Escape To Lexington For A Unique Couples Trip

When I travel for business, it’s usually alone. So, imagine my delight when Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism invited my husband and myself for a tour of small-town Virginia. Taking the state’s motto into consideration, what better way is there to tour the town? Here we offer both our combined and separate takes on a lovely tour organized by Geiger PR.

1. Natural Bridge State Park 

©Madison Morgan

Natural Bridge took the long road to becoming a state park. If it hadn’t caught the attention of a future American president, it may not have existed as the natural wonder it is now. 

Thomas Jefferson is believed to have seen Natural Bridge in the late 1760s. So impressed by it was Jefferson that he took out a land warrant in 1773 and purchased the limestone gorge and 157 acres surrounding it for $16, or about $160 in today’s money. Oddly, the deed made no mention of the bridge.

Studies of Jefferson’s papers indicate that at one time, Jefferson hoped to build “a little hermitage” where he might spend part of every year. But that never materialized, and the bridge was sold after his death, becoming a tourist attraction and seeing 250 years in private ownership before being acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2016. 

Today, it retains its natural form and is a peaceful respite for discovery.  

This 215-foot-tall natural bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek and showcases the terrain of mountain vistas, lush forests and rolling meadows. Access 10 miles of hiking trails that begin at the visitors’ center and culminate in Lace Falls. Along the way, you’ll find a saltpeter cave and the Lost River, where you can splash your hands or feet in ice-cold water for a refreshing pick-me-up. 

David: “The state of Virginia has rescued Natural Bridge from the kitsch that afflicted it during my childhood. It’s now a must-see.”

Jennifer: “Be sure to explore Natural Bridge from every perspective. One of the best views can be had by looking up.”

©Sara Petras Photography

2. The Georges  

Made up of five historic buildings—among the oldest surviving in the area—The Georges is a study in grace and distinction. Each of its 33 guest rooms is custom designed with modern and luxurious furnishings. You may never feel like leaving your room! 

The Washington Building serves as your introduction to the hotel—be sure to take a walk through before you leave town, it’s one of the longest-standing  structures in Lexington and is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. A great time to explore is before or after breakfast—order your breakfast the night before and enjoy it inside the Washington’s graceful TAPS bar before getting on with your day.  

We stayed in The Livery, the newest of the buildings, and it didn’t disappoint. Four-poster beds, overstuffed chairs and soaking tubs are the calling card of the building, which fronts directly onto Main Street. There were times we were tempted to stay inside and indulge in its luxuries, but so many good things await just outside the door. 

David “Orphans of Hurricane Helene, we found a home away from home at The Georges.” 

Jennifer “Don’t overlook the towel warmer in the bathroom. It’s a game changer.” 

©Chris Weisler

3. Tantivy Lavender Farm 

One of the most soothing destinations in Lexington lies just 10 minutes outside downtown. When Brian and Penny Ross retired from successful careers in the horse show industry, they purchased this peaceful, 54-acre lavender field. Starting off with 360 plants, the farm now boasts more than 1,200 plants. There are also several themed gardens to attract pollinators.

But one of the best parts of the farm is its furry and feathered friends. At Tantivy, you’ll find miniature donkeys, horses, sheep, peacocks and many other adorable animals. If you ask nicely, Brian and Penny may just let you meet them up-close and personal. 

Beyond the farms, take a forest trail to a secluded waterfall for some “we time” and have a picnic. 

David “Take some time to get acquainted with the mini donkeys.” 

Jennifer “Stock up on lavender essentials—soaps, balms and sachets—in the gift store, and don’t leave without trying a scoop of lavender ice cream.”  

©Chris Weisler

4. Downtown Lexington Shopping 

 Lexington is a walkable town, and while you’re doing all that walking, there are plenty of mom-and-pop shops to duck into. Find great artisan wares at Artists in Cahoots, a wonderful way to shop local (it isn’t just one day in November!). Earth, Fire and Spirit Pottery has both functional and decorative pieces, while those who want to create for themselves can pick up supplies at House Mountain Yarn Co. 

Need something for your best friend? The Lexington Pet Place obliges. And bibliophiles will find nirvana at Downtown Books and The Bookery.

David “You’ll find just as many outfitters here as you will gift shops—finally, some man-friendly shopping!”

Jennifer “Wisconsin isn’t the only state in which you’ll find great cheese. Check out the selections at Cheese to You.”

©Steve Shires

5. Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve

Another drive worth taking is one to visit the Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve. It offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, from a lookout point on the way in or at a stream bed you can walk through during the fall. 

The oldest state-managed natural area in Virginia, Goshen Pass was formed over millions of years as the Maury River cut down through rock while, at the same time, the land surface rose. It was once part of a large inland sea that accumulated sediments and eventually became shale, sandstone and limestone. When the water is at full depth, it’s a popular spot for kayaking. 

Rare species can be found here: keep your eye out for the Appalachian jewel-wing damselfly (a relative to the dragonfly), and, closer to the ground, rare freshwater cordgrass. Mixed oak forests include white, black and scarlet oaks, along with various hickories. Go get lost in the woods and reacquaint yourself with nature while holding hands. 

David “It’s a sylvan haven of peace and quiet, with nothing to disturb you save the rippling of the river.”  

Jennifer “Be at one with nature as you close your eyes to listen to the forest sounds and run your hands through the water.”  

©Rockbridge Regional Tourism

A Couples’ Guide to Lexington: In History’s Footsteps | David’s Biggest Takeaway

Although Lexington, Virginia, doesn’t live in the past, history is inescapable in this timeless town. Known to many as “the Valhalla of the South,” it enshrines secular gods from the Founding Fathers to World War II military heroes.

The names of rebel generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson are also forever intertwined with Lexington. Before the Civil War, Jackson taught at Virginia Military Institute, though was not a popular teacher. After the conflict, the defeated Lee would serve as president of then-Washington College until his death, expanded the school’s journalism curriculum and introduced an honor system. He, in fact, was popular with his student body.

Ideally, one’s visit to Lexington should begin with a horse-drawn carriage tour of the small city. This subtly puts you in a 19th century frame of mind, the gentle clop-clop of horses’ hooves punctuating your tour guide’s spirit spiel on the storied legacy of Lexington’s leafy streets.

Not only do the renamed Washington College, now Washington & Lee University, and VMI sit cheek-by-jowl on the outskirts of town, both feature walking tours which enlighten one as to their storied pasts. You’ll get a glimpse on the carriage ride, but both are worthy of further exploration.

The centerpiece of the rebuilt VMI is the chapel, dominated by a dramatic oil painting of the Institute’s cadets repelling a Union charge at the 1864 Battle of New Market, a seminal event in the school’s lore. Deep in the catacombs of the chapel is the VMI museum, a dazzling repository of historic weapons, uniforms and school memorabilia.

Among the exhibits you will find the taxidermy corpse of Jackson’s horse, Little Sorell, the undersized mount who bore him from Bull Run to Chancellorsville and many other battles. Although wounded when Jackson was at Chancellorsville, Little Sorell (unlike her rider) made a full recovery, and lived out a lengthy retirement before being stuffed and mounted at VMI.

A cannonball’s lob away is the Washington & Lee campus, where one crosses the path of yet another American deity, the Father of his Country no less: George Washington. When what would become Washington & Lee was but a struggling little school, Washington propped its finances with a gift of stock shares. Wisely invested, those transportation stocks continue to pay dividends today, helping to underwrite Washington & Lee’s academic endeavors.

George Washington still surveys the Washington & Lee grounds from atop a row of impressive, Federalist school buildings collectively known as The Colonnade. Across the leafy greensward is the school chapel and, in between, a statue of school benefactor Cyrus McCormick surveys the sylvan scene with seeming disapproval.

Built at Robert E. Lee’s behest, University Chapel is only lightly denominational and restrained in iconography. On the surface, that is. Step behind the altar and you will find the recumbent statue of Lee that signifies his final resting place.

Lee is buried in the chapel’s crypt, wherein also lie his widow, Mary Custis Lee, and forebear “Light Horse Harry” Lee. Contrary to myth, his horse Traveller is not buried here … but his bones repose just outside, suitably commemorated with a memorial stone. Coins placed on Traveller’s grave supposedly bring good luck to Washington & Lee students.

Traveller did not long outlive Lee, and some believe he has never left the campus. Consequently, the doors of the stable adjoining the president’s mansion are always left open, the better for Traveller’s spirit to come and go as the mood takes him.

Pure Eats celebrates the joy of food, family and community. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. ©Rockbridge Regional Tourism.

A Couples’ Guide to Lexington: Tales from the Dining Beat | Jennifer’s Biggest Takeaway

The night we arrived in Lexington, we dined at The Palms. This modern American restaurant became a local institution when it opened in 1975 in the heart of downtown Lexington. The building dates to 1836, when it was opened as a debate club and public library. It still has its original pressed tin ceiling and continues to serve the community as a popular hangout for groups of all kinds, including students from the nearby Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University.

Some of those at our table had never tried Southern staples such as fried green tomatoes and fried pickles, so those were quickly ordered and didn’t disappoint. And I was happy to oblige and finish off the pimento cheese that almost returned to the kitchen on a near-empty plate. It was hard to choose my main, as there were so many tempting choices, but I decided on the Wafflewich and was glad I did—it was just the right amount of sweet and savory with some chile kick to boot.

I like a walkable town almost as much as a hearty, laid-back meal, so was happy on both fronts, particularly when I discovered The Palms was a scant four blocks from our hotel (we stayed in the Livery building at The Georges). A clear evening made for a short but sweet stroll through downtown and gave us a chance to work off some of those delicious cocktails—great zero-proof choices are available too.

Another great thing about small-town dining is the proliferation of mom-and-pop shops, which I’ve always loved to support. Well, get out your cameras, because Legendary Eats makes for the most legendary Instagram photos, with bagels and subs stuffed with so much good stuff, you can’t eat them without bits and pieces falling onto your tray.

We visited at lunchtime, and again, the choices were tough, but it’s hard to turn away from the Chimera, with three meats, cheese and guacamole. Every person in the group tried something different, and I coveted them all. Both meat and veggie lovers will find many pleasing options.

Next door to Legendary Eats lies perhaps the most talked about spot in town: Sweet Things Ice Cream. The banana ice cream here is all the rage. It pained me that I didn’t have a chance to sample it, as the shop is open limited hours. I lived vicariously through a few fellow travelers who made their way over after a long day of sightseeing.

Those who love a good draft will be happy to know that the craft beer movement has made its way to Lexington. I found an innovative selection of sours available at both Heliotrope Brewery and Devil’s Backbone. Both breweries offer flights, the perfect way to sample a variety of styles and anything on limited offer, such as the small-batch choices at Heliotrope.

But it’s not all comfort food and Southern-style cuisine. Niko’s Grille is full of authentic Greek delights, and the moussaka is a must. Homemade Italian dishes can be had at Gina’s Trattoria, full of hearty pastas, steaks and seafood dishes—the manicotti and eggplant parmesan are great choices.

It may seem strange to talk about breakfast last, but in many ways, I felt like the best was our final dining experience. That happened at Pure Eats, where we were joined by owner Kasey Potter, whose enthusiasm for her community and the Lexington dining scene was a resounding, positive note. And it didn’t hurt that there were plenty of orange creamsicle doughnuts in the cake case!