Location: Lexington
Top Things to do in Lexington
What to do and see in Lexington, Virginia (VA): The Best Free Things to do
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
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Reviewed By SusanRoAne - San Francisco, United States
We visited VMI whose son is a cadet. We coincidentally met and spoke with both General Peay, the Superintendent as well as second in command. My host, Patrick Morin, was well-informed about practices, policies and history of VMI. We were able to spend time with his son and roommates in the PX and that was unusual. We visited the Jackson Memorial Hall and Museum, Saw the Stonewall Jackson House, The chapel, Barracks (though we had to stand outside, and the spectacular George C Marshall Museum. We watched the RATS walk the yellow line and cadets on their way to classes. VMI is our history and worth a visit.
2. Artists In Cahoots
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Unique locally made fine arts & crafts. The oldest member run art gallery in Virginia. Opened in 1983.
Reviewed By ksbtherapist - Silver Spring, United States
Lovely collections of local artists' works at reasonable prices! The artists work at the shop themselves, so you may be able to meet the person who created the piece you just fell in love with. Delightful space to browse even if you aren't looking for buy, although if you are like me, you'll find unique gifts for any occasion, including a treat for yourself.
3. Earth, Fire, & Spirit Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Beautiful and unique pottery, jewelry, paintings, fine furniture, and metal work from 35+ local artists. The perfect one stop shopping for gifts for any occasion. Birthdays, Graduations, Weddings, Christmas, House Warming, you name it we have the right handmade item for it. We are second generation ceramic artists living and working in Lexington. Come check out what's new, hot out of the kiln.
Reviewed By johnsT8709FV - Mountain Home, United States
All I can say is wow walking among some great pieces of pottery making it so very hard to just walk away with just one work of art you will also find glassware, framed artwork, and more for all your gift-giving needs or just adding to your own personal collection.
4. Stonewall Jackson Grave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By NRAGR
Stonewall Jackson's memorial is in the middle of this historic cemetery. While there, I watched a man suck on lemon slices and throw them into the gravesite area. There were other lemons and lemon slices lying there already in tribute to Jackson. There is a nice map as you walk into the cemetery that explains other plots of interest as well.
5. Lee Chapel and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By snowtraveler49 - Memphis, United States
back in the late 1980s/early 1990s, I had visited w/my mother & sister; this was my husband's 1st visit; I am distantly related to Robt E Lee & I met my husband when he was in Kappa Alpha (KA) Fraternity & I was a Little Sister @ a college in TN; KA was founded @ W&L, & Robt E Lee/Civil War figure largely into the traditions of the fraternity; the W&L campus is lovely (especially on a cloudy damp day w/fabulous fall color) & the Lee Chapel, though not overall grand, is striking when you enter & see the Recumbent Lee situated in the anteroom behind the platform/podium down front; our guide, Marie Shiraki, was SO knowledgeable & enthusiastic; we enjoyed the tour & also visiting w/her afterwards; the museum downstairs near the gift shop & actual Lee family crypt are interesting, & of course Lee's horse Traveler's grave site outside is a must glance; while anyone would surely be welcome, I doubt it would appeal to children unless they were old enough to have studied American/VA history pertaining to Washington & Lee/Civil War
6. Cyrus McCormick Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By karrrenbee - Fredericksburg, United States
We stopped here on a weekday morning because it looked interesting and was on our way home. There was one other family there when we arrived, and they were gone before we were done with our self-guided tour, so it was nice and quiet. It's a very low-key exhibit with a handful of buildings included, including a blacksmith shop, a grist mill and a water wheel, and a building that houses a small display with a model of the original reaper and some small model reapers, etc. The buildings are all kept up very nicely, with repairs done in an historically accurate fashion, and the surrounding area is pretty. There's a small picnic area near the pond that's on the grounds, which would be a very pleasant place to eat lunch. (The bathrooms next to the picnic area apparently close in the winter, though.) I'd definitely recommend this site. It was a relaxing stop with enough items of interest for everyone in our family, from our six-year-old to the adults. Even the kids who weren't as interested in the history of the Virginia reaper enjoyed crossing the bridges and looking at the water wheel. The tour is free and there's a small donation box in one of the buildings (mentioned only because I wish I had known that so I could have brought cash). It was chilly so we didn't go down the trail that's across the way, so I can't speak to that aspect of this site, but next time we're in the area I'd like to stop again and check it out.
7. Washington and Lee University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Established in 1749, Washington and Lee University is the ninth-oldest college in the United States.
Reviewed By MargoMcFarland
Even though our daughter graduated from here in 2012, we come to this beautiful small town nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains every chance we get, and always take the time to visit campus. It was a lovely summer afternoon today and walking the campus was the perfect way to spend it. It is everything a small university should be - easily walkable, tree lined, perfectly laid out, thoughtfully designed. And everyone wore a mask! Not typically something that would normally be important, but in these times you can’t be too careful and it was nice to see the students being mature and responsible.
8. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By 435ashlyw
Patton, Churchill, and even German General Rommel studied the tactics of Jackson. This world famous military leader sadly seems to be an embarrassment to some locals.
9. Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By lncclc - Saratoga Springs, United States
A friend recommended we stop here when we were passing through the area and are we glad we did. We had a perfect day to sit outside and have craft beer while enjoying a great view. Shrimp tacos were great, as was the turkey sandwich - good food, but go for the beer!
10. Visitor Center of Lexington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By 435ashlyw
Very helpful staff that went out of the way to help and suggest things to see and do. Sad some people of Lexingrton don't appreciate there towns history.
