Roughly three hours from Washington, D.C., Nelson County, Virginia, is an enthralling vacation spot with an excellent mixture of outside journey, historic allure, 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 a number of the most necessary moments in my life—I received 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 mountain climbing amongst hidden waterfalls, savoring delicious wines, or stress-free in a quaint historic city, Nelson County provides one thing for each kind 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, personal cottages, charming suites, and a welcoming major lodge. Company 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 provides visitors a novel wine nation expertise. With six comfy bedrooms and a recent farm breakfast every morning, it is peaceable retreat simply steps from scrumptious meals and effective wine.

Everett Property

As soon as often called the Mark Addy Inn, this historic bed-and-breakfast has been fantastically restored and now provides 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 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 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’ll be able to 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 way of lush Virginia forests. Heather Smith, occasions supervisor and advertising coordinator at Wintergreen Resort, describes it as a reasonable path appropriate for a variety of ages and a must-visit within the space.

Experience 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 stunning 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 unbelievable mountain views and loads of trails to discover, it is a fantastic 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 loosen up and luxuriate 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 improbable 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 recent, seasonal components.

Devils Spine Brewing Firm

With award-winning craft beers and satisfying pub meals, this popular 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

Bare Necessities is a comfortable cafe serving recent, regionally sourced components 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 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

One of the best 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 mountain climbing and exploring. Smith says summer season 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 beautiful 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.

The right way 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 middle of Nelson County, this charming small city is dwelling to boutique outlets, historic structure, and a heat, welcoming neighborhood. 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 dwelling 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 a giant fan of Afton Mountain Vineyards, sharing, “They’ve a good looking tasting room, breathtaking views, and a number of the greatest wine within the space.”

Nellysford

Nellysford supplies quick access to mountain climbing trails, scenic drives, and native artisan markets. It is also dwelling 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 right way to Get Round

Renting a automobile is one of the simplest ways to discover Nelson County, as public transportation is restricted. Experience-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 providers and guided excursions are extremely really helpful for a secure and stress-free expertise.