May in Lexington
May is a beautiful month in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. The flowers are blooming, the trees are green, and the air is warm. Spend a weekend exploring our beautiful outdoors, sipping our craft beverages, and eating the best our local farmers have to offer our downtown restaurants.
GET OUTSIDE
The Inaugural Virginia Birding Classic continues this month from last all across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your team will help identify and take count of bird species during this special "all eyes to the sky" event through May 15.
Speaking of pointing your eyes to the sky, there's an organized Meteor Shower Watch at Natural Bridge State Park, our very own Dark Sky Park, on May 4. Meet at the Skyline Trailhead at 9 p.m. Wagon rides are available for $2 per person or you can anticipate a 10-minute hike to the lookout.
>> Also note Stargazing at Natural Bridge State Park on May 24; 9 p.m.
Gravel racing is where it's at. Get gritty and skid on through Gravista, a race with two tracks: Stoked 60 worth 8,500 feet of elevation gain and Worth 30 worth 4,500 feet. Check in at Heliotrope Brewing on Main Street in Lexington on May 10 between 5 and 8 p.m., then get ready to grind from Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista on May 11. Cheers to a great race!
May 11 is built for families. Will you choose Birding at Boxerwood at 8:30 a.m. or will you lace up your sneakers and pound some pavement for the 6th Annual Woods Creek Run 4 the Kids at 9 a.m.? Run 4 the Kids raises money to cover much-needed intensive therapies for local children. Therapies that are not covered by insurance. The four-mile run on Woods Creek Trail from Waddell Elementary requires a $44 registration fee. You'll get plenty of goodies and lunch, too.
More at Boxerwood this Month:
Get your kids to the park for Kids to Parks Day on May 18. At our very own Natural Bridge State Park, a Disc Golf 101 Clinic will be held at 9 a.m. Meet at the Blue Ridge Trail trailhead to get started. Loaner discs will be available and the parking fee will be waived for participants of this event.
>> While you're there, don't forget to check out the Children's Discovery Area and see the iconic Natural Bridge itself!
Athletes of multiple abilities converge on Lexington for the 47th Annual Road & River Relay across Rockbridge County and down the Maury River. Watch these competitors pull out their best for their team. It all starts at Rockbridge Regional Library at 10 a.m. May 4 and finishes at Jordan's Point Park.
One of the most beloved shows offered at the Virginia Horse Center is Bonnie Blue National, and it's happening May 8-11. Morgans join Saddlebreds, Roadsters, Friesians, and Hackneys this year!
More at the Virginia Horse Center:
- May 15-19: Keswick Horse Show AA
- May 16-19: Mid-Atlantic Dressage Festival & Lexington CDI2
- May 23-26: VHC Eventing
- May 31-June 2: Virginia Barrel Classic 2024
ART, ENTERTAINMENT & HISTORY
The First Friday Art Walk occurs every first Friday of the month. Stroll downtown Lexington to take in the sites, hear the sounds, and smell the wonderful dinner aromas wafting on the evening air. The fun kicks off at 5 p.m.
- Cabell Gallery presents "The Colleges" as its May exhibition
Hull's Drive-In is a family favorite destination each weekend during the warm spring and summer months. See Now Playing and Coming Soon for the most up-to-date movie listings. Purchase Tickets
A brand new exhibit about George C. Marshall has been unveiled at the VMI Museum in Memorial Hall. Find artifacts and pieces of General Marshall right here at his alma mater: Virginia Military Institute. VMI Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free.
One of Rockbridge County's loveliest rides is through Brownsburg, part of the North Rockbridge Trail. Be sure to make a weekend stop at Brownsburg Museum to see their latest exhibit: Interwoven. Ambitious, it tells the tale of Brownsburg's enslaved community, their present-day ancestors, and the ties that bind this unique, historic village. Brownsburg Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The exhibit is free.
Boxerwood's Music in the Garden Concert Series is a laid back evening in the field with great sounds by regional musicians. Catch Shester, Datz & Newhall Bluegrass Trio on May 31 at 5:30 p.m. Kids & members are free; all others are $5 cash at the gate.
Live Music at Ecco Adesso Vineyards is beautiful experience. The vibes are perfect with the scenic view and the talented musicians. Plan to kick off the season with Chaz Knapp on May 4 at 3 p.m. The May 11 artist is yet to be announced, but we know The Hitchin' Post will be there with excellent eats!
Quick! Before they sell out! Lime Kiln Theater has added BONUS shows to their season. Steep Canyon Rangers and Zandi Holup have an additional date of May 11 at 7:30 p.m. Get the tickets before they're gone.
Friday's in the Park is Glen Maury Park's live concert series. Bring a chair and a friend or two for REWIND on May 24 at 6 p.m.
MOTHER'S DAY
Cheers to mom! Treat her to a Mother's Day at Ecco Adesso Vineyards May 12 from noon to 6 p.m. She can enjoy a mimosa flight, sangria, a wine spritzer, or a glass of Ecco Adesso wine. Picnics-to-go, pizzettas, and charcuterie will be available for purchase. Enjoy your time inside or out. No reservations needed.
If your mom is a plant lover, take her to Sam Houston Ruritan Auction Barn for the annual Plant Sale by the Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners Association on May 11. She's sure to find something beautiful for her yard or garden. Shop 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Take mom out to eat!
- Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen - Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Haywood's - Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (reservations)
- Juniper Lounge - open Sunday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. (reservations)
- Niko's Grille - open Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- More Dining
Moms also love the narrated Lexington Carriage Company tours through historic downtown Lexington. Let someone else do the driving on this scenic roll through town. (reservations)
MEMORIAL DAY
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony and wreath laying typically occurs at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day (May 27) at Veterans Memorial on Main Street in Lexington.
