Shakespeare Under the Stars

Taking in a play at Jefferson's Poplar Forest is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!

Description: Outdoor venue for Shakespeare performances

Price: $12-15

Great for: Date night

Why it's a treasure : Beautiful historical setting

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Shakespeare Under the Stars takes place at Jefferson's leisure estate

Attending a Shakespeare Under the Stars performance is undoubtedly the most refined activity I've done in Lynchburg thus far. My fellow attenders were definitely the type who memorize passages of Shakespeare just for fun. I also imagine that they have wine cellars and never watch Netflix and have a library with mahogany bookcases at home. I didn't get all of the Shakespearean humor, but they laughed at every "joke." Like, belly laugh, LOL, kind of laugh. I think I left the play a bit more cultured (definitely by osmosis).

The venue was simply dazzling. Poplar Forest was actually Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat, a place he could go to imagine and create. And as the name suggests, the play is performed under an open sky in the estate's lawn. Attendees bring folding chairs and blankets, and picnicking is voraciously encouraged. Hooray for not being chided when you get the mid-performance munchies! The venue also welcomed several different wineries each night to sell a selection of drinks, a perfect addition to the evening.

Incredible performers of "Love's Labor Lost"

The performers themselves were spectacular. We saw the performance of "Love's Labor Lost," and they were a riot. Even my literature-despising husband enjoyed it! We gave this date night a 10 out of 10. The Virginia summer air, good wine, live entertainment...what could be better?