Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, everyone’s holiday season is looking a little different this year. But one trend we’re absolutely in love with is the desire to shop small, local independent businesses in 2020.

The historic Lynchburg Square is filled with gifts that just about anyone on your list would love. These are our top seven. Also be sure to check out The Lynchburg Times Facebook things for their Favorite Things this holiday season.

1 | The Perfect Picker — Located at the corner of Majors Boulevard and Mechanic Street near Lynchburg’s only stop light, the Perfect Picker is a must-shop for anyone who has a vintage lover in their life. Owner Marcy Smith curates the stores collection and it’s filled with unique finds and pieces of Tennessee history. Beginning in November, the store transforms into a Christmas wonderland with every type of ornament, decoration, and holiday themed décor you can imagine. They also boast an impressive 13 Christmas trees including one created with antique cast iron. From local art to vintage kitchen items to local honey, the Perfect Picker should definitely, be one of your #shoplocal Lynchburg destinations. For more information, visit their Facebook page. They update it regularly with new finds.

2 | Velma’s Candy — If you have foodie on your list or you are looking for unique stocking stuffers, you should pop by Velma’s Candy. Not only do they boast the best front window display on the historic square, they also offer a unique taste of Lynchburg likeone of our favorites the Whiskey Truffles made with a little local product. They are usually onsite making fresh candies on Wednesday through Sunday.

3 | Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant Gift Shop — Not only does Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant offer the premiere southern dining experience in Lynchburg but their cleverly curated gift shop is both affordable and filled with finds for favorite aunt or grandmother is sure to love. On of our favorites are hand-poured candles by the Lynchburg Candle Company. They also sell gift certificate to the restaurant. You do not need to eat at the restaurant to shop at the gift shop and they mirror the restaurant’s hours. To learn more, visit their Facebook page.

4| Lynchburg Winery & American Craft Distiller of Lynchburg — It’s no secret that Lynchburg is a hotspot for whiskey and wine connoisseurs. If you have one on your holiday list, you can find an only-in-Lynchburg item they’ll love. Both Lynchburg Winery wines and American Craft Distiller’s of Lynchburg pours can only be bought at their Lynchburg location. They also sell unique mixers and cocktail ingredients. On of our favorite is the Nashville Hot Bloody Mary Mix. It’s oh-so-tasty and oh-so-Tennessee. Learn more on their Facebook Page or check out their website.

5 | Indian Motorcycle Lynchburg Garage — Thousands of two-wheeled whiskey aficionados roll through Lynchburg each year. If you’ve got one on your list, pop by Indian Motorcycle’s Lynchburg Garage and check out their selection of riding gear and Indian Motorcycle swag. Even if you don’t ride, one of their vintage t-shirts would make a perfect gift for any of the cool kids on your list. They are located just off the Lynchburg Square.

6| Moon Pie General Store — Nothing tastes like southern, middle Tennessee more than a Moon Pie. Heck, our friends in Bell Buckle plan a whole festival around the Chattanooga-based graham cracker cookie and marshmallow sandwich. Lynchburg’s is blessed to have on of their general stores right here on the historic square and it’s a perfect place to buy a gift for anyone on your list who loves all things southern. Our favorites is the Moon Pie candles that smell exactly as good as a warmed-in-the-microwave Moon Pie tastes.

7 | Lynchburg Ladies Handiworks Store — If you’ve got a lover of art and handmade things on your list, we’ve got a find for you. There is an entire store in Lynchburg filled with gifts made by the ladies of Lynchburg, Tennessee. It’s run by an all volunteer staff and offers thoughtful one-of-a-kind gifts like hand-pieced quilts, bonnets, baby clothes, handmade toys, art, crocheted items and so much more. Our favorite is the hand-crocheted stuffed toys that would make a perfect gift for a baby or toddler on your list.

These are just several examples of all that historic downtown Lynchburg and the surrounding area have to offer. Not only is a day of shopping in Lynchburg a safer option than the malls, it’s a small town experience. If you’d like to pass that experience along to someone else, most of the restaurants, gift shops, and boutiques also offer gift certificates and gift cards. And don’t forget about Christmas in Lynchburg, which kick off on Saturday, December 5.

For more information about the business of historic downtown Lynchburg, visit the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page or website. You can also get regular updates on news and information about Lynchburg at The Lynchburg Times Facebook page or website. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}