Campbell County

If you have a chance to study the growth of cities, you will notice that they tend to grow out in certain directions, mostly along major roads. Around Lynchburg, a lot of development has taken place to the west, in Bedford County, along SR 221, where it has devoured Forest and is edging towards Goode, Cifax, and the City of Bedford. To the south and east of Lynchburg, in Campbell County, along US 29 and US 460, growth is occurring at a slower pace and in a different form. In Campbell County, residents have been able to preserve a rural atmosphere. Farming has been a traditional way of life and currently over 40% of the population maintains that lifestyle. Unlike the citizens of Bedford County, they do not have to build more schools or roads to new subdivisions. They benefit from lower property taxes and enjoy a high quality of life.

Three major developments are affecting Campbell County’s growth: Liberty University, Lynchburg Regional Airport, and Leesville Lake. Liberty University straddles the dividing line between Campbell County and the City of Lynchburg. In an effort to accommodate an expanding student population, more residential, commercial, and recreational growth is expected on county land. Across US 29 from the LU campus is the Lynchburg Regional Airport, which is in the process of creating an Airport Industrial Park in partnership with Lynchburg. This new industrial park has great potential because it is at the crossroads of two major highways, US 29 going north-south and US 460 going east-west. Toward the southern boundary is Leesville Lake, Smith Mountain Lake’s sister. The lakes are separated by Smith Mountain Dam. Recently, Leesville Lake has experienced growth due to increasing property values around Smith Mountain Lake. In fact, Leesville Lake now has its first planned community, Runaway Bay. Steep banks found along its shores and fewer access roads will minimize this lake’s growth, but lower land costs will certainly bring more development.

All communities have established restaurants and cultural activities. Campbell County has two eateries that standout among the competition. The Colonial Restaurant is located on US 29 in Yellow Branch. Known for its home-cooked meals, its desserts have ruined many a South Beach diet. Their pies will make you feel you are with your grandmother. Located in Rustburg, Jack’s Place has grown from a small roadside shed into a not-much-larger restaurant. Locals, however, don’t care about the size of the dining room. They come for an American hotdog or a Western hamburger. If you get there before lunch, Jack’s serves a great country breakfast. As for activities, Altavista has the most popular festival within the metropolitan area, Uncle Billy’s Day. This three-day event is packed with food, crafts, and carnival attractions.