32 College Towns That Feel Like a European Vacation Without Leaving the U.S.

19. Lexington, Virginia – A Scottish Highlands Retreat

Tucked away in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Lexington is a hidden gem that mirrors the enchanting landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, the town boasts rolling green hills, misty mountain vistas, and historic stone bridges, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of Scotland. Lexington’s 18th-century stone buildings, ivy-clad taverns, and narrow, winding streets evoke the charm of Edinburgh’s Old Town or the university town of St. Andrews. Lexington has a deep Scottish-American heritage, which is reflected in its annual Highland games, bagpipe performances, and Scottish festivals. The town’s cozy pubs and traditional bakeries serve up hearty fare, reminiscent of Scottish comfort food like shepherd’s pie and scones. The surrounding Shenandoah Valley, with its mist-covered hills, cool streams, and winding roads, could easily be mistaken for the Highlands of Scotland.