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A Shenandoah Valley Inn in Historic Lexington, Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Complete Guide to Visiting the Shenandoah Valley

Planning a visit to Lexington, Virginia and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley? Inn at Brierley Hill is perfectly situated just minutes from historic downtown Lexington, making it the ideal home base for exploring all that this charming area has to offer. From natural wonders and outdoor adventures to world-class wineries and historic attractions, our FAQ will help you make the most of your visit to this scenic corner of Virginia.

General Information About Lexington, Virginia

Lexington, Virginia is known for its rich American history, particularly its Civil War heritage, and its role as home to two prestigious institutions: Washington and Lee University (established 1749) and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The city is famous as the final resting place of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and General Robert E. Lee.

Beyond its historical significance, Lexington is celebrated for:

  • Its stunning location in the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains
  • Natural Bridge State Park, featuring a 215-foot natural limestone arch
  • A charming, walkable historic downtown with 19th-century architecture
  • The Virginia Horse Center, one of the finest equestrian facilities in the United States
  • Access to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking trails
  • A thriving wine, beer, and cider scene along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail

The best time to visit Lexington is during spring (March through May) and fall (September through October) when the weather is most pleasant and the scenery is spectacular.

Spring (March-May): Temperatures range from the 50s to 70s°F, wildflowers bloom throughout the valley, and hiking conditions are ideal. This is peak tourist season.

Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, stunning fall foliage in the mountains, harvest season at local vineyards, and fewer crowds than spring.

Summer (June-August): Warm and humid with temperatures in the 80s°F. Great for water activities on the Maury River and outdoor events at Lime Kiln Theater, though it can be quite hot.

Winter (December-February): Cold with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s°F and occasional snow. A quieter, more romantic time to visit with lower hotel rates and cozy fireside experiences.

Lexington is conveniently located in the heart of Virginia at the intersection of I-81 and I-64, making it easily accessible from major East Coast cities:

  • Washington, D.C.: 189 miles / 3 hours via I-66 W and I-81 S
  • Richmond, VA: 180 miles / 2.5-3 hours via I-64 W
  • Roanoke, VA: 51 miles / 45 minutes via I-81 N
  • Charlottesville, VA: 145 miles / 2 hours via I-64 W
  • Lynchburg, VA: 60 miles / 1 hour via US-60 E

Nearest Airports:

  • Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA): 51 miles
  • Richmond International Airport (RIC): 144 miles
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 189 miles

Absolutely! Lexington is an ideal weekend getaway destination. The compact nature of the area means you can experience a diverse range of activities without spending hours driving between locations. Within a 30-mile radius, you’ll find:

  • Historic attractions and museums within walking distance of downtown
  • Natural wonders like Natural Bridge State Park (15 minutes away)
  • Multiple wineries, breweries, and cideries
  • Excellent hiking trails from easy to challenging
  • Farm-to-table restaurants and charming cafes
  • Boutique shopping and art galleries
  • The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, history and culture, culinary experiences, or romantic relaxation, Lexington offers the perfect blend for a memorable weekend escape.

Lexington offers an impressive variety of attractions and activities:

Natural & Outdoor Attractions:

Natural Bridge State Park – Marvel at the 215-foot natural limestone arch

Historical & Cultural Sites:

Washington and Lee University – Tour the historic campus and visit Lee Chapel

  • Virginia Military Institute – Watch the famous Friday dress parades and visit the VMI Museum
  • Stonewall Jackson House – Tour the only home owned by General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
  • George C. Marshall Museum – Learn about the Nobel Prize-winning author of the Marshall Plan

Unique Experiences:

Lexington Carriage Company – Take a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour through historic downtown

The Lexington area offers exceptional hiking opportunities for all skill levels:

Easy Trails (Great for Families):

Woods Creek Trail – 4 miles, just 5 minutes from Inn at Brierley Hill

Moderate Trails:

Natural Bridge Blue Ridge Trail – 3 miles, 24 minutes away

  • Chessie Nature Trail – 7-mile rail-trail connecting Lexington and Buena Vista

Moderate to Difficult Trails:

Crabtree Falls – 2.5 miles, 50 minutes away, Virginia’s tallest waterfall cascade

  • Balcony Falls Trail – 7.6 miles, 30 minutes away, stunning James River views
  • House Mountain Trail – Challenging climb with panoramic valley views

The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway also offers numerous hiking opportunities with breathtaking mountain vistas.

Downtown Lexington is a National Historic District with a vibrant Main Street scene that’s completely walkable. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center at 106 E. Washington Street.

Shopping:

  • Artists in Cahoots – Local artist cooperative
  • Cabell Gallery – Virginia art and crafts
  • Earth, Fire & Spirit Pottery – Handmade ceramics
  • Ladles & Linens – Kitchen and home goods
  • Lizzie’s of Lexington – Home decor
  • Just Games – Board games and puzzles
  • Downtown Books – Independent bookstore
  • Yesterday Once More – Antiques

Activities:

  • Take a horse-drawn carriage tour
  • Visit the Visitor Center for walking tour maps
  • Explore the historic architecture and 19th-century buildings
  • Attend events at Lime Kiln Theater
  • Browse multiple art galleries on “Gallery Row”

Yes! Lexington offers many family-friendly activities:

Natural Bridge State Park – Easy trails and amazing geological formations

Lexington’s dining scene offers everything from upscale farm-to-table cuisine to casual comfort food:

Fine Dining & Upscale:

 

Haywood’s – 2 N. Main St. | (540) 463-2508 – Piano bar and grill with sophisticated atmosphere

 

Casual Dining:

Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse – 115 S. Jefferson St. | (540) 463-5757 – Authentic wood-fired pizzas and craft beer

  • Macado’s – 30 N. Main Street | (540) 464-8200 – Creative sandwiches and casual fare
  • Muchacho Alegre – 640 N Lee Hwy | (540) 461-8824 – Authentic Mexican cuisine
  • Matsumoto Sushi – 159 S. Main St. | (540) 464-8196 – Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine
  • TAPS – 640 N Lee Hwy | (540) 463-2504 – Craft cocktails and American fare
  • The Palms – 101 W Nelson St. | (540) 463-7911 – Eclectic menu with international influences Breakfast & Coffee:
  • Pure Eats – Locally-sourced breakfast, house-made doughnuts, and milkshakes
  • Sweet Treats Bakery – Breakfast items and baked goods
  • Lexington Coffee Shop – 9 W. Washington St. | (540) 464-6586 – Classic coffee shop atmosphere
  • Roadmap Coffee Works – 2345 N. Lee Hwy. | (540) 462-3990 – Locally roasted specialty coffee
  • Pronto – Gourmet coffee, sandwiches, salads, and homemade gelato

Special Occasion & Nearby:

The Colonial Dining Room – 15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge | (540) 458-3750 – Southern cuisine in historic setting

Dessert:

Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe – 106 W. Washington St. | (540) 463-6055 – Homemade ice cream in handmade waffle cones

While Inn at Brierley Hill serves a delicious made-to-order breakfast to guests between 8am-9:30am, if you’re looking for additional breakfast spots in town:

  • Pure Eats – Famous for locally-sourced breakfast items, house-made doughnuts, locally-roasted coffee, and Homestead Creamery milkshakes. Try their popular Rockbridge Roll-Up!
  • Sweet Treats Bakery – Traditional breakfasts and fresh baked goods
  • Lexington Coffee Shop – 9 W. Washington St. | (540) 464-6586 – Classic diner-style breakfast
  • Pronto – Gourmet coffee, bagels, and breakfast items
  • Niko’s Grille – Popular breakfast spot with hearty portions

The Lexington area is home to several excellent wineries offering tastings, tours, and beautiful vineyard settings:

Lexington Valley Vineyard – 80 Norton Way, Rockbridge Baths | (540) 462-2974 – Award-winning Virginia wines with stunning mountain views

  • Ecco Adesso Vineyards – 340 Ecco Adesso Lane, Fairfield | (540) 817-0419 – Italian-inspired wines, features Fireside Fridays in winter
  • Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery – 35 Hill View Lane, Raphine | (540) 377-6204 – Combination winery and brewery with tastings
  • Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery – 60 Great Valley Lane, Natural Bridge | (540) 521-6163 – Beautiful vineyard views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, excellent Peach Blackberry Farmhouse Ale

Many of these wineries are part of regional wine trails including the Albemarle and Botetourt County wine trails. The Inn at Brierley Hill is also affiliated with Afton Mountain Vineyards, another excellent option for wine enthusiasts.

Lexington is part of the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail and offers excellent craft beer and cider options:

Breweries:

Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen – US Route 11 | (540) 817-6071 – Full restaurant with more than a dozen beers on tap, burgers, salads, and sandwiches

  • Brew Ridge Taps – 11 E Nelson St., Downtown | (540) 461-8012 – Taproom featuring local and regional craft beers
  • Heliotrope Brewery – 128 South Main Street | (540) 458-3846 – “Wild farmhouse beers” made from regional ingredients, creative brick oven pizzas
  • Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery – 35 Hill View Lane, Raphine | (540) 377-6204 – Both wine and beer offerings
  • Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery – 60 Great Valley Lane, Natural Bridge | (540) 521-6163 – Farm brewery with stunning views

Cidery:

Halcyon Days Cider Co. – 4135 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge | (540) 291-1340 – Craft hard cider in a beautiful setting

Tap Rooms & Taverns:

Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse – 115 S. Jefferson St. | (540) 463-5757 – Extensive craft beer selection with wood-fired pizzas

  • Red Fox Tavern – 15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge | (540) 291-2121 – Historic tavern setting

For an authentic, intimate Shenandoah Valley experience, Inn at Brierley Hill offers the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. Located just 2 miles from downtown Lexington on a peaceful 8-acre hillside retreat, the inn features:

  • 8 uniquely appointed guest rooms and cottages with mountain views
  • Made-to-order gourmet breakfast each morning (8am-9:30am)
  • Multiple common areas, rambling porches, and gardens for relaxation
  • Incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah Valley
  • Easy access to all Lexington attractions while offering a peaceful escape

The inn is the perfect home base for exploring the area, offering the sophisticated laid-back experience that makes a Shenandoah Valley getaway truly special. Book your stay today!

Downtown: The historic downtown area is completely walkable. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center at 106 E. Washington Street, and additional public parking lots are located throughout downtown.

Exploring the Area: A car is recommended for visiting attractions outside of downtown, including Natural Bridge State Park, wineries, breweries, and hiking trails. Most attractions are within a 15-30 minute drive.

Alternative Transportation:

Lexington Carriage Company – Horse-drawn carriage tours of downtown

Yes! Downtown Lexington is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. The National Historic District downtown features:

  • 65+ independently-owned shops and restaurants within easy walking distance
  • Well-maintained sidewalks throughout the downtown core
  • Compact layout – you can walk from one end of Main Street to the other in about 10 minutes
  • Both college campuses (Washington and Lee, VMI) are accessible on foot from downtown
  • Self-guided walking tours available at the Visitor Center

However, to visit attractions like Natural Bridge, hiking trails, and wineries outside of town, you’ll need a car as they’re spread throughout Rockbridge County.

Lexington Visitor Center
106 E. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Phone: (540) 463-3777 or (877) 453-9822
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily

The friendly travel counselors provide:

  • Directions and recommendations
  • Free brochures and maps
  • Self-guided walking tour maps
  • Group tour planning and step-on guide services
  • Free parking
  • Clean public restrooms

You can also visit LexingtonVirginia.com for comprehensive travel information, event calendars, and the latest visitor guide.

Lexington and Rockbridge County host numerous special events year-round:

Regular Events:

  • VMI Parades – Friday afternoon dress parades at Virginia Military Institute (during academic year)
  • Lime Kiln Theater – Outdoor performances in a historic quarry setting (summer months)
  • Virginia Horse Center Events – Year-round equestrian competitions, horse shows, and sales
  • Music in the Garden – Summer Fridays at Boxerwood Nature Center
  • Fireside Fridays – Winter gatherings at Ecco Adesso Vineyards

Annual Events:

  • Rockbridge Regional Fair and Expo (September)
  • Blue Ridge Nationals at Virginia Horse Center (January/February)
  • Art and cultural events at Washington and Lee University and VMI
  • Various wine and beer festivals throughout the year

Check the Lexington events calendar for current happenings during your visit.

Ready to Experience Lexington?

Make Inn at Brierley Hill your home base for exploring all the Shenandoah Valley has to offer
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Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help make your Lexington getaway perfect! Contact the Inn at Brierley Hill:

Phone: (540) 464-8421
 Email: innkeeper@brierleyhill.com+

Address: 985 Borden Road, Lexington, Virginia 24450

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