Lexington, Virginia is an ideal travel destination for several reasons. With its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the nearby George Washington and Thomas Jefferson forests, the area is filled with opportunities to explore the great outdoors. From the Blue Ridge Mountains and natural caverns to the James River, you are sure to find adventure during your visit.

Although the Civil War was fought further east toward Richmond, significant confederate figures called Lexington their home and final resting place. In fact, Confederate General Robert E. Lee founded Washington and Lee University while residing in the area. This remains one of the oldest standing universities in the country. This is one example of many historical landmarks commemorating this part of history.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Lexington Virginia and the surrounding Rockbridge County.

Best Things to do in Lexington, Virginia

1. Catch a classic flick at Hull’s Drive-in

Hull’s Drive-In is a Lexington staple and an adventure not to be missed. Built in 1950, Hull’s is the first community-owned non-profit drive-in theater in America. Since it’s opening, volunteers from the local community have donated time and money to preserve and operate the landmark. Locals come here to catch one or both of the nightly featured movies while dining on greasy yet delicious concessions like hamburgers, popcorn, and mozzarella sticks. Whether you watch the movie inside a car, on a lawn chair, or on a picnic blanket is completely up to you. Whichever you choose, we would recommend coming early to pick out a good spot.
*This is a seasonal attraction so check the website to verify hours of operation

Hull’s Drive-in
2367 N. Lee Highway
Lexington, VA 24450

2. Visit the Natural Bridge

Rising 215 feet (66m) high and 90 feet wide (27m), the Natural Bridge is a wonder to see and is often included on the list of Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World. This bridge was once the sacred site of the Native American Monacan tribes and was later rediscovered by frontiersmen in the mid-1700s. It is said that George Washington came to the site as a young surveyor years before he would become America’s first president. So impressed by the location, Washington carved his initials “G.W.” into the wall of the bridge. In addition to the natural limestone archway, the state park also includes several walking trails which take you past diverse flora and fauna, a recreation of Monacan Native American housing, and the 30 foot tall (9.1m) Lace Falls.

Natural Bridge State Park
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge, VA 24578

3. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Lexington

Home to the final resting place of both Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, Lexington is a hub for civil war history. With museums, cemeteries, plantations, and historic college campuses, Lexington is a walk in time through history. The Lexington Carriage Company provides rest for weary feet, by offering a horse-drawn carriage tour of these popular sites. The company describes it as an “intriguing way to explore the 19th-century town, slowed to the pace and rhythm of hoof-beats.”
**This is a seasonal attraction so check the website to verify hours of operation

106 E. Washington St.
Lexington, VA 24450

4. Explore the historic grounds of VMI and W&L

After your horse-drawn carriage tour with the Lexington Carriage company, set out on foot and explore the historic grounds of VMI (the Virginia Military Institute) and W&L (Washington and Lee).  W&L was founded in 1749, and is the 9^th oldest college campus in the nation, while VMI was founded in 1839 and is the first state-supported military college in the nation. Located adjacent to one another, visitors are welcome to walk through the beautifully constructed campuses, while exploring historic buildings, chapels, and museums.

Virginia Military Institute
319 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450

Washington and Lee
204 W. Washington St.
Lexington, VA 24450

5. Take a peek at Stonewall Jackson’s stuffed horse

Little Sorrel (formerly known as “Fancy”) was not what most would consider a military horse, rather he was small and rather homely in appearance. Although Stonewall Jackson originally purchased the horse as a gift for his wife, he soon fell in love with Little Sorrel’s endurance, toughness, and supposedly smooth gate. He decided to keep him for himself and Little Sorrel remained his equine sidekick up until the Confederate general was fatally shot in 1863. After his death, Little Sorrel was eventually moved to the Virginia Military Institute where he would graze until he passed away in 1886. Little Sorrel’s hide was stuffed and mounted and is now on display in the VMI Museum.

Virginia Military Institute
319 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450

6. Tap into your zen with goat yoga

The owners of Autumn Ridge in Lexington recently added a new feature to their property, goat yoga! A certified yoga instructor leads the class through a gentle vinyasa flow while 6 goats jump, climb and step all over you. I know what you are thinking. That sounds like torture. Well maybe yes if they were full-sized male goats weighing over 100 lbs., that would not be so fun.  In this case, we are talking about a couple of pygmy goats who want nothing but to cuddle you, take a nap and maybe nibble on your hair a bit. Practicing yoga with goats is a unique and uplifting adventure that we highly recommend. To read more about our own experience with the pygmy goats of Autumn Ridge, check out our article “Downward Dog to Upward Goat: Goat Yoga at Autumn Ridge“.

Autumn Ridge Cottages
Autumn Ridge Lane
Lexington, VA 24450

7. Investigate Poor House Tunnel, if you dare

The Poor House Road Tunnel has drawn the attention of paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers due to its tragic reputation and consequent hauntings. The tunnel was built in1900sarly 1900’s as part of a railway connecting Staunton and Lexington. During the early 20th century, it became the site of several lynchings followed by a number of alleged murders. Visitors report seeing ghostly shadows on the tunnel walls and hearing disembodied voices calling out “come on, come on”. Others report the appearance of hand prints on cars, fog mysteriously appearing in photographs when there was none at the time of the picture. A large number of paranormal experts confirm that it is indeed haunted. Do you dare explore the tunnel for yourself?

64 Poor House Rd.
Lexington, VA 24450

More Things to do Near Lexington

8. Get wild at the Virginia Safari Park

Who would have thought you could go on a wild safari in the middle of Rockbridge County, Virginia? Virginia Safari Park has been voted one of the “Top 10 animal attractions in the US” by Family Fun magazine, and for good reason. This is a one-of-a-kind experience to interact with a variety of animals, including elk, buffalo, ostriches, and llamas. Drive through the 180-acre enclosure where you can observe free-roaming animals frolic about, play in mud puddles, and sunbathe. Many will come up to your window for a bite to eat from your food bucket (which is provided at the front gate for a nominal cost).

In addition to the drive-through safari, the park also has a walk through “village” which includes spider monkeys, penguins, kangaroos, and opportunities to hand-feed giraffes and goats. Be sure not to miss the Budgie Aviary on your way out. This large enclosed area is home to about 200 Australian Budgie birds who are eager to flock to your arm, shoulder, or even the top of your head. Visitors can purchase a “Budgie stick” at the front gate to feed these little guys. For tips on visiting the park, be sure to check out our article “Virginia Safari Park: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Virginia“.

Virginia Safari Park
229 Safari Lane
Natural Bridge, VA 24578

9. Drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which extends from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Along the 269 mile stretch, the speed limit is set at 45 mph and large trucks are prohibited from driving on the parkway. This helps to ensure that visitors can enjoy a slow drive along the ridge while taking in the beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding valleys. With an entrance to the parkway both in Buena Vista (Humphrey’s Gap) and Natural Bridge (Otter Creek), there are 2 nearby options for hopping onto the parkway for an afternoon drive. If you are looking for a night time adventure, drive up to the parkway at night for an impressive view of the stars.
*The parkway is subject to harsh weather conditions so be sure to check the website for closures.

10. Step back in time at Natural Bridge Station

We discovered this gem completely on accident while exploring the area. Following Lloyd Tolley Rd. toward the James River, the road rounds about a curve opening up to a property that transports you back in time. An old-school gas pump and general store is the first building you pass. Situated next door is an old hotel, ice cream parlor, and pub. The entire strip of vintage buildings is dotted with classic cars from the ’50s. The most surprising thing about this property is that it is not a commercial business at all.

We had the luck of meeting the property owner who was outside working on a restored step-side pickup. He explained that he had spent decades as a collector. In his retirement, he purchased this property and assembled his collection as a hobby. He invited us into the general store which is set up as an exact replica of one that you would have seen in the 1950s. The kitchen and ice cream parlor is fully stocked with furniture, lighting, and appliances of the time. The level of detail and historical accuracy is so incredibly impressive. As mentioned, the property itself is not generally open to the public, but the road is. Therefore, you are free to drive right up to the strip of vintage shops and snap a picture or two.

Lloyd Tolley Rd.
Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579

11. Battle dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Kingdom

From the same creator as Foam Hedge, comes the wacky yet entertaining road-side attraction Dinosaur Kingdom II. This “theme park” combines civil war history with prehistoric creatures where you might see Abe Lincoln lassoing a Pteranodon or Stonewall Jackson battling a spinosaurus. While admittedly cheesy, Dinosaur Kingdom is an entertaining adventure to remember.
*This is a seasonal attraction so check the website to verify hours of operation

Dinosaur Kingdom II
5781 S. Lee Highway
Natural Bridge, Virginia

12. Sneak into the old courthouse jail

Few people know that the Buena Vista Public Library has a block of dark abandoned jail cells hidden away. The building was built in 1890 as a courthouse, complete with numerous holding cells. When the library occupied the building in 1971, they renovated the front portion but left the holding cells as they were. There is now only a large door separating the bright and renovated library from the dark and dusty block of cells.

We discovered this hidden piece of history when we attended a trivia night at the very same library. The librarian told us about the history of the building and the jail cells where an officer named Matt Beard was murdered years ago. They invited us to take a look behind the locked door so we agreed. With no working lights in that portion of the building, we explored the cells with only the light of our phones. I am not going to lie, I was creeped out and was more than happy to return to the lit side of the building. This is not generally open to the public, but if you ask nicely they might let you take a peek.

Buena Vista Public Library
2110 Magnolia Avenue
Buena Vista, VA 24416

Where to Stay in Lexington, Virginia

The Gin Hotel (formerly the Robert E. Lee Hotel) is Lexington’s premier boutique hotel. Built in 1926 and located along Lexington’s historic Main Street, the Gin Hotel has become a recognizable landmark. The vibe of the hotel can be described as classic art-deco combined with elements of modern luxury. In room, guests will enjoy cozy linens and high ceilings. Around the property, guests are treated to additional amenities such as complimentary deluxe breakfast and coffee all day.

Stonegate is a cozy 5-bedroom bed and breakfast located just a few blocks away from Lexington’s historic downtown. The property is decorated in a Victorian style with rich colors, beautiful patterns, and detailed accents. It is truly one of the most beautiful hotels in Lexington.

(Our Unique Stay Pick) South River Highlands is a stunning property just south of Lexington in Buena Vista, Virginia. Located on a 250 acre farm with incredible bucolic views, it is an ideal location to escape and relax. The property is a popular retreat for those practicing yoga and meditation. The authentic log cabins are also ideal for those seeking a romantic getaway.

The lodge and newly restored dairy barn are open to large groups seeking an intimate getaway surrounded by the sights and sounds of the country. Scott and I fell in love with this venue and decided to host our wedding at South River Highlands. We have since stayed in 3 of the 5 cabins on the property and have every intention of returning again.

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