Top 5 Must-Sees
- Amherst Inn offers comfortable rooms right in the center of the town, with easy access to local festivals, shops and attractions.
- Visit during the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival, Amherst’s signature fall event.
- Amherst Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the sweetest fruits of the season.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains are at their best in October.
- Enjoy The Briar Patch Restaurant’s tasty comfort food—including prime rib, French onion soup, and salmon—in a laid-back setting.
Fall in love with nothing Virginia Crisp apples, bold red wines, and mountain landscapes painted in vivid colors are all great. Amherst, which I have lived in central Virginia more than 20 year, is one of those places that captures the spirit of autumn so perfectly.
The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us small town In October, the Blue Ridge Mountains are at their best. Festivals fill the calendar and the landscape takes on a golden glow. The Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival draws thousands for tastings and live music, while the Amherst Apple Harvest Festival celebrates local orchards with cider, pies, and family-friendly fun. Amherst’s autumn is at its best when you combine cool mountain hikes with winding drives and vineyard afternoons.
It’s still a town which feels refreshingly unrated, even on its busiest weekend in the fall. Amherst is only 30 minutes away from where I grew-up, and I’ve explored it a great deal during peak season. Plan your own trip with my suggestions for where to stay, dine, and explore.
Know Before You Go
Steven Morris/Virginia Tourism Corporation
Book early to get a great deal and stay close to all the action. The nearby city of Lynchburg offers a good alternative if you are short on accommodation. Downtown Lynchburg has a variety of hotels that are within walking distance from bars, restaurants and shops.
Megan Williams is a local from central Virginia and the editor-in-chief at VistaMedia. She says that weekends are especially busy in the area during the fall. The same is true for local wineries that often have large crowds. They may also require reservations for tastings. It’s important to purchase tickets or make reservations early to ensure you don’t miss out.
Pack layers. Amherst is no different from other fall destinations. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, but the sun will warm things up in the afternoons. It is important to have pieces that can be easily added or removed throughout the day. This will help you stay comfortable regardless of temperature fluctuations.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Craddock Terry Hotel
Amherst Inn
The hotel is located in the center of the city. Amherst Inn The hotel offers cozy rooms, easy access to the downtown shops, restaurants and festivals. The small town charm and friendly staff makes it a popular fall destination.
Craddock Terry Hotel
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Craddock Terry Hotel In Lynchburg, I love to stay. This Marriott property honors the building’s history—part of it was once the Craddock Terry Shoe Company factory—while blending original brick architecture with modern design.
What to do?
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Attend the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival.
Amherst is alive every October with the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival. Visitors can enjoy the local wine, browse handmade crafts and eat garlic-infused foods at vendors. The festival is also filled with live music and activities for the whole family. It’s one Amherst’s most popular autumn events. The festival usually takes place earlier in the month. Mark your calendar for the dates announced for 2026.
Amherst Apple Harvest Festival is a must-see.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Amherst Apple Harvest Festival The event celebrates local flavors and the central Virginia apple harvest. The event offers something for everyone, from apple pies and cider to apple-based treats. Local musicians and artists help create an energetic atmosphere. This year’s event will take place on October 18-19, making it the perfect time to visit for those who love apples and want to spend some quality family time in autumn.
Cole Mountain Hike
Cole Mountain This moderate hike offers panoramic views of Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is lined with beautiful foliage in the fall, including red, gold and orange. It’s popular among leaf peepers. The six-mile trail takes between three and four hours to complete. I suggest starting early to take in the scenery and leave plenty of time to explore the town or attend festivals in the afternoon.
Explore Amherst’s antique shops.
Amherst boasts a collection of amazing antique shops, where you can discover vintage home décor and unique collectibles. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon browsing these local treasures. My favorite places to visit are Warehouse Antiques The following are some examples of how to get started: Lou’s Antique MallEach shop provides a glimpse of the history and character of the town.
The James River Footbridge is a great place to walk.
The James River is a must-see for anyone visiting central Virginia. The James River is located just outside of the city. James River Foot Bridge It’s a beautiful spot to stroll along the river. It’s a peaceful place that highlights the natural beauty of this area.
Best Restaurants
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The Briar Patch Restaurant
Longtime local favorite The Briar Patch In a casual, comfortable setting, the restaurant offers hearty dishes such as hush puppies and Southern-style grilled cheddar. It also serves salmon. It’s the perfect place for a nice dinner without needing to dress up—just what you’d expect from a small-town Amherst restaurant.
The Amherst Corner Restaurant
The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us casual restaurant The ice-cream, cowboy beans and cheeseburgers are its most famous products. This is a great option for a quick, delicious meal that puts comfort and flavor first. It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
The Filling Station
Nod to the 1950s service station The Filling Station Charming retro decor and classic fare. There are burgers, onion rings, sandwiches and an extensive beer menu that attract diners.
What a Blessing Bakery
A comforting Southern Breakfast What a Blessing Bakery The food is delicious. Amherst is known for its doughnuts and baked goods, but it also offers a breakfast buffet and breakfast sandwiches that make the mornings extra special.
When is the best time to visit?
Steven Morris/Virginia Tourism Corporation
Amherst’s best season is from September to November. I love October for the events it hosts and the beautiful foliage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Williams concurs that autumn is an amazing time to visit Amherst. She adds, “The Blue Ridge Mountains glow with color in the cooler weather, making it perfect for hiking, or even a scenic drive. It’s also harvest season, so the wineries, cideries, and farmers markets are at their best—you can taste the season in every glass of wine or fresh-picked apple. After summer, the pace of life slows down and you can enjoy the area more.
How to Get There
Cameron Davidson/Virginia Tourism Corporation
Amherst, located about 20 minutes to the north of Lynchburg, is just over an hour away. Charlottesville. The closest airports are Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Charlottesville offers better flight prices and more options than Lynchburg. You can drive to Amherst from Charlottesville and explore Blue Ridge.
How to Get Around
Amherst is a small town with many attractions and events. From vineyards to hiking paths, a car will allow you to see the entire area. As Williams says, “Bring a car—Amherst is spread out, and part of the fun is exploring those winding backroads.”
