Looking at the culinarily diverse shelves in most grocery stores, and the increasingly epicurean menus of many restaurants, one might begin to conclude that we are turning into a nation of foodies. In keeping with that trend, the great people of Discover Lynchburg and Lynchburg Living are presenting the 2nd annual Lynchburg Restaurant Week. Running from June 22nd-June 29th, there will be 22 of Lynchburg’s finest restaurants participating, offering fixed-price menus* ranging in price from $15-$25.

In the unfortunate case that you are not familiar with what Lynchburg Restaurant Week is all about, fret not. Simply put, we are surrounded by amazing culinary experiences in LynchVegas that many of us have been dying to try but, for whatever reason, have been unable to. Chefs and restaurant management have come to our aid and have created 3-course meals, often including an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert, offered at a nicely discounted rate.

Some of the dishes that I am looking forward to include Chilean Blue Mussels, Rockfish Manalapan, Surf & Turf, Lamb Curry, and Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Crossfit Lynchburg may need to be in my near future.

Whether you enjoy classics such as steak and potatoes or are searching for more adventurous flavors, this is the perfect time to spice up your life and introduce something exciting to your palate. Your tastebuds will thank you, and so will our local business owners.

*Menus can be found by clicking on the prices listed beside each restaurant on the website. Also, price does not include tax or tip. We strongly encourage tipping well, as your servers will be busy!

Website:  Lynchburg Restaurant Week 2013

Facebook: Lynchburg Restaurant Week

Twitter: @LynchburgRW

Live music, a park by a river, and Friday nights. What do those three things have in common (aside from being staples of summertime)? They’re the integral components of Friday Cheers, held at Riverfront Park in downtown Lynchburg.

Presented by Lynch’s Landing and Virginia Eagle Distributing, Friday Cheers held every Friday night until the end of July, features live music every night, from artists like Chamomile & Whiskey and Ken Knox & Company. According to the event’s website, tickets are $5 (those under 12 get in for free) and all proceeds go towards reviving downtown Lynchburg. A valid ID is required as well. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and music will be played from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

If you want to spend your Friday doing something that will not only entertain you but benefit Lynchburg, then look no further than Friday Cheers.

For more information, including a schedule of bands, list of sponsors and volunteers, and additional guideline, please visit the links below.

Location: 1100 Jefferson St

Facebook: Friday Cheers

Website: www.fridaycheers.org

Summer is here — which can only mean a few things: open toes, floral-print chiffon and pastel. Francesca’s, a growing boutique with several Virginia locations already, has recently opened a shop in quaint Boonsboro Shopping Center on Boonsboro Road. Featuring a wide variety of women’s apparel, accessories and gifts, Francesca’s aims to dress their followers in unique pieces while keeping up with the latest trends.

The selection at the Boonsboro shop is swoon-worthy, to say the least. An assortment of bold prints, fun clutches and statement bangles stand out among some of the boutiques seasonal pieces. Jewelry lovers will gawk at the seemingly endless earring supply — tiny gold bows for those with sweet and feminine style and shoulder-dusting danglers for the more daring shopper. You’ll also find a range of gifts, stationery, and tech accessories throughout the store. Francesca’s mission is to frequently restock each store with new and eclectic items, so that shoppers never browse through the same selection each time they stop in.

Whether your summer agenda forecasts wedding showers, date nights or job interviews, Francesca’s will have you looking special occasion ready or casually chic before you walk out the door. Visit the Boonsboro store Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Website: www.francescas.com

Facebook: Francesca’s Collections Boutique

Directions: 4925 Boonsboro Rd.

Check their website for a list of all the movies they’ll be showing!

Website: www.riverflick.org

When: June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14

Directions: Jefferson St. (at 9th St.)

Every Saturday and Sunday, from May to August, canoes and kayaks will be available to rent at Clemmons Lake, located in Ivy Creek Park. For the month of May, the boats will be available to rent from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays. From June until August, rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Canoes are available for $8 per hour, and kayaks for $6 per hour.

For more information, on this and many of the great activities that Lynchburg Parks and Recreations has to offer, please visit the links below.

Location: Ivy Creek Lake, 118 Clemmons Lake Pl

Facebook: Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

Website: Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

Facebook: Facebook.com/endstationtheatre

Friday, May 3: Asaph (CD release), Hymn & I, T.E.A. 8 p.m. $3 at the door. 522 5th Street.
Facebook Event Page.

Saturday, May 4: Native Blood, Glass Oaks, TLVS. 8 p.m. $3 at the door. 522 5th Street.
Facebook Event Page.

Last year, a Lynchburg couple and their friends sold Mother’s Day cards and raised more than $6,000 to help women and children escape the grip of human trafficking and generational prostitution. In 2013, they hope to sell even more and spread the word about their mission.

Tim and Sarah Gosnell said the idea behind Paper Hope began after a trip to Nicaragua in 2010. Visiting an organization there that rescued children sold to brothels and women who had turned to prostitution as their only way to provide for their children made the Gosnells want to do something to help.

“After going and getting to know the girls and hearing their stories of abuse we knew we had to do something to help,” said Tim. “The problem is so big, but with God there is hope.”

The Gosnells founded Paper Hope and enlisted a friend who was a graphic design artist to create Mother’s Day cards. The cards cost $20, with all proceeds going to benefit Christian organizations fighting human trafficking. This year’s card profits go to organizations such as Gospel for Asia’s Red Light Outreach and Freedom 4/24’s project to build a rescue home in Uganda.

Friday, April 26: Flagship (Warner Bros. Records), Glass Oaks, Golden Spurs (from Nashville), and Dogwood & Holly. 7 p.m. $5 at the door, $3 with a student ID. Keep Colony, 2001 Rivermont Ave.
Facebook Event Page

Saturday, April 27: Lynchstock, featuring Golden Spurs, Native Blood, Asaph, Glass Oaks, and TC Courtney. Doors open at 3 p.m., music starts at 4 p.m. $5 at the door. The Buchanan House, 1623 Buchanan St.
Facebook Event Page

Saturday, April 27: Glass Oaks, Golden Spurs, and Peatrus. 10:30 p.m. $2 at the door. Rivermont Pizza, 2496 Rivermont Ave.

Plenty of shows, plenty of bands. If you aren’t familiar with some of the names mentioned above, follow these links and get educated.

flagshipmusic.com
goldenspurs.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/GlassOaks
noisetrade.com/dogwoodandholly
facebook.com/asaphband

Duncan founded Benaiah Clothing in 2008 with the intent of spreading a positive message to the hardcore music and action sports scenes. Benaiah means “established by God,” and the story of the biblical warrior with the same name was what inspired Duncan to start the clothing line. According to the company’s website, “Benaiah was founded…with the belief that we’re on this earth for more than ourselves and as a young generation we need to stand strong in what is right and true just as mighty warriors of the past. Too many clothing companies exploit drugs, sex, and alcohol to sell their products. Well, we’re asking that you wear this apparel with pride in knowing you stand against the flow of an over saturated clothing market.”

Duncan was joined by Ashley Witherington and Wesley Tate the following year, and in 2011, Chad Daniels, a former band member of Tate’s joined Benaiah’s lineup. Tate explained in further detail Benaiah’s mission:

“(Though) we are a Christian-based company first and foremost, we do not use that as a marketing point,” Tate said. “We don’t want to use the message to speak to church, but use the message to speak to everyone because the church has already been reached.”

Benaiah’s products often feature positive messages, coupled with sharp, colorful designs. The clothing line currently features tank tops, a crew neck sweatshirt, sunglasses and snapback hats. However, Duncan and company did not stop at simply expanding their array of merchandise; several bands and athletes (“Warriors” as they are referred to on the company’s website) are sponsored by the company, including metal veterans Becoming the Archetype and snowboarder Ryan Leeds. A handful of Benaiah t-shirts were even put in the hands of San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis last year.

Benaiah’s most recent addition is Benaiah Prints, the screen printing arm of the company. Thanks to in-house screen printing equipment, Benaiah Prints offers businesses, bands and other organizations low-cost, custom printing on quality clothing brands. The service has kept the crew busy, and anywhere from two to four nights per week are spent in Daniels’ basement, printing and fulfilling orders.

If you are looking to upgrade your wardrobe without downgrading your account balance, or you are in need of a reliable, local screen printing business, Benaiah Clothing has you covered (no pun intended).

In addition, if you place an order from now until the end of April, use the promo code “Lynchvegas” and you will receive 15% off your order!

Website: www.benaiahclothing.com

Facebook: Benaiah Clothing

Twitter: @BenaiahClothing