When you think about spending one day in Virginia, you might picture a day in Virginia Beach, Richmond, or Charlottesville. But these cities aren't the only great spots in Virginia; the state has many hidden gem small towns. Lynchburg, Virginia, is one of them. In the central part of the state, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg has many awesome restaurants, attractions, and historical sites. If you only have one day in Lynchburg, a few places top the must-see list.

One of Lynchburg's must-see attractions is the Old City Cemetary, a historic cemetery established in 1806, making it one of the oldest public cemeteries in America. The cemetery, located on Taylor Street, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly 20,000 people are buried there, about two-thirds of whom were African American. Many of the people buried in the cemetery died between 1875 and 1925. The 27-acre property is also a public garden, home to about 600 trees. Visitors are welcome at the cemetery year-round, from dawn to dusk, and the site hosts numerous events each year, including candlelight tours and historical reenactments.

Another fantastic Lynchburg attraction is Monument Terrace, commemorating people who served in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. There is also a Purple Heart Monument and a POW-MIA Monument. Visitors can walk along the terrace, stopping to enjoy each memorial. The terrace connects two bustling streets, Court Street and Church Street, and the area is excellent for strolling on a nice day.

Near Monument Terrace is the Lynchburg Community Market, which is worth checking out. The market started in 1783 and is the third-oldest market in the U.S. Visitors can shop for food, artisan wares, and art. The market emphasizes local foods, and Virginia farmers and local artisan food vendors sell there. Hungry shoppers can buy produce, baked goods, coffee, and tea.

Amazement Square is another great spot in Lynchburg, especially if you're visiting with children. The award-winning children's museum has four floors of unique exhibits, including Bee in the Know, where visitors learn about bees, and Raceways and Voltageville, where visitors learn about scientific concepts like gravity and electricity.

After browsing the historic market, the next stop is one of Lynchburg's fantastic restaurants. Near the James River are two great spots to eat. The Water Dog serves oysters, nachos, wings, burgers, tacos, salads, and soups in a relaxed, lively environment. The Depot Grille serves steak, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. Trains are a significant part of the restaurant; the grill's kitchen was crafted from two railroad freight cars, diners can watch trains pass on the nearby tracks, and a hand-built model train is displayed on-site.

Lynchburg is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Consider staying in this two-bedroom Airbnb with river and park views.