Nelson County, Virginia, Is a Hidden Gem You Ought to Have on Your Radar

Roughly three hours from Washington, D.C., Nelson County, Virginia, is an enthralling vacation spot with a super mixture of outside journey, historic attraction, and award-winning wineries.

As somebody who grew up in Virginia, I’ve visited Nelson County extra instances than I can rely. I’ve hiked its scenic trails, explored its hidden waterfalls, and even chosen it because the backdrop for a number of the most essential moments in my life—I obtained married close by and celebrated my rehearsal dinner on the beautiful Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nelson County looks like a world away from the massive metropolis. Its quiet roads, rolling farmland, pleasant communities, and native companies present a way of escape, a slower tempo of life, and the prospect to unwind in Virginia’s countryside.

Whether or not you are drawn to mountain climbing amongst hidden waterfalls, savoring scrumptious wines, or stress-free in a quaint historic city, Nelson County provides one thing for each kind of traveler.

Finest Lodges & Resorts

Iris Inn

Situated on a hilltop with jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Iris Inn is a peaceable retreat with luxurious cabins, personal cottages, charming suites, and a welcoming essential lodge. Friends have praised this boutique property for its impeccable service, romantic atmosphere, and handy location close to the world’s high hikes and wineries.

The Farmhouse at Veritas

Set at Veritas Winery & Vineyard, this charming farmhouse provides friends a novel wine nation expertise. With six comfy bedrooms and a contemporary farm breakfast every morning, it is peaceable retreat simply steps from scrumptious meals and superb wine.

Everett Property

As soon as often known as the Mark Addy Inn, this historic bed-and-breakfast has been superbly restored and now provides 11 suites good for stress-free after a day of exploration and wine tasting. The property itself is beautiful, with scenic mountain views, a big entrance porch, and a gravel patio with chairs and a hearth pit, making for a heat spot to expertise true Southern hospitality.

Finest Issues to Do

Hike to Crabtree Falls.

As an avid hiker, I can confidently say that is one in all my favourite hikes within the state. It is one of many tallest vertical-drop cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi, providing a difficult but rewarding hike with beautiful views at each flip. The path winds by lush forest and results in a number of overlooks, making it a should for nature lovers.

Discover the Monticello Wine Path.

Uncover a few of Virginia’s best wineries alongside the Monticello Wine Path. This scenic route options award-winning vineyards the place you’ll be able to sip distinctive wines whereas taking in the fantastic thing about the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Uncover Higher Shamokin Falls.

This hidden gem waterfall hike provides a peaceable, scenic route by lush Virginia forests. Heather Smith, occasions supervisor and advertising and marketing coordinator at Wintergreen Resort, describes it as a reasonable path appropriate for a variety of ages and a must-visit within the space.

Trip Down the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive.

Drive alongside one in all America’s most scenic highways, with breathtaking mountain vistas, mountain climbing trails, and loads of spots for a stunning picnic.

Go to Wintergreen Resort.

Wintergreen Resort provides outside actions year-round, from snowboarding and snowboarding within the colder months to mountain climbing, {golfing}, and zip lining within the hotter temperatures. With unbelievable mountain views and loads of trails to discover, it is an important vacation spot for journey lovers, regardless of the season.

Finest Eating places

Blue Mountain Brewery

Recognized for its nice beer choice and laid-back ambiance, Blue Mountain Brewery is the best place to chill out and luxuriate in a pint after your every day adventures. It is well-known for its pizza, sandwiches, and burgers, however there’s additionally a big selection of outside seating and garden video games. Whether or not you are stress-free on the patio or having fun with a recreation of cornhole, Smith says, “Blue Mountain Brewery is at all times a crowd-pleaser.”

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Although it is best identified for its breathtaking views and award-winning wines, Pippin Hill additionally has implausible farm-to-table eating. The combination of indoor and outside seating in a picturesque setting gives the proper atmosphere for having fun with contemporary, seasonal components.

Devils Spine Brewing Firm

With award-winning craft beers and satisfying pub meals, this well-liked brewery is one other wonderful place to unwind after a day of exploring. I significantly love their tasty nachos, brisket-loaded fries, and flavorful pulled pork sandwich.

Primary Requirements

Naked Requirements is a comfortable cafe serving contemporary, regionally sourced components and European-inspired dishes, together with a powerful wine choice. Whereas it is a well-liked selection for lunch, the Sunday brunch is a standout, too.

Veritas Winery & Vineyard

The Veritas tasting room is a must-visit for wine lovers searching for a relaxed but elegant expertise, full with scrumptious cheese boards, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and light-weight snacks. After all, the views are top-notch, and canine are welcome within the outside areas.

Finest Time to Go to

The perfect time to go to Nelson County is from March by November. Every season provides one thing particular. Spring brings colourful wildflowers and gentle temperatures, making it good for mountain climbing and exploring. Smith says summer season is beautiful, with the mountains turning inexperienced and alluring lovely hikes. Then, there are the patios at eating places, wineries, and breweries all encouraging guests to dine and drink al fresco. Fall is the most well-liked season, with beautiful foliage and wineries in full harvest mode. Whereas winter is not peak season, it is nonetheless a superb time for a quiet, cozy retreat with fewer crowds. Plus, Wintergreen Resort provides snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.

The way to Get There

The closest main airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO), about 45 minutes away. It provides connections to main cities. Vacationers from Washington, D.C. can sort out the scenic, three-hour drive through I-66 and US-29 for a fast weekend getaway.

Cities and Neighborhoods to Go to

Lovingston

The historic middle of Nelson County, this charming small city is house to boutique retailers, historic structure, and a heat, welcoming group. Historical past fanatics will recognize the Lovingston Historic District and the courthouse, each listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Enjoyable reality: The city’s jail was designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Afton

This charming city is house to a number of the area’s high wineries and breweries. It additionally serves as the start line for Nelson 151, a picturesque Virginia byway with quite a lot of breweries, cideries, wineries, and different craft beverage spots. Smith is a giant fan of Afton Mountain Vineyards, sharing, “They’ve a good looking tasting room, breathtaking views, and a number of the greatest wine within the space.”

Nellysford

Nellysford gives easy accessibility to mountain climbing trails, scenic drives, and native artisan markets. It is also house to Wintergreen Resort, a year-round vacation spot good for newbie skiers, golfers, or anybody searching for an underrated resort with nice mountain views and a calming ambiance.

The way to Get Round

Renting a automotive is one of the simplest ways to discover Nelson County, as public transportation is restricted. Trip-share apps like Uber and Lyft can be found, however they’re restricted and never as widespread in rural areas. For these planning a wine tour, personal automotive companies and guided excursions are extremely really helpful for a secure and stress-free expertise.