke, VA.   High Peak Sportswear was founded in 1989 by Ralph Smith. Mr Smith (a teacher at the time) began producing screenprinted T-shirts in the garage of his brother-in-law, Rodney Taylor, after being unsatisfied with the options that were available. The two gentlemen partnered and a business was formed. The company experienced strong growth over the next decade and today is recognized as a national leader in the production of high quality scr... 07/23/2009

 The Cottage Still Room Got it's start in the spring of 1981. This company experienced its humble beginnings as an acquaintance introduced the centuries-old craft of hand-pouring beeswax into tin "tube and funnel" moulds. There was an immediate bonding with the art form of the age-old French processes and the use of that wonderful substance. Aline Bowles felt heart ties with this art form that soon resulted in the formation of the business she now owns and operates. The kindly affection she had for the old techniques experienced early in her exploration has not been diminished over the years. It is her conviction that there is much to be preserved and shared with others of the quality found in hand-producing a product using completely natural raw materials. That is the driving force beh... 07/23/2009

Historic District Walking Tour By foot or by car, Lynchburg’s seven historic districts are a must see. These prosperous neighborhoods sprang up in Lynchburg during the 19th Century when tobacco tycoons, doctors, and attorneys made Lynchburg the wealthiest city in the nation for its size. The impressive Queen Ann and Federal style mansions offer both an educational experience and unparalleled delight for the lovers of history. A self-guided walking tour brochure is available at the Lynchburg Visitor Information Center.  Historic Sandusky Historic Sandusky, built in 1808, is one of the Lynchburg area's first homes to display the architectural details and refinements characteristic of Federal style mansions. Taken over and used as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg, the hom... 07/23/2009

Blackwater Creek Natural Area Eight miles of hiking and biking trails following the creek through the city. Within the 300 acre natural area is the 155-acre Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve, a plant and animal sanctuary. Maps and additional information available at the Visitor Information Center. For guided tours, special hikes and detailed information, call the Parks and Recreation Department.  Local: (434) 847-1640 Toll-Free: (800) 732-5821  Blackwater Creek Trail This beautiful trail, part of the larger James River Heritage Trail System, provides miles of paved and earthen-packed trails to navigate. Segments of the trail include a waterfall, an abandoned railroad tunnel, a bridge over the James River onto Percival's Island and other breathtaking scenery.  Perfect for bicycling, skating, ... 07/21/2009

More good news!Note on the graph the number of home sales increased about 25% in one month and has been up every month since Jan. 09, months of inventory is has been down every month since Jan. 09. Only the number of days on the market increase slightly since last month.Average sales prices are also up to $178, 178 and have been up every month since Jan. 09.We are going in the right direction but are significantly down in all catagories from from home sales of two years ago. 07/21/2009

Academy of Fine Arts , Music, dance, theatre, and visual arts come together at the Academy. They offer a wide range of performances, workshops, and classes in performing and visual arts, as well as a great variety of musical and theatrical performances throughout the year WEBSITE-http://academyfinearts.com/aboutus.aspES SUMMER CLASS ART & CLAY CLASSES-AGES 6-10 July 27-31 Teen Color in Glass/Mosaics-Ages 11-15 July 20-24 Teen Pottery-Dragons/Castles-Ages 10-14  August 3-7 Pottery for Adults- Ages 18+ Thru August 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHILDRENS THEATRE-SUMMER SCHEDULE Jungle Book July 25-10-30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $5.00 The Little Mermaid-August 8 10:30 a.m & 1:30 p.m $5.00                     ... 07/20/2009

Having worked in real estate in the Lynchburg Va area for more than 13 yrs I have had the opportunity to have lunch at many different restaurants in the local area. CHARLEY'S RESTAURANT is one of the finest places in the area & they have a CHICKEN SALAD PLATTER IN A TORTILLA BOWL(1st pic) TO DIE FOR. It has a delicious fat-free Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing. In addition to salads they have appetizers, seafood, steaks, pasta, burgers,sandwiches, kids menu and delectable desserts. Below is pic of some of their choices.     Weekend Specials after July 4 (After 4 p.m.)include these:  VEAL PARMESAN  2 Veal filets lightly breaded with italian seasonings, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs then baked. Accompanied by tomato basil pasta, garlic bread, and a garden salad. SEAFOOD LASAGNA  Fresh ... 07/19/2009

GOOD FOOD AT A AFFORDABLE PRICE IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT MEAL WHETHER IT BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER YOU CAN BEAT COUNTRY COOKIN RESTAURANT WITH LOCATIONS IN LYNCHBURG AND MADISON HEIGHTS. Affordable Quality you can count on!   Fill up on a big breakfast here for just $5.99. Scrambled Eggs Crisp Bacon Real southern Grits Biscuits & Gravy Cheesy Hash Browns Make-Your-Own Belgian Waffles Sausage Home-Fried Potatoes Mixed Fruit Virginia Ham Pancakes Cinammon French Toast dusted in Powdered Sugar Assorted Cereals   Make a meal out of the FAVORITES BAR FOR $4.99 at lunch & $5.99 at dinner which includes:  Crisp Garden Salads*Hot Country Vegetables*Flavorful Soups*Fresh Breads*Decadent Desserts Add a mouth-watering "True Value" entrée for just $1 more.  It's good food and lots of it for ... 07/17/2009

If you are looking for a wonderful place to eat if you live in Lynchburg or surrounding communities or are visiting Shakers Restaurant is an excellent place to eat. My favorite lunch is GORGONZOLA STEAK SALAD (which by request they put shrimp on mine) In addition to the grilled shrimp it has sweet peppers, cucumbers, dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, croutons and walnuts with mixed greens and a honey-dill vinaigrette. DELICIOUS!!!!    APPETIZERS If you are looking for a little something before the main meal they have an array of appetizers which include (BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS served with Shakers blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.  A few others they have are nacho platters, thin onion rings, cheese toast baskets, flash fried calamari, chicken quesadilla, fried mozarella sticks.... 07/14/2009

I have worked in real estate in the Lynchburg area for 13 years now and have eaten at many excellent restaurants, but by far one of my very favorites places to eat is at O'Charley's Restaurant. My must have salad is their delicious CALIFORNIA CHICKEN SALAD-This salad has a medley of fresh flavors in every bite with grilled chicken(well done for me). You can also get it with shrimp if you ask. Also in there is strawberries,mandarin oranges, candied pecans, dried cranberries, bleu cheese crumbles served atop fresh spring mix & romaine lettuce and served with our tangy balsamic vinaigrette. You also get the most delicious rolls. All of this for under $10. A good friend can testify to the fact that the O'riginal Southern-Fried Chicken Salad is equally delicious. There are also these salads ... 07/13/2009

I love it as the weather gets warmer the downtown area of Lynchburg Va comes to life with people and the colors of the season.  There has been so many local businesses and residents of the historical district that have spent a lot of money to breathe life into the area. 06/29/2009

I have decided what I am going to do for my independence day celebration.  I am hoping for something more than just fireworks this year. I intend to hike up to Sharp Top Mountain and watch the sun set and then watch the fireworks from the communities below. There is not a lack of places to celebrate the 4th of July in the Lynchburg MLS area. 06/28/2009

Well that is not completely true.  But if you are out house hunting you may be surprised that the market is not the way the media portrays it.  Why you ask?   Why does it seem that Lynchburg Va area real estate does not seem that depressed?  It is because when the real estate bubble burst (for lack of a better word) it did not hit the mid-priced homes, it really effected the higher priced homes much more.  In areas where homes sell for less than $250,000 there are fewer discounts to be found.  Even the foreclosure market has slowed and lenders are supporting market stabilization often releasing only a few homes at a time in order to not flood the market.  I think sometimes people over react to the housing statistics and think they can come in and offer 20 percent below asking price.  Th... 06/27/2009

I personally think it is a great idea.  I think it could mean a continued rise in home sales in the Lynchburg City, Campbell County and Bedford County Virginia area and maybe even record breaking numbers.  There has been some increase in activity in the Lynchburg MLS area especially with first time home owners as a result of the $8,000 tax credit.  Expanding it to those of us that already own a home or may consider refinancing I think could be something that really helps a lot of people.  What are your thoughts.  I've posted more details about the possible expansion of the $8,000 tax credit for your review. 06/27/2009

June 13 RiverFlick Outdoor Film Series Films under the stars. For movie listings and more information visit www.riverflick.org or call 845-1888. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Movie concessions available. Please, no pets, coolers, alcohol, or tobacco. In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown in Amazement Square’s warehouse or at a later date. Hours: Gates open at pm, film begins at dark (approx. 9pm) Admission: Free Location: Downtown Lynchburg at 9th and Jefferson Streets, across from Amazement Square P: (434) 845-1888 E: visitus@amazementsquare.com W: www.riverflick.org June 14 Cooking Across the U.S. Be inspired by the flavors and ingredients around the United States! This camp will feature cuisines from New Orleans, New Mexico, the Deep South, and Chicago. Ages 13-18. Regi... 06/13/2009

My blogs over the last few months have been stressing that interest rates are bound to go up because of Fed borrowing and competing for funds in the market place and the need to act quickly to put yourself in the best home buying situation. Remember the law of supply and demand. As you can see since January the number of days to sell has been going down in a linear manner and average prices have been going up.Add the factor that interest rates going up combined with a $8,000 tax rebate and you  begin to see that you may only have a small window of opportunity left to purchase your home at discount prices, lower interest rates and using a Fed tax rebate.Real Estate is local and opportunities will change on individul market place conditions. Please call me for more information, so I can m... 06/05/2009

Tickets available at www.lynchburgtickets.com or call to find more local locations. For more information go to www.lynchburgsymphony.com 06/02/2009

Home sales are up nationally. We saw a rise in sales and prices in March here. We still have a large backlog of homes but we seem to be going in the right direction which is up. I will post April sales in the next few days as the end of month sales trickle in. For more information click here to watch the video. Now is an excellent time to buy. Please contact me for more details. I'd love to work with you and with over 25 years of selling experience in the Lynchburg area, I can help you find your perfect home fast!Buying when the market is near it's lows is the SMART time to buy. Interest rates are rising. Don't miss out! 06/01/2009