Nelson County, Virginia, Is a Hidden Gem With Secluded Waterfalls, Wine Tasting, and Charming Cities

Roughly three hours from Washington, D.C., Nelson County, Virginia, is a captivating 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 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 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 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 provides one thing for each sort of traveler.

Finest Inns & 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, 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 fantastic 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 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 considered 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 provides a peaceable, scenic route by means of 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 considered one of America’s most scenic highways, with breathtaking mountain vistas, mountain 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 mountain climbing, {golfing}, and zip lining within the hotter temperatures. With unimaginable mountain views and loads of trails to discover, it is an excellent vacation spot for journey lovers, irrespective 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 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 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 improbable farm-to-table eating. The combination of indoor and out of doors seating in a picturesque setting gives the proper setting for having fun with recent, 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 significantly love their tasty nachos, brisket-loaded fries, and flavorful pulled pork sandwich.

Primary Requirements

Naked Requirements is a comfy cafe serving recent, domestically sourced elements and European-inspired dishes, together with a powerful wine choice. Whereas it is a widespread 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.

Finest Time to Go to

One of the best time to go to Nelson County is from March by means of November. Every season provides one thing particular. Spring brings colourful wildflowers and gentle temperatures, making it excellent for mountain climbing and exploring. Smith says summer time 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 very good time for a quiet, cozy retreat with fewer crowds. Plus, Wintergreen Resort provides 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 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 retailers, historic structure, and a heat, welcoming group. Historical past fans 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 house to a number of the area’s high 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 gorgeous 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 excellent for newbie skiers, golfers, or anybody searching for an underrated resort with nice mountain views and a calming ambiance.

Learn how to Get Round

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