How to engage with Lynchburg’s many social group activities
By Laura Lee
Lynchburg offers plenty of opportunities to stay active, get involved and meet like-minded people. Read on for a roundup of venues and organizations that welcome newcomers to explore and nurture their passions. If you can dream it, you can do it; programming ranges from rock climbing and dancing the salsa to joining a knitting circle.
Pickleball takes place during the Virginia Commonwealth Games in the LaHaye Fitness & Recreation Center on July 15, 2022. (Photo by KJ Jugar)
- Play Pickleball
Easy to learn and fun to play for all ages, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world. Check the Pickleheads website for pick-up games and available courts around town, like Lynchburg City Armory, Riverside Park and the Fairview Center. Join the Downtown or Jamerson Family YMCA for free play nearly every day of the week. Ivy Hill country club offers pickleball memberships and lessons from its resident pro Zach Peterson.
2. Join a Running Club
With scenic trails, riverside vistas and challenging hills, Lynchburg has gained a national reputation for its running culture. The city earned the “Runner-Friendly Community Designation®” by the Road Runners Club of America, and Trail Runner magazine named Lynchburg among the “Top Trail Towns.” Hit your stride with the Golf Park Run Club at 6:45 am on Tuesdays, followed by coffee at Golf Park on Bedford Avenue. You can also participate in year-round events with the Lynchburg Road Runners or the Blue Ridge Trail Runners.
- Take a Hike
Founded in 1995, Outdoor Trails is the go-to source for hiking equipment and local resources.
“Within the city, there are lots of hiking opportunities, including the Blackwater Creek Trail, Peaks View Park and Liberty University Trail,” says John Futrell, owner of Outdoor Trail. “Nearby, we have Peaks of Otter and Shenandoah National Park for more excursions.”
The Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club also provides group opportunities for recreational hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which is just 30 minutes from Lynchburg.
- Join a Cycling Club
Lynchburg’s natural terrain and well-kept trails make it a world-class destination for mountain biking. Join the Greater Lynchburg Off Road Cyclists for group rides, social events and community outreach. The organization plays a pivotal role in trail improvements and maintenance, like the popular new pump track at Peaks View Park.
- Find a Hobby
With more than a dozen parks and active community centers, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation promotes the health and happiness of area residents.
“We love to help you find your fun,” says Hannah Rathje, community recreation supervisor for Lynchburg Parks & Recreation. “We literally offer something for everybody — youth, teens, adults and seniors, whether they are beginners or highly skilled.”
Programs and classes include everything from wreath making, crafting and knitting to archery and skateboarding. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Templeton Center is dedicated to seniors with enriching programs that foster relationships, good health and creativity. The city also supports after-school programs and youth sports leagues like Little League Baseball, the Blue Ridge Lacrosse Club and Healthy Kids.
For those interested in a little more serious approach to learning about something in the arts, The Academy Center of the Arts has the perfect classes available. Try pottery making, watercolors, weaving and so much more. Classes at the Academy range in experience level, age range, and price.
- Go Dancing
Lynchburg Salsa has been dancing the night away since 2009. Events are $10 per person and include a beginner lesson, intermediate lesson and two hours of social dancing. At the Templeton Center, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation offers line dancing, ballet and modern dance classes for kids and adults.
“Our Afro-Caribbean dance classes are really fun and popular and combine ballet with jazz and hip-hop,” says Rathje.
- Be a (Social) Climber
Rise Up Climbing features 40-foot indoor climbing walls and a pro shop, as well as extensive instruction and fitness classes for children and adults. You can attend through memberships or with a day pass.
“Our staff and our members are a great resource on climbing trips near Lynchburg,” says youth program and event director Chris Voirol. “Within an hour, there are a number of boulders and sport climbing opportunities off the Blue Ridge Railway Trail and at White Rock Falls.”
- Play Bingo, Trivia & Darts
Get in on the fun at one of the area’s bingo or trivia nights. Head to The Lynchburg Public Library, Hill City Pub or Starr Hill On Main for trivia nights. Hill City Pub also offers weekly bingo nights, along with the 715 Moose Lodge.
If throwing darts is more your thing, join in on the fun with Blue Ridge Darts. Blue Ridge Darts set up their boards at local businesses, like Three Roads Brewing. You can participate in tournaments, leagues, or just open throws.
- Be a Gamer
The Lynchburg Public Library hosts a lively calendar of events, from Chess Night and tabletop gaming to Teen & Tween Anime Club. Specializing in cards, board games, miniatures and collectibles, Dragon Fire Games hosts Wilds of Eldraine events, Pokemon leagues, DiGiMON events and championships throughout the month.
- Take a Cooking Class
Impress friends and family with the new skills you’ll develop through a baking class at The Flour District Learn to make sourdough bread, Southern biscuits, almond croissants and apple galettes at the European-style bakery in Rivermont. At the city’s Miller Center, couples, friends and families can test their skills in the kitchen, whether it’s baking tea cookies or decorating cupcakes.