Location: Lexington
Top Things to do in Lexington
- 1. Virginia Military Institute
- 2. Lee Chapel and Museum
- 3. Washington and Lee University
- 4. George C. Marshall Museum
- 5. Stonewall Jackson House
- 6. Stonewall Jackson Grave
- 7. Visitor Center of Lexington
- 8. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery
- 9. Virginia Horse Center
- 10. Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery
Top 10 Things to do in Lexington, United States
Lexington, Virginia, is a college town rich with history, charm and natural wonders. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, its bustling downtown offers unique restaurants, artisan shops and galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain vistas on a walk along the Woods Creek trail or on a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. History buffs can follow the Civil War and visit the final resting places of iconic figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
Restaurants in Lexington
1. Virginia Military Institute
Overall Ratings
5 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By JonInIndy - Indpls., IN
Stopped at VMI on the way home from a week spent in VA. Specifically went to see the VMI museum.
The museum is free, although donations are accepted, and has a very nice displays that take you through the history of the establishment of VMI to the present. Upon entering the building you first encounter the auditorium (museum is downstairs) which has a large painting of the VMI cadets in the battle at New Market. In the museum the extensive gun collection they have is well displayed and also takes you through a chronological timeline of firearms. There are many historical items with descriptions of each which gives you an idea of the times. The hide of Stonewall Jackson's horse, Little Sorrel, stretched over the frame of a horse is a highlight. Different uniforms are also displayed. It was interesting to see who some of the people who attended VMI were. Not too large, but on two floors, you can easily spend 1 - 1 ½ hours in the museum.
We happened to visit on the day of the ring ceremony and saw the cadets polishing the "rock" ring and box the whole time we were on the grounds. You can get a guided tour from cadets (if available during your visit) or take a self guided walking tour.
Wish we would have planned to spend a day in Lexington to explore the whole campus (take the tour) and visit other historical sites in the city.
2. Lee Chapel and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 437 reviews
Reviewed By 627chuckm - Frisco, Texas
My wife and I thoroughly loved this museum, rich in history and personal accounts of Robert E. Lee. One can sit where General Lee, a devout Christian, worshiped, and can see his room, left completely undisturbed after his death.
3. Washington and Lee University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Established in 1749, Washington and Lee University is the ninth-oldest college in the United States.
Reviewed By bbeerbower - Peachtree City, Georgia
This is a small easy to walk campus. One of the prettiest Universities in the US so stop and take several photos. be sure to stop by the Lee Chapel and walk up hill to view the other college, VMI
4. George C. Marshall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
The independent Marshall Foundation perpetuates Marshall's legacy through scholarship, leadership and statesmanship programs and facilities (including a museum and research library) that offer a wide range of resources and materials for use by the general public, amateur historians, scholars and students of all ages.
Reviewed By erik f - Killingworth, Connecticut
On the grounds of VMI, this was a very interesting Museum dedicated to one of the best generals the US ever had.
It does cost money to go in, but discounted for students and free for Vets.
You could easily get caught up with the history and spend an hour or so in here.
Well done!
5. Stonewall Jackson House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Reviewed By adminnbc - Asheville, North Carolina
We love visiting historic homes and, while this is a small one, the staff is welcoming, friendly & knowledgeable. Knew nothing about Stonewall Jackson before the visit (except as Civil War general). Nice video to start and then tour was thorough and honest - some things are original, some period, some replicas. We left feeling like we knew the "man" vs. the legend.
6. Stonewall Jackson Grave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By AMiller121 - Columbia, South Carolina
A peaceful place to walk thru and visit Stonewall's gravesite. Beautiful plant life and wildlife. Great trees!
7. Visitor Center of Lexington
Overall Ratings
5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Ellen C - Herndon, Virginia
Dont pass up the visitor center! They will give you maps, make suggrations where to go and help plan a perfect visit. The host knew the town inside and out and she was incredible with her history of the town as well.
8. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Tia B - Morgantown, West Virginia
Visited here while in Lexington , Virginia. Civil War General Stonewall Jackson is buried in this small old cemetery. There is a nice monument of him where he is buried. He taught here at VMI before the war. His family members are also interned here. Parking is in the back of the cemetery. If you are in the area , also visit his home in downtown Lexington and VMI campus where he taught school.
9. Virginia Horse Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
The Virginia Horse Center is a 600 acre state-of-the-art environment for horse shows and other livestock events. The Virginia Horse Center has twelve show rings, including the 150' x 300' indoor Waldron Arena in the Howard P. Anderson Coliseum. There is a five mile cross country course, and such amenities as a campground, a restaurant and catering service with banquet facilities and a gift shop.
Reviewed By norm&val - Washington
Spent three days at the Virginia Horse Center with my horse. Stalls are spacious and barns are kept clean. The arena was well-groomed and had good footing.
10. Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By naturistcouple1234 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The outpost for devils backbone is more brewery than anything else. Those looking for more than just beer tasting should visit their main restaurant facility near Wintergreen. The outpost is a small tasting room. Their offerings depend on what they are producing. The tasting room has a few high top tables and a bar area and that's about it. They offer tours there of the brewery. They do not serve food. The outpost is really a place to fill up a growler or two and to see what they are brewing. It is often easier to get to than the brewery restaurant since the outpost is right off the highway.
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