Washington and Lee University
Think there is nothing to do in a town of 7,000?
Think again!
From art galleries to easygoing, live music to eclectic dining options, you will find an outlet for any cultural interest you can imagine in Lexington, Virginia. Imagine enjoying the simple pleasure of kettle corn while strolling down Main Street looking at local artisans’ wares at a community festival or taking in Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the outdoor Lime Kiln Theater. Every Wednesday offers the chance to enjoy fresh produce, homemade sweets and seasonal specialties at the Farmer’s Market a block off campus. You might check out some of the area’s historic sites (other than W&L’s own campus), such as the Stonewall Jackson House or the George C. Marshall Museum, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Lexington’s historic downtown district, or visit some of the area’s numerous vineyards, orchards, and gardens.
Town-gown relations could not be stronger than those our students experience with the Lexington community. Shopping and dining options are every bit as enticing as those in a larger city, but with the small town charm and convenience that only our historic downtown can offer. Stores like George & Bob’s, Pumpkinseeds, and Artists in Cahoots offer neat finds for shopping. Two independent bookstores offer students a great read to enjoy at The Daily Grind or Lexington Coffee Company. Looking for something more substantial than a latte? Check out one of the many area restaurants, as recommended by our admissions staff, after your tour of the W&L campus.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Lexington and greater Rockbridge County offer plenty of reasons to strap on a pair of hiking boots and enjoying the cool mountain air. Students enjoy trips with the Outing Club, like canoeing the Maury River, hiking to the top of House Maintain or even hitting W&L’s on-campus Frisbee golf course. W&L students enjoy special discounts at the two local golf courses, spend time at our climbing wall and relax in inner tubes on the Maury up at Goshen Pass.
From treading on the locally made bricks that pave our sidewalks to catching a double-feature at the nation’s only community owned drive-in theater (Lexington’s Hull’s Drive in), our community offers many of the little things that make it a place students love to call home. To learn more about Lexington and some of the reasons why our alumni continue to flock back for various weekends, check out the Lexington, Virginia Visitors’ Center.
