Lexington & Rockbridge County, VA: A Day Trip for Historic Charm, Craft Brews and Outdoor Adventure

An easy drive from Roanoke, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Richmond, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Lewisburg, WV, our scenic mountain towns are bubbling with southern hospitality, history, and culture. Charming downtown shops, incredible history, and great food make Lexington the perfect day trip. Enjoy a day of biking, hiking or paddling and then recharge with a great meal, local spirits, and meaningful time with friends and family.

Known for its incredibly rich heritage, Lexington is an American history lover’s delight. George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and George C. Marshall’s legacy and influence are evident at every turn in this beautiful college town. From University Chapel & Museum on the campus of Washington and Lee University to the Virginia Military Institute Museum, you can feel our rich and diverse heritage on every corner.

Change Your Pace, Change Your Perspective

Downtown Lexington, Virginia Shopping. Pumpkinseeds.


Don’t miss these adventures while in Lexington, Buena Vista & Rockbridge County, VA:

Unique Downtown Experience - Downtown Lexington is home to locally-owned boutiques, galleries, farm-to-table dining, and elegantly refashioned historic accommodations. And all of downtown is a walkable delight! Park at the Lexington Visitor Center and pick up a Historic Walking Tour map, then step aboard a horse-drawn carriage to discover downtown Lexington at a slower pace.

Downtown Lexington, Virginia Carriage Ride


Craft Brews with Stunning Blue Ridge Mountain Views - One of the newest breweries in Rockbridge County to hit the craft beer scene is Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery. Is it a farm or a brewery or a winery? It's all three! While specializing in the Belgian Farmhouse tradition, the brewery offer something different – small batches of high-quality beers using hops, fruits and herbs from their own on-site farm. GVFB is part of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.

Great Valley Farm Brewery overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains in Natural Bridge, Virginia


Outdoor Activities - Rockbridge County is home to beautiful, scenic hiking trails. Explore the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway Trails, Boston Knob, Otter Creek, and more. There are also city walking trails in Lexington and Buena Vista, offering less strenuous options closer to downtown.

The Upper James River Water Trail is a fantastic destination for those who love to kayak, canoe, and tube. The wildlife watching is grand, too, as both the Maury River and 59 miles of the Upper James River carry the Virginia Scenic River designation.

Natural Bridge State Park and the Caverns at Natural Bridge are iconic geological treasures that can't be missed.

For an animal encounter of epic proportions, there's no place like Virginia Safari Park. Feed giraffe at their eye level, walk through the free-flight budgie aviary to visit with birds, and see totally unexpected animals like cheetah and white rhinos.


Only have one day? Great! You only need one place. Start your planning your Lexington & Rockbridge County day trip today!

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