Lexington Virginia – A short business trip

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.