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 perfect 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 depend. I’ve hiked its scenic trails, explored its hidden waterfalls, and even chosen it because the backdrop for among the most necessary moments in my life—I bought married close by and celebrated my rehearsal dinner on the gorgeous Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nelson County looks like a world away from the large 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 mountaineering amongst hidden waterfalls, savoring scrumptious wines, or enjoyable in a quaint historic city, Nelson County affords one thing for each kind of traveler.

Finest Accommodations & Resorts

Iris Inn

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

The Farmhouse at Veritas

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

Everett Property

As soon as often known as the Mark Addy Inn, this historic bed-and-breakfast has been superbly restored and now affords 11 suites good for enjoyable after a day of exploration and wine tasting. The property itself is gorgeous, 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 among 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 gorgeous 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 possibly can sip distinctive wines whereas taking in the great thing about the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Uncover Higher Shamokin Falls.

This hidden gem waterfall hike affords a peaceable, scenic route by lush Virginia forests. Heather Smith, occasions supervisor and advertising coordinator at Wintergreen Resort, describes it as a average 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 among America’s most scenic highways, with breathtaking mountain vistas, mountaineering trails, and loads of spots for a beautiful picnic.

Go to Wintergreen Resort.

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

Finest Eating places

Blue Mountain Brewery

Recognized for its nice beer choice and laid-back environment, Blue Mountain Brewery is the best place to calm down 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 enjoyable on the patio or having fun with a recreation of cornhole, Smith says, “Blue Mountain Brewery is all the time a crowd-pleaser.”

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Although it is best recognized for its breathtaking views and award-winning wines, Pippin Hill additionally has implausible farm-to-table eating. The combination of indoor and out of doors seating in a picturesque setting supplies the right atmosphere for having fun with contemporary, seasonal elements.

Devils Spine Brewing Firm

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

Primary Requirements

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

Veritas Winery & Vineyard

The Veritas tasting room is a must-visit for wine lovers on the lookout for a relaxed but elegant expertise, full with scrumptious cheese boards, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and light-weight snacks. In fact, the views are top-notch, and canines are welcome within the out of doors areas.

Finest Time to Go to

The perfect time to go to Nelson County is from March by November. Every season affords one thing particular. Spring brings colourful wildflowers and delicate temperatures, making it good for mountaineering and exploring. Smith says summer time is beautiful, with the mountains turning inexperienced and welcoming 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 preferred season, with gorgeous 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 affords snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.

Learn how to Get There

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

Cities and Neighborhoods to Go to

Lovingston

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

Afton

This charming city is residence to among the area’s high wineries and breweries. It additionally serves as the place to begin 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 fantastic tasting room, breathtaking views, and among the greatest wine within the space.”

Nellysford

Nellysford supplies quick access to mountaineering trails, scenic drives, and native artisan markets. It is also residence to Wintergreen Resort, a year-round vacation spot good for newbie skiers, golfers, or anybody in search of an underrated resort with nice mountain views and a calming environment.

Learn how to Get Round

Renting a automobile is the easiest way 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 frequent in rural areas. For these planning a wine tour, non-public automobile companies and guided excursions are extremely really useful for a secure and stress-free expertise.