The Georges in Lexington
Traveling through Virginia, one notices signs that read “Virginia is for Lovers.” It was a successful 1960s tourism campaign to promote the state’s beautiful scenery, culinary offerings, outdoor activities and charming towns. This slogan became a beloved part of the state’s identity, symbolizing not only romance but Virginia’s welcoming spirit and attractions.
Virginia is for Lovers of Luxury Accommodations
The Georges in Lexington is a 33 room boutique hotel on Main Street. It’s a compound of five buildings offering a blend of historic charm and modern design. Some of the buildings date back to over 200 years, and have been renovated with different and unique stylish interiors.
A Gorgeous Georges Guest Room. Photo Jill Weinlein
In the new Livery Building, spacious guest rooms feature luxe Frette bedding, plush robes and slippers, and large marble bathrooms complete with a walk-in shower and bathtub.
TAPS at The Georges. Photo Jill Weinlein
Virginia is for Lovers of Culinary Delights
Start your morning with a complimentary hot and cold breakfast before a day of exploring neighboring towns. The Georges serves breakfast at TAPS off the lobby. In the evening this space becomes a sophisticated restaurant with live music on certain evenings. Across the street is the hotel’s second restaurant, Haywood’s that is open for dinner and Sunday brunch.
The service at The Georges is professional and friendly. Ideally located next to two prestigious colleges: Washington and Lee, and Virginia Military Institute, it’s a favorite for prospective and current students and their families.
Virginia Is For Lovers Of Farms.
Virginia is for Lovers of Farms
One of the first spots to visit near Lexington, Virginia is the 54-acre Tantivy Lavender Farm. Owners Brian and Penny welcome guests to their farm and encourage guests to pet their menagerie of animals. There is a small herd or miniature donkeys, a miniature cow named ‘Swiss Miss’, a couple horses, sheep, peacocks and a loving and loyal farm dog.
What started as a retirement hobby in 2018, after a successful equestrian career, has become a top destination to visit in Fairfield, Virginia. This productive farm bears 360 lavender plants, fruit trees, berries vines, vegetable gardens and flower beds. There are five separate areas with 50 varieties of over 1200 plants.
Tantivy Lavender Farm. Photo Jill Weinlein
Start at the Lavender Gift Shop for a refreshing glass of lavender lemonade and a lavender cookie. They also make homemade lavender ice cream that they sell by the scoop. The shop also sells lavender soap, lavender lotions, and lavender smelling candles for thoughtful souvenirs. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic and hike to the farm’s secluded 12-foot waterfall for scenic views.
Throughout the year, Penny offers a variety of enrichment classes to locals and visitors. From ‘Kokedama’, the art of making moss balls, to floral arranging classes, Holiday Advent wreath and do-it-yourself Christmas wreath classes. This lovely couple wants to share their small piece of Heaven to everyone who visits Virginia.
Natural Bridge State Park. Photo Jill Weinlein
Virginia is for Lovers of Nature
Natural Bridge State Park is a tonic for the mind, body and spirit. This stunning natural massive limestone arch formed by erosion, spans 215 feet and is 90 feet wide. It rises 65 feet above the creek below and is large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty underneath. Route 11 has been on top of this natural bridgeway since the 1930s. It’s surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, caves, and Cedar Creek.
Visitors can walk along the Cedar Creek Trail past waterfalls to picturesque view spots of the bridge. Step inside the park’s visitor center to learn more about the area’s geology and history. Natural Bridge has a rich past starting with Thomas Jefferson in 1774. In 2016, this area became a state park and is stabilized to its natural state, just as Jefferson wanted to keep this iconic destination.
It’s a popular destination for travelers and artists with its diverse wildlife and plant species. As an excellent spot for nature observation, Natural Bridge has become a unique wedding destination for small weddings and elopements.
Rockbridge Vineyard. Photo Jill Weinlein
Virginia is for Lovers of Wine
President Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate for wine production in America and had a particular interest in viticulture in Virginia. At his estate, Monticello, he experimented with various grape varieties while planting vineyards. He was committed to improving American winemaking.
Virginia’s wine scene began to take off in the 1970s, with early pioneers like Dr. Jim Law, who established Linden Vineyards in 1985, and Patricia Kluge, who created Kluge Estate Winery in the late 1990s. The state offers a diverse range of wineries and varietals, gaining recognition and awards for its Chardonnays Viognier and Cabernet Franc wines.
It continues to thrive with award winning wines from Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery in Raphine. Their tasting room has a circular walk-up bar overlooking the farm, vineyards and outdoor picnic and wine tasting terrace. Their numerous awards throughout the years include Best in Show in the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, Best in Show in Town Point Competition and they have won twice at the coveted Virginia Governor’s Cup.
Rockbridge Tasting Room. Photo Jill Weinlein
Shepherd ‘Shep’ and Jane Rouse own Rockbridge Vineyard. Shep’s heritage in Virginia dates back to the 17th century, and he is a graduate of Washington & Lee University. Afterwards he moved to California to obtain his Masters in Enology from UC Davis.
Shep visited and worked in vineyards in California and Germany, before coming back to Virginia with Jane. They make a variety of wines from their 17 rolling acres of vineyards, plus grapes from other top-quality vineyards in Virginia counties. Shep produces small batch, native grape wines with minimal processing.
When their son wanted to make beer and open a brewery, they built a brewery and tap room next to their wine tasting room. Now locals and visitors come in for a pint, a flight or bring in their growlers for a fill up.
Here is Now Vineyards
Another family-owned award-winning winery is Here is Now Vineyards in Fairfield, Virginia. Its name in Italian means ‘here now,’ and the beautiful tasting room and large outside covered veranda with rocking chairs is idyllic for sipping a flight of Old World and New World wines.
During the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition, their 2022 New World VA Chardonnay was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal. Ask for a taste of this golden hue wine infused with flavors of honeysuckle, pineapple, and gentle acidity. It’s an exquisite wine embodying the essence of Virginia’s finest craftsmanship.
Other award-winning wines they make have received silver medals including their 2022 Old World Virginia Chardonnay, 2022 New World Cabernet Franc and 2021 Primo Bianco Chardonnay.
Ecco Adesso collaborates with Sassaia Vineyards delicious Italian wines and Williamsburg Winery, a sister winery, located in the coastal area of Virginia, producing within the Virginia Peninsula AVA.
Events are planned on Thursday through Sunday that include Apertivo at the Vineyard-Italian Style, Sunset Fridays, Live Music on Saturdays and Sip and Savor Sundays.
Now Here's Old Timber Ridge Farmhouse
Stay overnight in one of the onsite retreats while exploring Virginia. The historic four bedroom Old Timber Ridge Farmhouse has been beautifully restored and is adjacent to the farm winery. Relax on the front porch in a rocking chair or on a hammock, stargaze into the country sky or next to the smokeless firepit. There is an outdoor grill and yard games for family fun and friendly reunions.
The Vintner’s Guest House is a romantic three bedroom home perched on a hill overlooking pastures, vineyards, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located next to the tasting room, guests can relax in Adirondack chairs on the covered porch, or enjoy the warmth from a Breeo firepit.
Activities on the estate include hiking trails, bubbling springs and waterfalls. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the verdant meadows with a bottle of wine looking towards the spectacular Blue Ridge mountain views.
Heliotrope Brewery in Lexington. Photo Jill Weinlein
Virginia is for Lovers of Beer
Heliotrope Brewery in Lexington brews a variety of craft beers with as many local ingredients as possible, from produce grown within a few miles of the brewery. The barley is harvested and malted in Virginia to make beers with names such as a sour beer called ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart.’ The pizza is made with a sourdough crust. They also serve salads at this family friendly restaurant that stands against racism and discrimination in all its forms.
To plan a Virginia is for Lovers getawaybe sure to visit Lexington’s Visitors Guide to learn about adventure opportunities, historical tours, dining venues, culture and community.
