Crowns of the Blue Ridge, A Nelson County Guidebook

Janelle
Crowns of the Blue Ridge, A Nelson County Guidebook

Seasonal

The Blue Ridge Nountain Maze and Fall Festival is held every year at Wood Ridge Farm & Brewery, just minutes from Rainbow Ridge! It is a delight to explore and they have activities sure to delight those of all ages! Pumpkins, views, food vendors, sunflowers, sunsets, campfires, palm tree oasis, this place has it all!
7 locals recommend
Corn Maze in The Plains
462 Winery Lane
7 locals recommend
The Blue Ridge Nountain Maze and Fall Festival is held every year at Wood Ridge Farm & Brewery, just minutes from Rainbow Ridge! It is a delight to explore and they have activities sure to delight those of all ages! Pumpkins, views, food vendors, sunflowers, sunsets, campfires, palm tree oasis, this place has it all!

Sightseeing

Enjoy the views of the Rockfish Valley from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Rockfish Valley Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway
Enjoy the views of the Rockfish Valley from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Enjoy views of the Shenandoah Valley!
31 locals recommend
Skyline Drive Scenic Roadway, South Terminus
Skyline Drive
31 locals recommend
Enjoy views of the Shenandoah Valley!
A local favorite hiking spot, 1 mile up & 1 mile down, with a visitor center, historic cabin exhibits, and picnic area. Humpback Rock is a massive greenstone outcropping near the peak of Humpback Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Augusta County and Nelson County, with a summit elevation of 3,080 feet.
41 locals recommend
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Picnic Area
Milepost 5.8 Blue Ridge Parkway
41 locals recommend
A local favorite hiking spot, 1 mile up & 1 mile down, with a visitor center, historic cabin exhibits, and picnic area. Humpback Rock is a massive greenstone outcropping near the peak of Humpback Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Augusta County and Nelson County, with a summit elevation of 3,080 feet.
Spruce Creek Park is located ten minutes from the cabin, in the small village of Nellysford. The park consists of 35 acres located at the intersection of Rt. 151 and Glenthorne Loop. It contains the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center and three trails: The Children’s Nature Trail, the Butterfly Trail, and the Birding Trail. The birding and butterfly trails are recognized by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
6 locals recommend
Spruce Creek Park Entrance
1368 Rockfish Valley Hwy
6 locals recommend
Spruce Creek Park is located ten minutes from the cabin, in the small village of Nellysford. The park consists of 35 acres located at the intersection of Rt. 151 and Glenthorne Loop. It contains the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center and three trails: The Children’s Nature Trail, the Butterfly Trail, and the Birding Trail. The birding and butterfly trails are recognized by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Fortune's Cove straddles Virginia's Piedmont and Blue Ridge. Here, these two ecological regions meet to form a unique collection of flora from both areas. The preserve is nestled within some 29,000 acres of relatively unfragmented forest, providing excellent wildlife habitat. West-facing rock surfaces create a desert-like environment in which an unusual combination of plants can thrive. The plant community found on the glades is thought to be extremely rare, with fewer than 20 examples known to occur worldwide.
12 locals recommend
Fortune's Cove Preserve
Fortune's Cove Lane
12 locals recommend
Fortune's Cove straddles Virginia's Piedmont and Blue Ridge. Here, these two ecological regions meet to form a unique collection of flora from both areas. The preserve is nestled within some 29,000 acres of relatively unfragmented forest, providing excellent wildlife habitat. West-facing rock surfaces create a desert-like environment in which an unusual combination of plants can thrive. The plant community found on the glades is thought to be extremely rare, with fewer than 20 examples known to occur worldwide.
The trail is opened for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It's a beautiful easy trail along the Piney River in Nelson and Amherst Counties. The trail then extends 4.75 miles. The trail is open sunrise to sunset.
24 locals recommend
Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Piney River Trail Head
3124 Patrick Henry Hwy
24 locals recommend
The trail is opened for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It's a beautiful easy trail along the Piney River in Nelson and Amherst Counties. The trail then extends 4.75 miles. The trail is open sunrise to sunset.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel was constructed between 1850 and 1858 beneath Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Traveling through the long, dark tunnel will be a stirring experience for a variety of visitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond: hikers and cyclists of every level, wildlife watchers, history enthusiasts, railroad buffs, heritage tourists, school children on field trips, and nearby residents.
57 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, East Trailhead
215 Afton Depot Ln
57 locals recommend
The Blue Ridge Tunnel was constructed between 1850 and 1858 beneath Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Traveling through the long, dark tunnel will be a stirring experience for a variety of visitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond: hikers and cyclists of every level, wildlife watchers, history enthusiasts, railroad buffs, heritage tourists, school children on field trips, and nearby residents.
Lots of hand-crafted items made by local artisans.
The HeART of Nelson Artisan Collective
611 Front St
Lots of hand-crafted items made by local artisans.
This 1912 Italianate marble villa sits high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, VA. Schedule a guided tour.
20 locals recommend
Swannanoa
497 Swannanoa Ln
20 locals recommend
This 1912 Italianate marble villa sits high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, VA. Schedule a guided tour.
A four-season mountain resort on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Nelson County, Virginia and the town of Nellysford. Unlike other ski resorts, Wintergreen is a "Mountain Top" resort in which all of the amenities are built on the peaks and ridges, rather than at the traditional base. Amenities: 45 holes of golf seasonal skiing and snowboarding The Plunge, a 12-lane snowtubing hill with a length of 900-foot (270 m) 22 tennis courts with an award-winning academy a full-service spa three full-service, dine-in restaurants multiple convenience stores and cafeterias
183 locals recommend
Wintergreen Resort
39 Mountain Inn Loop
183 locals recommend
A four-season mountain resort on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Nelson County, Virginia and the town of Nellysford. Unlike other ski resorts, Wintergreen is a "Mountain Top" resort in which all of the amenities are built on the peaks and ridges, rather than at the traditional base. Amenities: 45 holes of golf seasonal skiing and snowboarding The Plunge, a 12-lane snowtubing hill with a length of 900-foot (270 m) 22 tennis courts with an award-winning academy a full-service spa three full-service, dine-in restaurants multiple convenience stores and cafeterias

Food scene

With over 50 acres in the Monticello wine region, and producing a complex portfolio of wine ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines.
262 locals recommend
Veritas Vineyards and Winery
151 Veritas Ln
262 locals recommend
With over 50 acres in the Monticello wine region, and producing a complex portfolio of wine ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines.
Enjoy their many indoor spaces, walking trails, outdoor terraces, live music, local cider & history!
251 locals recommend
Bold Rock Hard Cider
1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy
251 locals recommend
Enjoy their many indoor spaces, walking trails, outdoor terraces, live music, local cider & history!
Our outdoor Meadows Bar offers 20 taps of the freshest beer including some award-winning classics, the newest trends, and some more adventurous brews as well. At the base of Wintergreen Mountain.
326 locals recommend
Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub
200 Mosbys Run
326 locals recommend
Our outdoor Meadows Bar offers 20 taps of the freshest beer including some award-winning classics, the newest trends, and some more adventurous brews as well. At the base of Wintergreen Mountain.
Award-winning craft brewery and great pizza, with mountain vistas and sunset views!
358 locals recommend
Blue Mountain Brewery
9519 Critzer Shop Rd
358 locals recommend
Award-winning craft brewery and great pizza, with mountain vistas and sunset views!
One of Virginia's first farm wineries with original vines planted in the 1970s.
133 locals recommend
Afton Mountain Vineyards
234 Vineyard Ln
133 locals recommend
One of Virginia's first farm wineries with original vines planted in the 1970s.
Great ice cream shop in Nellysford!
19 locals recommend
Black Bear Creamery
18 Pheasant Run
19 locals recommend
Great ice cream shop in Nellysford!
Top rated wedding venue and wines, this vineyard has breathtaking views from the valley in Albemarle County, 360 mountain views and a beautiful establishment. Easy to access, just off route 29N.
207 locals recommend
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
5022 Plank Rd
207 locals recommend
Top rated wedding venue and wines, this vineyard has breathtaking views from the valley in Albemarle County, 360 mountain views and a beautiful establishment. Easy to access, just off route 29N.
Within 5 minutes of the cabin, Wood Ridge Farm Brewery serves up craft beer made with grain that is not only grown on the farm but also malted onsite. Wonderful views, and extensive gardens and outdoor spaces, including a tiki bar and seasonal events and live music.
55 locals recommend
Wood Ridge Farm Brewery
165 Old Ridge Rd
55 locals recommend
Within 5 minutes of the cabin, Wood Ridge Farm Brewery serves up craft beer made with grain that is not only grown on the farm but also malted onsite. Wonderful views, and extensive gardens and outdoor spaces, including a tiki bar and seasonal events and live music.
A wonderful collection of organic, local, and imported fine wines, delectable cheeses, and fresh bread from Albemarle Baking Company. Brunch on Sundays, weekend dinners by reservation, and lunch Tue-Sat, enjoy the backyard patio or enclosed back porch dining area.
103 locals recommend
Basic Necessities
2226 Rockfish Valley Hwy
103 locals recommend
A wonderful collection of organic, local, and imported fine wines, delectable cheeses, and fresh bread from Albemarle Baking Company. Brunch on Sundays, weekend dinners by reservation, and lunch Tue-Sat, enjoy the backyard patio or enclosed back porch dining area.
Local, organic coffee within 10 minutes. Located in the Rockfish Valley Community Center, there's various other small boutiques including the Rockfish River Gallery with local artisans, rare gems at the VARock Shop, and the Treasure Chest Thrift Store.
38 locals recommend
Trager Brothers Coffee Roasters
190 Rockfish School Ln
38 locals recommend
Local, organic coffee within 10 minutes. Located in the Rockfish Valley Community Center, there's various other small boutiques including the Rockfish River Gallery with local artisans, rare gems at the VARock Shop, and the Treasure Chest Thrift Store.
Outstanding estate wines in a charming farm winery setting.
50 locals recommend
Valley Road Vineyards
9264 Critzer Shop Rd
50 locals recommend
Outstanding estate wines in a charming farm winery setting.
May through October – Saturdays 8:00 am -12 pm A wide variety of local produce, bakery items, live music and more.
36 locals recommend
Nelson Farmers Market Cooperative
3079 Rockfish Valley Hwy
36 locals recommend
May through October – Saturdays 8:00 am -12 pm A wide variety of local produce, bakery items, live music and more.
Local Organic Coffee in historic downtown Lovingston.
Trager Brothers Coffee Roaster
486 Front St
Local Organic Coffee in historic downtown Lovingston.
At an elevation of 3,300 feet, ​12 Ridges is one of, if not the, highest altitude vineyard in Virginia.
24 locals recommend
12 Ridges Vineyard
24981 Blue Ridge Pkwy
24 locals recommend
At an elevation of 3,300 feet, ​12 Ridges is one of, if not the, highest altitude vineyard in Virginia.
The location is exquisite, hugged between the hills, but with the elevation to guarantee not only flavorful wine but also breathtaking views. Take a tour of the vineyard, one of the only terraced vineyards in the state. Taste their unique variety of wines, ranging from Merlot to Petit Manseng.
44 locals recommend
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery
500 DelFosse Winery Ln
44 locals recommend
The location is exquisite, hugged between the hills, but with the elevation to guarantee not only flavorful wine but also breathtaking views. Take a tour of the vineyard, one of the only terraced vineyards in the state. Taste their unique variety of wines, ranging from Merlot to Petit Manseng.
Hill Top Berry Farm, Winery, & Meadery provides visitors with the unique opportunity to taste the “true to the fruit” wines and historically-accurate honey meads. Handcrafted in small batches, all 32 varieties of fruit wines and meads are made and bottled on the farm.
77 locals recommend
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery
2800 Berry Hill Rd
77 locals recommend
Hill Top Berry Farm, Winery, & Meadery provides visitors with the unique opportunity to taste the “true to the fruit” wines and historically-accurate honey meads. Handcrafted in small batches, all 32 varieties of fruit wines and meads are made and bottled on the farm.
Silverback Distillery is the only mother-daughter distilling duo in the nation crafting high quality, award-winning spirits.
93 locals recommend
Silverback Distillery
9374 Rockfish Valley Hwy
93 locals recommend
Silverback Distillery is the only mother-daughter distilling duo in the nation crafting high quality, award-winning spirits.
Outdoor gardens and patios, food truck, and lots of local brews!
74 locals recommend
Brewing Tree Beer Co.
9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy
74 locals recommend
Outdoor gardens and patios, food truck, and lots of local brews!

Spiritual Centers

Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville is a serene oasis in the heartland of Virginia. With a unique community, spiritual center, and Yoga academy, Yogaville opens doors to spiritual growth.
12 locals recommend
Yogaville - Satchidananda Ashram
108 Yogaville Way
12 locals recommend
Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville is a serene oasis in the heartland of Virginia. With a unique community, spiritual center, and Yoga academy, Yogaville opens doors to spiritual growth.
The surrounding natural beauty and wildlife are great supports for meditation, reflection, contemplation, sparking creativity and personal transformation. Serenity Ridge has been supporting visitors from all around the world in their spiritual practice since 1998.
Serenity Ridge Retreat Center
560 Drumheller Ln
The surrounding natural beauty and wildlife are great supports for meditation, reflection, contemplation, sparking creativity and personal transformation. Serenity Ridge has been supporting visitors from all around the world in their spiritual practice since 1998.
For over 50 years the Monroe Institute has been welcoming consciousness explorers from all over the world. Their nondogmatic experiential approach allows you to pursue your own personal exploration of human consciousness. Monroe programs include the use of Monroe Sound Science along with Hemi-Sync exercises to target specific states of consciousness.
The Monroe Institute
365 Roberts Mountain Road
For over 50 years the Monroe Institute has been welcoming consciousness explorers from all over the world. Their nondogmatic experiential approach allows you to pursue your own personal exploration of human consciousness. Monroe programs include the use of Monroe Sound Science along with Hemi-Sync exercises to target specific states of consciousness.
Meditation & spiritual center
Synchronicity Foundation
2610 Adial Road
Meditation & spiritual center