Overview
Amherst is a town in Central Virginia.
1 things to do · 1 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Amherst
Endstation Theatre Company
Put on annually by Endstation Theatre Company, resident theatre company of Sweet Briar College. Features outdoor theatre.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Bedford)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LYH Lynchburg Regional Airport - Preston Glenn Field, Lynchburg — 20 mi away. Directions
- SHD Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Weyers Cave — 48 mi away. Directions
- RIC Richmond International Airport, Richmond — 95 mi away (major hub). Directions
Amherst is accessible by three major roads. Route 29 runs north and south through Amherst County. Route 60 runs east and west through the county. Finally Route 130 runs east and west and is at the southern end of Amherst County. Amherst Town is at the intersection of Routes 29 and 60.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
There are several fast food eating options either on Business 29 or less than a 1/4 of mile off business 29 McDonald's, Subway, and Hardee's.
There are many fast food options on route 29 in Madison Heights. Such as McDonald's, Arby's, Hardee's, KFC, and Dairy Queen. There is also a Pizza Hut across from Walmart.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
Amherst is accessible by three major roads. Route 29 runs north and south through Amherst County. Route 60 runs east and west through the county. Finally Route 130 runs east and west and is at the southern end of Amherst County. Amherst Town is at the intersection of Routes 29 and 60.
Get around
Driving is the major form of travel used by both visitors and residents. Mass transportation does serve sections of the southern end of the county. Biking and walking is possible, however the shoulders on the roads are generally small. Hiking is a popular option as thousands pass through Amherst County while hiking the Applachian Trail that runs north and south in the eastern section of the county.
Do
The Appalachian Trail which is in the eastern part of Amherst County, provides over 50 miles of maintained trails and shelters. The AT can be easily accessed for day and multiple day hikes via route 130 at the 'Foot Bridge' which crosses the James River into Bedford County and also route 60 at Long Mountain Wayside.
Eat
- The Briar Patch on Business 29 in Amherst is a nice bar/restaurant serving American fare for lunch and dinner.
- El Mariachi is in the Ambriar Shopping Center and features a Tex-Mex menu.
There are several fast food eating options either on Business 29 or less than a 1/4 of mile off business 29 McDonald's, Subway, and Hardee's.
- La Carreta is a local favorite and serves a Tex-Mex menu
- Country Cooking is a budget option for a 'sit down' meal and the eatery has a full salad bar.
- Pizza Wings and Things as the name suggests you can get pizza and other things located just south of route 130 and 29 intersection.
There are many fast food options on route 29 in Madison Heights. Such as McDonald's, Arby's, Hardee's, KFC, and Dairy Queen. There is also a Pizza Hut across from Walmart.
Nearby
Lynchburg
City / town · 63 listings · 13 mi away
Stuarts Draft
City / town · 7 listings · 31 mi away
Bedford
City / town · 12 listings · 31 mi away
Waynesboro
City / town · 10 listings · 34 mi away
Staunton
City / town · 34 listings · 39 mi away
Farmville
City / town · 18 listings · 41 mi away
Charlottesville
City / town · 104 listings · 44 mi away
Warm Springs
City / town · 4 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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