A Getaway from the Bridge to the Ridge

Natural Bridge, Lexington & the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are so many ways to have fun in the Natural Bridge area. Getaway with a visit to the historic site and even more nearby fun!

Day 1

Walk beside Cascade Falls or shuttle down into the ravine to see the spectacular National Historic Landmark and natural wonder, the Natural Bridge. Spend the day visiting the Natural Bridge and its group of attractions all on one ticket: the Natural Bridge & Cedar Creek Trail, with its Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls; Natural Bridge Caverns; and on-site museums. Stop for a snack or lunch at the Summerhouse Cafe. After you’ve done it all, have a relaxing dinner at the Red Fox Tavern (reservations recommended). Then, wander back down to the Bridge at sunset for the presentation of the “Drama of Creation”. Stay at the Natural Bridge Hotel for the night, or check into a cabin at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp Resort.

Day 2

Drive to historic Lexington today. Stop at the Visitor Center to pick up information on the free self-guided walking tour of the picturesque 19th century town. Lexington is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you don’t mind the added expense, ask about a guided walking tour. Visit the Lee Chapel and Museum, George C. Marshall Museum, Virginia Military Institute, the Stonewall Jackson House, and more. Make a lunch stop while exploring. Then, do the self-guided Art in Lexington Gallery Tour. Have dinner while in town or go to Hull’s Drive-in for a weekend movie (May through October), where you can take advantage of very affordable family entertainment and concessions.

Day 3

Your next journey is the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenery is spectacular whether driving, biking or hiking. If heading south toward Roanoke, you’ll see some of the area’s highest peaks (Thunder Ridge, mp 74.7; Apple Orchard Mountain, mp 76.5), and can stop at the Visitor Center and self-guided trail at mp 63.7, or at Peaks of Otter, mp 84-87. At 83.4, hike the Fallingwater Cascades National Scenic Trail. If you’re heading north toward I-64, stop at mp 8.8 for the self-guided nature trail at the Greenstone Parking Overlook, and at mp 5.8, the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center & mountain farm museum with costumed interpreters.

This getaway was submitted by the Natural Bridge of Virginia.