A trip to Lynchburg means a visit to some eclectic shops, delectable restaurants and other innovative businesses run and owned by creative entrepreneurs, contributing to the economic vitality of our city. For Black History Month, we take time to recognize just some of our many LYH Black-owned businesses. From barbecue, home cooking and sweet treats, to pampering, shopping and entertainment, take time to support these shops and restaurants during your stay in Lynchburg.
Food
Bistro Bro. Barbecue
Out on Lakeside Drive, a short distance from the University of Lynchburg, is Bistro Bro. Barbecue serving the hickory smoked, BBQ meats, stacked sandwiches and made from scratch sides like collards, baked beans and mac and cheese. Pulled pork nachos are a favorite and the Fire Cracker smoked chicken sandwich blends their tangy BBQ sauce with spicy jalapenos. They even make and bottle our their own BBQ sauce so you can take the flavor home with you.
Where to find: 2225 Lakeside Dr Lynchburg, VA 24501
When to go: Monday to Friday 11 AM-7 PM, Saturday 11 AM-4 PM
Barb’s Dream Hut
Get a fresh and delicious home-cooked breakfast or lunch from Barb’s Dream Hut, a restaurant located inside the Lynchburg Community Market. Owned and operated by Barbara Blair for the past 11 years, this restaurant offers southern style food and a full-service grill. Their breakfast dishes include traditional Southern fare like biscuits, omelets, french toast and home fries, while their lunches include dishes like club sandwiches and mouth watering burgers and BBQ.
Where to find: 1219 Main St #1, Lynchburg, VA 24504
When to go: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-2 PM
Country Cooking By Irene
An additional establishment that you can visit at the Lynchburg Community Market is Country Cooking by Irene, a staple southern-style cooking restaurant. Owner Irene Revelry has been serving up tasty favorites like fried chicken and macaroni and cheese for 20 years! If you’re in need of comfort food, you can’t go wrong with a trip to pick up some home-styled treats for Irene’s.
Where to find: 1219 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
When to go: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-2 PM
Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats
If you want to taste some desserts that will make your tongue slap your brains out, head over to Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. Tarsha Joyner AKA Mrs. Joy, whose personality matches her name, is a Lynchburg native and Food Network alumna. She bakes some of the biggest and most delicious treats in Lynchburg, from cinnamon rolls and cakes to cookies and brownies. Her store is a must-see gem of the Downtown area.
Where to find: 1008 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
When to go: Tuesday-Friday 11 AM – 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM-6 PM
Oasis Caribbean
Oasis Caribbean and Jamaican Restaurant serves up authentic Caribbean food that customers rave about. From delicacies like oxtails and Coco bread to traditional foods like jerk chicken, curry and seasoned rice, this restaurant is a hidden gem of the Lynchburg area. It’s open only on Fridays from 11:45 AM-5:30 PM, and it sells out every time. Also, their Oasis Twist, a specialty drink that is a mouthwatering blend of fruit juices, is to die for.
Where to find: 450 C Oakley Ave, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
When to go: Friday 11:45 AM-5:15 PM
Simply Sweets by Taunya
Simply Sweets is a bakery that specializes not just in making sweet treats, but in creating edible art. Owner Taunya bakes cakes, cupcakes and cookies, and one only has to see the intricate details that she can add, like cat faces and Pixar-inspired decorations, to know that she has impressive artistic talent. So if you need a specialty dessert made, Taunya is the woman for the job.
How to order: Email simplysweetsbytaunya@gmail.com
Taste of Philly
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak, look no further than Taste of Philly. This place has it all: cheesesteaks, hoagies, burgers, hot dogs and so much more that you’re going to have to visit multiple times before you work your way through their mouth-watering menu.
Where to find: 1901 Memorial Ave, Unit B, Lynchburg, VA 24501
When to go: Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM-7 PM
Personal Care
Ninth Street Parlor
Blakely Bath & Co, LLC
Blakely Bath & Co is a bodily wellness and self-care company owned and operated by Sade Campbell, a Registered Nurse and Certified Pharmacy Technician. This shop sells specialty soaps, scrubs, bath bombs, lipsticks and more—everything you could need for healthy skin. Every product is made with quality, organic, cruelty-free ingredients and created with sensitive skin in mind. Holistic healing is a major focus of this store, with the belief that paying attention to the small details of health can lead to greater quality of life.
How to contact: Use their contact form
When to go: Sunday, Tuesday and Friday 11 AM-5 PM, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 AM-5 PM, Saturday open 24 hours
Infinity Massage, LLC
Lakesha Johns is the owner of Infinity Massage LLC. She offers soothing and healing body care services like Swedish massage, detoxification foot soaks and hand and foot reflexology. Give your body a nice, relaxing break and get pampered for a little while.
Make an Appointment: Call (434) 426-1848 or email infinitymassagellc@gmail.com
Ninth Street Parlor
Men, if you’re looking for a premier barbershop experience, then you’ll love the Ninth Street Parlor. Opened in 2004, this establishment has had the goal of providing a salon for men where they can enjoy a luxurious spa-like atmosphere and high-end amenities such as shoe shining and Tuffitt and Hill products for shaving, fragrance, hair and bath supplies. You’ll feel completely spoiled and walk out looking and feeling like a new man.
Where to find: 108 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
When to go: Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM, Saturday 8 AM-4 PM
Shopping
Heritage Collection Gifts & Florist
Heritage Collection Gifts & Florist offers a unique assortment from handmade clothing by their master tailor to a wide variety of selected, irreplaceable objects that are worthy of being passed down as family heirlooms. You’ll want to give them a visit to pick up that extra special addition to your collection.
Where to find: 915 Main St., Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
When to go: 9 AM-5 PM
Oshun Organics
Oshun Organics offers a New Age self-care experience for those who are interested in plant-based and ethically sourced beauty products. All of their products are made by hand and use plant-based quality ingredients from all around the world. Their desire is for their customers to be energized to connect with the world around them in order to practice self-care and thoughtfulness.
Where to find: 1219 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
When to go: Tuesday-Saturday 7 AM-2 PM
Fashion Plus
If you’re in need of a brand new and high quality wig, you’ll want to make a trip to Fashion Plus. They strive to be an attentive beauty supplier offering one-on-one service to anyone who needs it!
Where to find: 906 Main Street
When to go: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-6 PM
Arts & Culture
(Image Via The Listening)
The Listening
The Listening is a diverse group of artists who focus on community engagement and promoting creativity in all forms. With over 70 members, this group consists of poets, singers, dancers, thespians and more. In asking the question “If you had a room full of people willing to listen to you, what would you say?”, they come up with ways to express themselves and break down barriers to unity. They believe that through creative expression, holding themed events and being a positive influence for young people, they can help people see the world in a new way and affect healing and social change.
Where to find: While there aren’t any scheduled events at this time, you can still enjoy a variety of custom playlists and videos of past events on their media page!
Legacy Museum
Lord Plant My Feet on Higher Ground
Those who are looking for a way to enrich their knowledge on the African American community of Lynchburg should definitely visit the Legacy Museum of African American History. This museum is dedicated to collecting historical artifacts that are significant to the African American community in Lynchburg, offering numerous exhibits that are put together with thoughtful and devoted research. Exhibits change bi-annually and feature local artists and historical objects.
Where to find: 403 Monroe St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
When to go: Wednesday-Saturday 12 PM-4 PM, Sunday 2 PM-4 PM. Other times by appointment.
Anne Spencer House & Garden
Marvel at the botanical beauty of the Anne Spencer House & Garden. You’ll be able to stroll through the garden and enjoy the sweet wisteria and the gorgeous blooms of Anne Spencer’s original roses. Additionally, you can lay your eyes on Edankraal, Spencer’s cottage that she used as a retreat for writing much of her poetry. While the garden is beautiful in any season, peak bloom is during March, April, May and June.
Where to find: 1313 Pierce Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
When to go: The garden is open every day from dawn to dusk. For a house and cottage tour, call (434) 845-1313.
These are just a few of many Black-owned businesses in the Lynchburg area that are part of the fabric of our city. More can be found at the Hill City Green Book website. Please check out these local businesses and pay them a visit!