Lynchburg Entertainment (Richmond, Roanoke, Franklin: neighborhoods, movie theater, school)

[FrankDub]

I was born in Lynchburg, but recently moved to New Jersey. This move made me realize that Lynchburg isn't missing anything but initiative. As far as entertainment is concerned, that is whats needed-initiative. The young people as well as the older generation want to be entertained in their own city(clubs,art,aquariums,culture,parks). The question on this forum is what does the city of Lynchburg need to succeed at these goals? How can entertainment and culture be brought to the city?

[FrankDub]

Lynchburg restaurants at night | Urbanspoon this site shows the number of restaurants in the Greater Lynchburg Area at night. There are (498) restaurants to 250,000 people.

compare it to Washington D.C. (8437) Washington DC restaurants at night | Urbanspoon ,Charlotte N.C. (3286) Charlotte restaurants at night | Urbanspoon , Richmond VA (2211) Richmond restaurants at night | Urbanspoon , Roanoke VA (990) Roanoke restaurants at night | Urbanspoon , Memphis TN (2001) Memphis restaurants at night | Urbanspoon , Philadelphia (11684) Philadelphia restaurants at night | Urbanspoon , Baltimore (4180) Baltimore restaurants at night | Urbanspoon , Atlanta (12205) Atlanta restaurants at night | Urbanspoon

[roanoker 4]

Lynchburg is just beginning to realize the potential of its downtown area. I visit there often but my biggest problem is Parking downtown so I just pass through. I have noticed many new shops and restaurants that look interesting but I have yet to experience anything downtown. Also, more signs coming into town which direct people to downtown, or maybe to the Amtrak station? I think an aquarium would be an ideal attraction, there is nothing like it in the region. The Lynchburg Fine Arts Center is a fine asset, maybe they could plan to make their location easier to find for visitors. A lot needs to be done but I really think downtown is a "diamond in the rough". The people there just don't realize it yet.

[sregorat3]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

Lynchburg is just beginning to realize the potential of its downtown area. I visit there often but my biggest problem is Parking downtown so I just pass through. I have noticed many new shops and restaurants that look interesting but I have yet to experience anything downtown. Also, more signs coming into town which direct people to downtown, or maybe to the Amtrak station? I think an aquarium would be an ideal attraction, there is nothing like it in the region. The Lynchburg Fine Arts Center is a fine asset, maybe they could plan to make their location easier to find for visitors. A lot needs to be done but I really think downtown is a "diamond in the rough". The people there just don't realize it yet.

Right now, I'd say the biggest draw is Amazement Square. The children's museum draws people from around the region and school buses from Cville, Roanoke, and other surrounding communities are regulars during the school year.

[badger74]

Many small cities have tried the aquarium approach and most are now losing money. Not a good option. The new fine arts center will be a huge addition as it gives arts groups and some touring shows a visible home. It seems to me there a re plenty of restaurants in the area. I cannot believe some cities have so many more per capita. I question those numbers.
The new cineplex will be a nice addition and appears nearly done. We could use a few more music clubs/bars but L is mostly a town for married folks.

The colleges offer a wealth of entertaniment for low $$$$s. Just need to make the effort to get their schedules. I'd keep expanding bike trails and we could use a new library building ASAP.

[FrankDub]

I agree wit Badger74, the fine arts center will bring a variety of art, and culture to the city. It just bothers me when people give up on such a wonderful city as Lynchburg. It is definitley a "diamond in the rough" like Roanoker4 says, but its beauty can only be revealed by time and effort. It takes a community to make a city and it's neighborhoods shine, not just the leaders and developers. Hopefully my hometown will become great one day, I always dreamed of Lynchburg being "the place to be" even as a young child.

[FrankDub]

I don't know how many people enjoy hip-hop/pop/urban/rock or up to date music, but i believe the city would benefit by adding something to cater these needs. Maybe a jazz restaurant, a rock cafe, or a couple of "hip" clubs.

[badger74]

Liberty is also adding a 700 seat performing arts center right now. If they bring in some pro shows plus their own this might be a nice addition.

http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/..._campus/14057/

I also believe Jazz Street Grill offers food and live jazz some nights every week. I hear mixed things on the food.

[Mt.Hope]

I guess I'm easily entertained. I like just driving around and seeing the city. Esp fixtures like the King of Germany( actually he must be on vacation, he's MIA all last week.)

[badger74]

Me too. I'm past the age of clubbing, etc. I enjoy good restaurants and L now has enough of them to make choosing where to go the toughest part of going out. I also like going to LU football games for a few $$s and driving in the beautiful nearby countryside. A trip up to Blue Ridge Pig makes a nice afternoon. The new cinema fills one big hole with a first class movie theater. I look forward to seeing some good shows at the new Academy Theater and at the local colleges. The Randolph Art Muesum is a jewel. I hope the college gets its money situation solved soon.