By Anthony Baracat
Photo courtesy of Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism
Ranked in Smithsonian’s 2013 guide for 20 Best Small Towns to Visit, Lexington proves the perfect getaway for Northern Virginians looking for a bit of history. This small Shenandoah town has claimed Civil War greats Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee as their own, as well as mechanical reaper inventor Cyrus McCormick. In addition, the city—a separate entity from surrounding Rockbridge County—is home to the Virginia Military Institute and boasts Virginia’s Natural Bridge. For history buffs, outdoorsmen and sightseers of all kinds, Lexington provides more than enough for an in-state weekend getaway.
Lexington’s Famous Colleges
The Virginia Military Institute, founded in 1839, is the country’s oldest state-funded military college. Known to be a tougher school than national service academies, VMI students majoring in any of 14 disciplines and competing in a number of athletics have a civilian option after graduation.
Scotch-Irish Presbyterians founded Washington & Lee University in 1749, creating a private liberal arts university that would last. Financiers George Washington and Robert E. Lee are the namesake of this gorgeous and prestigious university, packed into the city of Lexington alongside VMI.
Ettrick’s Virginia State University became, in 1882, the U.S.’s first fully state-funded, four-year university for black students. VSU boasts alumni such as NFL player James Brown and a number of other athletes, artists, musicians, politicians and professionals, and is a hub for Pan-Hellenic activity in Virginia.
Explore the Past
Photo courtesy of the George C. Marshall Foundation
Five-star General and WWII hero George C. Marshall is honored at the Marshall Museum in Lexington. Learn about the American serviceman through a biographic video, 1943 Jeep, narrated war map and Marshall’s 1953 Nobel Peace Prize. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students, free for children 12 and under.
In 1985, Lexington Carriage Company began as a tour service through the historic Virginia city. Since then, LCC has become heavily active in community events and hosts weddings and events at their grounds. Take an LCC tour on your visit, which views the Stonewall Jackson House, Lee Chapel, Lee house, Stonewall Jackson cemetery and tomb and Lexington’s two higher education institutions. Through Oct. 31, jump on a tour from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a 45-minute narrated ride. Between $4 and $16.
Commemorate the life and history of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson at the man’s former home-turned-museum. Located a block away from Main Street and close to VMI, the institution at which he once taught, the museum hosts tours of the house and garden, an annual Apple Day celebration and education. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Tours every hour. Children under 6 get in free, others between $5 and $8.
Inventor of the 1831 mechanical reaper called Rockbridge County his home. 128 Cyrus McCormick Cir, Raphine 24472. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free.
Ghosts, Drive-Ins and Natural Wonders and More
Photo courtesy of Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism
What better way to experience cool dead people than maybe getting a chance to see them? Take a ghost tour of Lexington, one of Virginia’s most historic cities, and find out the creepy tales behind the Jackson Cemetery and more. Reserve at 540-464-2250. Children 3 and under get in free, 4-12 is $6 and adults $13.
Since 1950, Hull’s Drive-In Theatre has been providing an old-timey movie feel in Lexington. Known as the nation’s first community-owned non-profit drive-in theatre, Hull’s—which accepts donations and allows children under 4 to watch free—the theatre features new and old films, NFL football games and even a Halloween costume contest. Children 5-11 $3, Adults $7. 540-463-2621.
Previously owned by Thomas Jefferson and existing for thousands of years, the Natural Bridge of Virginia is a nationally-recognized historic landmark. With caverns, a butterfly garden and a replica Native American village, there is no shortage of educational and breathtaking activities for the family. Stay and eat at the Natural Bridge Hotel and Restaurant, and don’t miss out on the wax museum featuring some of the nation’s most prominent figures. Bridge tickets range from $12 to $21, bridge & cavern combo passes between $17 and $29 and annual passes between $25 and $45. Toll-free: 800-533-1410; local: 540-291-2121.
As Virginia’s only drive-through zoo, the Safari Park in Natural Bridge is the perfect compliment to your Natural Bridge getaway. Over 1,000 exotic animals are on display in a three-mile stretch, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out camels, elk, bison and with a full-day pass. Children Free, 2-64 between $11 and $17. Animal feed available, as well as season passes. 540-291-3205.
This Buena Vista course boasts an 18-hole public entry with five sets of tees. Range practice, riding/walking and annual passes are available. One game ranges from $26 to $40. 540-261-GOLF.
For the adventuresome, GPS-loving folks looking for a nice getaway, try the Gems of Rockbridge geocaching trail. See how fast you can complete the 10-cache trail with online clues using a passport from the home page. GPS units are available to borrow at the Lexington Visitor Center. Make sure to pick up your commemorative geocaching coin when you finish! 540-463-3777.
Unwind
Stop by The Outpost, a mini-Devil’s Backbone pub featuring a brewing system, bottling line and tap room. Take a break for one of Charlottesville’s most popular brews! 50 Northwind Lane, Lexington 24450. 540-462-6200.
Check out a new Chardonnay or Vd’Or, two award-winning wines at Shenandoah’s Rockbridge Vineyard. 35 Hill View Lane, Raphine 24472. 540-377-6204.
Stay
Hampton Inn Lexington
401 E. Nelson Street, Lexington 24450. 1-540-463-2223.
Abigail Inn
408 S. Main Street, Lexington 24450. 540-464-1444.
Magnolia House Inn
501 S. Main Street, Lexington 24450. 540-463-2567.
Fun Fact: Rockbridge County is named after the popular tourist attraction the Natural Bridge and is home to the Goshen Boy Scout Reservation, opened in 1967.