This Charming Virginia Town Has A Massive High Heel You Can Actually Sit Inside

Roadside attractions are a dying breed. But this Virginia town has one that you absolutely cannot miss.

A massive high heel, big enough to sit inside, painted pink and towering over the sidewalk. It is strange, whimsical, and completely charming.

I climbed up, settled into the giant shoe, and took a photo that made my friends ask questions. Why is there a giant high heel?

The answer is less important than the joy of finding something so delightfully weird. Virginia has plenty of serious history.

But it also has this. A giant shoe you can sit in.

Go find it. Take a picture.

And smile.

The Giant High Heel That Started It All

Picture this: you’re walking through downtown Virginia and suddenly, a giant red stiletto appears on the side of a building. No, you’re not dreaming.

That spectacular sculpture is very much real, and yes, you can absolutely sit inside it.

The oversized high-heel shoe is mounted on the exterior of the Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Virginia. Artist Paul Clements brought this showstopper to life, crafting it as part of Virginia’s beloved LOVEwork sculpture program, which celebrates the state’s iconic “Virginia is For Lovers” slogan.

What makes it extra clever is the context. The Craddock Terry Hotel was once home to the Craddock Terry Shoe Company, which ranked among the largest shoe manufacturers in the world at its peak.

The sculpture isn’t just quirky art; it’s a wink at the building’s remarkable industrial past.

A built-in bench seat inside the shoe makes it perfectly comfortable for photos. Locals and out-of-towners alike flock here for that one unforgettable shot.

It’s playful, it’s bold, and it’s exactly the kind of landmark that puts a city on the map in the most delightful way possible.

Craddock Terry Hotel, Where Shoeboxes Deliver Breakfast

Staying at the Craddock Terry Hotel is not your average hotel experience, and that’s the whole point. The building itself was once the headquarters of the Craddock Terry Shoe Company, and the designers made sure that history didn’t get lost in the renovation.

Every corner of this boutique property pays tribute to its manufacturing roots. Shoe-shaped door hangers, vintage shoe displays, and factory-era architectural details create an atmosphere that feels genuinely one of a kind.

The most charming touch of all? Breakfast is delivered to your room in an actual shoebox.

That detail alone is worth the trip.

Perched right along the James River, the hotel offers views that are tough to beat. Guests can enjoy dining at Shoemakers American Grille or grab a slice at Waterstone Pizza without ever leaving the property.

The Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center sits at 1312 Commerce Street in downtown Lynchburg, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

Virginia has plenty of boutique hotels, but none quite like this one. The combination of history, humor, and genuine comfort makes the Craddock Terry Hotel a destination in its own right, not just a place to sleep between adventures.

Downtown Lynchburg and Its Irresistible Brick-Lined Streets

Downtown Lynchburg has the kind of energy that sneaks up on you. One moment you’re just walking around, and the next you’ve lost two hours browsing boutiques, popping into coffee shops, and admiring the architecture.

The historic district is packed with beautifully preserved brick buildings that give the area a warm, timeless feel. It’s the sort of place where every block reveals something new, whether it’s a local gallery, an independent bookshop, or a restaurant with a patio that’s impossible to walk past without stopping.

What really sets downtown apart is the community vibe. Lynchburg takes pride in supporting local businesses, and it shows.

The streets feel alive in a way that bigger cities sometimes forget. Farmers markets, weekend events, and outdoor concerts keep the calendar full year-round.

The proximity to the James River adds another layer of appeal. A short walk from the main commercial strip leads to riverfront trails and green spaces where the pace slows right down.

Virginia’s natural beauty is never far away, even in the middle of the city. Downtown Lynchburg manages to feel both energetic and deeply relaxed, a balance that’s genuinely hard to pull off and even harder to leave.

The James River Greenway and Its Jaw-Dropping Scenery

The James River doesn’t just flow through Lynchburg; it defines the city’s entire outdoor personality. And the James River Greenway is the best front-row seat to all that natural drama.

Stretching along the riverbanks, this trail system is a favorite for walkers, joggers, and cyclists who want gorgeous scenery without having to drive an hour into the wilderness. The river churns and sparkles depending on the season, and the surrounding landscape shifts from lush green in summer to a blaze of color in autumn.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on calmer stretches of the water, giving the trail a lively, active atmosphere that’s contagious. Even a slow stroll along the path feels restorative in a way that’s hard to put into words.

The greenway also connects several key landmarks in Lynchburg, making it a practical route as much as a scenic one. Bridges, overlooks, and little pockets of parkland break up the trail and give plenty of reasons to pause and take it all in.

Virginia’s rivers are legendary for good reason, and the James River section running through Lynchburg might just be the most underrated stretch of the entire waterway.

Old City Cemetery, Unexpectedly One of the Coolest Spots in Town

Yes, a cemetery made this list, and no, there are no apologies for that. The Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg is genuinely one of the most fascinating places in the entire state of Virginia, and it deserves way more attention than it typically gets.

Established in 1806, the grounds are home to a remarkable arboretum filled with antique roses and heritage trees that bloom spectacularly in spring. The combination of horticultural beauty and historical depth creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in the region.

Walking the grounds feels like flipping through a very well-illustrated history book. The cemetery reflects Lynchburg’s layered past, with sections dedicated to Civil War soldiers, African-American heritage, and notable local figures.

Educational signage throughout the property makes it easy to follow along without a guide.

The museum buildings on-site add even more context, offering exhibits on funeral history and Victorian mourning traditions that are more fascinating than they sound. Horticulture enthusiasts make special trips just to see the rose collection in full bloom.

It’s a place that surprises nearly every first-time visitor, and that surprise is exactly what makes it so memorable. Lynchburg keeps outdoing itself.

Amazement Square, the Children’s Museum That Adults Also Love

Amazement Square earns its name the moment you walk through the door. Located right by the James River, this interactive children’s museum is one of those places that genuinely delights every age group, not just the little ones tugging at your sleeve.

The museum is packed with hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. A climbing tower is one of the standout features, giving kids a physical challenge alongside the mental stimulation of the various activity stations spread throughout the building.

The energy inside is warm, buzzy, and completely infectious.

What makes Amazement Square especially impressive is the thoughtfulness behind the exhibits. Topics range from science and art to local history and culture, giving young visitors a well-rounded experience that goes beyond typical museum fare.

Nothing here feels like a lecture; everything feels like play with purpose.

Parents and caregivers tend to get just as absorbed in the exhibits as the kids, which is the true mark of a great children’s museum. Lynchburg has built something genuinely special here, a cultural anchor for families that also serves as a bridge between fun and learning.

For anyone visiting Virginia with children in tow, Amazement Square is a non-negotiable stop.

Point of Honor, the Federal-Style Mansion With Stories to Tell

Point of Honor is the kind of historic home that makes you slow your pace and pay attention. This Federal-style mansion, perched with commanding views over the James River, is one of Lynchburg’s most elegant landmarks and a window into early American domestic life.

The interior has been meticulously restored and furnished with period-appropriate pieces that bring the early nineteenth century to life in vivid detail. Every room tells a story, from the formal parlors to the more intimate family spaces, and the guided experience through the home is genuinely absorbing.

The architectural style itself is worth studying. Clean lines, symmetrical design, and graceful proportions define the exterior, while inside, the craftsmanship of the woodwork and plasterwork reflects the ambitions of a prosperous era.

Virginia has no shortage of historic homes, but Point of Honor stands out for its exceptional preservation and presentation.

The surrounding grounds offer peaceful views and a sense of the landscape as it might have appeared centuries ago. For history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or anyone who appreciates a beautifully told story, this mansion delivers on every level.

Lynchburg’s commitment to preserving places like this speaks volumes about the city’s respect for its own remarkable heritage.

Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s Secret Getaway

Thomas Jefferson didn’t just design Monticello. A short drive southwest of Lynchburg sits Poplar Forest, his personal neoclassical retreat, and it’s one of the most architecturally interesting historic sites in all of Virginia.

Jefferson designed the house himself as a private escape from the bustle of Monticello and his public duties. The result is a striking octagonal structure that reflects his deep fascination with geometry, proportion, and classical European design.

It’s a different side of Jefferson entirely, more personal, more experimental, and honestly more intriguing.

Ongoing restoration efforts at Poplar Forest have revealed fascinating layers of the original construction, and the site does an excellent job of sharing that process with visitors. Watching history be actively uncovered adds a dimension that finished, fully restored properties can’t quite replicate.

The surrounding landscape is quintessential Virginia countryside, rolling and peaceful, with the kind of quiet that helps you understand why Jefferson kept coming back. Guided tours are available and highly recommended for getting the full context of both the architecture and the history.

Poplar Forest is a bit of a detour from downtown Lynchburg, but it’s the kind of detour that makes the whole trip feel more complete and more meaningful.

The Legacy Museum of African American History

Few places in Lynchburg carry as much weight and importance as the Legacy Museum of African American History. Housed in the historic Clay Street building, this museum is a powerful tribute to the contributions, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans in the Lynchburg region and beyond.

The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, covering a broad sweep of history from the era of enslavement through the Civil Rights Movement and into the present day. Each display is presented with care and context, making the museum accessible and impactful for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

What makes the Legacy Museum stand out is its local focus. Rather than presenting a sweeping national narrative, it zooms in on the specific stories of people connected to Lynchburg and central Virginia, giving the history an intimacy and immediacy that resonates deeply.

The community connections feel alive throughout the space.

Art, artifacts, photographs, and oral histories combine to create an experience that is as emotionally engaging as it is educational. Virginia’s African American heritage is rich and complex, and the Legacy Museum does justice to that complexity with honesty and dignity.

A visit here adds genuine depth to any trip to Lynchburg and leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve left the building.

Why Lynchburg Deserves a Spot on Every Virginia Road Trip

Lynchburg doesn’t shout for attention. It earns it quietly, one surprising detail at a time, from a giant shoe you can sit in to a breakfast delivered in a shoebox to a cemetery that doubles as a botanical garden.

Not many cities can pull that off.

The location alone makes it a natural anchor for a Virginia road trip. Positioned east of the Blue Ridge Mountains with the James River running right through it, Lynchburg offers the kind of scenery that makes every drive into or out of the city feel like a reward in itself.

The city balances history, outdoor adventure, quirky attractions, and genuine cultural depth in a way that feels effortless. There’s no single type of traveler this place is designed for; it works equally well for history buffs, nature lovers, families, and anyone who just wants somewhere interesting to wander.

The Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center at 1312 Commerce Street makes a perfect home base, putting you right in the middle of everything downtown has to offer. Virginia keeps proving it has more layers than most people expect, and Lynchburg is one of its most rewarding layers.

Go ahead and book that trip. That giant heel is waiting.