Perched at the junction of Interstates 81 and 64 with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, Lexington is anything but a pass-through town.
Nestled along the southern edge of picturesque Shenandoah Valley, this lively small town—originally an 18th-century stopover on the Great Wagon Road—quickly developed into an important crossroads and never looked back. With the founding of Washington and Lee University in 1749 and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1839, Lexington’s future was cemented.
Today, brick and stone buildings house contemporary galleries, breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants that—combined with several fascinating historic sites—provide ample options for visitors to explore.
If nature is more your speed, nearby attractions are plentiful, including Natural Bridge State Park, the Appalachian wilderness, and lavender fields in the pastoral countryside. Bonus: Breweries and wineries are located all along the way.
Here’s how to take in the highlights in 3 days.