Discover the perfect blend of history and natural beauty in Lexington/Rockbridge County, Virginia. Whether you’re a history buff, wine lover, or outdoor enthusiast, this delightful region provides the perfect getaway.
I visited Lexington last fall with a group of writers, and what this Virginia town had to offer travelers just blew me away.
This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Attractions You Don’t Want To Miss
Explore the Natural Bridge State Park
Marvel at the iconic Natural Bridge, a geological wonder carved by nature over millions of years. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Natural Bridge State Park offers an easy, mostly flat walk to the bridge. The 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge, carved by Cedar Creek through limestone, is a sight to behold. Follow Cedar Creek Trail from the bridge, and you’ll be treated to the sight of the 30-foot Lace Falls cascading over the rocks.
When I visited, we had a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history and lush surroundings. I learned that Thomas Jefferson originally owned the park and wanted to preserve the nature and peacefulness he felt when he visited so others could enjoy it.
Interesting Fact: A real road goes over the Natural Bridge. Once a Native American footpath known as “The Wilderness Road,” Route 11 crosses it just like any other bridge. While this is a neat fact, it prohibits climbing to the top and walking over the Natural Bridge.
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Tour Historic Downtown with Lexington Carriage Company
With Lexington Carriage Company tours, you can step back in time and tour the storied streets filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Stonewall Jackson House to get a glimpse into the past as you learn about the history of this college town.
We enjoyed this excellent tour, providing an overview of the town through the residential area, the historic downtown and past the Oak Grave Cemetery shortly after our arrival. The guides were very knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories and facts about the town’s history, and each horse had a distinct personality. The tour lasted an hour, and I recommend reserving this tour before doing anything else in Lexington.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a scenic drive along the famous 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway. With breathtaking views and accessible hiking trails, every stop promises awe-inspiring moments. This magnificent asphalt ribbon runs from Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Dirve,” the parkway views from various overlooks provide unsurpassed beauty.
There are several entrances to the Parkway, and you can choose how many miles you wish to drive. The views make it well worth a few hours.
Enjoy a Tasting at Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery
Sip on locally crafted wines and beers surrounded by scenic vineyards and a relaxing ambiance when you visit Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery. We enjoyed a guided tasting of their wines. They have some fun flavors, including Jeremiah, named after the frog in the Three Dog Night song, Joy to the World. Remember the lyrics;
Jeremiah was a bullfrog
Was a good friend of mine
I never understood a single word he said
But I helped him a-drink his wine
And he always had some mighty fine wine
The wine bottle has a bullfrog on it. I brought a bottle of Jeremiah home with me.
Visit Washington & Lee University
Explore the historic campus of Washington & Lee University, the ninth-oldest college in America and currently a top-ranked small liberal arts school with a beautiful campus and university chapel.
Founded by Scots-Irish settlers back in 1749, Washington & Lee has ties to George Washington and Robert E. Lee. A gift from President George Washington rescued the struggling school in 1796. Robert E Lee served as president of the college after the Civil War until his death.
Fun Fact: Traveller, the horse Robert E. Lee rode in the Civil War, and when he returned to Lexington, is buried outside the chapel.
Learn About Military History at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI)
Military History buffs will enjoy visiting the Virginia Military Institute to glimpse military tradition. The VMI is the oldest state-run military college in the nation and ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report. VMI has the nation’s largest ROTC program, small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, and Division I athletics.
As we toured the Institute, I was surprised by the rigid rules the cadets had to follow and how their rooms were furnished.
I enjoyed perusing the exhibits at the Virginia Military Institute Museum. It was the first public museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia and showcases VMI’s heritage. The museum has over 20,000 artifacts in its collection.
Hike Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve
Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve boasts a stunning 3.7-mile gorge and the tranquil Maury River. Virginia’s oldest state-managed natural area is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and immersing yourself in the great outdoors. This 936-acre preserve supports several uncommon plants, rare species, and significant biological treasures. The views are spectacular.
Stroll Through Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm
Relax amidst picturesque lavender fields for an unforgettable sensory experience. I recommend visiting during the peak blooming season in late spring and early summer. They have over a thousand lavender plants in various shades and sizes. We visited at the end of the blooming season, and just a few plants still had blooms.
Tantivy Farm also has numerous animals. I loved the white peacocks, who strutted all over the place. They also have a small store with everything made of lavender, including bath products, lip balms, sprays, dried flower bundles, and more.
Tip: Be sure to have some of their lavender ice cream. I mistakenly thought it would taste like perfume. Instead, I found it utterly delicious.
Sip Wine at Ecco Adesso Vineyards
This family-owned vineyard in nearby Fairfield offers unique guest retreats, hiking trails, a wine pavilion, and wine and cider tastings.
When I visited Ecco Adesso Vineyards, we toured some of the private event spaces and enjoyed tasting some amazing Virginia wines. Due to rain, we spent most of our time on their covered porch gazing at the beautiful view overlooking some of the vineyards and sipping wine.
Dining Highlights
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the variety of Lexington’s culinary experiences!
- The Palms: We enjoyed fresh seafood and classic American fare in the historical setting. Many Washington & Lee and Virginia Military Institute students dine and hang out at The Palms.
- Globowl Cafe: This restaurant offers health-conscious fare and globally inspired rice and noodle bowls packed with flavor. I indulged in the Pollo Bowl with Salmon at Globowl Cafe.
- Heliotrope Brewing: A favorite brewery because of its rotating selection of craft beers paired with artisan pub fare, their beers are representative of the Shenandoah Valley. We sampled craft beer and various wood-fired pizzas when we visited Heliotrope Brewing. They even made me a pizza without cheese!
- Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen: This custom-built brewery and taproom offers creative dishes and craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients. Devils Backbone Outpost provides spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its outdoor beer garden.
- Gina’s Trattoria: For our final dinner in Lexington, authentic Italian pasta dishes and must-try homemade desserts were on the menu at Gina’s Trattoria.
- Pure Eats: Known for house-made doughnuts, breakfast treats, burgers, gourmet sandwiches, and baked goods, our group had breakfast at Pure Eats before heading for the airport. The locals love Pure Eats, a female-owned restaurant housed in a former gas/oil station. The baker arrives at 4 AM every day to make the doughnuts. I enjoy the over-the-top delicious maple bacon doughnut.
Where to Stay
The Georges
This boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Lexington on 11 North Main Street, offers luxurious rooms and refined service. It’s perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local history. Each of The Georges five buildings provides unique accommodations and luxurious amenities. I stayed in their newest addition, the Livery Building, which features plush bathrobes, luxury bed linens, and elegant bathrooms with heated floors, towel racks, and a soaking tub.
The Inn at Forest Oaks
A few of the members in our group stayed at The Inn at Forest Oaks. A beautifully restored historic estate with elegant rooms and a cozy guest cottage near the Natural Bridge State Park, perfect for a peaceful, picturesque retreat with six guest rooms and a restored cottage.
Lexington and Rockbridge County, Virginia, invite you to explore their rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and inviting community spirit. Whether wandering through lavender fields, sipping local wines, or walking the storied streets of historic Lexington, your Lexington getaway will be unforgettable.
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