Not very long ago I had to go to Lexington, Virginia for a short business trip (on-site work) and I managed to get out and take a short walk the one night I stayed in town.

Downtown Lexington

I lived in Lexington for a short time (less than a year) just over ten years ago. It’s a really cute little town with a lot of interesting architecture. I did not get around to touring the neighborhoods- where there are many wonderful old homes- but I take a walk around the downtown area while it was lightly raining.

Detail Bricks

The sidewalks are paved with these wonderful bricks that (I think I remember) were made locally. The designs are supposed to help with traction when it gets icy.

Stonewall Jackson House

The reason I lived in Lexington was that I worked here- at the Stonewall Jackson House. It has since been absorbed into the VMI museum system. It was closed for the day when I came by, but they have a wonderful garden in the back.

Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church in downtown is an imposing structure. The sanctuary actually burned in 2000- if I remember rightly, it started from workers restoring the church using heat guns to strip paint. Old wood + too much heat = fire.

Gate at Episcopal Church

I made a large circle around the downtown (there aren’t that many streets) and most of the shops close around 5 PM. At the other end of the downtown area, both VMI and Washington and Lee University are right next to each other. This episcopal church is right at the edge of the W&L campus.

Giant Viburnum

I’m much more aware of landscapes now, and I took note of this giant viburnum outside the church. It was huge and had these beautiful clusters of bright seeds.

Liriope

Further down, on the W&L campus, I found these Liriope with giant flowers. It really stood out to me, I’d love to try and find the variety.

Detail Liriope

The Washington and Lee campus is very traditional looking, and has a great lawn. I saw many critters- rabbits and squirrels and birds- everywhere.

Washington and Lee Campus

Lee Chapel and museum has some wonderful collections.

Lee Chapel

Outside the museum entrance is the marker for Traveller, Lee’s horse during the Civil War. Someone left him an apple.

Apple for Traveller

People are serious about the civil war here. I stayed at the Sheridian Livery Restaurant and Inn, and had a wonderful experience. I recommend both – and not just because the owners were sweet enough to make me hot chocolate in the evening when I asked for it. I drove back around midday, stopping at the scenic views on 64 while passing over the blue ridge mountains.

Selfie at Scenic View

I actually packed myself a picnic lunch, to eat at these stops. I never get tired of the Blue Ridge mountains. (Click on the picture for the full panorama).

If you are ever traveling through western Virginia, I highly recommend a stop in Lexington.

Growing up, one of our family activities this time of year was to ride around and look at Christmas lights.  Most of the time we would just drive through neighborhoods without any plan, just trying to find nice displays.  Occasionally we would go to a drive-thru park that had been set up with all sorts of lights.  Once or twice, we made the trek to Longwood Gardens to see their fantastic display (and it is AMAZING).  This year, as my parents were visiting for Thanksgiving in our new home, I thought we could go to nearby Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for their light display.  I had no idea what to expect, but it was quite nice!

Garden Lights

We actually arrive before the sunset at 5 PM, and am so glad we did because we found a great parking spot and not much of a crowd.  We bought our tickets with no line to wait in, and immediately set out.  We saw some interior decorations first, so when we came out the sun had set and we were starting to see the show.

Reflections of Trees

You walk around the entire park to view the lights, but it’s not very big so it wasn’t too bad in the chilly weather.

View of the Conservatory

I’m sure that little kids especially would find the whole place quite magical.  There were places that were absolutely gorgeous.  I highly recommend it!

Blue Trees

I also recommend going as early in the evening as you can, because by the time we left people were streaming into the building and parking looked like a nightmare (at 6 PM).  So if you are in or around the Richmond area, and you love looking at Christmas lights, go!