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 really 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 rely. I’ve hiked its scenic trails, explored its hidden waterfalls, and even chosen it because the backdrop for among the most essential moments in my life—I acquired 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 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 stress-free in a quaint historic city, Nelson County presents 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, non-public cottages, charming suites, and a welcoming major lodge. Friends have praised this boutique property for its impeccable service, romantic atmosphere, and handy location close to the world’s prime hikes and wineries.

The Farmhouse at Veritas

Set at Veritas Winery & Vineyard, this charming farmhouse presents company 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 nice wine.

Everett Property

As soon as often called the Mark Addy Inn, this historic bed-and-breakfast has been superbly restored and now presents 11 suites excellent 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 most interesting wineries alongside the Monticello Wine Path. This scenic route options award-winning vineyards the place you may sip distinctive wines whereas taking in the fantastic thing about the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Uncover Higher Shamokin Falls.

This hidden gem waterfall hike presents 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.

Journey Down the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive.

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

Go to Wintergreen Resort.

Wintergreen Resort presents 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 unimaginable mountain views and loads of trails to discover, it is an amazing vacation spot for journey lovers, irrespective of the season.

Finest Eating places

Blue Mountain Brewery

Recognized for its nice beer choice and laid-back environment, Blue Mountain Brewery is the perfect place to calm down and revel in a pint after your day by day adventures. It is well-known for its pizza, sandwiches, and burgers, however there’s additionally a wide selection of outside seating and garden video games. Whether or not you are stress-free on the patio or having fun with a sport of cornhole, Smith says, “Blue Mountain Brewery is at all times 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 proper atmosphere for having fun with contemporary, seasonal components.

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 significantly love their tasty nachos, brisket-loaded fries, and flavorful pulled pork sandwich.

Primary Requirements

Naked Requirements is a comfy cafe serving contemporary, regionally sourced components 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 in search of a relaxed but elegant expertise, full with scrumptious cheese boards, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and lightweight snacks. After all, the views are top-notch, and canine are welcome within the out of doors areas.

Finest Time to Go to

One of the best time to go to Nelson County is from March by November. Every season presents one thing particular. Spring brings colourful wildflowers and gentle temperatures, making it excellent for mountaineering and exploring. Smith says summer season is beautiful, with the mountains turning inexperienced and welcoming stunning 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 beautiful foliage and wineries in full harvest mode. Whereas winter is not peak season, it is nonetheless time for a quiet, cozy retreat with fewer crowds. Plus, Wintergreen Resort presents snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.

Tips on how to Get There

The closest main airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO), about 45 minutes away. It presents connections to main cities. Vacationers from Washington, D.C. can deal with 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 middle of Nelson County, this charming small city is residence to boutique retailers, historic structure, and a heat, welcoming group. Historical past lovers will admire 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 residence to among the area’s prime 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 good looking tasting room, breathtaking views, and among the finest wine within the space.”

Nellysford

Nellysford supplies easy accessibility to mountaineering trails, scenic drives, and native artisan markets. It is also residence to Wintergreen Resort, a year-round vacation spot excellent for newbie skiers, golfers, or anybody looking for an underrated resort with nice mountain views and a soothing environment.

Tips on how to Get Round

Renting a automotive is the easiest way to discover Nelson County, as public transportation is restricted. Journey-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 automotive companies and guided excursions are extremely really useful for a secure and stress-free expertise.