The Craddock Terry Hotel (Lynchburg,VA)
Hotels housed in historic buildings, where every brick and beam tells a story. The Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia, originally a shoe factory from the early 1900s, exemplifies this perfectly. As I stepped through its doors on a crisp autumn evening, the blend of industrial architecture and modern luxury immediately embraced me.
The hotel's shoe-making heritage is cleverly woven throughout the property. A wooden shoe last serves as your room number holder, and each morning, breakfast arrives in an old-fashioned wooden shoe shine box – a charming touch that connects past and present. My corner room featured soaring windows framing views of the James River, exposed brick walls that radiated warmth, and original wooden beams that spoke of the building's industrial past.
What truly sets Craddock Terry apart is how it balances its historic character with modern comforts. The king-sized bed with its cloud-like duvet and locally-made throw blanket became my favorite spot for morning coffee and reading. The bathroom, while keeping the industrial aesthetic with its metallic fixtures, offered pure luxury with its rainfall shower and plush robes.
The hotel's restaurant, Shoemakers American Grille, deserves special mention. Housed in the former shoe warehouse, the space retains its rugged charm while serving sophisticated comfort food. The local wine list is impressive, featuring several Virginia vineyards. I particularly enjoyed their signature dish – a perfectly seared ribeye with truffle butter that paired beautifully with a bold red from nearby Jefferson Vineyards.
Evening drinks at Waterstone Fire Roasted Pizza, the hotel's more casual venue, became a nightly ritual. The bar's creative cocktails, many incorporating local spirits, provided the perfect nightcap. The "Cobbler's Mule" – their take on a Moscow Mule with house-made ginger beer – became my go-to choice.
Beyond the hotel's walls, the historic district of Lynchburg beckons with its red-brick sidewalks and restored architecture. The hotel's location along the Bluffwalk means you're just steps away from local art galleries, craft breweries, and boutique shops. The staff readily share their favorite local spots, providing that insider knowledge that transforms a good stay into a memorable one.
For those seeking a weekend getaway that combines historical charm with modern luxury, The Craddock Terry Hotel offers an experience that feels both grand and intimate. It's a place where industrial heritage meets contemporary comfort, where every detail tells a story, and where warm hospitality makes you feel truly at home.
As I packed up to leave, slipping the room key (attached to a miniature brass shoe) into my bag as a memento, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. The Craddock Terry isn't just a hotel – it's a celebration of local history, thoughtful preservation, and the art of hospitality. It's the kind of place that makes you start planning your return visit before you've even left.
Note: Experiencing The Craddock Terry Hotel during the Christmas Holiday Season, added a level of character, warmth and coziness made you feel right at home.
