I've visited here thrice over 2 decades and learn something new every time. I went on a Saturdsy in…read moreearly April was was unreasonably warm at 80 degrees. Our tour guide Wanda was informative. A family with 4 children between ages 3 to 8 were the others on my tour. The parents indicated that they were being home schooled which to me explained their good behavior and genuine interest in history. Understandably, the presentation was geared to the 4 children which I was fine with. The adjoining museum holds a surprising amount of Jackson paraphernalia, and the attendants were most helpful. Heard of Stonewall Jackson but interested in Major Jackson the family man and husband? Then check this out!

I did not visit the house but I stopped and reviewed this wonderful historical marker that is…read moreplaced outside. It's worth pointing out that we're in the south and Virginia fought for the Confederacy which may be a problem for some. The marker has the same text on both sides, reading "Virginia Military Institute instructor Maj. Thomas J. Jackson (1824-1863) and his second wife, Mary Anna Morrison (1831-1915), bought this house in 1858. Built ca. 1801, this typical middle-class dwelling was the only house Jackson ever owned. Enslaved African Americans Amy, Hetty, George, Cyrus, and Emma worked and lived on the property. Jackson left Lexington in April 1861 to fight for the Confederacy. Later known as "Stonewall," he became a lieutenant general. Mary Anna Jackson moved to North Carolina but owned this house until 1906, when it became the community hospital. The house has been a museum since 1954 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places." This is marker number Q-11-a and was erected by the Department of Historic Resources in 2021. [Review 19589 overall - 1426 in Virginia - 560 of 2023.]

This university has a unique historical niche. The name really is what it sounds like, and the…read moreuniversity has a several exhibitions memorializing George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Most notable is the university's chapel and Lee memorial, which had a volunteer out to explain the history (and the fact that the museum was being renovated so there wasn't a ton to see). Several other buildings were within walking distance, including one which housed exhibitions of porcelain, and some interesting pictures of mines with brightly colored chemicals. The individual museums were not large, but the combined experience is worth stopping to take a look at. There is no charge to enter and there is a small circle dedicated to museum parking.

Absolutely jaw dropping experience. I am a hugeeee civil war buff and seeing this in person was…read moreamazing. You enter the chapel doors and see Lee's bodice. You are able to walk around it and take pictures. Downstairs is his crypt and office. And outside the door downstairs is all the information about Traveller! Here's some history! It was 1861, Lee was in the mountains of West Virginia commanding a small Confederate force that would suffer defeat in the Battle of Cheat Mountain; this earned him the nickname "Granny Lee" because people thought he was afraid to shed blood. Here he met Captain Joseph M. Broun, quartermaster of the 3rd Infantry of Wise's Legion, mounted on a steed that would eventually become Lee's famous warhorse Traveller. The original owner named the horse Jeff Davis after the Mississippi senator who would become President of the Confederacy; but when Broun bought the horse for military service he renamed him Greenbriar. Before Lee had an opportunity to acquire the horse, he was sent on orders to the Palmetto State. Captain Broun's company was also later transferred to the Lowcountry. As fate would have it, he met Lee again at Pocotaligo. Immediately recognizing "his colt," the general still showed such a fancy for the horse that the junior officer realized he had little choice but to offer it up as a gift. Lee declined, saying he would gladly purchase the animal. Broun let Greenbriar go for the same price at which he purchased him: $175, or approximately $4,500 in today's currency, but the General added a tip of $15 to compensate for the depreciation of Confederate money. Lee named him Traveller. At the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, Traveller spooked and threw his master down against a stump. Lee broke both hands and finished out the campaign in an ambulance, or with a courier leading his horse. But, more generally, Traveller was noted for bravery and, at times, soldiers had to literally surround him and grab the reigns to keep him from plunging ahead with their commander onto the front lines of battle. In his final years, Lee served as President of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. Traveller was allowed to graze about the campus, but so many star-struck students stole hairs from his mane and tail that Lee complained in a letter to his daughter, "He is presenting the appearance of a plucked chicken." In the fall of 1870, Lee suffered a stroke and died two weeks later. For the funeral procession, Traveller was saddled up and decked out with black crepe. He led along behind the ammunition cart bearing Lee's casket. Within a year, Traveller stepped on a rusty nail and contracted tetanus. He was shot to end his misery. Traveller was initially buried behind the main buildings of the college, but was unearthed by persons unknown and his bones were bleached for exhibition in Rochester, New York, in 1875/1876. In 1907, Richmond journalist Joseph Bryan paid to have the bones mounted and returned to what was now Washington AND Lee University. The skeleton was periodically vandalized there by students who carved their initials in it for good luck. In 1929, the bones were moved to the museum in the basement of the University Chapel, where they stood for 30 years, deteriorating with exposure. Finally in 1971, Traveller's remains were buried in a wooden box encased in concrete next to the chapel a few feet away from the Lee family crypt inside, where his master's body rests. The stable where he lived his last days, directly connected to the Lee House on campus, traditionally stands with its doors left open; this is said to allow his spirit to wander freely. When the 24th president of the university violated this tradition, he caught so much flack from the community that he had to have the doors repainted in a color he called "Traveller's Green," just so he could redeem himself.

I've gotta admit even though I was a Poly Sci major in college I didn't know much about Marshall…read moreother than the Marshall Plan. He had a really interesting life and this museum does a great job of showing it all. He was the Army Chief of Staff during WWII, Secretary of Defense, President of the Red Cross, and Secretary of State among other titles. This place shows it all without being boring or long winded, you can also see an Oscar and a Nobel Peace Prize here so that alone is worth a look.

I was very impressed by this museum. There is room after room of impressive historical information…read morethat is well explained for somebody like me who does not have a good background and history. I'm not sure there is another place you could go and see an actual Nobel peace prize metal and an Oscar. There are war relics in the form of swords and guns, a World War Two jeep that you can climb into, actual articles of clothing from George Marshall, and the list goes on and on. It is worth a stop if you were on the VMI campus for sure.

Decent amount of parking, even with a trailer. Really sweet older lady at the ticket booth, asked…read moreif we were military and gave us the discount. We made it just in time for the 3:30 Bigfoot battle! The kids were able to fill water guns and squirt Bigfoot as he ran around the town. It was a perfect way to cool off during the 90° weather. The town was pretty cool! My son had a blast going from store to store seeing what each room held. We pressed all the buttons and touched all the things! Our favorite part was the dino trail. My husband enjoyed the Civil War statues mixed with the dinosaurs. The kids just loved the dinosaurs and the adventure of it all. The dino maze was cool and my daughter loved the dino dig. The gift shop had some pretty cool shirts and we couldn't leave without getting a stuffed dino and a penny from the machine. A great roadside attraction! Definitely worth stopping and seeing, especially if you have kids/just enjoy weird and entertaining experiences.

Great stop for the granddaughters, age 9 and 8. Great stop for someone with a sense of humor, kids…read morewho love dinosaurs or just needing to give the kids a moment to run. It Was campy and over the top but hey... I think it was meant to be. The rating is strictly for young kids. Adults, don't waste your time. The price was a bit high but the kids got to squirt a "Bigfoot" who was also armed with a squirt gun.

I may have left the Shenandoah, But she'll never leave my…read moreheart. Stonewall Country clear-eyed daughter of the stars. I worked for Theater at Lime Kiln in 1995. While I was there I met and saw many great artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Robin & Linda Williams, The Mighty Rainmakers, and many more. In addition to the many great concert series performances I also had the joy of seeing the theatrical performance of Stonewall Country every night and working with a wonderful volunteer staff, cast, and crew. Stonewall Country was a great musical about the life and death of Civil War General Stonewall Jackson. Who by the way is buried in Lexington as well in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery off Main St. His horse is stuffed and located in the Virginia Military Institute museum. Since I left my home in Stonewall Country, I have but one concern; That I will never get back home To see the seasons turn. Or the sun go down in Stonewall Country, Pink and flaming red. With the trees all silhouetted Against the mountain's crest, Just over to the west.

My husband and I, with some friends, enjoyed a great concert last night in the Bowl...Love Canon!…read moreThe concert sold out so be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time online. There were probably several hundred folks at the venue, but it was not over-crowded. This is such a great outdoor venue! Parking was a breeze and it was a short walk to the restrooms, entrance, will call, and food and drink. Concert started at 7:30p and we arrived around 6:30p. We had plenty of time to find a bench and stake our claim to it with a blanket. Then we purchased dinner...choices were burger, chicken salad, tuna salad, quinoa and rice salad, tuna, crab cake and maybe another item or two. Non-alcoholic drinks were water, sodas, and apple juice. There was also a food truck that offered some small bites and dessert. Beer and wine were also for sale for $5 each. The only draw back was the long line for food and then another long line for beer and wine. There was an area with about half a dozen picnic tables. The restrooms were quite clean! The band played until about 11:00p. Music and lighting were terrific. Leaving the venue was a breeze. I would definitely recommend this venue!

I've stopped in the Lexington Visitor Center during pretty much every visit to Rockbridge County,…read moreVA and am impressed by how consistently friendly and helpful the staff are. I don't know whether they are employed or volunteer their time, however their knowledge and passion for the history of the environs is impressive. It is conveniently located in historic Lexington and is located just a few doors down from the Stonewall Jackson House & Museum. If you've not been to Lexington in the past or would like more ideas about places to see, this is a great stop. They have a private parking lot AND clean public bathrooms! ( I like the clean part!) PS. A special thanks to Etta with whom I had a delightful discussion!

The Lexington Visitor Center is an excellent place to begin a visit to this historic town. You will…read moresee highway signs announcing it along I-81 and in town. Displays showcase the principal attractions. The helpful docent at the desk will give you a walking tour map and mark it up with a suggested route. A tour will usually begin with the Stonewall Jackson House just up the street. Free parking is available all day at the visitor center, though the parking lot fills up. Restrooms.

What a wonderful, charming little gallery. I so enjoyed looking at all the art and the staff as so…read morehelpfu and kind. Love the painting we got. We had a perfect weekend in Lexington Virginia.

From the owner: Excellently curated contemporary art from regional artists both emerging and established…read more Lexington's only Fine Art gallery located in a historic, walkable gallery district. With a range of price points, we feature oil, pastel and watercolor paintings, clayworks, glass art, sculpture, jewelry, and furniture all in a comfortable atmosphere. Many paintings of the local scenes and colleges. Excellent service customized to your needs.

Obnoxious. Will pester you with many emails. Is to ignorant to understand that no response IS in…read morefact a response. It's a shame that vendors are vindictive. Go elsewhere so you won't have to deal with his unreasonable attitude.

The people who have been framing my pictures for the last 25 years recommended Michael's shop to…read moreme. I took in a Cuban piece I recently acquired and he did a super job. The best framers are people who can work with you to turn what you have into a true piece of art. Michael was patient, receptive to my ideas and budget and helped me create a super piece. I enjoyed the process we went through and would highly recommend Michael's talents to anyone who wants to take a serious approach to framing. I have attached a photo of the results so you can see what we created.