Top Choice National Park in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most spectacular national parks in the country, Shenandoah is a showcase of natural color and beauty: in spring and summer the wildflowers explode, in fall the leaves burn bright red and orange, and in wi…
Top Choice Museum in Lexington
George C Marshall Museum
Many visitors to Lexington give this museum in the grounds of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) a miss. We counsel you not to do the same, as its subject matter and exhibits are totally engrossing. Chief of staf…
Top Choice Cave in Luray
Luray Caverns
If you can only fit one cavern into your Shenandoah itinerary, head 25 miles south from Front Royal to the world-class Luray Caverns and hear the 'Stalacpipe Organ' – hyped as the largest musical instrument on earth…
Bridge in Lexington
Natural Bridge State Park
We're going to let Thomas Jefferson write the review of the main feature in this state park, which he described in his book Notes on Virginia: 'It is impossible for the emotions arising from the sublime to be felt b…
Mountain in Shenandoah National Park
Hawksbill Mountain
The highest peak in the park (4050ft) is also a well-known nesting area for peregrine falcons. Stand on the rustic stone observation platform at the end of the trail for long-lasting impressions of the park’s wondro…
University in Lexington
Virginia Military Institute
You'll either be impressed or put off by the extreme discipline of the cadets at Virginia Military Institute, the only university to have sent its entire graduating class into combat (plaques to student war dead are…
University in Lexington
Washington & Lee University
Named for George Washington and Robert E Lee, this pretty and preppy liberal arts college was founded in 1749. George Washington saved the young school in 1796 with a gift of $20,000. Confederate general Robert E Le…
Amusement Park in Shenandoah Valley
Dinosaur Kingdom II
One of the wackiest attractions yet from artist and creative wunderkind Mark Cline, this kitschy theme park transports visitors to an alternate reality: a forested kingdom where Union soldiers are attempting to use …
Museum in Lexington
Lee Chapel & Museum
This picturesque chapel inters Robert E Lee (1807–70). After Lee's death, Virginia sculptor Edward Valentine created its life-size 'Recumbent Lee' statue. A small museum displays Lee's office, and his horse Travelle…
Historic Building in Lexington
Stonewall Jackson House
One of the most revered generals of the south, Thomas Jonathon 'Stonewall' Jackson lived in this handsome brick Federal-style town house with his wife and five slaves from 1851 to 1861, while he taught at nearby VMI…