A New Grocery Store Downtown? Yes!

1300 Main Street, left, will soon be the home of a new grocery store!

The Depot Grille's Dave Poole is one of Downtown's busy and entrepreneurial business owners, but we managed to get Dave to answer a few questions about a new project in Downtown Lynchburg.  Poole and Dan Hague of Rise Up Climbing are teaming up to bring Downtown a new business in 2013: a full service grocery store.  To be located at 1300 Main Street, the new grocery will be a welcome sight in Downtown!

Question:  We're excited about a grocery on Main Street.  Can you tell us a few of the features that you are considering?

Answer:  We are planning on a full line of groceries with emphasis on local, natural and organic products.  We'll be open seven days a week.

Question:  What made you decide to pursue this kind of project at this time?

Answer:  The growing downtown residential population makes this timing perfect.

Question:  It's a new project, but the building is old.  What do you know about the history of 1300 Main Street?

Answer:  Most likely, the original use was a garment factory.  It was also a publishing house and a paint and wallpaper store. Of course, most recently it was Estate Specialists.

Question:  You and Dan Hague are both well known as owners of other Downtown Businesses (in Depot Grille and Rise Up Climbing), how did the two of you come together on this project?

Answer:  We both have a deep rooted belief in the Downtown.  We saw this property as an ideal opportunity to offer a much needed service to downtown.

Question:  Any other projects on the horizon?

Answer:  NO!  We strongly believe in concentrating our effort for maximum success!

Downtown Walking Tours -- Coming Soon!

One of my projects this summer was to update the architectural walking tour for Lynch's Landing. This was my first experience with working on anytime of project that was architecturally related so naturally I was a bit hesitant to start. However, Anna suggested that I begin my project by drawing ideas from other cities walking tours. This was a great idea because once I began researching, I was able to see the structure and format of tours that were given in similar cities. The most helpful information came from pamphlets I received from Historic Columbia. These were relevant because like our walking tours, they are broken up into several different tours by districts. I continued looking at information sites online and picked up the idea for a tour focused on the oldest buildings Lynchburg. For the last two, Anna suggested the walking tour and collaborating with the Academy of Music and the Church tour seemed to be pretty plausible seeing all the church's that decorate Court Street.

First Baptist Church
Lynchburghistory.com

The Church tour and Lynchburg Getting Started took me the least amount of time to research because of the information accessibility I had using the Al Chambers book, "Lynchburg, An Architectural History". The Churches I decided to use in the walking tour are the ones that I believe had the most historical significance in Lynchburg. I found all of the Churches listed on the tour very interesting in the fact that they all shared that similarity of starting at a different location before they ended up at their current location.

The Lynchburg Getting Started tour I found very interesting to research some of Downtown's oldest buildings that are still in use today. It really changes ones perspective of Lynchburg when you are able to recognize buildings that once stood as the first of their kind in Downtown and are still in use today.
The last tour I've worked on this summer was the Theater tour. This was my favorite to work on because I had no idea Lynchburg once had so many theaters right here in Downtown. When I began researching, I turned to the Chambers book for help. I found some information on theaters but nothing too substantial to aide in advancing the tour.

Paramount Theater
Lynchburghistory.com 

My next step was to do some work in the Jones Memorial Library. I had never been to this library so I pleased when I told the librarian what I was looking for and ten minutes later I had a fully stocked cart with information on Lynchburg's theaters. I began shifting through scrapbooks full of frail newspaper clippings from the 1920's and up. Eventually, I was able to collect enough information and start to narrow down theaters that would go on the tour. The theaters I choose for this tour were the ones that played a prominent role in the social and cultural history of Downtown Lynchburg. It is unfortunate that so many of these theaters disappeared around the 60's and 70's and have been replaced by parking garages and other commercial buildings. However, I close the tour with Lynchburg's most influential theater, the Academy of Fine Arts. The history behind this theater is a bit overwhelming and the fact that it is still standing and still has such a large role in Downtown today. I was fortunate enough to tour the old theater in the Academy. It was incredible to stand on the stage and see what used to be, especially after researching everything that had taken place right there.

Creating the new walking tours was definitely my favorite task this summer. It was a great way to learn about Downtown in a creative and fun manner. As aforementioned, I have never been presented this type of task, but I am happy that I had the opportunity to learn something new and utilize my major at the same time. I look forward to coming back and the Fall and giving some of the tours I helped put together for Lynch's Landing.

-- Sarah Woll, Sweet Briar College Intern

Summer Experience

Back in early April, I had not given much thought about what I had planned on doing with my summer. I knew I wanted to do something, but I did not narrow it down to anything specific. However, when my friends started announcing their recent success at scoring internships, I began to want to participate in that with them. I went to our career services and told them that I was looking for an internship that I could utilize my major, history. Lynch's Landing was the first place they suggested. I had no prior background in historical preservation, so naturally I was a bit hesitant in pursuing the internship. Eventually I want to teach high school history, but the more I thought about it, the better it seemed to pursue this internship because it would widen my historical background as well as introduce me to something new and challenging. I met with Anna a few weeks later and we discussed ways in which I would be able to use my major to help further Lynch's Landing. I was so pleased to be given the opportunity to intern here this summer following my interview.

My first task involved Lynchburg Historical Foundation. I was responsible for collecting ghost stories from Downtown shops that would go in the ghost tour in the fall. I was given a list of places that seemed promising and I began to check them out. Unfortunately, I did not have much luck with several places on the list. The two places I had success were Market on Main and Catalano's. It was fun interviewing the owners and hearing their stories about their ghostly encounters. I also used this week to get my footing on where everything is located in Downtown. During my past 3 years at Sweet Briar, I had only been to Downtown about 3 or 4 times, so I had no idea where anything was located. However, the first week I immediately began walking back and forth on Main learning the location of all Downtown businesses.

My next task was getting acquainted with the architectural walking tour. I took the tour by myself and I must admit, I felt like a huge tourist walking around Downtown with a pamphlet in hand, turning in circles trying to find the building that matched the picture on the brochure. I took note of some of the buildings that caught my eye, and some buildings that were not mentioned on the walking tour. I then began to research buildings that were not on the walking tour, but had a substantial historical background. One of my favorite buildings that was on that list was Bragassa's Candy Store. I liked this building because of its story and long family history the building contained.

This project began to morph into updating and adding to the tours that Lynch's Landing offered. Lynch's Landing had a preexisting tour, the self-guided, architectural walking tour. I really did not have any idea how cities came up with tours. I have taken several in historic cities, but have never really given much thought as to how they became a public tour. Anna suggested that I first begin looking at other cities and gathering ideas from what they offered. Some of the most popular tours I kept coming across were Main Street tours, church tours, and African American history tours. A majority of the inspiration I gathered was online, but I did receive walking tour brochures from Columbia, SC in the mail. These brochures were such a big help because I was able to see the layout and organization of successful tours. They had also sectioned their tours off by districts, similar to what Anna had suggested. From there I began to create list of tours and add the buildings that would make up them. Anna narrowed the list down to three; Church, Lynchburg Getting Started, and Theater.

The first tour I started was the Church tour and I mostly obtained my information from Al Chambers book, "Lynchburg, An Architectural Guide". I also used the same source in completing the Lynchburg Getting Started Tour. That one was a bit more tricking considering some of Lynchburg's oldest buildings are no longer standing as many of them were demolished in the 60's. However, I was able to add buildings that once served as the first of its kind in Downtown. The theater tour was a working progress because I had to go to the Jones Memorial Library and shift through their collection of old news paper clippings and play bills. I like this kind of research with primary sources because I feel like it is much more hands on and connecting than it is reading it from a source book. I was also fortunate enough to tour the Academy of Fine Arts which was one of my favorite things I was able to do this summer.

After I had completed the written part of the walking tours, I began looking for photos that could go along with the tour and/or be placed online. I very much look forward to giving some of the walking tours in the Fall.

The tours were the main part of my summer at Lynch's Landing, however I did work on a few other task such as updating the kiosk which I was glad to do since I am a big kiosk user and it was severely out of date. I also was able to get acquainted with the store owners on Main Street because I often was popping in and out of several business dropping off papers. My other ongoing task was to help Stephanie with Trivia Tuesday. I liked this a lot because I enjoyed going through the old photos of Lynchburg and helping Stephanie pick out interesting ones. It was also interesting to see how many people were so well acquainted with their city. Some of the photos we posted seemed like they would be difficult to guess, but with in minutes several residents of Lynchburg had already guessed correctly.

Overall, I have really enjoyed my experience at Lynch's Landing this summer. It has been so nice learning how to do something that was completely new to me. I also liked how I was able to use my major and make it applicable to something other than writing term papers. Before starting this internship, I did not know anything about how rich in history Lynchburg is. When I came to Downtown for the first time, I looked at it like it was just like any other small city and did not think much of it. After completing this internship, I now see the Downtown community as one big family. Everyone in the area is so dedicated to bettering and furthering the city and it is really inspiring to see how much effort and time goes in to up keeping the area. I will truly miss working with Anna and Stephanie this fall and I am so thankful to be a part of the Downtown family for the past two and a half months.

Intern Insights

   About 6 months ago, I had no idea what I was going to do with my summer. As a Lynchburg (ok, ok... Rustburg) native, this place has always been home to me, but I have spent the past two summers away from home working other jobs, taking classes and trying my hardest to be an independent 20-something.  I heard about the possibility of an internship at Lynch's Landing and applied, unsure if I would get the position or if I even wanted to come back home to spend the summer for the first time in three years. I heard from Anna Bentson right away, scheduled an interview, and the rest is history.

    I have had a hand in many projects with Lynch's Landing this summer. From Friday Cheers and sitting in on committee meetings to analyzing how other U.S. Downtowns work and formulating a new business packet for our future Downtown Lynchburg neighbors, I have had hands on experiences in event coordinating that I could not have gained anywhere else. One of my most memorable experiences of this summer has, of course, been the night of the derecho.  It was one of the hottest days I can remember, and at Lynch's Landing we were doing our best to make sure we were prepared at Friday Cheers. We offered free water, reminded people to stay hydrated and wear light clothes, and took many breaks ourselves during set up.  Even with our efforts, I learned sometimes heat exhaustion is inevitable.  I also learned that sometimes as an intern, when things go awry, you have to be in charge.  In a matter of minutes, I went from snack girl to "boss lady." Thank goodness for Lynch's Landing's high quality and hard working volunteers! They did not skip a beat and sprung into action, and as a team we made sure that EMS personnel were where they were needed, vendors and other volunteers were doing alright and performing their jobs correctly, and keeping an eye on the event as a whole. They helped me keep things under control and showed me everything that needed to be done to make sure Friday Cheers continued as planned.  I already knew, but was once again shown how much our organization relies on our volunteers and how they can make or break an event. Everyone stepped up to make Friday Cheers a success despite the circumstances and helped a lowly scared intern, and the wind hadn't even hit yet.  My bosses always ask me, "Do you still want to be an event planner?" following interesting and/or challenging events, and after the infamous "Derecho Night" I am sure.

   I have met many wonderful people through this experience who I hope to continue to work with in the future.  The Lynch's Landing volunteers and partners amaze me with their dedication to Downtown Revitalization.  Tony Camm, my Friday Cheers BFF, has a contagious spirit for the "O-FOE" and everyone who meets him catches it.  Other volunteers, such as Buzz and Jenn McFaden, Ben Regan, Nelson and Carol Evans, Jeff Taylor, and many others work hard every week at Friday Cheers and are masters at their job.  Jennifer Kennedy of the Lynchburg Community Market made a lasting impression on me after one Get!Downtown meeting with her ideas and enthusiasm.  Most of the people I worked with laughed at my jokes and everyone made me feel welcome.  If I take nothing else away from this internship, I will take the new found knowledge that Lynchburg is not at all "dead" as many college-aged Lynchburg natives believe. It's actually thriving.  We have a whole museum dedicated to globes (Omniterrum), and if that's not cool, I don't know what is. There are restaurants and bars for every taste bud and events to entertain all ages and interests.  When my friends say, "Gosh, there's nothing to do around here!" I can quickly counter that argument with all the fun things I have learned at Lynch's Landing this summer.

   As I pack up and get ready to head back to James Madison University for the final time, I am filled with a mix of emotions. I am excited to see my friends and get back into my routine of work, classes, sports, and being a carefree college student.  I am also terrified of the idea that soon my college bubble will be popped and I could be just about anywhere doing any job this time next year, and the action I take during the next two semesters will determine that.  I almost cried when my mom bought me an interview blazer the other day.  I do know, that I am more prepared for a job in event coordinating now that I was before this internship, and I have full confidence in the abilities and lessons I have learned here.  I am, however, still trying to figure out how to fit "I met Brett Sharp from Star Country" on my resume, but just like most things, that will fall into place.  Thank you Anna and Stephanie for setting a great example for me, teaching me, and being patient with me this summer, and thanks Downtown Lynchburg for showing me a good time.

Until next time,
Evan

Evan and Brett Sharp at Friday Cheers!

Participating in Restaurant Week!

As many of you know, this week is Lynchburg Restaurant Week. Many Lynchburg restaurants are participating by offering special deals on their menus and showcasing their best dishes. For my lunch break today, my fellow Lynch's Landing intern and I decided to break out of the everyday brown bag lunch, and participate in Restaurant Week! We went to Catalano's for our first course.  I got the Greek Salad (no olives) with the Green Goddess dressing.  My friend got the Charlie Boy sandwich.  It was DELICIOUS! My salad was colorful and crisp and the dressing was a great compliment to the veggies and feta.  I am also a sucker for pepperocini peppers, which are featured in this particular salad. My friend really enjoyed her sandwich as well. She said the meat tasted very fresh and she liked the fact that there was no cheese or dressing, and she could focus on the taste of the meat.  We loved our meals there, but no lunch outing is complete without a little desert! So, we scooted down Main Street to Taste Selects for a cupcake. The selection was overwhelming and we stood there for what felt like ten minutes trying to pick the perfect cupcake when they all looked so good! I picked the Creme Brulee and my friend picked the Red Velvet.  Mine was so tasty, and the vanilla custard filling really hit the spot and made the cupcake special; something I couldn't whip up at home.  My friend really loved her Red Velvet cupcake as well! It was a great outing for us interns and now my belly is full and I have two new favorite restaurants Downtown.  Check out Lynchburg Restaurant Week and enjoy some of the unique restaurants Lynchburg has to offer!

Have a great week!
Lynch's Landing

Lynchburg Restaurant Week

Here at Lynch's Landing we are coming off of an amazing weekend! The Lynchburg Launch of the James River Batteau Festival was a huge success and Friday Cheers: Diamondback was fun for everyone who came out! Thank you to all of our volunteers for making the weekend memorable for everyone involved.  With such an eventful weekend, we need to replenish our energy.  

Good thing Lynchburg Restaurant week is just around the corner! From June 24-30, Lynchburg's finest locally owned and operated restaurants will be on display for everyone to enjoy! Lynchburg Restaurant Week, presented by Lynchburg Living and Discover Lynchburg, Virginia,  will feature many eateries in the area that offer a diverse variety of foods that are sure to please any pallet.

Right now, the event's Facebook and Twitter pages are in full swing; advertising the event and the restaurants involved.  There are even  daily drawings for gift certificates to the advertised restaurants.  This is a dream for every Central Virginia foodie! For those who haven't yet partaken in the delightful food Lynchburg as to offer, this is a fantastic opportunity to do so.  There will be deals at many Downtown restaurants, such as Catalano's Delicatessen, Hot & Cold Cafe, and Jimmy's on the James, so you can get more bang for your buck and find out which local restaurant suits you best.  For all of you who know and love Downtown Lynchburg fare already, these are deals you simply cannot pass up! Market at Main, Robin Alexander's, and Waterstone Pizza are all offering 3 for $15 deals and Main Street Eatery, Shoemaker's and The Depot Grille are offering 3 for $25 meals throughout the week on their special Lynchburg Restaurant Week menus. You can't beat that deal!  For more information and answers to all of your Lynchburg Restaurant Week questions, please visit their website, lynchburgrestaurantweek.com.  See you all at restaurants!

Have a great week!

Lynch's Landing

Batteau Festival

This Saturday, June 16, 2012, marks the 27th annual James River Batteau Festival, beginning at 9am.  The festival is put on by the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society, who has been working with Lynch's Landing to put on the Lynchburg Launch.  Entry is free and open to the public. At 11:00am, approximately 20 historically accurate batteaus will launch from Percival's Island on an eight day journey, ending at Maiden's Landing.  The batteaus commemorate a period in the late 1700s and early 1800s when Virginia goods, such as tobacco and flour, were transported by water from Lynchburg to Richmond.

 
Not into traveling down the river to Richmond? The fair at Percival's Island is a great way to participate! There will be demonstrations, exhibitions on the history surrounding the batteaus, educational opportunities, children's activities, and information on the James River conservation efforts.  Camp Kum-Ba-Yah will be sponsoring a fishing tournament and canoe race as well! The fair will continue after the batteaus launch until 3pm.  For a complete day schedule, click here.  This is a wonderful chance for Lynchburg area residents to support a local organization working to preserve a tradition that has shaped this city's atmosphere and to learn about the trade business that helped to establish Lynchburg.  Here is a recent article about the festival featured in the Lynchburg News and Advance.  The weather is supposed to be wonderful and all of us at Lynch's Landing are expecting a great event! If you have any questions or would like more information, please check out our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.


Have an amazing weekend!

Lynch's Landing