Things to Do in Lexington Park

A parade of thoroughbreds approaches the starting gate, each steed jabbing the grass with its hooves as it prepares for the gun to sound. Meanwhile, from their seats in the grandstands or within the air-conditioned dining room, spectators get their first clear look at the pre-race procession, quickly making the final judgments (Which horse is the most physically imposing? Which one looks determined to win? Which jockey has the coolest hat?) they need before placing a wager. Finally, the gates swing open, and they're off.

Home of the Virginia Derby, Colonial Downs Racetrack upholds the age-old Southern tradition of horseracing with a pair of impressive tracks. Measuring at 1.25 miles, the dirt track is the second largest in the country—dwarfed only by Belmont Park—though most thoroughbred races take place on the Secretariat Turf Track, the widest grass track in all of North America. As Virginia's only site for pari-mutuel betting, Colonial Downs attracts droves of racing fans and wandering derby hats throughout the season. Once inside the gates, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds from the outdoor grandstand or relax in one of Colonial Downs' club and suite seating options, most of which offer dining and betting services, TVs linked to off-track races, and unobstructed birds-eye views of either track outside.

Owned and operated by artist Kelly Hutchinson, Kelly's Art & Frame is home to a 2,800-square-foot art gallery where original paintings, watercolors, and limited-edition prints line the walls. Onsite custom framing services combine archival materials and meticulous work to properly preserve drawings, sculptures, and cherished pieces of ABC gum. With fellow artist Carol Fogelsong, Kelly also leads art classes, teaching the fundamentals to students during intimate group sessions.

At Chesapeake Beach Water Park, guests swiftly wind down eight curling waterslides, skimming through fast-paced twists and gravity-defying turns before shooting out into the pool's calm, cerulean waters. A league of EMT-trained, certified lifeguards watch over the waters, ensuring visitors stay safe as they romp through the beach-like lagoon and the kids' activity pool. Glistening streams flow over picturesque rock faces, splashing onto guests as they float lazily beneath on complimentary rented tubes or pet sea monsters brought from home.

Those who've tired themselves out with daylong Marco Polo matches can sunbathe on lounge chairs on the expansive decks, or walk to the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa to rejuvenate. Further connecting with the community, the park supports local organizations such as Relay for Life, the Red Cross blood drive, and Great Dane Rescue.

In 1949, William E. Miller—known as W.E. to his friends—opened Rosecroft Raceway, transforming a 120-acre farm into a showcase for the exciting standardbred racing that had begun to take the nation by storm. After briefly closing in 2008, the track soon reopened, hoping to reclaim W.E.’s legacy with fast-paced action seven nights a week. Every day, simulcasts convey harness- and quarter-horse races from across the country as visitors place bets on which steeds will attempt to chew their jockeys’ hats. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, hooves pound the dirt during live contests as chefs prepare everything from mozzarella sticks to succulent spare ribs in the Terrace Dining Room.

Its red roof shining from the banks of the Potomac River, historic Mount Vernon bears the torch of gentleman planter and inaugural commander in chief George Washington via the home where he lived for 40 years. It takes about three hours to explore the estate, a visit which begins with a walk through the grounds and a short film before proceeding to a guided tour of the mansion. There, time-travelers visit 1799—the year Washington died—as recreated by preserved original furnishings and detailed reproductions. The home's windows look out on 50 acres of plantation, with 12 original structures, gardens, and a forest trail hemmed with holly and laurel. The museum and education center weaves a rich audio-visual tapestry of the general's life, filled with 23 theaters and galleries and 700 original artifacts that include his famous dentures.

At Rivertowne 12 Cinemas, children’s films, supernatural thrillers, comedies, and superhero blockbusters all share equal billing. Twelve auditoriums light their silver screens with 3D and digital projections, carrying audience members to other worlds so they don't blow their savings accounts while trying to make a space elevator.