Things to Do in Lexington, Virginia
Two of Virginia’s finest institutions, one natural wonder, and a downtown that earns an afternoon.
In this guide
01 — Why Lexington
The Virginia college town that most people drive past on I-81.
Lexington sits in the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains — a small city of about 7,000 that contains two of Virginia’s most significant educational institutions (VMI and Washington and Lee), the graves of two Confederate generals who defined a chapter of American history, a 215-foot natural limestone arch that George Washington surveyed as a young man, and one of the best-preserved 19th century downtowns in the American South.
Most people driving I-81 between DC and points south see the exit sign and keep going. The ones who stop usually come back. Lexington rewards an afternoon or a full weekend — the kind of place where walking reveals more than any itinerary can prepare you for.
“Lexington is three hours from DC and feels like three centuries. That’s not a complaint.”
02 — Virginia Military Institute
The oldest state-supported military college in the country.
VMI was founded in 1839 — the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. The campus architecture is Gothic Revival, the parade ground is surrounded by barracks, and on certain Fridays the Corps of Cadets performs a formal dress parade that has been running in some form since the Civil War.
The VMI Museum
The centerpiece is Little Sorrel — the taxidermied remains of Stonewall Jackson’s war horse, which the general rode throughout the Civil War campaigns. The museum also houses VMI artifacts, weapons, and the story of the cadets who fought (and died) at the Battle of New Market in 1864. Free and genuinely worth an hour.
The Stonewall Jackson House
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson taught natural philosophy and artillery tactics at VMI from 1851 until the Civil War. His restored home on Washington Street is the only house he ever owned — now a museum with period furnishings and the story of a complicated, brilliant, deeply religious figure.
Friday Dress Parade
When in session, the VMI Corps of Cadets performs a formal dress parade on the parade ground. Open to the public, free, and one of the more striking things you can witness in Virginia. Check the VMI calendar for dates.
03 — Washington & Lee University
George Washington’s endowment. Robert E. Lee’s final years.
Washington and Lee University sits immediately adjacent to VMI — a liberal arts university founded in 1749, endowed by George Washington in 1796, and led by Robert E. Lee as president from 1865 until his death in 1870. The campus is one of the most beautiful in Virginia: columned brick buildings, a central colonnade, the chapel where Lee is buried.
Lee Chapel and Museum
The chapel Robert E. Lee worshipped in during his five years as university president. His tomb — and the tomb of his horse Traveller — are below. The museum tells the story of Lee’s post-war years in Lexington, a chapter of his life less discussed than the war years. Open to the public.
The colonnade
The central colonnade of the main campus — Washington College Hall, Robinson Hall, Tucker Hall — is as visually striking a college campus as Virginia has. Worth walking simply for the architecture.
04 — Natural Bridge
215 feet. George Washington’s initials are still in the rock.
Natural Bridge is a 215-foot tall natural limestone arch spanning Cedar Creek in Rockbridge County — 15 miles south of Lexington via US-11. George Washington surveyed it as a young Virginia surveyor and carved his initials into the stone, still visible today. Thomas Jefferson owned it in 1774 and called it the most sublime of Nature’s works. Patrick Henry, Henry Clay, Sam Houston, and Daniel Boone all visited.
Natural Bridge State Park
Now a Virginia State Park with hiking trails along Cedar Creek beneath the arch. The main trail is paved and accessible. Cedar Creek Trail extends further into the gorge past a cave system. The arch is best viewed from below, looking up — 215 feet of limestone overhead, Cedar Creek running underneath. Worth the 15-minute drive from Lexington every time. naturalbridgeva.com for hours and admission.
05 — Downtown Lexington
Washington Street and Nelson Street. An afternoon well spent.
Downtown Lexington is small and entirely walkable — Washington Street and Nelson Street form the commercial core, lined with independent shops, restaurants, and the kind of bookstore that makes you stay longer than you planned. The Historic Lexington Visitor Center on Washington Street is a good first stop for orientation.
Virginia Military Institute Bookstore
The VMI Bookstore sells gear, books, and souvenirs. The walking access between the VMI campus and Washington and Lee means the whole historic area is essentially one continuous experience.
Antique shops
Several antique and collectibles stores operate in the downtown area — worth browsing, particularly for Civil War related items and Virginia furniture.
The Palms Restaurant
The downtown institution — opened in 1906, still running. The oldest continuously operated restaurant in Lexington and a reliable lunch stop.
06 — Where to stay
Historic inns and reliable chain options.
07 — Where to eat
Better than a town this size has any reason to be.
The Palms
Since 1906. The oldest continuously operated restaurant in Lexington. Classic American fare, reliable, the historic option.
Pure Eats
Farm-to-table American in a converted space downtown — the best current-generation restaurant in Lexington. Good for dinner after a day on the campuses.
Haywood’s Bar & Grill
The casual downtown bar and grill with a full menu — reliable for lunch or a casual dinner, particularly on football weekends.
Marco’s Deli
Counter-service sandwiches and salads, popular with students and visitors alike. Good for a quick lunch between campus visits.
08 — Practical tips
What to know before you go.
Combine with The Homestead
The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs is 45 minutes west via US-60. Lexington + Homestead is one of the best two-day Virginia mountain combinations.
VMI parade schedule
Dress parades are not every Friday — check the VMI calendar at vmi.edu before planning your visit around one.
Football weekends
VMI and Washington and Lee football weekends mean limited downtown parking and fuller restaurants. Plan ahead or avoid if you want a quieter visit.
Fall foliage timing
The Shenandoah Valley foliage peaks in mid-to-late October — driving the campuses and Natural Bridge in peak color is one of the great free Virginia experiences.
Three hours from DC. Worth every mile.
Lexington is the kind of place that rewards the people who exit the interstate. Two of Virginia’s finest educational institutions, the graves of two generals who shaped American history, a natural arch that George Washington surveyed, and a downtown that has held its character while everything around it changed. It fits in an afternoon or fills a weekend. Either way it delivers more than it promises.