Are you looking for the best & fun Things to Do in Lexington VA, Lexington is a charming city located in Rockbridge County.
This city is a historical town in Virginia making it a nice spot for history buffs to visit. There are many exciting things for visitors to do in Lexington including large universities, iconic sites, outdoor adventures, and delicious restaurants.
The city of Lexington is a great spot to go if you’re interested in learning more about the military.
If you wish to travel to Lexington with the family, there are some nice gardens to check out along the Maury River.
The fact that Lexington’s climate is consistently humid and subtropical, with hot summers and chilly winters, adds to its appeal as a vacation spot.
There is no doubt that Lexington has become one of the top-rated places to visit in Virginia. For a good travel experience, here is the list of the best & fun Things to Do in Lexington VA.
Best & Fun Things to Do in Lexington VA
1 Visit Miller’s House Museum
On our first list of things to do in Lexington VA is to visit the Miller’s house museum. Lexington is well-known as a historical city so visiting the museum will surely spice up your trip.
The Miller’s House Museum is committed to preserving this heritage, and it does so through showcasing and honoring the numerous roads, waterways, and trains that formerly run through the region. The museum is housed in a humble home that was built earlier in the 1800s.
It is the only structure that is still standing from the once-vibrant complex that John Jordan built. The museum’s dioramas and other displays will teach you everything you need to know about Jordan’s Point and the historic Rockbridge neighborhood.
2 Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden
The Boxer Nature Center & Woodland Garden is one of the nice places to go in Lexington to unwind in the natural setting. This 15-acre arboretum has a wide variety of regionally native plants and flowers.
There are three different gardens to explore: the Wetland, the Pioneer Forest, and the Established Woods. You can see hawks, deer, and frogs while exploring each garden.
If you’re an outdoor type visiting the Boxer Nature Center & Woodland Garden should be on your list of things to do in Lexington VA.
3 Lime Kiln Theater
Lime Kiln Theater is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. Since its opening in 1984, Lime Kiln has developed into a must-visit live music venue for fans of folk, bluegrass, and Americana music.
Throughout the spring and summer, you can see live music acts perform on the theater’s outdoor stage. Lime Kiln always holds a music festival that energizes the city every year. Spending an evening at Lime Kiln Theater is a guaranteed good time!
4 Lee Chapel and Museum
In all American homes, the name General Robert E. Lee is well-known.
Lee and his family attended worship at the lovely Lee Chapel and Museum, which later became a national historic site.
At the time, Lee was working toward becoming president of Washington College, which is now known as Washington and Lee University.
The museum retains Lee’s office in all its splendor and examines the history of the university.
At Robert Lee’s suggestion, the stunning Chapel was constructed in 1867 and 1868. Another special place to visit is the centerpiece inside the sanctuary of the Chapel.
There, you’ll find the Recumbent Statue, a sculpture of Robert E. Lee asleep on a battlefield. It highlights his extraordinary bravery in battle and pays tribute to him.
5 Washington and Lee University Campus
Over the years, Washington & Lee University has undergone a number of name changes. Its name has changed four times since its foundation in 1749 as Augusta Academy, but it has now settled on one that honors two persons who had a significant impact on the college: George Washington and Robert E. Lee.
The institution holds the distinction of being one of just three universities in the whole United States of America to have been designated a historical landmark in 1972.
Visitors to the campus may also check out the neighboring Robert E. Lee house and Lee Chapel and Museum.
This institution is a great destination to visit due to its numerous structures, which are dispersed throughout a beautiful 325-acre area.
6 Hike across the Chessie Nature Trail
The Chessie Nature Trail, a six-mile route, was first a rail path that crossed the Maury River to connect Buena Vista and Lexington.
Throughout the trail, you’ll see a variety of charming geographical elements, such as varying water levels, meadows, pastures, and woodlands.
Throughout the walk, there are also canals and railroad bridges constructed right in. Since 2011 biking has been permitted formally, adding another wonderful experience to this path.
Locals and tourists alike use this public walking trail as it provides a challenging yet enjoyable trekking experience.
7 Oak Grove Cemetery
The Oak Grove Cemetery, originally known as the Presbyterian Cemetery, is located on South Main Street in downtown Lexington, Virginia, less than a mile from the campuses of Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.
The cemetery was renamed in 1949 as the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery after the Confederate general, who was buried here in 1863.
Visit this well-built cemetery to pay your respects to the legendary general Stonewall Jackson.
Together with the numerous trees that have been planted, the area has a quiet lawn that is a lush, green place to sit and unwind.
8 Historic Stono
Stono is located in the Lexington Historic District. Stono, also known as Jordan’s Point, is a historic residence situated near Lexington, Virginia (pronounced “jer-don”).
It is a brick, cruciform-shaped home that was constructed in 1818 and had two one-story, two-bay wings on either side of a central core with three bays.
The front façade has a two-story Roman Doric order portico with a modillioned pediment and lunette and a gallery on the second floor. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Those who love architecture will want to visit this place and see the summer kitchen, the Ice House, and the gallery alongside the main manor.
9 Visit the Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Military Institute is a public institution that was founded in 1839. The Institute is the first military school to have been supported by the state.
Several illustrious generals, including Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, whose old residence is one of Lexington’s most visited sights, have strolled its grounds since it was founded in 1839.
The library is home to up to 15,000 artifacts and exhibits items that highlight the long history of the armed forces.
There are guided tours of the institute that are usually led by the student cadets, who are warm and provide great information.
The university has a museum honoring the lengthy history of its former pupils and graduates. Moreover, it offers a kaleidoscopic view of the difficulties that all applicants face during training.
10 Taste Local Beers at the Devils Backbone Brewing Company
Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company is another must-see attraction in Lexington, Virginia. The brewery, which opened in Virginia in 2008 and serves craft brews, is a local favorite.
The Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company was founded by Steve and Heidi Crandall to produce slow-brewed, high-quality beers as a result of a vacation to the Swiss Mountains.
The Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company has won the World Beer Cup and the esteemed Great American Beer Festival, providing those seeking evidence that they may possess one of the greatest beers in the world.
Their breweries have the slogan “Slow by nature,” emphasizing that all their beers are perfectly brewed slowly and consistently.
The ideal time to go to this brewery if you want to enjoy everything it has to offer is around Oktoberfest.
11 View art at the Cabell Gallery of Virginia Art
For those who enjoy the arts, a visit to this little gallery in the city center is highly recommended. You’ll find a variety of works from regional Virginia artists in the gallery.
Showpieces and other artistic objects like clay works, which are painted using acrylics and pastels, are also on display at this gallery.
There are paintings, sculptures, and even furniture and jewelry on show. The gallery frequently has new works and has transient exhibitions that showcase well-known and up-and-coming artists. Much of the artwork in the gallery is for sale if you find anything you like.
12 Cabin Spring Farm
Cabin Spring Farm is a must-see destination, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The Farm is known for the production of wool and fiber in Lexington.
Although Cabin Spring’s operations are tiny, there is a lot to learn and experience there because of the farm’s dedication to raising healthy fiber-producing animals and spinning their own unique yarns.
The farm is home to a number of wild animals, including five sheep, eight goslings, and numerous more.
When you visit the Farm, you would discover everything there is to know about raising healthy animals, producing wool, and even learning how to spin your own yarn.
13 Grab Sweet Treats at Cocoa Mill
For those who enjoy chocolate, a trip to Lexington, Virginia’s Cocoa Mill Chocolate Company is necessary.
The local chocolatier’s creations are delicious and suitable for consumers of all tastes.
There are many different sorts of chocolates offered at this business, including assortment boxes and truffles.
A lovely place to buy presents and treat yourself to something delicious is The Cocoa Mill Chocolate Company.
14 Lexington Farmers Market
The Lexington Farmers Market is a great place to get fresh, regional foods on Wednesday mornings.
Along with crops that thrive in October like beets, cabbage, okra, and many more, you will buy a wide variety of summer vegetables including tomatoes, snap and shell peas, green beans, and peppers.
The market also sells various seasonal fruits such as watermelons, cantaloupes, strawberries, blackberries, and mixed berries.
Explore a variety of goods made by regional farmers, growers, and food artisans, including Whistle Creek Pet Nutrition, Kelly’s Persian Foods, Paradox Farm, and Rockbridge Cider, to name a few.
At Lexington Farmers Market, you can be sure that the products are both excellent quality and fresh.
15 Sip cocktails at Taps at The Georges Hotel
Taps is a great location to have a drink in Lexington. The bar, which is a part of the boutique hotel The Georges, is chic and modern.
Drinks at Taps include bourbon, honey, and lemon combination as well as hard lemonade with a lavender infusion. Also, you may split bar foods like nachos, fries with aioli, and fried oysters.
16 Muchacho Alegre Mexican
Virginia and other northern areas don’t frequently have a lot of Mexican food options. Muchacho Alegre Mexican is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lexington which offers a whole lot of pleasure.
When you go inside, the first impression takes you to Mexico tradition, then the family service and the amazing Mexican flavor will leave you craving for a comeback.
This is Mexican cuisine at its best. Full bar serving classic margaritas made from fresh lime and agave. Weekly specials are provided by Muchacho Alegre to encourage consumers to sample new meals every day. The meat of your choice is used to prepare fresh versions of popular menu dishes including fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas rellenas, and taquitos.
Those just craving a quick bite might consider one of the Mexican soups or Mexican desserts, such as tres leches, xangos, or churros.
17 Play Classic Games at Tommy’s Arcade
One of the best & fun Things to Do in Lexington VA as a game lover is to visit Tommy’s Arcade. This entertainment stop is located on West Nelson Street and is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Your family may have fun there for a half-hour, an hour, or even all day with the variety of games and activities they offer available for all ages.
Play the original Donkey Kong or engage in a four-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles battle.
Check to see whether you still have the ability to play Guitar Hero Arcade, Big Red, House of the Dead 2, or Ultimate Mortal Kombat.
18 Pronto Caffé & Gelateria
If you’re a foodie type that is wondering where to grab some delicious meal in Lexington, head over to the Pronto Caffé & Gelateria.
This South Main Street coffee shop with an Italian flavor provides delectable pastries, handcrafted gelato, specialty LavAzza coffee, and satisfying grab-and-go sandwiches.
Together with tasty meals, the café has a welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding with a cup of coffee.
Sample their house-made LavAzza Coffee, LavAzza Espresso, or one of the various coffee drinks they offer, like Macchiato, Cappuccino, Latte, and Mocha.
As well as non-coffee options, they provide Matcha and Chai Lattes, Hot Chocolate, Numi Hot Teas, and Matcha Frappés.
You may get your gelato delights in various cup sizes, with a sugar or cake scone, or scooped into a waffle cone. For a unique twist, you can have your gelato soaked in espresso or Moscato wine.
Take tastes from filling sandwiches including Caprese, Turkey & Brie, Turkey, Bacon & Havarti, and Prosciutto & Provolone.
Moreover, Pronto Caffé & Gelateria offers baguettes, croissants, almond croissants, scones, and cinnamon buns if you like bread and pastries.
19 Enjoy a Movie Night at Hull’s Drive-In Theatre
Among the best & fun Things to Do in Lexington VA for couples is to enjoy a movie night at the Hull’s Drive-IN theatre.
Hull’s Drive-In Cinema, the only community-owned and non-profit theater in the nation, offers a night of movies outside. The theater is open from mid-to-late March to October.
You may also place chairs or blankets on the ground to give the area a more outdoor atmosphere. Want to attend while bringing a pet family member? The theater is pet-friendly and accepts animals on leashes.
At Hull’s Drive-In Cinema, the whole family is sure to have a good time.
20 Relax with a yoga session at the Center of Gravity
On the last list of our best & fun Things to Do in Lexington VA is to visit the Center of Gravity.
Take a class at the Center of Gravity to unwind and relax after a hectic day of touring Lexington. The facility focuses on yoga and pilates. In addition, they provide barre, Tai Chi, and other meditative and sculpting-focused sessions.
With beginning, intermediate, and advanced lessons offered, you may choose a session that works for you regardless of your skill level. Or, if you won’t be in Lexington for too long, you can pay for only one session.
Best time to visit Lexington VA (Virginia)
The best months to visit Lexington, Virginia are February, March, early June, and late June. Tourists claim that this time of year is ideal for taking advantage of all Lexington offers.
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