LEXINGTON VISITOR CENTER & TOURISM OFFICES
The Lexington Visitor Center serves as the point of departure for many tours of Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County. Exhibits and a brief video provide an excellent introduction to the community, while sofas and restroom facilities offer a much needed break from the road.

The Tourism Development offices offer a variety of services to help you in planning your visit:

• Complete itinerary-building assistance is available. Appointments for your group to visit the attractions detailed in this manual will be made at no cost to you.

• Professional guide service is available at a cost of $25.00 an hour, with a two-hour minimum. Guides are tourism development employees and may not accept tips.

• Suggestions for dining and lodging that meet the budget and desires of your group.

• Brochures, photographs, posters or a short video to help promote your visit to the area.

>BACK TO TOP

SPECIALTY TOURS

BOXERWOOD GARDENS – This horticultural treasure is less than a mile from Lexington. Boxerwood Gardens is a private collection of mature “rare and unusual trees and shrubs.” Among the hundreds of trees on the 15-acres are noteworthy collections of Dwarf Conifers, Dogwoods, Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Japanese Maples, as well as occasional pieces of man-made art. Boxerwood is available to the general public for self-guided tours on a limited schedule, and guided tours will be available by appointment. You may add Boxerwood to your customized Visitor Center itinerary by contacting Mayumi Smitka at the Visitor Center.

CARRIAGE TOURS – The Lexington Carriage Company offers an intriguing way for you to tour our unique 19th century college town. Slowed to the pace and rhythm of hoof-beats, horse-drawn carriages travel the streets of Lexington. Tours are narrated by a professional carriage driver/tour guide. The ride takes about 45-50 minutes and does not make stops along the way. Tours are offered April 1 - October 31 daily, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. During June, July and August the hours are 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Group reservations may be obtained through Mayumi Smitka at the Visitor Center, and special rates are available.

HAUNTING TALES: LEXINGTON’S GHOST TOUR – Experience the eerie transformation of the charming little city of Lexington after the sun goes down. Walk through the back streets and alleyways to the venues of Lexington’s long since departed residents, who supposedly still occupy them. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. beginning from the Visitor Center (April 1 – October 31). Advance reservations are required.

HISTORY – Include a visit to some incredible museums while in Lexington. The Stonewall Jackson House is the only home the famous Confederate General ever owned. Visit the Lee Chapel and Museum, a National Historic Landmark and also the final resting place for Robert E. Lee and other members of his family. Tour the Virginia Military Institute, the nations’ oldest state-supported military college, and enjoy a full dress cadet parade on most Friday afternoons during the academic year. Then, visit the George C. Marshall Museum, a fantastic exhibit portraying the life of one of VMI’s most distinguished graduates. Savor the beauty and architecture of these pre-Civil War and Victorian era homes and go back in time with century-old gardens. Continue onto Main Street and past the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. General Jackson, members of his family, and 144 other Confederate soldiers are buried there.

SHOPPING – Shopping in Historic Downtown Lexington can be a memorable experience, offering visitors a wide variety of unique shops, restaurants, museums and galleries, many of which are housed in beautifully restored historic buildings. Walk along the signature brick sidewalks and experience the Southern hospitality and exceptional customer service that are hallmarks of Downtown Lexington. Many of the downtown shops offer distinctive gifts and complimentary gift wrapping. While shopping, treat yourself to a cup of gourmet coffee, homemade pies and pastries, or perhaps a few handmade chocolate delights.

VINEYARDS – Rockbridge County is home to two vineyards. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Rouse family, owners of Rockbridge Vineyard. The vineyard produces fine Virginia wines, which have won many awards in national and state competitions. Visitors are welcome to tour the renovated 1800’s dairy and sample the wines in their inviting tasting room. Opened in 2007, Lexington Valley Vineyards is a family owned Virginia Farm Winery featuring wines crafted from French/American hybrid grapes. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views and wines!

>BACK TO TOP

THE STONEWALL JACKSON HOUSE
The Stonewall Jackson House, restored as a historic site, is furnished with many of Jackson’s personal possessions. Guided tours of the only home the General ever owned interpret Jackson as a citizen of Lexington, a professor at Virginia Military Institute, a church leader of the Lexington Presbyterian Church and a family man. A six minute video gives an orientation to Jackson’s life in Lexington. The museum also offers a variety of changing exhibits.
 

ADDRESS:	8 East Washington Street • Lexington, Virginia 24450 540.463.2552 • www.stonewalljackson.org
HOURS:	9-5 Monday-Saturday & 1-5 Sunday (last tour begins at 4:30)
GROUP RATES:	$5.00/adult, $2.50/17 & under, $2.00/student (school group rate with advance reservations made through the Tourism Development office).
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

STONEWALL JACKSON MEMORIAL CEMETERY
The Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery grew around the Lexington Presbyterian Church that was constructed at the southern edge of town in 1789. General Stonewall Jackson and his family, 144 Confederate veterans, two Virginia governors (John Letcher and James McDowell), and Margaret Junkin Preston (called the Civil War Poet Laureate of the South) are buried in the cemetery.
 

ADDRESS:	South Main Street • Lexington, Virginia 24450
HOURS:	Sunrise-Sunset Daily
GROUP RATES:	FREE!
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately 30 minutess

HUNTER’S RAID CIVIL WAR TRAIL
In June of 1864, General David Hunter brought the Civil War to Lexington and VMI. Civil War enthusiasts will find the interpretive sign at Jordan’s Point Park along their journey of the Hunter’s Raid Civil War Trail, part of the Virginia Civil War Trails system. Also at Jordan’s Point is the 1840’s Miller’s house, which will be restored and serve as a museum of transportation for the area. The Park sits alongside the Maury River, which is part of the canal system that delivered General Jackson’s body to its final resting place, and which brought General Lee to his position as President of Washington College. The Park is host to a covered shelter for picnicking and a replica river bateau.

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
Virginia Military Institute, founded in 1839, is the oldest state-supported military college in the nation, and VMI’s Cadet Barracks have been designated a National Historic Landmark.

On May 15, 1864, the VMI Corps of Cadets was engaged in a pitched battle at New Market, Virginia and helped turn the tide in favor of the Confederate forces. The New Market Day Ceremony and Parade is held every May 15 in honor of those cadets who fought and died during the battle. Motorcoaches and school groups are welcome to attend.

Full dress parades on the 12-acre parade ground take place most Friday afternoons in the fall and spring, when weather permits. Tours are welcome to attend.

VMI CADET MUSEUM
The VMI Cadet Museum is housed in Jackson Memorial Hall. The upstairs features a large oil painting depicting the cadet charge at the Battle of New Market. Downstairs contains exhibits that illustrate the history and traditions of the Institute. They include: Professor Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson’s uniform coat that he wore while teaching at VMI, the bullet-pierced raincoat that Jackson wore at Chancellorsville, Little Sorrel (Jackson’s war horse), exhibits interpreting Cadet life at VMI past and present, and replicas of a Cadet room.
 

ADDRESS:	Virginia Military Institute • Lexington, Virginia 24450 540.464.7334 • www.vmi.edu/museum/
HOURS:	9-5 Daily
GROUP RATES:	no admission fee
TOUR DURATION:	30 to 60 minutes

GEORGE C. MARSHALL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
The George C. Marshall Museum is located on VMI Parade Ground and traces the career of Marshall. A 1901 graduate of VMI, Marshall and served his country as Army Chief of Staff during World War II, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. On display are the Nobel Peace Prize that was awarded to Marshall in 1953 and an Academy Award presented to General Frank McCarthy, a VMI graduate, aide to Marshall, and producer of the movie “Patton.”
 

ADDRESS:	Virginia Military Institute • Lexington Virginia 24450 540.463.7103 • www.marshallfoundation.org
HOURS:	9-5 Monday-Saturday & 1-5 Sunday
GROUP RATES:	$2.00/person
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately 45 minutes to one hourr

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
Washington and Lee University was founded in 1749, and was originally known as Liberty Hall Academy. George Washington endowed the Academy with 100 shares of James River Company stock in 1796, and the Academy was renamed Washington College. Robert E. Lee became president of the College after the Civil War in 1865. After his death in 1870, the College was renamed Washington and Lee, in recognition of his devotion and service.

The Neoclassical Front Campus of the University was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and the Department of the Interior characterized W&L as “one of the most dignified and beautiful college campuses in the nation.”

LEE CHAPEL AND MUSEUM
Built in 1867 under Robert E. Lee’s supervision, Lee Chapel is a National Historic Landmark. Lee and his family are interred in the family crypt under the Chapel. Notable to this site is the recumbent statue of Lee by Edward Valentine. Other must-sees include Lee’s office, preserved much as he left it on September 28, 1870, and the grave of Lee’s horse, Traveller.
 

ADDRESS:	Washington and Lee University • Lexington, Virginia 24450 540.458.8768 • leechapel.wlu.edu (no “www”)
HOURS:	9-5 Monday-Saturday & 1-5 Sunday, April-October 9-4 Monday-Saturday & 1-4 Sunday, November-March
GROUP RATES:	$3.00/adult, $1.50/student suggested donation
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately 45 minutes to one hourr

REEVES CENTER AND WATSON PAVILION
The Reeves Center has on display one of the top five collections of Chinese Export porcelain in the United States including services owned by George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The Watson Pavilion next door houses a rotating art exhibit well as a traditional Japanese Tea Room which serves as a center for teaching Japanese culture.
 

ADDRESS:	Washington and Lee University • Lexington, Virginia 24450 540.458.8476 • tearoom.wlu.edu (no “www”)
HOURS:	9-4 Monday-Friday
GROUP RATES:	FREE!
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

LENFEST CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Since 1991, the Lenfest Center for the Arts has served Washington and Lee University the community as an exceptional educational and professional performing arts center. With over 250 public performances in its two theaters and concert hall as well as rotating art exhibits in its two galleries, the Lenfest Center is dedicated to the magic and delight of the arts. The schedule of events is available through the Visitor Center.
 

ADDRESS:	Washington and Lee University • Lexington, Virginia 24450 540.458.8000 • lenfest.wlu.edu (no “www”)
HOURS:	8-5 Monday-Friday (galleries) and for performancess

THEATER AT LIME KILN
Where master stonemasons once plied their trade and kilns burned red hot with the making of lime, professional actors and musicians now entertain audiences on summer nights. With a sky full of stars for a roof, an earthen floor and stone walls for a stage, visitors to Theater at Lime Kiln quickly discover why it has been called “the most unusual theater setting in the United States.” Please call the Visitor Center for a schedule of events and group ticket pricing.

Theater at Lime Kiln also hosts the annual Rockbridge Food and Wine Festival which features local cuisine and numerous Virginia wineries. The beautiful outdoor setting, live music performances and delicious food and wine make this an event not to be missed.
 

ADDRESS:	Theater at Lime Kiln • Lexington, VA 24450 540.463.7088 • info@theateratlimekiln.com  • www.theateratlimekiln.com
HOURS:	for performances, May-Octoberr

THE VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER
The Virginia Horse Center is a comprehensive show facility to serve equine competition, education and recreational interests for the world of horses. The Virginia Horse Center is a reflection of the many different kinds of horsemanship, and offers a beautiful 400-acre home for Grand Prix Jumping, Dressage, Breed Shows, Eventing, Cross-Country, Cutting, Polo, Trail Riding, Hunter/Jumpers, Driving, and Pony Clubs. Groups are encouraged to attend the large variety of shows, sales, and clinics throughout the year, and most events are free for spectators.
 

ADDRESS:	487 Maury River Road • Lexington, Virginia 24450 540.464.2950 • info@horsecenter.org  • www.horsecenter.org
HOURS:	9-5 Monday-Friday and for eventss

>BACK TO TOP

BUENA VISTA, VIRGINIA
Buena Vista (pronounced “Beeyoona” Vista) is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, only 6 miles east of Historic Lexington and 15 miles northeast of Natural Bridge. This City serves as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Buena Vista Visitor Center is conveniently located just 4 miles off the Parkway.

Attractions in Buena Vista include Main Hall at Southern Virginia University. The Hall was originally build in 1892 as a hotel during the Boom Era and is a well-known architectural treasure.

The Buena Vista Land Co. Building was built by the Buena Vista Company in 1890 to sell lots for the young city. Today it serves the community as the Buena Vista Public Library.
 

VISITOR CENTER:	595 East 29th Street • Buena Vista, VA 24416 540.261.8004
HOURS:	9-5 Daily, April-Novemberr 10-5 Friday-Sunday, December-March

GLEN MAURY PARK & THE VISTA LINKS
Glen Maury Park is a beautiful public space with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Some of the services and facilities in the park include covered shelters, picnic areas, playgrounds, campsites, ball fields, swimming pools and bathhouses. Alongside the Maury River is the Buena Vista Riverwalk, a public trail for walking or running.

Also located at Glen Maury Park is the Paxton House, built between 1831 and 1835 by Elisha Paxton. The Paxton House is currently under renovation for community events.

Every year, Glen Maury Park is host to numerous music festivals throughout the year including the Nothin’ Fancy Music Festival, the Maury River Fiddler’s Convention and the Rockbridge Mountain Music & Dance Festival.

The Vista Links Golf Course is located on 180 acres of rolling countryside with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and is available for tournaments and corporate events. This facility offers a driving range and pro shop to enhance the 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course.
 

GLEN MAURY PARK:	Buena Vista, Virginia 24416 800.555.8845 • park@glenmaurypark.com • www.glenmaurypark.com
THE VISTA LINKS:	Buena Vista, Virginia 244166 540.261.4653 • golf@glenmaurypark.com • www.thevistalinks.com

>BACK TO TOP

NATURAL BRIDGE OF VIRGINIA
The Natural Bridge of Virginia is a National Historic Landmark and a Natural Wonder that was at one time owned by Thomas Jefferson and surveyed by George Washington.

Whether adults or students, Natural Bridge offers groups many choices. The on site attractions include The Natural Bridge, Cedar Creek Trail & Nature Walk, Monacan Indian Village, The Caverns of Natural Bridge, The Wax Museum, The Toy Museum, Professor Cline’s Haunted Monster Museum, Dinosaur Kingdom, Gift Shop & Deli, Colonial Dining Room, Summer House Café, and the Drama Of Creation evening performance.
 

ADDRESS:	15 Appledore Lane • Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578 800.533.1410 • info@naturalbridgeva.com  • www.naturalbridgeva.com
HOURS:	8-Dark Daily
GROUP RATES:	$10.00/adult; $6.00/child. Ticket includes entrance to the Natural Bridge, the Cedar Creek Nature Trail, the Monacan Indian Village, and the Drama of Creation. (Discount combination tickets available.)
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

MONACAN INDIAN LIVING HISTORY CENTER
According to legend, the Monacan Indians discovered the Natural Bridge while under attack by Algonquin tribes. When the Monacans reached the chasm of Cedar Creek without a visible way to cross over, they knelt down and prayed for the Great Spirit to protect them. When they arose from praying, the Bridge appeared. The women and children were able to cross to safety, and the men followed after defeating the Algonquians.

Monacans return to this sacred site to reclaim their heritage and share the recovered pieces with the world. Participate in the circa 1740 Indian village where a group can learn about tool-making, gardening and meal preparation, rope making, weaving, canoe building, hide tanning, shelter construction and more.
 

HOURS:	10-4 Wednesday-Sunday, April 2-Memorial Day 10-5 Daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day 10-4 Wednesday-Sunday, Labor Day-Thanksgiving
GROUP RATES:	Included in the Natural Bridge of Virginia admissionn

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS
The deepest caverns on the east coast! The Natural Bridge Caverns provide an unforgettable experience as you descend 34 stories into the earth for an exciting and educational opportunity of a lifetime. Explore the underground streams, waterfalls and catacombs with a trained guide. The constant 54 degree temperature is not only refreshing, but also reminds you that this is no ordinary attraction.

The Caverns were opened to the public in 1977. They were originally explored by Col. Henry Parsons in 1889-1891, but the entrance was too steep for general use. When the modern development of the Caverns took place, some tools, a ladder, a lantern, and rope were found where they had been left during Col. Parsons’ explorations.

Along with spectacular landscape, expect an entertaining tour through the Caverns and learn how our underground world was carved and continues to grow today.
 

HOURS:	10-5 Daily, March-August 10-4 Daily, September-November
GROUP RATES:	$8.00/adult; $6.00/child. (Discount combination tickets available)
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

NATURAL BRIDGE WAX MUSEUM
The Natural Bridge Wax Museum features scenes of Virginia and Natural Bridge history where the curtain opens on George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and soldiers of the Confederacy, all perched on narrated sets.

Take a three-dimensional trip through Shenandoah Valley history with separate segments featuring over 165 life replicas in scenes that will delight, amaze and inspire. The Museum includes wonderful entertainment incorporating sound, light, animation and electronic techniques, including the unbelievably realistic talking figures.

Tour the Wax Museum Factory, where wax figures are made. You will be amazed as the mystery unfolds! (Factory tour included with every Wax Museum ticket.)
 

ADDRESS:	P.O. Box 85 • Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578 800.323.8843 • www.waxmuseum@rockbridge.net
HOURS:	10-6 Daily, March – November 10-6 Weekends only, December – February
GROUP RATES:	$8.00/adult; $6.00/child (Discount combination tickets available)
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

THE TOY MUSEUM AT NATURAL BRIDGE
Enjoy this collection of toys, games and dolls dating from 1740 through the 20th century. It is the world’s largest collection of childhood memorabilia on display! Share the memories of generations of American children. This interesting and educational exhibit will thrill your entire group as they stroll through the museum’s patriotic heritage, from our founding to the present.

The five family members who amassed these collections over a period of 100 years had a goal to preserve the complete sets of toys with accessories. You will find, among others, all of the Masters of the Universe, all of the Star Trek action figures, all of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Madame Alexander’s Dionne Quintuplets, and all five editions of Shirley Temple.
 

ADDRESS:	6477 S. Lee Highway, P.O. Box 87 • Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578 800.869.7476 • info@awesometoymuseum.com  www.awesometoymuseum.com
HOURS:	10-7 Daily, March-November 10-7 Weekends only, December - February
GROUP RATES:	$6.00/adult; $5.00/child (Discount combination tickets available.)
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

PROFESSOR CLINE’S HAUNTED MONSTER MUSEUM
AND DINOSAUR KINGDOM AT NATURAL BRIDGE
Here you will experience Professor Cline’s work housed in an old Victorian Manor, haunted house style, to bring you the very best of fun family entertainment. Bizarre and unique, it’s been called Scooby Doo meets the Twilight Zone. Outside, walk through the woods where Mark Cline has created a humorous exhibit where Yankee soldiers take on full size dinosaurs.
Professor Cline's work has been seen in Alice Cooper's stage shows, Six Flags Theme Parks, and on NBC's Today Show. His work continues to be popular in haunted attractions all over the United States.
 

ADDRESS:	PO Box 57 • Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578 540.464.2253 • info@naturalbridgeva.com  • www.naturalbridgeva.com
HOURS:	11-7 Daily; 1-5 Weekends, June – August 1-5 Weekends only, September – October 1-5 Weekends only, April – May
GROUP RATES:	$6.00/adult; $5.00/child
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

NATURAL BRIDGE ZOO
Natural Bridge Zoological Park is home to the largest, most complete collection of animals and birds in the state of Virginia, and a breeding center for rare and endangered species.

The Zoo is dedicated to educating visitors, as well as providing an exciting and entertaining day. There is nothing like standing next to a giraffe, riding an elephant, getting nuzzled by a baby llama, or gazing into the eyes of a huge white tiger to make you really feel and appreciate our wonderful world of animals. See beautiful pink flamingos nesting and raising their chicks, rare Himalayan bears with new cubs, colorful Mandrill baboons, camels, zebras, five species of monkeys, colorful talking macaws, tame deer and pygmy goats to hand feed.
 

ADDRESS:	P.O. Box 88 • Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578 540.291.2420 • naturalbridgezoo@hotmail.com  www.naturalbridgezoo.com
HOURS:	9-6 Monday–Friday, mid-March through Thanksgiving weekend 9-7 Saturday & Sunday, mid-March through Thanksgiving weekend
GROUP RATES:	$6.00/Adult; $5.00/Senior; $4.00/Child aged 3 -12
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK
The Virginia Safari Park opened in Spring 2000 and is happy to provide a natural environment for the multitude of animals that live there. At the park you'll be able to see animals run and frolic with abandon ... or block your path ... or lay flat-out in the sun ... the choice will be theirs. They are free to roam!

During the 90-minute guided Safari Wagon Tour you will learn about the animals from your knowledgeable guide. Each person will receive feed and be able to experience having a huge bull elk or bison eating from his or her bucket! Be sure to enjoy the "Walkabout" petting area and animal exhibits, and don’t miss the brand new aviary! Group friendly picnic area and restroom facilities available on premises.
 

ADDRESS:	P.O. Box 147, 229 Safari Lane • Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578 540.291.3205 • www.virginiasafaripark.com
HOURS:	9-5 Daily, March 18-May 26 9-6 Daily, May 27-September 4 9-5 Daily, September 5-November 26
GROUP RATES:	$12.00/Person, includes feed bucket and guided wagon tour
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately two hourss

>BACK TO TOP

CYRUS McCORMICK FARM AND WORKSHOP
Cyrus Hall McCormick invented the first successful reaper and founded the harvesting machine industry. In July 1831, at 22 years of age, McCormick first demonstrated his invention publicly. This, the world's first successful mechanical reaper, opened a new era in agriculture, an age of mechanization that changed life on the farm, altered American advertising, and made it possible for millions of people to leave the land and enter an industrial society.
Visitors are welcome to tour the McCormick farm in Walnut Grove, including the historic blacksmith shop turned museum, grist mill and manor house, which are National Historic Landmarks
 

ADDRESS:	Shenandoah Valley AREC PO Box 100 • 128 McCormick Farm Circle Steeles Tavern, Virginia 24476 540.377.2255 • dafiske@vt.edu www.vaes.vt.edu/steeles/mccormick/mccormick.html
HOURS:	8:30-5 Daily
GROUP RATES:	FREE for self-guided tours
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

WADE’S MILL
Wade's Mill is a working flour mill, c. 1750, built by Captain Joseph Kennedy, an early settler in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In 1882, James F. Wade bought the mill and his family operated it for the next four generations. The interior and workings of the mill are much like they were when Mr. Wade bought the mill, and the mill is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Powered by a 21-foot water wheel, Wade's Mill is one of the few remaining mills that still produces a wide variety of flours exclusively on mill stones. The Miller and his wife offer fresh, old-fashioned, stone-ground grains and mixes, gift boxes, kitchen items and gifts.
 

ADDRESS:	55 Kennedy - Wade's Mill • Raphine, Virginia 24472 800.290.1400 • info@wadesmill.com  • www.wadesmill.com
HOURS:	10-5 Wednesday-Saturday & 1-5 Sundays, March 31-December 18 Closed Sundays, June- August Closed July 4th and Thanksgiving Day
GROUP RATES:	FREE for self-guided tours
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

ROCKBRIDGE VINEYARD
Rockbridge Vineyard, located in the historic and beautiful countryside of Rockbridge County, is just twenty minutes north of downtown Lexington. The vineyard produces fine Virginia wines, which have won many awards in national and state competitions.

In 1988, Shep Rouse purchased a farm in northern Rockbridge county, at a higher elevation than most Virginia vineyards, and planted five acres of grapes. He has complemented his own plantings with grapes grown by other top-quality growers at select locations in Virginia. From this palette, he is able to produce a full spectrum of wines to match a broad range of individual tastes. By processing each wine minimally and employing traditional, small-batch methods, the full intensity and terrior of each wine is captured in Rouse's winemaking.
 

ADDRESS:	35 Hill View Lane • Raphine, Virginia 24450 540.377.6204 or 888.511.WINE • rockbridge@email.com www.rockbridgevineyard.com
HOURS:	10-6 Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 Sundays
GROUP RATES:	$3.00/person for a tour of the vineyard and wine tasting
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately two hourss

LEXINGTON VALLEY VINEYARD
Opened in 2007, Lexington Valley Vineyards is a family owned Virginia Farm Winery featuring wines crafted from French/American hybrid grapes. The Vineyard is located on 81 scenic acres ten minutes northwest of Lexington, Virginia. The first planting of Norton grapes was completed in March 2000. Norton (sometimes called Cynthiana) is a Virginia original first described around 1835. Norton is believed to be a naturally occurring cross between an American wild grape and a French cultivar. The wine from this grape is a deeply colored, dry red with a very full-bodied flavor.

Bring a picnic and spend an afternoon enjoying the scenery while tasting wines!
 

ADDRESS:	80 Norton Way • Rockbridge Baths, Virginia 24473 540.462.2974 • www.lexingtonvalleyvineyard.com
HOURS:	12-6 Friday-Sunday, May-October or by appointment
GROUP RATES:	Please call
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately one hourr

>BACK TO TOP

OTHER ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY ATTRACTIONS

GOSHEN PASS (15 miles west; 30 minutes from Lexington) is a breathtaking mountain gorge that was formed by the Maury River. The Pass is an ideal setting for picnicking, swimming, hiking, climbing or quiet relaxation.

ORCHARDSIDE FARM (22 miles north; 25 minutes from Lexington) offers the opportunity to “pick your own” thornless blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries (in season). The farm also offers sweet corn, shiitake mushrooms, fresh garden produce, and eggs. (540) 348-5220.

SAM HOUSTON WAYSIDE (7 miles north; 10 minutes from Lexington) is near where Sam Houston was born. The 38,000 pound granite monument and accompanying bronze plaque were dedicated at a ceremony in September 1986 to coincide with the Texas Sesquicentennial.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY (10 miles east; 15 minutes from Lexington) winds along the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides some of the most spectacular panoramas in America. The goal of the Blue Ridge Parkway is to preserve and interpret the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. For this purpose, hiking trails, camp grounds, picnic areas, visitor centers, restaurants, lodges and scenic overlooks dot the length of the parkway.

>BACK TO TOP

NOT YOUR USUAL TOUR
 

THE GLORIOUS TWELFTH The English sporting clay school with qualified coaching for the novice or experienced shot. 1455 Brownsburg Turnpike • Fairfield 540.348.6214 • www.theglorioustwelfth.com HOURS: 9-5 Mon-Sat	JOHN ROBERTS’ FLYFISHING Outstanding guided flyfishing trips for trout on local streams. Introductory trips for beginners. 603 S. Main Street • Lexington 540.463.3235 • www.vatrout.com HOURS: Reservations required
THE VISTA LINKS GOLF COURSE 18-hole, par 72, championship golf course on 180 acres of rolling countryside with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge. The course features bentgrass greens and fairways, bluegrass roughs, and offers five sets of tees. 100 Vista Links Drive • Buena Vista 540.261.4653 • www.thevistalinks.com HOURS: Summer 7:30-7; Winter 9-5	QUAIL RIDGE SPORTING CLAYS A half-mile course of seventeen stations with a wide variety of targets thrown from different angles, speeds and distances. 336 Murat Road • Lexington 540.463.1800 HOURS: Reservations required
VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS A full-service horseback provider only minutes from Lexington and the Virginia Horse Center. 55 Lost Creek Lane • Buena Vista 540.570.1910 • 540.261.1910 HOURS: Reservations required	WILDERNESS CANOE CO. Canoe & kayak rentals on the upper James River. Guided Balcony Falls waterway trips. 631 James River Road • Natural Bridge 540.291.2295 www.wildernesscanoecampground.com HOURS: 8-6 daily

>BACK TO TOP

SPECIAL EVENTS IN LEXINGTON AND THE ROCKBRIDGE AREA

HISTORIC BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN LEXINGTON - January 19-21. 540.463.3777. Robert E. Lee’s birthday is January 19th and Stonewall Jackson’s is January 21st. Lexington’s celebration varies each year but always includes a Founder’s Day ceremony at Lee Chapel and FREE tours and birthday cake on January 21st at the Stonewall Jackson House.

BATTLE OF NEW MARKET CEREMONY AND FULL DRESS PARADE – 540.463.3777. Every May 15th the Virginia Military Institute holds a special ceremony and full dress parade honoring the Virginia Military Institute cadets who fought and died in the 1864 Battle of New Market is held. FREE!

ANNUAL MAURY RIVER FIDDLER’S CONVENTION – June. 540.261.7321. Come see this three-day event featuring the following contests: old-time bands, bluegrass bands, folk singing, flat footing and more! More information available at www.glenmaurypark.com.  Admission Fee.

4TH OF JULY HOT AIR BALLOON RALLY AND CELEBRATION - July 3-5. 540.463.3777. Piloted and tethered balloon rides offered, children’s activities, fabulous food and musical entertainment. Dazzling fireworks display highlights the evening of the 4th. FREE!

ROCKBRIDGE REGIONAL FAIR – July. 540.463.3777. Fun for the whole family! Enjoy agricultural and livestock shows, exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, contests, games, specialty acts, 4-H displays and competitions. Held at the Virginia Horse Center.

ROCKBRIDGE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL – August. 540.463.3777. Homemade delicacies, crafts, exhibits, and the talents of local musicians are featured at this annual community event in downtown Lexington. FREE!

ROCKBRIDGE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL – September. 540.463.5375. Sample local cuisine and taste wine from over eight Virginia wineries at this festival held at Theater at Lime Kiln. Featuring live music performances all day. Admission Fee.

ANNUAL ROCKBRIDGE MOUNTAIN MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL – September. 540.261.7321. Enjoy bluegrass music and join in on traditional mountain music and dancing at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista. Admission Fee.

AUTUMN CIVIL WAR “LIVING HISTORY” ENCAMPMENT - Call for dates. 540.291.2121. Each year a civil war encampment is held near Natural Bridge to educate the public through various talks on camp life, weapons firing and bayonet drill demonstrations. Admission Fee.

MONACAN INDIAN FALL FESTIVAL WEEKEND - Call for dates. 540.291.2121. Visit and share in the heritage experiences of the Monacan Indian people. Witness ancient storytelling and Native American crafts. Share in the excitement and splendor of the Monacan dancers and drum group. Fun for everyone! Admission Fee.

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE AND WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY – Guest lecturers and concerts have become important events for many visitors and local residents as well. Also, students present drama, choral and musical performances during the academic school year, which are open to the public. Admission Fee.

>BACK TO TOP