Local Attraction
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Attractions:
- VMI and W&L: With
ancient oaks and grand historic buildings, the campuses of the Virginia
Military Institute (VMI) and Washington & Lee University (W&L)
are lovely places to enjoy an antebellum stroll. The VMI campus also offers The
VMI Museum, which chronicles the creation and development of VMI and
the amazing contributions of its alumni to American history.
- Virginia Horse Center: One of the finest equestrian centers
in the United States, the 600-acre Virginia
Horse Center is a beautiful facility for state, national, and international
horse competitions and events. Visitors can tour the stables, show rings,
and view steeplechase, timber, and carriage courses. Note: Entrance is
free, but some events may have a minimal charge. (540) 464-2950
- Cadet Parade: Most Friday
afternoons in spring and fall, the cadets at the Virginia Military Institute
march in full dress uniform on the school’s parade grounds. This
much-loved tradition of patriotic pomp and circumstance is a great spectacle
and a truly unique Lexington experience.
- George Marshall Museum: Located adjacent to the to the Virginia
Military Institute, the fascinating George
C. Marshall Museum chronicles the life and achievements of George C.
Marshall, organizer of victory in World War II and author of the Marshall
Plan. Note: The museum does ask for a donation. (540) 463-7103
- Lee Chapel & Museum: The great Confederate general, much of his family, and even his trusted
horse, Traveler, are all buried here in this lovely little chapel on the
Washington and Lee campus. The chapel museum houses many items that belonged
to Lee and his family, as well as the famous Edward Valentine statue portraying
General Lee resting on the battlefield. (540)458-8768
- Rockbridge Vineyard: Just 20 minutes north of town is beautiful Rockbridge
Vineyard, home to many fine, award-winning Virginia wines. Open May
through October, the vineyard’s tour takes you through the fermenting
area, barrel cellar, and, of course, the tasting room. (888) 511-9463
- Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery: Buried in this historic cemetery on the south side of town are Stonewall Jackson, 144 Confederate veterans, two Virginia governors, and Margaret Junkin Preston, the Confederate’s Poet Laureate.
- Wade’s Mill: Just a quick drive
down the highway, this historic site is well worth a visit. Wade’s
Mill, a historical 1750s grist mill, still produces flour today and
offers a truly unusual outing. You can see the behind-the-scenes workings
of a mill — and shop for gifts all in one spot. (800) 290-1400.
- Lexington: Listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, Lexington is
a small, bustling city full of history and commerce. With period architecture,
historical buildings, and exceptional shops, it’s a great place to
stroll the day away. Don’t miss the many wonderful antique shops
and Cocoa Mill Chocolate Co., our award-winning chocolate shop.
- Stonewall Jackson House and Museum: Up the hill from the visitor’s
center is the only home ever owned by Stonewall Jackson in his short 39-year
life. The Stonewall
Jackson House and Museum is furnished with many of Jackson's own possessions,
as well as appropriate period pieces, and offers informative guided tours
on the hour and on the half hour. (540) 463-2552. Fee
- Natural
Bridge: See the Natural
Bridge: This 90-foot-long bridge of rock is one of Virginia's most
cherished natural wonders and quite something to behold. The Natural
Bridge contains 450,000 cubic feet of rock and is estimated to weigh
approximately 36,000 tons. A bit of trivia: Rockbridge County is named
for this formidable formation. The Natural Bridge area also offers a
zoo, a wax museum, a drag-strip speedway, and a toy museum with a collection
of 1,700 toys from past and present. (800) 533-1410.
- Lenfest Center: The Lenfest
Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Washington and Lee University
campus, presents artistic events and performances throughout the year,
including university theater productions, operas, professional theatrical
plays, and musical concerts. (540) 458-8000.
- Charlottesville: Enjoy lovely, historical Charlottesville and
the homesteads of two early-American presidents — Monticello (Thomas
Jefferson) and Ash
Lawn-Highland (James Monroe). Charlottesville features terrific Revolutionary
War-era architecture and is home to the University of Virginia.
- Appomattox: Located in the middle of an 1,800-acre national park, the village of Appomattox
Court House is the site of the McLean House where General Lee surrendered
to General Grant to end the Civil War.
- New Market Battlefield & Museum: Housing the largest collection
of antique military memorabilia on display anywhere, the New
Market Battlefield Military Museum serves as a repository for more
than 2,500 military artifacts arranged in 125 displays. A section of the
museum (and the surrounding battlefields) tell the story of the Civil War’s
Battle of New Market, which took place in May 1864.
- Skyline Drive: Stretching from one end of the Shenandoah National Park to the other, the Skyline Drive portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. No matter what the season, the surrounding vistas are magnificent as the 105-mile road winds you along the crest of the mountains.
- Luray
Caverns: Luray
Caverns (60 minutes north on I-81) provides tours of underground wonders,
such as enormous stalactites and stalagmites, and natural spring-water
pools.
- Organ Cave: Organ
Cave (just over the border in West Virginia) is the second longest
cave on the East Coast with more than 40 miles of mapped passageways.
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Activities:
- Hiking: Chessie Nature Trail: Six miles of wildlife and wildflowers await you along this former railroad bed of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. Glorious limestone formations mark the path along the scenic Maury river.
- Carriage Rides: Take a Lexington Carriage Ride:
A fascinating foray back in time, the Lexington
carriage ride is 40 minutes of Civil War history and heartbreak. Learn
of Stonewall Jackson’s many life tragedies and the struggles and
triumphs of Robert E. Lee as you journey through town behind two trusty
steeds. (540) 463-5647.
- Horseback Riding: New
Meadow Farm offers guided horseback riding, riding lessons and cross-country
jumping (September – May), (540) 377-6169.
- Theater: Enjoy a Play or Concert: Brierley
Hill is a half mile from the wonderful Theater
at Lime Kiln, home to Shakespeare plays, historical reproductions,
and concerts. Housed in a former lime quarry, the giant kiln is still mostly
intact, providing a most unusual backdrop to this outdoor stage under the
stars. We offer a special room and theatre-ticket package during the summer.
(540) 463-7088.
- Fishing: Professional Guide John Roberts at Shenandoah
Valley Virginia Fly Fishing Adventures provides expert fishing instruction
and a fun experience for all levels of fly fishers. (540) 463-3235.
- Tours: Trek the Trails on a Llama: Lead one of these gentle beasts on a guided
tour of local wildlife trails. A water canteen, bird-watching book, and
lunch are included in the price. (540) 463-1962.
- Canoeing/Kayaking: Paddle the James or Maury Rivers: Whether you want the thrill of fast water
or the relaxation of slow, lazy paddling, the James
River Basin Canoe Livery offers options to fit your needs. All prices
include instruction, a detailed trip map, and shuttle service to and from
the trip of your choice. (540) 261-7334.
- Restaurants: For its small size, Lexington has quite a few great restaurants. Here are
the innkeepers' picks:
The Palms: 101 W. Nelson St. (540) 463-7911. This relaxed pub features
gourmet burgers, homemade soups, salads, and a wide variety of light meals,
as well as a full service bar. Open Mon-Wed 11:30am-1am; Thurs-Sat 11:30am-2am;
Sun 12-11pm.
Southern Inn: 37 S. Main St. (540) 463-3612 www.southerninn.com.
Offering casual, upscale dining, the Southern Inn has one of Lexington’s
most expansive fine-wine lists. The restaurant features locally raised
and grown products prepared from scratch daily. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-10pm;
Sun 11:30am-9pm.
Cafe Michel: 640 North Lee Highway 540-464-4119 www.michelcafe.com.
Casual, upscale French cuisine, fresh seafood and an extensive wine selection.
The Lobster Bisque is a guest favorite. Reservations required. Open Mon
- Thur 5pm - 9pm and Fri & Sat 5pm - 10pm.
Salerno: 115 S. Jefferson St. (540) 463-5757. Very casual, this family
owned and operated restaurant offers pizza, pasta, 42 different submarine
sandwiches, calzones, steak, salads, full dinners (pasta, chicken, and
veal) and the innkeepers' favorite — homemade rice pudding. Open
Mon-Sat 10:30am-9:30pm. Note: No credit cards accepted.
Tuscany: 24 N. Main St. (540) 463-94979. Casual, upscale dining featuring
authentic regional Italian delicacies
Need more options for fun and food? Click here for the Lexington
Visitor’s Center website.
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