Lexington is one of my favorite downtowns in the Valley. Whenever friends and family visit, I typically take them to the Southern Valley. The drive is beautiful, Lexington is full of galleries, great coffee and charming storefronts, and the county has a lot to offer.

Lexington

Once you make your way to downtown Lexington, I feel you don't even need a guide. Park your car on the street or in one of the free 3-hour public lots - and be on your way! Stroll up and down main street and venture onto some of the side streets - you will not be disappointed! Here are some of my highlights:

Coffee
  • Pronto Caffe & Gelateria (real gelato and great coffee, modern Italian)
  • Lexington Coffee Shop (great if you need a spot to work, check out the back room with some pretty interesting portraits)
  • Coffee Corner (inside the Rockbridge Regional Library)

Restaurants
  • My go-to for coffee/breakfast/lunch at Season's Yield at Haywood's. Season's Yield is a family-run farm and bakery halfway between Staunton and Lexington (see more below) but they pop op at The George's at Haywood on the corner of Main Street & W Washington Street from Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. I love their baked breads, pastries (their croissants are as close to the real deal as it gets!) and light lunch fare (salads & sandwiches).
  • TAPS is a lovely spot for American-style food and cocktails. 
  • Heliotrope Brewing serves outstanding sourdough pizzas and salads! They have beers, ciders and flavored seltzers on tap and I love the scene. 
  • If you're in the mood for a quick bite (hot dogs, burgers, fries), try Pure Eats.
  • I have not had the opportunity yet to eat at The Red Hen but I've heads great things and can't wait to to try it out! 
Art
  • At every visit, I stop by Earth Fire and Spirit Gallery. I love pottery and they have a great combination of functional art glass, pottery, wood, paintings, and other art forms. 
  • Artists in Cahoots is a great spot for local art. 
  • Cabell Gallery is a small place but definitely worth a visit.
  • If you want to see something a little more unusual and enjoy furniture and home décor, make sure to stop by Curated Interiors! I adore their eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces!
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Rockbridge county

I took one trip to Natural Bridge State Park and really enjoyed myself. I wouldn't call it a hike but after many steps you will be rewarded with a lovely walk along a creek. It's an out-and-back and you can turn around any time. 

If you find yourself north of Lexington on certain Saturdays of the month, consider stopping by Season's Yield Farm! Every second Saturday, they open up their farm to visitors for Bread day: Live music, fresh food (they alternative between roasted hog and pizza), freshly baked sourdough breads, pastries, great coffee and a community of fellow sourdough worshippers. 
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