16 Best Things To Do In Lexington, Virginia
This 250-year old town boasts a luxury hotel, charming streets, and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Deep in the Shenandoah Valley, Lexington, Virginia, is a small town steeped in history and rich in pastoral landscapes. Driving through the hilly streets of downtown hits you with the diversity of the centuries-old architecture, while heading just ten minutes outside of the town limits drops you into rolling hills and Blue Ridge mountain vistas that are some of the prettiest you'll find in the valley.
Founded in 1977, Lexington is home to both Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and the presence of the universities no doubt plays a part in a cultural richness that punches above its weight class for a tiny town of just 7,000 people.
From strolling through the walkable downtown streets to venturing out to idyllic rural landmarks, including a working mill and a lavender farm, to staying at a boutique hotel that is worth a visit in and of itself, here's what to do, what to eat, and how to explore Lexington, VA.
What To Do
Pick Up Stone Ground Flour at Wade's Mill
Since 1750, Wade's Mill has been continuously grinding whole grain flour, making it the oldest continuously operating commercial grist mill in Virginia. Today, they continue to grind local and regional grains to make a range of flour, grits, and bread and baking mixes. Stop by here to pick up their traditionally crafted grains, or tour the three-story mill, watching the water wheel and milling equipment in action. Stroll around the property exploring the gardens, the Mill dam, and the waterfall that's just a quick walk away.
You can even stay on-site at the Mill in the historic School Teacher's Cabin, circa 1820. It was opened as a vacation rental in 2019.
Pro tip: if you're the first to arrive, you might get a chance to start up the water wheel.
wadesmill.com, 55 Kennedy Wades Mill Loop, Raphine, VA 24472
Visit a Small Town Farmers Market at Season's Yield Farm
Twice a month, the town of Lexington heads out to nearby Raphine, a community that makes a strong argument for being perhaps the most picturesque in the Shenandoah Valley. Everyone gathers at Season's Yield Farm for Bread Days, which is when the farm sells fresh-baked bread and baked goods out of the Bread Barn and hosts a farmers market. Get there between 10 AM and 2 PM for a loaf of bread, perhaps a morning bun, and, while you're at it, grab an iced latte—especially if the rose vanilla latte is on the menu.
seasonsyieldfarm.com, 165 Oakland Cir, Raphine, VA 24472
Frolic in the Lavender Fields (and Get Ice Cream, Too!)
You don't have to go all the way to Provence to walk amidst the lavender fields. Tantivy Farm is just outside of Lexington, and its stunning views of the valley and the mountains are rivaled only by the beautifully planted fields of purple blooms. Walk through the gardens exploring the different varieties of lavender, then stop for a scoop of lavender ice cream. The owner, Penny, will recommend you get a scoop of the lavender honeycomb—listen to her.
tantivyfarm.com, 1350 Decatur Rd, Fairfield, VA 24435
Go on a Carriage Tour of Downtown Lexington
For an overview of the history and lore of Lexington, hop on a carriage tour through Lexington Carriage Company. This is where you'll learn why the buildings downtown have first floors that look ever so off—the hilly streets were once dropped and raised to create a slightly more level landscape, and many homeowners' first floors became their second floors. You'll also ride through some of the architecturally prominent residential neighborhoods with homes that range from Federal to Victorian and beyond.
Catch a Show at Lime Kiln Theater
A turn of the century limestone quarry and kiln has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind outdoor theater that immerses guests in the striking landscape. You'll catch both plays and musical acts across genres here. One week, you could attend Hamlet, while the next you catch country-soul band 49 Winchester.
limekilntheater.org, 607 Borden Rd, Lexington, VA 24450
Marvel at the Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is a 215-foot tall limestone gorge that forms, quite literally, a natural bridge over Cedar Creek below. This wonder is the showpiece of the Virginia State Park that includes an hour-long hike through forests and the James River Valley.
Other popular places to get outside include hiking the seven mile Chessie Trail along the Maury River, exploring native gardens at Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Gardens.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Where To Eat
Caffeinate at Lexington Coffee Shop
If you're craving a latte, the cozy Lexington Coffee Shop is the local spot for a cup of joe. With locally roasted beans and a rustic ambiance that feels right out of a small town movie, this coffee spot is located right in downtown, perfect for a quick morning stroll.
instagram.com/lexingtoncoffeeshop, 9 West Washington Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450
Don't Miss the Doughnuts at Pure Eats
Pure Eats is a charming spot for sandwiches and burgers that lives in an old gas station, hence the clever take on the Pure Oil Company logo. You can't go wrong with a quick bite here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but the doughnuts are what bring people in every morning. Flavors vary day-to-day, but their classic cinnamon sugar is a daily fan favorite.
pure-eats.com, 107 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Grab a Sandwich at Blue Sky Bakery
Blue Sky Bakery is your quintessential college town sandwich shop. This is the place to stop for a cozy sandwich or soup. The Blue Sky Grilled Cheese, with pesto and bacon, is one you'll find yourself trying to recreate long after you've returned home.
blueskybakeryandskybar.com, 125 West Nelson Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450
Cut a Slice of Wood Fired Pizza at Heliotrope Brewery
Heliotrope Brewery is, of course, a great place to grab a local beer, but it's also firing up some of the best pizza in town. Try the Diavolo pizza for a garlic-heavy pie with 'nduja sausage or go for the Za'atar pizza for something even more unique. Not only are these pizzas wood fired, but they also come with the satisfying experience of cutting a slice with scissors.
heliotropebrewery.com, 128 S Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Savor the Local Flavors at Haywood's
The sounds of piano jazz float through the air as you dine on farm fresh local flavors at Haywood's, an elegantly casual restaurant right on Main Street. Chef Xavier Deshayes creates traditional dishes inspired by the region, weaving in produce from local growers and his own personal farm in the Virginia countryside.
thegeorges.com/haywoods, 2 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Enjoy Pub Fare at TAPS
Right across the street from Haywood's is TAPS, where you'll find locals mingling with tourists, all looking for a good drink and a tasty bite to close out the day. The living room welcomes you to take a seat and grab a few appetizers, while the dining room lends itself to a full meal. While they call it pub fare, expect dishes that are more elevated than your standard bar. The Virginia fried oysters are a must-order appetizer.
thegeorges.com/taps, 11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Where To Drink
Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery
Have winos and beer drinkers alike in your group? Take them to Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery, where you have locally crafted wine and beer all in a bucolic valley setting. Grab a flight of beers from the taproom, wine from the tasting room, then take a seat outside where the summer breeze chases away even the worst summer heat. Prefer to be inside? There's plenty of room to grab a table.
rockbridgevineyard.com, 35 Hillview Rd, Raphine, VA 24472
Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen
Devils Backbone Brewing Company, which got its start in nearby Nelson County, opened a taproom in Lexington, which then expanded to a larger facility with a deck that overlooks rolling hills and stop-you-in-your-tracks sunsets. Drink from Devils Backbone's extensive lineup of beers, or try their signature SMASH cocktails. If the now iconic Orange SMASH is a favorite of yours, make sure to try their version with a vanilla syrup. It's adult take on the nostalgic dreamsicle flavor.
dbbrewingcompany.com, 3303 50 N Wind Ln, Lexington, VA 24450
Where To Stay
Treat Yourself to Luxury at The Georges
Spread across five historic buildings in the heart of Lexington, The Georges takes its name from two recognizable Georges, both of whom are affiliated with the universities in town. Washington & Lee University is named in part for George Washington, and George Marshall, of the post-World War II Marshall Plan, is a distinguished alumnus of VMI. The hotel has 33 unique guest rooms, each of which are decorated in a style that has nods to tradition while maintaining a light, bright, art-filled aesthetic. The marble accented bathrooms, some with soaking tubs, elevate the spaces to perfect luxury.
thegeorges.com, 11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Stay at the Tallest Building in Lexington at The Gin Hotel
Known for towering above the rest of downtown Lexington at six stories, The Gin Hotel, as it's been known since 2020, is a Lexington establishment. It's a 1926 Art Deco building with a restaurant and bar that looks out over Main Street, perfect for ending your evening with a night cap and watching the town wind down.
theginhotel.com, 30 S Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Related: The 20 Most Beautiful Places In Virginia, According To A Local
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