Explore the Best of the Mountains in Rockbridge County

Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County rose to the top in Blue Ridge Country's 2026 Best of the Mountains Readers' Choice Poll. 

More than 37,000 votes were cast between April 23 and July 12 to sort out which destinations, businesses, restaurants, attractions, and experiences across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are among the best. 

Plan now to explore the Best of the Mountains in Rockbridge County.

Platinum Award Winners

Best Outdoor Motorcycle Route

The Blue Ridge Parkway has long been called "America's Favorite Drive," and that goes for motorcycles, too. 

Best Outdoor State or National Park

We've known Natural Bridge State Park is a stand-out amongst any park anywhere, and the readers of Blue Ridge Country concur. A National Historic Landmark - the 200' natural limestone arch - is the centerpiece of the 1,635-acre park.

Best Sees & Dos: Theme Park

Spanning 180 acres and home to more than 1,200 animals, the Virginia Safari Park is an excellent place to spend a good portion of your day. Drive through to hand-feed the large animals, and walk through the Safari Village for more animal encounters, including feeding giraffes at eye-level. 

Best Stays: Charming Inn or B&B

Sweet as can be and welcoming to all, Sugar Tree Inn a rustic lodge off the Blue Ridge Parkway that offers both lodging and dining. To encourage engagement with your travel partner or a reconnection with nature for the solo traveler, Sugar Tree Inn has limited WiFi and keeps your room TV-free.

Gold Award Winners

Best Events: Summer Festival

Is there anyone who doesn't smile when they see a hot air balloon? We think not. Balloons Over Rockbridge occurs over the Independence Day holiday each year and is always a crowd-pleaser. The festival includes live music as well as food and beverage vendors.

Best Sees & Dos: Historic Attraction

One of Lexington's most amazing experiences is the Lexington Carriage Co., a narrated, horse-pulled carriage tour through downtown. The guide navigates a team of two horses through the historic district, making stops along the way to expound on bits and pieces of Lexington's storied past.

Best Town for Main Street Local Shopping

Downtown Lexington offers a robust shopping scene with locally-owned boutiques, gift shops, artisans, art galleries, and novelty stores. When you need a break from all the perusing, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are at the ready.

Best Stays: Cozy Cabin Rental

Tucked away in Northern Rockbridge, Wade's Mill has a historic school teacher's cabin available for overnight stays. It dates to circa 1820-40, and though rustic, boasts modern amenities to make your stay quite comfortable. Four guests can be accommodated; pets are not allowed at this time.

Best Sees & Dos: Place for an Agritourism Visit

While you're staying at the historic school teacher's cabin of Wade's Mill, you should definitely visit Wade's Mill itself. It's the oldest continuously operational commercial grist mill in Virginia and has been milling grains since 1750. Choose from a variety of freshly milled products to take home.

Best Outdoor Retailer

Walkabout Outfitter was founded in Lexington in 2005 before branching out to other locations in Virginia. Source all of your hiking needs - including shoes and apparel - from their Main Street store, and don't forget to ask for tips about your upcoming hike. The staff is as knowledgeable about the area as they are their products.

Best Outdoor Waterfall

Though not in Rockbridge County, Crabtree Falls is a short jaunt over the Blue Ridge Parkway from Sugar Tree Inn and is worth the trip if you're already staying in our neck of the woods. Crabtree is one of the longest cascading falls west of the Mississippi River, totaling about 1,200 feet over five predominant drops. Word of caution: stay on the trail and do not step onto the rocks. They are slippery with algae.

Silver Award Winners

Best Town for a Weekend Getaway

Considering all you've read so far, it should be no surprise that Lexington is among the best towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a weekend getaway. While we don't have it all, we do have a lot. Take time to explore our small towns and big backyard.

Best Town for Riverfront Living

If river recreation is your jam, Lexington is an excellent destination for getting on the water. Get into the Maury River from Jordan's Point Park, accessible from North Main Street.

Best Events: Foodie Festival

There are so many tasty events all over our area, but hands-down, the annual Wade's Mill Apple Butter Festival is the most flavorful each fall. Apple butter is cooked in a century-old copper kettle over an open fire and available for purchase.

Best Sees & Dos: Country Store

Wade's Mill really shines in the Best of the Mountains poll this year, making a grand appearance for best country store. Indeed, you can take home their stone-ground grains, but they also offer syrups, honey, molasses, and jams.

Bronze Award Winners

Best Sees & Dos: Country Store

In Buena Vista, Coiner Country Store on Magnolia Avenue is a great source for local and Shenandoah Valley products. They have a deli, offer smoothies, glass-bottled drinks, nostalgic candy, and much more.

Best Stays: Charming Inn or B&B

Inn at Brierley Hill is a comfortable respite with a great view. The accommodations feature king-size beds and fireplaces, plus some have outdoor seating, a jetted tub, or a hot tub. Ask about their cottages as well.

Best Town for Riverfront Living

The same Maury River that flows through Lexington also makes its way through Buena Vista as a tributary to the James River. Access the Maury, and therefore Upper James River Water Trail, by way of Glen Maury Park, which is also a great place to camp and get the full river experience.

Based on the number of votes each nominee received, an award of platinum, gold, silver, or bronze was awarded.