They say Virginia is for “Lovers,” but after a recent romp around Lynchburg, VA our consensus is that Virginia is for Weddings. On the map for its proximity to Liberty University, year round ski center, Snowflex and scenic mountains, couples will love this North meets South wedding destination. In the middle of a full resurgence – travelers will find Lynchburg’s historic charm – refreshing amongst a mix of new and classic restaurants and artisanal brands.
We were graciously hosted by Craddock Terry Hotel, a luxury boutique property converted from one of Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation’s historic factories. The 44-room accommodation builds on the shoe theme throughout, with locally made door signs in the shape of classic shoes, wall paper resembling authentic shoe leather, and shoe-centric art. Guest rooms and suites are warm and welcoming, with high ceilings and custom Kingsdown mattresses, that are perfect for the soft top loving snoozer.
Guests are first greeted by the warm scent of green clove and aloe, and then by the hotel doggy mascot Buster Brown. Buster is the perfect concierge – friendly and cuddly – and can be taken on a short walk by willing guests. The Craddock Terry team even has plans in the works of expanding their property and updating the look of their event spaces November 2017.
Continental breakfast is served each morning in an old-fashioned wooden shoe box. Guests looking to indulge in locally made blueberry muffins from Lorraine’s Bakery, fruit, yogurt and juice, just place their box outside the door before 2am and wake up to a delightful morning treat. To add to the shoe theme – guests can have their leather footwear shined, overnight. Place your shoes outside your door – and the next morning, wallah, freshly shined shoes.
Wedding guests will be wowed by the little details of the hotel and the big personality of the wedding spaces. With Craddock Terry – nuptials are a one stop shop. Couples can achieve an outdoor fall foliage wedding on the upper level terrace or curate a white tent experience on the Shoemaker’s patio terrace, and incorporate an elegant indoor cocktail hour and reception. The event spaces are built alongside the surrounding mountain – exposing natural granite and maintaining the original exposed beams. Weddings of 150 guests or less are a perfect size, and a favorite of local couples and couples whose families are based in the north and south east, and want to meet in the middle.
Find why so many tourists are flocking to Lynchburg by walking along the mile long walkway or along the main street towards Downtown Lynchburg. Pop into Ploughcroft Tea Room for a quick tea-time. The quaint tea room, offers delightful english inspired fare like savory pastry’s and pies and an extensive list of teas served in colorful teapots. Trot through town stopping in boutique stores full of knick knacks and locally made keepsakes like candles made of natural beeswax, sweet treats, and jewelry. Piano playing couples will love walking the streets of Lynchburg, where full sized pianos are strategically placed throughout the city, as a part of the Hill City Keys piano program. Players are encouraged to stop and hit the keys – while passerbyers’s admire the sounds.
Bridal Party’s can make a reservation at Shoemaker’s American Grille, Craddock’s upscale on property restaurant, for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. With menu favorites such as a classic caprese salad, crab cakes and juicy filets, your bridal party will indulge in the decadent flavors while exchanging high school stories in the private rooms of the restaurant, named after popular shoe styles The Oxford, The Loafer, and The Wingtip.
To fill out the remainder of the wedding weekend – couples can arrange tours of local wineries all within a forty minute drive, frequent the Riverfront Park to enjoy summer concert series, and take a trip back in time while visiting the Historic Gardens and Thomas Jefferson’s summer home, Poplar Forest.
For more information about Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, VA or to book your stay – please visit http://www.craddockterryhotel.com.
