Experience two wonders of the world, The Natural Bridge and Foamhenge (Stonehenge replica), in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Do it old school- linger, look around, take your time, and you'll discover photo opportunities like no other.
The Natural Bridge, like Niagara Falls, was a natural wonder of the new world that fascinated people and drew visitors from afar. In awe of it, Thomas Jefferson purchased the immense rock bridge from the King of England; and before that, George Washington surveyed the area, and carved his initials in the Bridge.
Its fame took off once Jefferson's French colleagues visited; talk about old school, they covered the "new world" on horseback! They returned to France with its massive measurements, then drew it. Captivated by it, artists illustrated and painted The Natural Bridge; others wrote about it; Herman Melville referenced it in his famous novel, Moby Dick. Word got out, old school style. They came on horse, stagecoach, train, eventually car (The Bridge carries U.S. 11 and its traffic across the canyon). One of the country's first tourist attractions, natural wonders, and Blue Ridge mountain retreats, The Bridge is now a National Historic Landmark and Civil War Trails site.
Save on-line whether you visit for the day or stay on-site at the historic Natural Bridge Hotel- in charming old school style. Make time to walk the Cedar Creek Trail past the Bridge to the Monacan Indian Village, Lost River, and Lace Falls. Visit Virginia's largest new indoor butterfly garden, Caverns, the Wax Museum and Toy Museum. Discount tickets and packages are at the link below.
Pull off U.S. 11 north of The Natural Bridge to see Foamhenge, a replica Stonehenge. Travel & Leisure called it one of the "Top 25 strangest roadside attractions."
The Natural Bridge is on U.S. 11 & 130, off I-81, exits 175 & 180; and off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Instead of horse, go 1930s old school, drive U.S. 11 to historic Lexington and explore more of Rockbridge County.
