Picturesque Autumn Guide To Explore Lexington, Virginia

Beautiful scenery

Natural Bridge State Park. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Near Lexington in the Shenandoah Valley is the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, James River, and the one-of-a-kind Natural Bridge State Park. Archeological evidence suggests that Native Americans were present in the Shenandoah Valley 11,000 years ago. When European immigrants began settling the Valley in the mid-1700s, settlers utilized a native American footpath called “The Wilderness Road” on which the spectacular Route 11 was built centuries later.

Walking along Cedar Creek. Photo by Jill Weinlein

When Thomas Jefferson discovered Natural Bridges, he described its beauty in his ‘Notes of the State of Virginia,’ as “The Most Sublime of Nature’s World.” He was so impressed with the natural arch, that he purchased the bridge in 1774, along with 157 surrounding acres from King George III of England for 20 shillings (that’s about $200 today). It was his hope that the majestic area would stay in a public trust as a park for all to enjoy. Following Jefferson’s death, this area was sold in 1833, and passed from one private owner to the next. It became a tourist destination for nearly 250 years until May 2013. Local communities passed resolutions (Rockbridge, Lexington and Buena Vista), and land trusts across the state and nation. The Valley Conservation Council and Rockbridge Area Conservation Council assumed leadership roles and hosted tours, helping Virginia State Parks acquire the Bridge in 2016. Over 200 years later, Jefferson’s dream of a public park came true.

College Town

Lexington is also home to two colleges: Virginia Military Institute (VMI), the oldest state-funded military college in the U.S. Cadets and Washington and Lee University.

VMI Student rooms. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Take one of the Cadet-guided daily tours of the VMI campus at noon through the impressive Gothic design buildings. Meet at the VMI museum to learn about this prestigious institution and its history throughout the years. General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and George C, Marshall are part of VMI’s heritage. Before the Civil Var, Jackson taught classes here. Inside the VMI Museum visitors get a glimpse of what the student barracks look like, as well as Jackson’s horse, Little Sorrel. Other alumni include filmmaker, actor and comedian Mel Brooks, actors and comedians Fred Willard and Dabney Coleman.

Little Sorrell. Photo by Jill Weinlein

The museum displays Gen. George S, Patton helmet and an impressive array of antique firearms. On Fridays at noon visitors can watch the Corps of Cadets parade on campus during their rifle drills.

University Chapel. Photo by Jill Weinlein

VMI alum Marshall was not only a U.S. Army chief of staff, but the U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Secretary of Defense. He is remembered most for the Marshall Plan (aiding the reconstruction of post-World War II Europe), for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

VMI on campus museum. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University. Photo by Jill Weinlein

This distinguished private, four-year liberal arts university has picturesque towering trees, sloping lawns, and a statue of George Washington at the top of one of the hilltop colonnade buildings.

University Chapel

Visit the brick Victorian University Chapel to learn about the connection of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. George Washington helped keep the college first known as Augusta Academy from closing due to financial struggles. He gave a financial gift to the school, and the name was changed to Washington College. When Lee married Martha Washington’s great-granddaughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, he soon became the presidency of Washington College, and served in that position until his death in 1870. General Lee’s tomb is behind the pulpit, and below his body is interred a floor below with other members of the Lee Family.

Robert E. Lee’s Crypt. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Outside the museum near the Lee’s former home is a stable, turned garage, that always has its door open. The story told is Lee’s beloved horse Traveler who was by the General’s side during the Civil War was a fixture on campus and lived in this stable until the day he died. The Lee’s adored this horse that they always want the door to stay open so the horse’s spirit is always welcome back.

Lexington Heliotrope Brewery

Heliotrope Brewery flight. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Along Main Street and hidden in this beautiful autumn landscape are family-owned wineries and breweries. One to visit is Heliotrope Brewery, its within walking distance from The Georges. The owners Erik Jones and Jenny Davies brew a variety of craft beers with as many local ingredients grown within a few miles of the brewery and source from North Carolina. The barley is harvested and malted in Virginia. Jones makes a sour beer called ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ and another called “The Devil You Don’t Green Chile Ale” brewed with Bloody Butcher corn and conditioned on roasted hatch chiles from New Mexico

These beers go exceptionally well with their sourdough crusted pizza. They also serve salads at this family friendly restaurant that is woman-owned and stands against racism and discrimination in all its forms.

Rockbridge Winery and Brewery 

Jane Rouse and Rockbridge Winery staff pouring a red wine. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Shepherd ‘Shep’ and Jane Rouse own Rockbridge Vineyard. Shep’s heritage in Virginia dates back to the 17th century. After graduating  from Washington & Lee University, he moved to California to obtain his Masters in Enology from UC Davis.

While visiting and workin in vineyards in California and Germany, Shep came back to Virginia with Jane to make a variety of wines from their 17 rolling acres of vineyards. They also source grapes from other top-quality vineyards in Virginia counties. Shep produces small batch, native grape wines with minimal processing.

When their son wanted to make beer and open a brewery, they built a brewery and tap room next to their wine tasting room. Now locals and visitors come in for a pint, a flight or bring in their growlers for a fill up.

Farmstay Ecco Adesso Winery