The Weird and Wonderful World of Lex Vegas, VA
Don’t let this N.O.N. Historical Marker fool you– it’s tough to find a spot in Lexington where absolutely nothing has ever happened. However, even if its not completely accurate, this plaque is reflective of all the quirky, cool, and lesser-known landmarks in the Lexington and Rockbridge area. If you’re looking to de-stress before finals, snag some sweet instas before break, or if you’re simply looking to cross of some items from your wluBucketList, wluLex has got your back. Read on to see our picks for the most unique attractions in Lexington and beyond:
Li’l Sorrel’s Stuffed Remains
(Bath time not typically open to the public, FYI.) Photo courtesy of horseandman.com
In life, Little Sorrel was known as the stout and sturdy equine companion of Stonewall Jackson, the famous Confederate General and former Lexington resident. During his career, Li’l Sorrel was particularly popular with the Southern ladies, and many would cut locks of hair from his mane and tail to make wristlets and rings (y’all do your thing).
After his death in 1886, the taxidermist who stuffed and mounted the faithful horse insisted on taking his bones as partial payment for his work (I’m not here to judge but… what?). Li’l Sorrel’s hide was displayed at the VMI campus, and when the school finally regained ownership of his bones, they were cremated and interred on the VMI parade grounds at the feet of Jackson’s statue.
Today, go see what remains of Stonewall Jackson’s loyal steed at the Marshall Museum, where he stands on display next to Stonewall’s raincoat. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM-4PM. Tickets are $2 for students, and $5 for adults.
{wluBucketList #181}
Robot Cyborg Muffler Man in Buena Vista
What..?
At first glance, this one is definitely a head scratcher, so allow me to elaborate:
Yes indeed. The name is deceivingly self-explanatory. The statue was built by Mark Cline (a staple of the quirky Lexington community) in 2013, and stands 24 feet tall outside of Auto Recyclers in BV, VA. Take a trip out there and see for yourself! The 15 minute trip will be well worth it: the statue is free for viewing by the public and afterwards, you can grab some lunch at the greatest restaurant in the world, JJ’s Meat Shak, right across the street.
{wluBucketList #182}
Virginia Safari Park
photo courtesy of virginiasafaripark.com
This one is not so obscure; most Lex residents have at least heard of the Safari Park, but only as a place we’ve got to go someday, not as a place we’ve already been. Don’t wait any longer! Well, wait ‘til March, because they are currently closed for the season. But it’ll be worth it.
So cozy!
Ever wanted to feed a buffalo? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of having a giraffe lick your face. Do you want to walk amongst the kangaroos, close enough to touch, or get cozy in a kangaroo pouch yourself? You can do all this and more at the Virginia Safari Park: check out their website for more information.
{wluBucketList #142}
Dinosaur Kingdom II: Back From Extinction
Here is another quirky excursion courtesy of Lexington’s Mark Cline: Dinosaur Kingdom II is a wild walking adventure with a totally unique premise. Take a stroll back in time to the Civil War, but in this universe, Stonewall Jackson is still alive, and the Union soldiers have acquired an army of prehistoric dinos to use against the Confederates as “weapons of mass destruction.”
After the original Dinosaur Kingdom was destroyed by a fire in 2012, Cline decided that Part II would have to be bigger and badder than ever. 30 dinosaurs inhabit the park, along with their Yankee counterparts in a unique attraction thats fun for the whole family. Dinosaur Kingdom II closed for the season on October 31st, but check out their website to plan an excursion for the spring!
{wluBucketList #183}
photo courtesy of roadsideamerica.com
The Righteous and Rascals of Rockbridge Paver Project
The paver project is a fun exploration into the crazier side of of Rockbridge County’s history that is hiding in plain sight. Located downtown on the sidewalks of Main, Washington, and Nelson Street are historic pavers, each dedicated to a “significant, deceased person in our local history whose work and deeds have left an important, interesting, and/or colorful mark on the Rockbridge Community and beyond.” (Learn about the project here)
Quite colorful indeed.
Some of the honorees include: Patsy Cline, who lived at Woods Creek in the 1930′s; Chief Cornstalk, a Shawnee chief whose death at the hands of local militia incensed Virginia Governor Patrick Henry in 1777; and Mary Elizabeth McDowell Greenlee, a “feisty tavern keeper, widely regarded as a witch.” Take a walk downtown and find your new favorite Lexington Resident. Who knows: maybe one day you’ll have a paver of your own!
{while on your walking tour, check out any of the 49 in-town wluBucketList items!}
Dinosaur-theme Civil War recreations aside, Lexington is a town like any other. Take some time to explore the lesser-known sights and scenes in the town and county, and embrace all of the weirdly wonderful oddities that you will (inevitably) find!
{Oh, and let us know if you think the wluBucketList is missing anything!}