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 a captivating vacation spot with a really perfect mixture of out of doors journey, historic allure, 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 few of the most vital moments in my life—I received 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 massive metropolis. Its quiet roads, rolling farmland, pleasant communities, and native companies present a way of escape, a slower tempo of life, and the possibility to unwind in Virginia’s countryside.

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

Greatest 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. Company 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 company a singular wine nation expertise. With six comfy bedrooms and a recent farm breakfast every morning, it is peaceable retreat simply steps from scrumptious meals and high quality 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 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 fireplace pit, making for a heat spot to expertise true Southern hospitality.

Greatest Issues to Do

Hike to Crabtree Falls.

As an avid hiker, I can confidently say that is certainly one of 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 way of 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 provides a peaceable, scenic route by way of lush Virginia forests. Heather Smith, occasions supervisor and advertising and marketing coordinator at Wintergreen Resort, describes it as a average path appropriate for a variety of ages and a must-visit within the space.

Journey Down the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive.

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

Go to Wintergreen Resort.

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

Greatest Eating places

Blue Mountain Brewery

Recognized for its nice beer choice and laid-back environment, Blue Mountain Brewery is the perfect place to chill out and revel in a pint after your each day adventures. It is well-known for its pizza, sandwiches, and burgers, however there’s additionally a wide selection of out of doors 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 identified for its breathtaking views and award-winning wines, Pippin Hill additionally has unbelievable farm-to-table eating. The combo of indoor and out of doors seating in a picturesque setting supplies the right setting for having fun with recent, seasonal components.

Devils Spine Brewing Firm

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

Fundamental Requirements

Naked Requirements is a comfy cafe serving recent, regionally sourced components and European-inspired dishes, together with a formidable wine choice. Whereas it is a standard alternative for lunch, the Sunday brunch is a standout, too.

Veritas Winery & Vineyard

The Veritas tasting room is a must-visit for wine lovers in search of 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 canines are welcome within the out of doors areas.

Greatest Time to Go to

The perfect time to go to Nelson County is from March by way of November. Every season provides one thing particular. Spring brings colourful wildflowers and gentle temperatures, making it good for climbing 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 an excellent time for a quiet, cozy retreat with fewer crowds. Plus, Wintergreen Resort provides snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.

Easy methods 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 heart of Nelson County, this charming small city is house to boutique outlets, 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 few of 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 an enormous fan of Afton Mountain Vineyards, sharing, “They’ve a wonderful tasting room, breathtaking views, and a few of the greatest wine within the space.”

Nellysford

Nellysford supplies quick access to 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 in search of an underrated resort with nice mountain views and a calming environment.

Easy methods to Get Round

Renting a automobile is one of the best ways to discover Nelson County, as public transportation is proscribed. Journey-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 automobile companies and guided excursions are extremely really useful for a secure and stress-free expertise.