Located in the southern Shenandoah Valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lexington and Buena Vista in Rockbridge County offer walkable downtowns with free parking and plenty to explore. Lexington’s historic Main Street and Buena Vista’s Magnolia and Beech Avenues are hubs for shopping and dining, enriched by the energy of nearby colleges—Washington and Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, and Southern Virginia University.
Nature within Reach
Wood’s Creek Trail, a 2.25-mile path within Lexington, winds along Woods Creek and through wooded areas. It connects to the seven-mile Chessie Nature Trail, a rail-trail linking Lexington and Buena Vista along the Maury River, showcasing diverse wildlife and flora. Just a mile from downtown, Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden offers birdwatching, a children’s play area, and fairy woods.
Buena Vista, an Appalachian Trail Community and gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, features Glen Maury Park, a 315-acre recreational area with nearly nine miles of trails, kayak and bike rentals, camping, and summer concerts. In spring, it hosts Gravista, a gravel bike race with two challenging routes: Stoked 60 (68 miles, 8,524 feet climb) and Worthy 30 (34 miles, 4,400 feet climb).
Less than 15 miles from Lexington or Buena Vista, Natural Bridge State Park features the iconic 217-foot limestone arch, hiking trails, disc golf, and ranger-led stargazing as part of its International Dark Sky Park designation.
RockbridgeOutdoors.com is your source for hiking, cycling, paddling, fishing and other local outdoor experiences.
A Town for the Outdoor Lovers
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in downtown Lexington, the county seat of Rockbridge County, with retailers like Walkabout Outfitter and Lex Running Shop. Just 1.5 miles west of downtown, Journey Outdoors offers kayaks and watercraft ideal for navigating local rivers and streams.
For those seeking a cozy home base for adventures, the Bed and Breakfast at Llewellyn Lodge is a perfect choice. Located less than a mile from downtown, the lodge provides easy access to Lexington’s scenic surroundings, and its innkeeper, John Roberts, offers guided fly-fishing tours. A short drive away in Natural Bridge Station, Wilderness Canoe Company completes the outdoor experience with kayak, canoe, and tube rentals, as well as camping for riverside getaways.
Tours and More!
The Lexington Carriage Company provides enchanting, narrated horse-drawn carriage tours through historic downtown Lexington, running from spring to fall and continuing into the festive Christmas season. History enthusiasts will appreciate cadet-led tours of Virginia Military Institute and the VMI Museum, along with visits to the Jackson House Museum, the only home ever owned by Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. For a spookier experience, Haunting Tales, led by artist and entertainer Mark Cline, delve into Lexington’s ghostly lore.
Just five miles north of downtown, Hull’s Drive-In Theater—a 74-year-old local treasure—offers classic movies under the stars, live music, and a 0.25-mile walking and fitness trail, making it a perfect spot for a nostalgic evening out.
Downtown Events
- The Freedom Food Festival, held annually on July 3rd, transforms Main Street into a festive hub with a chef-led cook-off and proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
- On the first Friday of each month, art galleries host receptions with new exhibits, live music, and artist meet-and-greets.
- Every Friday, Purveyors on Main and Lexington Mercantile offer free wine tastings to kick off the weekend.
Visit LexingtonVirginia.com for things to do, places to eat, and where to stay in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, VA.
