The big red shoe at the Craddock Terry anchors the Bluff Walk year round but especially festive with holiday lights..
The Craddock-Terry Shoe Company had a rich history dating back to 1888 when it was founded in Lynchburg, Virginia, by Cornelius J. Craddock and Charles M. Terry. Specializing in high-quality footwear, the company grew rapidly and became a prominent player in the American shoe industry and a legacy business in the Virginia city of Lynchburg.
One interesting aspect of the company’s history is its connection to the Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation Building, which now houses the Craddock-Terry Hotel. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, this building served as the company’s main manufacturing facility. The conversion into a hotel in the 2000s preserved the architectural legacy of the original structure. The strong legacy of the shoe company endures through both preservation of its historic building and the transformation into a unique hotel that honors its industrial past. Part of that legacy is the continued commitment to the community celebrating holiday traditions and transforming stays into memorable experiences.
Welcome to the Craddock Terry for warmth inside and out.
From themed decorations to special events, the Craddock-Terry Hotel infuses the spirit of the season. Guests enjoy a warm and joyful ambiance, making holiday stays not just about fine accommodation but about immersive celebrations and shared traditions. We were fortunate to attend the most recent grand opening of the Bright Nights festival anchored by the giant City Christmas tree at the hotel and stretching the entire length of the Bluff Walk with festive lights and tons of activities.
Among the many light installations, these giant blossoms were a hit
Schuyler Clark, the Craddock Terry General Manager told the crowd he was delighted to host the 17th annual lighting ceremony along with the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and both the City Mayor and Santa Claus. “We believe in giving back to the community with numerous celebrations throughout the year. Of course, we will be offering a special New Year’s Eve package which will include a 4-course dinner for 2, welcome amenity and party favors. We will also be offering a Valentines package which will again include dinner at our world class Shoemakers American Grille.There will be more to come as we are working on Easter now.”
Lynchburg’s Bright Nights party kicked off with a children’s zone with a Dr. Suess theme.
Suessical characters hosted the Children’s Zone at the Bright Nights Festival
Perched high above the James River, the Bluff Walk becomes a holiday parade of lights
But the Craddock Terry is more than just a place to host a great romantic getaway or a family celebration. They also have programs with a heart like the partnership with Lynchburg Humane Society for the December 2nd (2023) pet adoption event which honors both the memory of their beloved and recently departed Buster Brown and presided over by the hotel mascot Penny Loafer.
Penny was also present at the Bright Nights festival where thousands gathered to walk the five blocks from one end of the other along Commerce Street filled with local businesses and children’s activities. The light festival is concentrated along the parallel Bluff Walk overlooking the original train tracks and the river where John Lynch first began plying a ferry back and forth across the James River in the 1750s.
Despite her name, Penny is not much of a loafer and loves to wander around the lobby at the Craddock Terry.
We’ll fill you in on more of Lynchburg’s history right outside the front door of the hotel and their delightful Waterstone Pizza restaurant in another post. For now, know there are wonderful boutique hotel experiences waiting to share their love of community out there – and the Craddock-Terry Hotel in Lynchburg is setting a high standard! Learn more about upcoming events and the hotel at https://www.craddockterryhotel.com/
