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 perfect mixture of outside journey, historic appeal, and award-winning wineries.

As somebody who grew up in Virginia, I’ve visited Nelson County extra occasions 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 vital moments in my life—I bought married close by and celebrated my rehearsal dinner on the beautiful Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nelson County appears 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 mountain climbing amongst hidden waterfalls, savoring scrumptious wines, or stress-free in a quaint historic city, Nelson County presents one thing for each sort of traveler.

Greatest Accommodations & 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 predominant lodge. Company have praised this boutique property for its impeccable service, romantic atmosphere, and handy location close to the realm’s prime hikes and wineries.

The Farmhouse at Veritas

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

Everett Property

As soon as generally known as the Mark Addy Inn, this historic bed-and-breakfast has been fantastically restored and now presents 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.

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 beautiful views at each flip. The path winds by means 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 most interesting 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 fantastic thing about the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Uncover Higher Shamokin Falls.

This hidden gem waterfall hike presents a peaceable, scenic route by means 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, mountain climbing 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 mountain climbing, {golfing}, and zip lining within the hotter temperatures. With unimaginable mountain views and loads of trails to discover, it is a fantastic vacation spot for journey lovers, irrespective of the season.

Greatest Eating places

Blue Mountain Brewery

Identified for its nice beer choice and laid-back environment, 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 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 unbelievable farm-to-table eating. The combination of indoor and out of doors seating in a picturesque setting gives the right setting for having fun with recent, seasonal components.

Devils Spine Brewing Firm

With award-winning craft beers and satisfying pub meals, this fashionable 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 comfortable cafe serving recent, regionally sourced components and European-inspired dishes, together with a formidable wine choice. Whereas it is a fashionable selection 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 lightweight snacks. In fact, the views are top-notch, and canine 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 means of November. Every season presents 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 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 most well-liked season, with beautiful foliage and wineries in full harvest mode. Whereas winter is not peak season, it is nonetheless a very good time for a quiet, cozy retreat with fewer crowds. Plus, Wintergreen Resort presents snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.

The best way 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 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 residence to boutique outlets, historic structure, and a heat, welcoming group. Historical past lovers will respect 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 a number of the area’s prime wineries and breweries. It additionally serves as the place to begin for Nelson 151, a picturesque Virginia byway with a wide range of breweries, cideries, wineries, and different craft beverage spots. Smith is an enormous fan of Afton Mountain Vineyards, sharing, “They’ve a stupendous tasting room, breathtaking views, and a number of the finest wine within the space.”

Nellysford

Nellysford gives easy accessibility to mountain climbing 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 looking for an underrated resort with nice mountain views and a soothing environment.

The best way to Get Round

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