W&L is nestled in historic Lexington, deep in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. This is definitely a small town, rich in heritage and boasting panoramic views of the valley and mountains—some of Virginia’s most stunning natural surroundings. History is palpable here—you can catch a horse-drawn carriage tour and see the former homes of “Stonewall” Jackson and Robert E. Lee. The University’s main lawn, with massive white columns fronting the line of academic buildings, served as the backdrop for a scene in Gods and Generals.
But there are things to do in the present if the 1860s seem a little distant. Students can hike miles of scenic trails, go tubing down the Maury River, bowl their hearts out, and work on their tan at Goshen Pass, to name a few. Lexington even has its own natural wonder, Natural Bridge. But many students complain that, beyond the bubble of W&L, Lexington and the surrounding area offer little to keep them amused and engaged. Unfortunately, there isn’t much interaction with the one other college in town, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) which is right next door, but worlds away. The drill instructors keep the cadets, known as “Veemies,” pretty much under lock and key for their four years in Lexington, so W&L students see very little of the uniformed neighbors, except during Sunday church services or when they jog through campus.
Overall, Lexington is what the students decide to make of it. Some students sit around and complain while others get more involved with Intramural Sports, the outing club, or just relax in their much-coveted free time. For those who cannot live without a mall or big club scene, Roanoke is only an hour away, and it is a pretty decent city. Most people find that sometimes Lexington can be the most boring place on Earth, but other times you feel like there is not enough time to squeeze everything in.