Things to do

Activities and attractions in the Shenandoah Valley. The area surrounding the Shenandoah Valley and Lexington, Virginia provides countless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, visiting historic attractions, shopping for antiques, or dining at stellar restaurants, we have all that plus more! You will never run out of things to do during your trip. Make Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast your home base as you explore all that the area has to offer.

Free Shenandoah Valley Activities

Washington and Lee University

Saunter through Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
With ancient oaks and grand historic buildings, the campuses of VMI and W & L University are lovely places to enjoy an antebellum stroll. The VMI campus also offers the Virginia Military Museum, which chronicles the creation and development of VMI and the amazing contributions of its alumni to American history.

Experience the Virginia Horse Center

One of the finest equestrian centers in the United States, the 600-acre Virginia Horse Center is a beautiful facility for state, national, and international horse competitions and events. Visitors can tour the stables and show rings, and view steeplechase, timber, and carriage courses. Note: Entrance is free, but some events may have a minimal charge. (540) 464-2950

Watch the Cadet Parade

Most Friday afternoons in the spring and fall, the cadets at the Virginia Military Institute march in full dress uniform on the school's parade grounds. This much-loved tradition of patriotic pomp and circumstance is a great spectacle and a truly unique Lexington experience

Visit the George Marshall Museum

Located adjacent to the to the Virginia Military Institute, the fascinating George C. Marshall Museum chronicles the life and achievements of General George C. Marshall, organizer of victory in World War II and author of the Marshall Plan. Note: The museum does ask for a donation. (540) 463-7103

Visit Lee Chapel & Museum

The great Confederate general, much of his family, and even his trusted horse, Traveler, are all buried here in this lovely little chapel on the Washington & Lee campus. The chapel museum houses many items that belonged to Lee and his family, as well as the famous Edward Valentine statue portraying General Lee resting on the battlefield. (540) 458-8768

Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery

Just 20 minutes north of town is beautiful Rockbridge Vineyard, home to many fine award-winning Virginia wines. Vineyard is open daily year round, Brewery is open Thurs-Sun year round
(540) 377-6204 - www.rockbridgevineyard.com

The Route 151 Wine Trail**

With 6 wineries, 3 breweries, and 2 cideries, this has become a popular venture.

Blue Ridge Parkway

We are a short drive from Milepost 45.6 entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway

PARKWAY HIKING

TRAILS BY MILEPOST

Milepost 38.8 – Boston Knob (leg stretcher)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Milepost 47.5 – Indian Gap (to Indian Rocks; good seasonal rhododendron display)
Length: 0.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Milepost 55.2 – White Oak Flats (leg stretcher)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Milepost 60.8 – Otter Creek Trail (begin at Otter Creek Campground)
Length: 3.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Milepost 63.1 – Otter Lake Trail (around Otter Lake)
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Milepost 63.6 – James River Trail (Self-guiding to canal locks)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Trail of Trees Trail (self-guiding to James River Overlook)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Milepost 74.7 – Thunder Ridge Trail (leg stretcher loop to view of Arnold Valley)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Milepost 78.4 – Apple Orchard Falls Trail (Sunset Field Overlook to view of Apple Orchard Falls; National Recreation Trail)
Length: 1.2 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous
Milepost 79.7 – Onion Mountain Loop Trail (leg stretcher through Appalachian deciduous forest with rhododendron display)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Milepost 83.1 – Fallingwater Cascades Trail (National Recreation Trail; loop to view of cascades)
Length: 1.6 Miles Skill Level: Moderate

House Mountain Trail

Barbara and Charley ( Head of our Security Department ) on House Mountain Trail
The House Mountain hike near Lexington Virginia is really two out-and-back hikes in one. Big House Mountain, with great views to the west from Goat Point Overlook, and Little House Mountain, with its spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley to the northeast. A major draw to Big House Mountain over the last several years is to spend time with the friendly goat. She took up residence on the ridge of Big House Mountain around 2011, and is known to join hikers up the last section to Goat Point Overlook, then asks for a toll tax of food ... which she normally receives.

Image may be subject to copyright

Appalachian Horse Adventures

We don't think there could be a better way to experience the hidden back country of Virginia other than horseback. So we invite you, your family and your friends to come and join us on a horseback adventure!
www.appalachianhorseadventures.org
540-416-1855

Devils Backbone Brewery**
Just outside Lexington, this is a beer lover's dream.

See the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery
Buried in this historic cemetery on the south side of town are Stonewall Jackson, 144 Confederate veterans, two Virginia governors, and Margaret Junkin Preston, the Confederate's Poet Laureate.

Hike the Chessie Nature Trail
Six miles of wildlife and wildflowers await you along this former railroad bed of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. Glorious limestone formations mark the path along the scenic Maury river.

Tour Wade's Mill
Just a quick drive down the highway, this historic site is well worth a visit. Wade's Mill, a historical 1750s grist mill, still produces flour today and offers a truly unusual outing. You can see the behind-the-scenes workings of the mill and shop for gifts all in one spot. open Thursdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and they run the 1924 steel water wheel and historic milling equipment (c. 1880s-1890s) on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. – noon 540-348-1400

Stroll Downtown Lexington, VA
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lexington is a small yet bustling city full of history and commerce. With period architecture, historical buildings, and exceptional shops, it is a great place to stroll the day away. Don't miss the many wonderful antique shops and Cocoa Mill Chocolate Co., our award-winning chocolate shop.

Shenandoah Valley Activities for a Fee

Take a Lexington Carriage Ride
A fascinating foray back in time, the Lexington carriage ride is 40 minutes of Civil War history and heartbreak. Learn of Stonewall Jackson's many life tragedies and the struggles and triumphs of Robert E. Lee as you journey through town behind two trusty steeds. (540) 463-5647

Tour the Stonewall Jackson House and Museum
Up the hill from the visitor's center is the only home ever owned by Stonewall Jackson in his short 39-year life. The Stonewall Jackson House and Museum is furnished with many of Jackson's own possessions, as well as appropriate period pieces, and offers informative guided tours on the hour and on the half hour. (540) 463-2552

Visit the Natural Bridge State Park
This 90-foot-long bridge of rock is one of Virginia's most cherished natural wonders and quite something to behold. The Natural Bridge contains 450,000 cubic feet of rock and is estimated to weigh approximately 36,000 tons. A bit of trivia: Rockbridge County is named for this formidable formation. The area also offers a zoo and a drag-strip speedway. (540) 291-1326

Visit Virginia Safari Park
229 Safari Ln; Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Fun filled drive-through safari with exotic fauna, elk, zebras, gazelles, etc., plus a petting zoo. Entertaining for all ages.
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Paddle the James River or Maury Rivers
Whether you want the thrill of fast water or the relaxation of slow, lazy paddling, the James River Basin Canoe Livery offers options to fit your needs. All prices include instruction, a detailed trip map, and shuttle service to and from the trip of your choice. (540) 261-7334

Attend an Event at the Lenfest Center
The Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Washington & Lee University campus, presents artistic events and performances throughout the year, including university theater productions, operas, professional theatrical plays, and musical concerts. (540) 458-8000

Lime Kiln Theater
Take in a show at Lime Kiln, located just ¾ of a mile from Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast.

Lexington, Virginia Day Trips

Drive East to Charlottesville, VA
Enjoy lovely, historical Charlottesville and the homesteads of two early-American presidents: Monticello (Thomas Jefferson) and Ash Lawn-Highland (James Monroe). Charlottesville features terrific Revolutionary War-era architecture and is home to the University of Virginia.

Drive East to Appomattox, VA
Located in the middle of an 1,800-acre national park, the village of Appomattox Court House is the site of the McLean House where General Lee surrendered to General Grant to end the Civil War.

Visit New Market Battlefield Military Museum
Housing the largest collection of antique military memorabilia on display anywhere, the New Market Battlefield Military Museum serves as a repository for more than 2,500 military artifacts arranged in 125 displays. A section of the museum and the surrounding battlefields tell the story of the Civil War's Battle of New Market, which took place in May 1864.

Cruise Skyline Drive
Stretching from one end of the Shenandoah National Park to the other, the Skyline Drive portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. No matter what the season, the surrounding vistas are magnificent as the 105-mile road winds you along the crest of the mountains.

Goshen Pass
Take a scenic drive through Goshen Pass. Along the way, stop to swim in the Maury River, stroll across the swinging bridge, hike Jump Back mountain, fish for some fresh water trout, or just relax while taking in all the beauty.

See a Cave or Cavern

Luray Caverns 90 minutes north on I-81 provides tours of underground wonders, such as enormous stalactites and stalagmites, and natural spring-water pools. Organ Cave just over the border in West Virginia is the second longest cave on the East Coast with more than 40 miles of mapped passageways.

Local Hikes in the Shenandoah Valley of Lexington, VA

Mount Pleasant: Moderate hike with fantastic views. Loop hike of 5.2 miles.
Woods Creek Trail: Moderate hike within Lexington city limits. Goes through W&L as well as VMI.
Either loop (4 mi.) or one-way (2 mi.).

Chessie Nature Trail: Easy hike along railbed of Chesapeake & Railroad. You can determine the distance hiked by using the provided mile markers. One-way.

House Mountain: Easy – difficult hike depending upon which options you choose.

Brushy Hills Trails: Several trails ranging from .7 mi. to 1.3 mi.

Appalachian Trail Section Day Hikes

Long Mountain
Wayside to Irish Creek: A moderate one-way hike if you travel north to south. Several scenic
footbridges across Brown Mountain Creek, rest or snack at the Brown Mountain Shelter. 6 mi.

Hog Camp to Cold Mountain
A moderate 3.5 mi. round trip hike to the summit of Cold Mountain and some spectacular views.

Hog Camp to Tar Jacket Ridge
A moderate hike with a total distance of 3 mi. round trip. Excellent views.