Lexington, VA Travel Guide 🇺🇸🏛️

📖 Background: Lexington, VA, was a key Confederate stronghold during the Civil War. Named in 1778 after the first battle of the American Revolution in Lexington, MA, this is not where the "shot heard round the world" was fired. The town retains much of its historic architecture, monuments, and even some homes flying Confederate flags. With a population of around 3,000, it’s a small, deeply traditional Southern community. Demographically, it’s very white and very conservative. During my time here, my college class had only 40 non-white students out of 400, and just two Chinese students including me. As an Asian person, I never faced direct racism here, though my Black roommate did. Southern hospitality is real — tourists need not worry, but be mindful of the complex history. 👗 What to Wear: Embrace classic Prep style — think colorful dresses (Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines), polo shirts, and even cowboy boots 🐎👢. Many locals grew up riding horses (the real kind, not Hermès!). 🍽️ Food: Palms: Must-try wings! Sweet Treats: Burgers Napa Thai: Pad Thai (not authentic but tasty) Haywoods: Steak Sushi Matsumoto: Bento box lunches The Bistro: Seafood 🚫 No authentic Chinese food here — it’s a culinary desert for Asian cuisines. For long-term survival, learn to cook or embrace "white people food." For short visits, stick to the list above! 🏨 Accommodation: The Georges: A locally-owned hotel in a 19th-century building on Main Street (opened 2014). I haven’t stayed — someone please review! Hilton: At the edge of town. No Marriott properties. 🚗 Transportation: Driving is essential — no airport, no train station. The town is isolated! One daily bus from DC (4-5 hours). Nearest airports: Roanoke or Charlottesville (1-hour drive, home to UVA). 🛍️ What to Do: Downtown is just one main street with a few cross streets — explorable in under an hour. But it’s worth it! Unique local shops feature art by regional artists — you won’t find these elsewhere. 🎓 Visit Washington and Lee University (9th oldest in the U.S., though it’s fallen out of the top 10 liberal arts rankings since I refused to donate 😂). The campus is open during the day — feel free to wander! #HiddenGems #Lexington #SouthernCharm #TravelUSA #HistoricTowns