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Downtown Lexington has both a historic past and a heritage of architectural preservation. The oldest downtown buildings date from the late 18th century, and many were built in the early to mid-19th century. Preservation efforts begun in the 1960s have resulted in many downtown buildings being saved from destruction, restored and adapted for modern uses. In the 1970s, overhead wires were placed underground, the downtown streets were completely rebuilt and brick sidewalks replaced concrete walks.
The 19th-century atmosphere, so appealing to visitors, has also attracted the attention of Hollywood. Scenes for several other theatrical and television productions have been shot in and around downtown.
Shoppers in downtown Lexington will find a diversity of merchandise and services. Several book stores offer new, used and collectible books. Local artists display their creations in several galleries and shops on Washington Street. Specialty food stores sell locally roasted coffees, gourmet chocolates, local and regional wines, beers and ciders, herbs and organic foods, and fresh-baked breads, cakes and pastries. Other shops stock distinctive gift items, college merchandise, active and outdoors gear, and men’s and women’s clothing.
Downtown Lexington’s restaurant scene offers a mix of cuisines and atmospheres, from bistros to taprooms to coffee and gelato shops. Chose from Greek, Asian, Italian, and American fare. Downtown Lexington has a brewery with a rotating menu of local beers, plus wines and ciders from local producers.
There’s plenty of live music to enjoy in downtown. Fridays Alive brings concerts to downtown on selected Friday evenings during the summer. Local restaurants often have live music in the evenings.
Hopkins Green, a small park on the corner of Nelson and Jefferson Streets, provides a place in downtown for visitors and locals to sit and relax. The campuses of Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute are both adjacent to downtown and within easy walking distance of downtown and the Visitor Center.
Main Street Lexington, Inc. is a 501(c)3 volunteer-based organization established in 2013 to preserve, sustain, enhance and promote downtown Lexington. The organization is affiliated with the Virginia Main Street program. For more information, see it’s website at http://www.mainstreetlexington.org.
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