Once you arrive at House Mountain Inn, you may never want to leave, but if you feel the need to explore, the Lexington area has both rich history and abundant natural resources. There's more to see and do here than you'd imagine! Click here to see a list of Lexington events that are happening during your visit.

Buffalo Springs Herb Farm: Buffalo Springs Herb Farm is an 18th century farmstead offering herbs, botanicals, dried flowers, plants, and garden tours. (540) 348-1083.

Downtown Lexington: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lexington is a lovely little city full of historic significance and modern shopping! Stroll through the streets and enjoy the period architecture, historic buildings, and exceptional shops. Another great way to see the city is through the Lexington carriage ride. Lasting 40 minutes, the ride carries you through town with a driver narrating civil war history and heartbreak. Learn of Stonewall Jackson's many life tragedies and the struggles and triumphs of Robert E. Lee. (540) 463-5647.

Lime Kiln Theater: Theater at Lime Kiln offers terrific historical productions, Shakespeare plays, and classical concerts. Housed in a former lime quarry, the giant kiln is still mostly intact, providing a most unusual backdrop to this outdoor stage under the stars.

Natural Bridge: One of Virginia's most cherished natural wonders, this 90-foot-long bridge of rock is a breathtaking sight. The bridge contains 450,000 cubic feet of rock and is estimated to weigh approximately 36,000 tons. The Natural Bridge area also offers a zoo, a wax museum, a drag strip speedway, and a toy museum with a collection of 1700 toys from past and present. (800) 533-1410.

Rockbridge Vineyard: Home to many fine, award-winning wines, the Rockbridge Vineyard, offers tours of the vineyards, fermenting area, barrel cellar, and, of course, the tasting room. Open May through October. (540) 377-6204

Stonewall Jackson House Museum and Memorial Cemetery: On the north side of town is the Stonewall Jackson House and Museum. Housed in Jackson's former home, the museum displays Jackson's possessions, as well as appropriate period pieces, and offers informative guided tours every hour and half hour. (540) 463-2552. On the south side of town is the cemetery where Jackson is buried along with 144 Confederate veterans, two Virginia governors, and Margaret Junkin Preston, the Confederate's Poet Laureate.

Virginia Horse Center: The 600-acre Virginia Horse Center is widely viewed as one of the most magnificent facilities in America for state, national, and international horse competitions and events. Visitors can tour the stables, show rings, and view steeplechase, timber, and carriage courses. (540) 463-2164

Virginia Military Institute: Take an antebellum stroll among the ancient oaks and majestic buildings of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Visit the campus' VMI museum, which chronicles the creation and development of VMI and the many contributions of its alumni to American history. On Friday afternoons in the spring and fall, don't miss the VMI cadets marching in full parade dress uniform along the school's parade grounds. A Lexington tradition, the parade is a true patriotic spectacle — unique to this historic region.

Canoeing: Whether you want to ride the rapids or enjoy a lazy paddle, the James River Basin Canoe Livery offers options to fit your needs. All prices include instruction, a detailed trip map, and shuttle service to and from the trip of your choice.

Fly Fishing: Receive expert fly fishing instruction from the guides at Reel Time Fly Fishing. All levels of fisherman will thrill in the sport and learn new tricks of the trade from these fishing specialists. Both stream and river trips available seven-days-a-week in good weather. (540-462-6100).

Golfing: Tee off at The Vista Links, an 18-hole, par-72 golf course featuring all the amenities of a fine golf course, including: club house, driving range, practice greens, banquet facilities, and more. (540) 261-GOLF

Llama Treks: Enjoy a guided tour of local wildlife trails on the back of Llama (of all things). A water canteen, bird watching book and lunch are included in the price. (540) 463-1962.

Performing Arts: The Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Washington and Lee University campus, presents artistic events and performances throughout the year, including university theater productions, operas, professional theatrical plays, and musical concerts. (540) 463-8000.