Wherever you choose to stay, rooms will be difficult to find, and rates will be highest, during football weekends, graduation, and other activities at Washington and Lee University and at Virginia Military Institute, as well as during major shows at the Virginia Horse Center.

Lexington has several chain motels, especially at the intersection of U.S. 11 and I-64 (Exit 55), 1 1/2 miles north of downtown. The 100-unit Best Western Inn at Hunt Ridge, 25 Willow Springs Rd./Va. 39 (tel. 800/464-1501 or 540/464-1500), is the only full-service hotel among them, offering a restaurant, bar, limited room service, indoor-outdoor pool, and fine mountain views. Try to get one of its six rooms with balconies.

Other nearby motels are Comfort Inn (tel. 800/628-1956 or 540/463-7311), Country Inn & Suites (tel. 800/456-4000 or 540/464-9000), Econo Lodge (tel. 800/446-6900 or 540/463-7371), Holiday Inn Express (tel. 800/465-4329 or 540/463-7351), and Super 8 (tel. 800/800-8000 or 540/463-7858).

Historic Country Inns -- Make reservations for Alexander-Witherow House, McCampbell Inn, and Maple Hall through Historic Country Inns of Lexington, 11 N. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450 (tel. 877/283-9680 or 540/463-2044; fax 540/463-7262; www.lexingtonhistoricinns.com).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.