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Lexington was settled by Europeans around 1775, and the settlers named their community for Lexington, Massachusetts, where the first shots of the American Revolution had just been fired. It became the seat of Davidson County and was incorporated in 1828. A few miles south, the Silver Hill Mine opened in 1838 as the first operating silver mine in the country, and later the railroad, furniture factories and textile mills such as Erlanger and Grimes Brothers built the town.
Lexington's handsome 1858 Greek Revival courthouse still anchors Main Street, now home to the Davidson County Historical Museum, and the Uptown historic district keeps blocks of brick storefronts, galleries and cafes. The Homestead, built by physician William Rainey Holt, is the oldest surviving house in town.
But most visitors come hungry. Lexington calls itself the Barbecue Capital of the World, and its own style of slow-cooked pork shoulder with a vinegar and ketchup dip is served at more than a dozen local barbecue restaurants. Each October the Lexington Barbecue Festival fills Main Street with crowds from across the region. High Rock Lake, the Richard Childress Racing Museum and the Bob Timberlake Gallery are all close by.
Housed in the 1858 Greek Revival Davidson County Courthouse in uptown Lexington, this museum covers local history from Native American times through furniture, textiles and barbecue, with changing exhibits. Admission is free. Check opening days, and take time to admire the building's columned facade.
Lexington's historic center along Main Street has early 1900s buildings, barbecue restaurants, shops, galleries and colorful painted pig sculptures. It hosts the city's big barbecue festival each fall. It is walkable and compact; free parking is available on the street and in nearby lots.
A gallery and store in Lexington showing the work of Bob Timberlake, a local realist painter known for detailed scenes of rural North Carolina. It sells prints, furniture and home goods inspired by his art. It is a relaxed stop for art lovers; check opening hours, as it closes on some days.
One of the largest one-day street festivals in North Carolina, held in October in uptown Lexington, with barbecue from local pit masters, live music stages, crafts, a car show and children's activities. Crowds are very large, so arrive early, use shuttles, and expect lines at the barbecue stands.
Lexington is the home of Piedmont or Lexington-style barbecue: pork shoulder slow-cooked over hickory coals and served chopped or sliced with a tangy red vinegar and ketchup dip and red slaw. Dozens of local restaurants serve it. Try a chopped tray with hushpuppies at a long-running local spot.
A large winery near Lexington founded by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, with a Tuscan-style building, tasting room, bistro and vineyards. Visitors can do tastings and tours and enjoy meals on the terrace. It is a pleasant stop after the racing museum; weekend afternoons can be busy.
A large reservoir on the Yadkin River southeast of Lexington, with hundreds of miles of shoreline, coves and marinas. It is popular for boating, fishing, waterskiing and lakeside dining, and it hosts bass fishing tournaments. Public boat ramps are available; summer weekends are the busiest time on the water.
A Davidson County park on the Yadkin River west of Lexington, linked by tradition to Daniel Boone, with a small cave, hiking trails, a reconstructed log cabin, canoe access and picnic areas. It is a quiet place for a walk and river views. Bring a flashlight if you want to peek into the cave.
Located at Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, just north of Lexington, this museum displays dozens of race cars, including many driven by Dale Earnhardt, plus trophies and memorabilia from the team's championship history. Allow about an hour, and check opening days before visiting.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
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Photo: Dennis Brown (Dennis Brown), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Dennis Brown (Dennis Brown), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Dennis Brown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dennis Brown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dennis Brown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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