Lexington has several museums and some historic sites that should not be missed. Make sure to visit:
Historic downtown has many shops, restaurants, cafes and more. Alvin-Dennis, at 102 W. Washington St., is a preppy men’s store that has been there since 1963; Cheese to You for artisan cheeses at 32 S. Main; Lexington Books & Co. at 29 W. Nelson and Pumpkinseeds at 1 N. Main St., for women’s clothing, accessories and home accessories are well-worth the visit.
George C. Marshall Museum: Located on the Campus of VMI, Virginia Military Institute, this is a museum dedicated to Marshall, who was a Five-Star General, Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. He is best known for his plan to rebuild Europe after WWII. Make sure to take time to see the 15 minute film at the beginning of your tour.
Stonewall Jackson House Museum: Located a block off Main St., at 8 E. Washington, this is the historic home of Confederate General, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. He and his wife lived there when he taught at VMI before the Civil War.
Lee Chapel & Museum, at Washington and Lee University: Located on the campus of W&L, this is the university chapel built in 1866 and includes a memorial dedicated to General Robert E. Lee. Washington College, named for George Washington, later became Washington and Lee University to honor Robert E. Lee who was its president from 1865 to 1870.
The chapel upstairs contains the statue chamber with a recumbent statue of Lee. Downstairs is the family crypt where Lee and his family are buried, his office, several museum galleries and exhibitions about both Washington and Lee and the Washington-Custis-Lee collection of Early American portraits. You might check the university calendar as the chapel is the location of many academic events and concerts.
