exertion. Ask the folks at the cavern or at the gift shop at Natural Bridge about a money-saving combo ticket to both.
Virginia Safari Park
229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge Not far from Natural Bridge, you’ll find the state’s only drive-through safari, with wild animals in their natural environment, including alpacas, deer, elk, long-horn cattle, ostriches and more. There’s also a 10-acre walk-thru Safari Village where you can see (and for some animals, interact with) giraffes, lions, kangaroos and the recently added penguins.
Food and Drink If you love good food, you will not be disappointed in Lexington. There are a number of great restaurants — all within walking distance.
Rocca Bar Ristorante
30 S. Main St. Upscale Italian fare, creative cocktails.
Haywood is first class in every respect, from the service to the food. Save room for delicious homemade desserts.
Other Food and Beverage Recommendations Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe
106 W. Washington St. This is certainly one of the best ice cream joints I’ve ever been in. They make all their ice creams as well as their wonderful waffle cones.
JJ’s Meat Shak
1607 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista Located about 20 miles from Lexington in Buena Vista, barbecue lovers will want to visit JJ’s for fantastic BBQ, plus wings, ribs, smoked turkey and much more. Coming soon, right next door — JJ’s Shuckin Shak, featuring fresh seafood.
Halcyon Days Cider Company
Southern Inn Restaurant
37 S. Main St. Contemporary American fare (think pan-seared scallops, roasted duck breast, sautéed rainbow trout, etc.). Plus, some of the best fried chicken in the state.
The Palms
4135 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge The cider won’t be coming ‘til next spring. But check online (HalcyoneDaysCider.com) and see if the place is open. The owners have created a labyrinth orchard, which is worth a visit even if there is no cider. They say the labyrinth may be accessible to the public by this fall.
Great Valley Farm Brewery
60 Great Valley Lane, Natural Bridge This new brewery is already winning awards. Their motto: “Great Brews and Great Views” is right on both counts.
101 W. Nelson St. Classic American fare in a casual setting. Check out their cool bar.
Bistro on Main
8 N. Main St. Elegant dining with a menu that focuses on fresh and healthy. Top menu items include the duck breast, shrimp and grits, crab cakes and my favorite, butternut squash ravioli.
Sheridan Livery Inn & Restaurant
35 N. Main St. The building originally opened in 1887 as John Sheridan’s stable and carriage service. Since 1997, it’s served as an inn and restaurant. The eclectic American menu features duck quarters, braised in Cabernet and tomato, as well as chili-braised pork shoulder.
Haywood’s Piano Bar
2 N. Main St. Located in the Georges, a beautiful boutique inn in the heart of town, the
One more thing before I wrap this up. I have to tell you about my accommodations during my visit. Although the town offers several quaint and beautiful hotels, as well as bed-and-breakfast accommodations, I was especially impressed with my stay at the Hampton Inn. When my GPS told me I had arrived, I thought the technology was acting up. I was sitting in front of a beautiful old brick mansion. I later learned, after discovering the Hampton Inn name subtly placed upon a brick entry wall and subsequently checking in, that the mansion that houses the front portion of the Inn is the Col Alto Manor Home, built in 1827. Several guest rooms, including mine (The Robert E. Lee room), are located within the mansion. The entire home has been renovated to include modern furnishings and amenities. The 10-foot ceilings certainly made the room feel even more spacious. There’s an outdoor pool and a free breakfast buffet. For more information, visit HamptonInn3.Hilton.com or call 540-463-9707.
July / August 2017 March / April 2017
West End's Best 69 69 Chesterfield Living