Lexington VA, the home to the legendary Virginia Military Institute and the Washington and Lee University, has a lot to offer those seeking a getaway weekend. In addition to lots of Civil War history and historic sites, there are outdoor adventures to be had!
Not far away is the Virginia Safari Park and the Natural Bridge, and, of course, the James River and all the recreational possibilities that a scenic river offers! In the opposite direction, Grand Caverns invites you to explore its mysteries deep below the earth’s surface.
Lexington was named in 1778, the first of many American towns and cities named after Lexington, Massachusetts, known for being the place at which the first shot was fired in the American Revolution.
We recently had the chance to explore two hotels in Lexington while enjoying the outdoor adventures I mentioned above.
Col Alto Hampton Inn
Although most Hampton Inns, while comfortable and accommodating, aren’t particularly interesting, this one is, because it’s attached to an old house and incorporates the historic charm of the original 1827 manor house — that’s where you check in and where you can have breakfast in the morning.
Col Alto Manor House is a two-story, Georgian style brick dwelling with a hipped roof. Col Alto was the home of Congressman James McDowell, for whom the house was built, and later, for Congressman Henry St. George Tucker. In the 1930s, the house was remodeled, enlarged, and modernized, and more recently, made into a Hampton Inn.
You can stay in a room that features contemporary touches or in one of the restored manor rooms offering a glimpse into the past: the Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson or the Washington and Lee Room featuring period decor.
Website: https://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/virginia/hampton-inn-lexington-historic-district-LXTSWHX/index.html
The Georges, a Boutique Inn
This is a relatively new inn, right in the heart of the former colonial town and within easy walking distance of restaurants, but it’s housed in two historic buildings in downtown Lexington — the Washington Building and the Marshall Building. Two of Lexington’s oldest surviving structures, they were built more than 200 years ago, and have served as private homes, shops, inns and offices over the years.
As a boutique inn, The Georges, no two of its 18 rooms are identical. Each has been elegantly decorated and offers all the modern amenities that would make your stay comfortable.
Getting there: 11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450
Website: https://thegeorges.com/
