Scenic Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County
A Weekend in Lexington & Rockbridge County
<p>There's a lot to see and do in Rockbridge County, which is anchored by downtown Lexington and its vibrant collection of historic homes, art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and up-to-the-minute boutiques. Washington & Lee University (W&L) and Virginia Military Institute (VMI) are also here. The county itself is home to hiking trails, welcoming farms, top-notch wineries and breweries, and miles of bucolic hills backdropped by gorgeous mountains. To experience the best the county has to offer during a weekend visit, check out the itinerary below.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Friday </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Noon</strong></p><p>Pull into the visitor center in downtown Lexington for a walking tour map and an update about what’s going on around town. From here, there are numerous lunch options. For a filling meal, step up to the counter at <strong>Legendary Eats</strong> and order one of their hefty sandwiches, which are named for legendary monsters. Sandwiches come with a side of sunshine at <strong>Sweet Treats</strong>, which has a deck out back. For table service and a varied menu, settle in at <strong>The Palms</strong> or <strong>Macado’s</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>Spend your first afternoon exploring downtown on a self-guided walking tour. An easy stroll passes historic homes and businesses in and around downtown. Pop into local shops while you wander. For a longer walk, follow the map across <strong>W&L </strong>and <strong>VMI</strong>. Check out the <a href="https://explore.lexingtonvirginia.com/guides/public-art-in-rockbridge-county" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Public Art guide</a> for a list of statues and monuments.</p><p><br></p><p>Other tour options include a Black History walking tour or a tour of the <strong>Jackson House Museum</strong>, where General Stonewall Jackson once lived. </p><p><br></p><p>Downtown galleries open their doors the first Friday of the month from 5-7pm for the First Friday Art Walk. Pop in for special exhibits and good cheer.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Evening</strong></p><p>Continue the good cheer at <strong>Taps</strong>, a festive pub and cocktail bar inside <strong>The Georges</strong> boutique inn, or walk to <strong>Heliotrope</strong> for one of their innovative craft beers. </p><p><br></p><p>For dinner, savor locally sourced entrees and impeccable service at <strong>Red Hen</strong>, or bump elbows with locals over hearty comfort food served with white-linen style at <strong>Southern Inn</strong>. Piano music accompanies the delicious elevated fare at <strong>Haywoods</strong>, located on the first floor of one of the oldest buildings in town. </p><p><br></p><p>In the summer and fall, join Mark Cline’s <strong>Haunting Tales</strong> ghost tour to learn about the city’s past – and its spookiest residents. In warmer months you can catch the double-feature at <strong>Hull’s Drive-In</strong>. Check the calendar at <strong>Natural Bridge State Park</strong> for monthly stargazing events.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Saturday</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Morning</strong></p><p>If you’re staying in a hotel near Route 11 and I-81, kick off the day with a coffee at <strong>Roadmap Coffeeworks </strong>on Route 11 on your way into town. Downtown, you can get your java fix and a pastry at <strong>Lexington Coffee Shop</strong> or <strong>Pronto Caffe & Gelateria</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>Saturday mornings are a great time to enjoy the county’s many outdoor adventures. Buy sandwiches for a picnic at Pronto or <strong>Blue Sky Bakery</strong>. Check the <a href="https://explore.lexingtonvirginia.com/guides/buy-a-picnic-lunch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buy a Picnic Lunch guide</a> for a full list of picnic options. </p><p><br></p><p>For an easy and scenic stroll with a bit of history, take a walk on the <strong>Chessie Trail</strong> beside the Maury River. Mules once used this former towpath to pull flat-bottom boats, called bateaux, up the river. The seven-mile trail ends on the outskirts of Buena Vista. Hikers looking for a workout and payoff views should tackle the <strong>House Mountain trail</strong>. Take your pick of peaks to climb – Big House or Little House – or tackle them both for one long day! </p><p><br></p><p>On a warm day, consider a paddle or float on the Maury or James River. <strong>Wilderness Canoe</strong> and Twin River Outfitters rent kayaks, canoes, and inner tubes and run river shuttles. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Noon</strong></p><p>If you didn’t pack a picnic, pop into <strong>Natty B’s Cafe</strong> or the <strong>Pink Cadillac</strong> in southern Rockbridge County for lunch. You’ll find plenty of options in downtown Lexington, including <strong>Pure Eats</strong> for locally sourced burgers and <strong>Globowl Cafe </strong>for healthy bowls.</p><p><br></p><p>For a scenic drive and easy exploring, spend the afternoon visiting farms and historic sights on the North Rockbridge Trail. Highlights include the <strong>Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farms</strong>, the <strong>Brownsburg Museum</strong>, <strong>Wade’s Mill</strong>, and <strong>McCormick Farm</strong>. Pull over for wine tasting and mountain views at <strong>Ecco Adesso</strong>, <strong>Jump Mountain</strong>, <strong>Lexington Valley</strong>, and <strong>Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery</strong>. Check out the <a href="https://explore.lexingtonvirginia.com/guides/a-day-on-the-north-rockbridge-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">North Rockbridge Trail guide</a> for a complete list of stops. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Evening</strong></p><p>Drive back to downtown Lexington for a casual dinner. Wafflewiches – which are sandwiches inside waffles – are on the menu at <strong>Brew Ridge Taps</strong>. Here you’ll find craft beers and a cider flowing from 18 taps, and there’s live music most Saturday nights. The lobby lounge at Taps, Lexington’s favorite cocktail bar, doubles as Lexington’s living room on Saturday nights. The Palms, a long-time favorite of W&L and VMI alums, is another hotspot. Locals fill <strong>Niko’s Grille</strong> for Greek and American dishes. </p><p>If you’ve got kids and teens in tow, send them to <strong>Tommy’s Arcade</strong> for new and classic arcade games. <strong>R/C State Cinema</strong> across the street shows three current movies weekly.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Sunday</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Morning</strong></p><p>For breakfast, settle in at<strong> Sunrise Diner </strong>just east of downtown. It opens at 7am. For a list of local brunch options, check out the <a href="https://explore.lexingtonvirginia.com/guide/lexington-buena-vista-and-rockbridge-county/110/Sunday%20Brunch%20Spots" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday Brunch Spots guide</a>. Close out your weekend with a short drive to an inspiring outdoor attraction: Natural Bridge. The namesake attraction in Natural Bridge State Park, the 215ft-high limestone arch has drawn admirers for centuries. The Cedar Creek Trail unfurls beneath the bridge and ends at a waterfall. </p>
Family-owned and operated restaurant in downtown Lexington specializing in New York style bagels as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches – all named after mythical creatures.
Sweet Treats Bakery, offering breakfast and lunch service, is also the place for wedding and specialty cakes in historic downtown.
Homemade soups -- fresh salads -- house cut steaks -- seafood -- poultry -- pasta -- great burgers and sandwiches. Sunday brunch. Full bar.
Popular for its eclectic ambiance of antique and nostalgic decor as well as hearty yet modestly-priced sandwiches and entrees.
Washington and Lee University Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, is a nationally ranked, small, private, liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of western Virginia. As one of the oldest schools in the nation, we believe in the education of the whole person, and value students who are intellectually curious, eager to engage with their communities, inclined to critical thinking and prepared to lead lives of consequence.
Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, is a nationally ranked, small, private, liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of western Virginia. As one of the oldest schools in the nation, we believe in the education of the whole person, and value students who are intellectually curious, eager to engage with their communities, inclined to critical thinking and prepared to lead lives of consequence.
Virginia Military Institute Founded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. Throughout its storied history, VMI has produced leaders and individuals whose daily lives reflect the integrity, fairness, and appreciation for the value of hard work that is instilled at the Institute. For the individual who wants an undergraduate experience more complete and transformative than an ordinary college or university can provide and more versatile in its applications than a military service academy affords, VMI offers a superb education.
Founded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. Throughout its storied history, VMI has produced leaders and individuals whose daily lives reflect the integrity, fairness, and appreciation for the value of hard work that is instilled at the Institute. For the individual who wants an undergraduate experience more complete and transformative than an ordinary college or university can provide and more versatile in its applications than a military service academy affords, VMI offers a superb education.
Discover the man who became a legend. The Stonewall Jackson House in historic downtown Lexington, Virginia is the only home that the famous Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson ever owned.
TAPS is our lobby lounge serving upscale pub fare. Menu includes craft beer, creative cocktails, salads, sandwiches, and snacks made with many of our favorite ingredients from farms throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Delivery available after 5pm.
The Georges Historic downtown Lexington inn with 18 rooms, elegantly renovated and modernized in the old McCampbell Inn and Alexander-Withrow House. Gourmet breakfast and 2 restaurants, TAPS and Haywood's. The Georges was awarded the Historic Hotels of America New Member of the Year for the 2017 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence.
Historic downtown Lexington inn with 18 rooms, elegantly renovated and modernized in the old McCampbell Inn and Alexander-Withrow House. Gourmet breakfast and 2 restaurants, TAPS and Haywood's. The Georges was awarded the Historic Hotels of America New Member of the Year for the 2017 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence.
We brew small-batch, artisan ales and lagers, utilizing Virginia and North Carolina malt and our own house culture of locally foraged, native Rockbridge County microflora. We aim to produce beers that are uniquely representative of our Shenandoah Valley home. Similarly, our kitchen staff create artisan pizzas and salads from local, farm-fresh produce. Our motto is Pax Soles Fermentum, which loosely translates to “Peace, Sunshine, and Fermentation.” This is referenced not just in our name, but in our logo, which combines the astronomical symbols for the sun and the earth.
Cozy destination serving a daily menu of farm-to-table New American cuisine in rustic-chic quarters.
With its welcoming piano bar and patio, Haywood's provides lively entertainment. Down-to-earth dishes – both small plates and large – feature locally grown, seasonal ingredients.
Enjoy ghost stories and a candlelight walk that follows in the footsteps of Generals Lee and Jackson. Meets outside of the Lexington Visitor Center. ONLINE TICKETING ONLY. May-October. Check website for Halloween schedule.
13 yrs. and up: $15.00
4-12 yrs.: $10.00
3 and under: free
The nation’s only non-profit, community-owned drive-in theater is celebrating more than 70 years of movies under the stars in Rockbridge County.
Natural Bridge State Park Natural Bridge State Park, dedicated on September 24, 2016, is home to the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge, a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge, however. Beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain. Surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. The park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, which means stargazing here is top-notch. Check the park calendar for stargazing events. Natural Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.
Natural Bridge State Park, dedicated on September 24, 2016, is home to the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge, a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge, however. Beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain. Surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor.
The park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, which means stargazing here is top-notch. Check the park calendar for stargazing events. Natural Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.
Gourmet coffee shop and cafe serving specialty espresso drinks, coffee, bubble tea, smoothies and a variety of baked goods and bagels.
Italian Caffe & Gelateria offering LavAzza coffee, espresso drinks, frappes, homemade gelato, pastries, sandwiches, salads & soup.
Fresh food and friendly service. Sandwiches on fresh-baked breads, salads, soups and desserts. Eat-in or take-out.
Wilderness Canoe Company Established in 1994 to provide a true wilderness experience for adventure-seeking visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Located only 5 miles from Natural Bridge State Park and numerous hiking trails in the James River Face Wilderness Area. We are fortunate to have the mighty James River flowing by our headquarters, allowing us to offer kayak, canoe, raft and river tube trips on one of the most scenic and remote sections of the upper James River.
Established in 1994 to provide a true wilderness experience for adventure-seeking visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Located only 5 miles from Natural Bridge State Park and numerous hiking trails in the James River Face Wilderness Area.
We are fortunate to have the mighty James River flowing by our headquarters, allowing us to offer kayak, canoe, raft and river tube trips on one of the most scenic and remote sections of the upper James River.
Home of Natty B Cafe and family-owned general and grocery store, proudly serving our community. Closed January and February.
Elvis memorabilia, an old-fashioned jukebox, 24 flavors of ice cream, and classic diner food -- we’ve got it all at the Pink Cadillac!
Pure Eats Pure Eats is dedicated to providing the highest quality, locally sourced food in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. We feature fresh, house-made doughnuts every morning, locally roasted coffee, breakfast sandwiches, salads and wraps, rich Homestead Creamery milk shakes, and a selection of great local craft beer and cider. Our legendary burgers, for example, start with the best ground beef in the world, which happens to come from our Rockbridge County neighbors, the Potter family of Buffalo Creek Beef and Donald's Meats.
Pure Eats is dedicated to providing the highest quality, locally sourced food in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. We feature fresh, house-made doughnuts every morning, locally roasted coffee, breakfast sandwiches, salads and wraps, rich Homestead Creamery milk shakes, and a selection of great local craft beer and cider. Our legendary burgers, for example, start with the best ground beef in the world, which happens to come from our Rockbridge County neighbors, the Potter family of Buffalo Creek Beef and Donald's Meats.
Globowl Cafe offers delicious home cooked world cuisine. Our food is primarily vegetarian and vegan, with a focus on organic and clean ingredients for a healthy lifestyle.
Lavender fields @ Tantivy Farm Our beautiful lavender fields and farm are nestled in the scenic oasis of Fairfield, Virginia. With a breathtaking view of the mountains surrounding our farm, you will soon forget the noise of the outside world. Take a walk throughout the grounds and enjoy the calming sounds of our hidden waterfall, and the soothing music of nature. Visit with our friendly farm animals, stop by our sweet lavender shop, and fall in love with our "Little Piece of Heaven.” Open seasonally.
Our beautiful lavender fields and farm are nestled in the scenic oasis of Fairfield, Virginia. With a breathtaking view of the mountains surrounding our farm, you will soon forget the noise of the outside world. Take a walk throughout the grounds and enjoy the calming sounds of our hidden waterfall, and the soothing music of nature. Visit with our friendly farm animals, stop by our sweet lavender shop, and fall in love with our "Little Piece of Heaven.” Open seasonally.
Brownsburg Museum Big things come in small packages. We take that to heart at the Brownsburg Museum. So why not take a little side trip to visit this historic village and community-run museum the Lexington News-Gazette deemed, “first class.” Call Julie Fox at 774-279-9742 for an appointment to visit. Admission is free.
Big things come in small packages. We take that to heart at the Brownsburg Museum. So why not take a little side trip to visit this historic village and community-run museum the Lexington News-Gazette deemed, “first class.”
Call Julie Fox at 774-279-9742 for an appointment to visit. Admission is free.
Wade's Mill (formerly the Kennedy-Wade Mill) Founded in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in 1750, Wade’s Mill is Virginia’s oldest continuously operating commercial grist mill. Today we proudly continue the small and simple Wade’s Mill tradition, with one miller stone-grinding premium grains fresh to order. Our whole grain products are 100% natural, no additives, preservatives or bleaches. Just genuine, stone-ground goodness in every bag. Come to historic Wade’s Mill to create your own modern small and simple, fresh and “free from” stone-ground grains tradition.
Founded in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in 1750, Wade’s Mill is Virginia’s oldest continuously operating commercial grist mill.
Today we proudly continue the small and simple Wade’s Mill tradition, with one miller stone-grinding premium grains fresh to order.
Our whole grain products are 100% natural, no additives, preservatives or bleaches. Just genuine, stone-ground goodness in every bag.
Come to historic Wade’s Mill to create your own modern small and simple, fresh and “free from” stone-ground grains tradition.
Home of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical grain reaper. Beautiful grounds, small museum, grist mill, nature trail and picnic area. Groups Welcome, Pets Welcome.
This welcoming farm, winery, and vineyard sits just north of Lexington in the Shenandoah Valley. Check the calendar for oyster roasts, paint nights, and live music. On-site accommodations too, with more than 300 acres to hike and explore.
Jump Mountain Vineyard is a family-owned farm winery. Our goal is to produce carefully crafted, European-style wine with a distinctly local character from grapes grown and processed on the property.
Established in 1999, we are a family-owned farm vineyard and winery located outside Lexington, VA featuring wines handmade in the Shenandoah Valley.
Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery On-site we have 24 different wines available for sale plus six beers on tap at our new small-batch brewery and tap room. We also have a gift shop and several types of cheeses, crackers, and salami for sale. The cheeses include fresh Chevré, cheddar cheese balls, and local cheese form Mt. View Farm.
On-site we have 24 different wines available for sale plus six beers on tap at our new small-batch brewery and tap room. We also have a gift shop and several types of cheeses, crackers, and salami for sale. The cheeses include fresh Chevré, cheddar cheese balls, and local cheese form Mt. View Farm.
Brew Ridge Taps is home of the Wafflewich and many microbrews. Bring in your own growler and have it filled with your favorite microbrew. – $10 Wafflewich special on Wednesdays Check the Facebook page for the most recent deals.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Greek flair. Come and see the "Nasty Greek!"
Tommy's Arcade is a community space where anyone can come to play classic arcade games and pinball. We also offer a couch-and-TV setup with multiple consoles available, and a library of games to go with them. We have more arcade cabinets on the way, too!
State Cinema 3 in beautiful downtown Lexington offers a choice of 3 movies and great food and drink.
Settle in for country ham, omelets, eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, and waffles.