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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Corn Maze in The Plains
462 Winery LaneThe 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
Rockfish Valley Overlook
Blue Ridge ParkwayEnjoy the views of the Rockfish Valley from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Enjoy views of the Shenandoah Valley!
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Skyline Drive Scenic Roadway, South Terminus
Skyline DriveEnjoy 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Picnic Area
Milepost 5.8 Blue Ridge ParkwayA 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Spruce Creek Park Entrance
1368 Rockfish Valley HwySpruce 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fortune's Cove Preserve
Fortune's Cove LaneFortune'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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Piney River Trail Head
3124 Patrick Henry HwyThe 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, East Trailhead
215 Afton Depot LnThe 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.
The HeART of Nelson Artisan Collective
611 Front StLots 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Swannanoa
497 Swannanoa LnThis 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wintergreen Resort
39 Mountain Inn LoopA 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Veritas Vineyards and Winery
151 Veritas LnWith 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bold Rock Hard Cider
1020 Rockfish Valley HwyEnjoy 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub
200 Mosbys RunOur 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blue Mountain Brewery
9519 Critzer Shop RdAward-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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Afton Mountain Vineyards
234 Vineyard LnOne of Virginia's first farm wineries with original vines planted in the 1970s.
Black Bear Creamery
18 Pheasant RunGreat 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
5022 Plank RdTop 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wood Ridge Farm Brewery
165 Old Ridge RdWithin 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Basic Necessities
2226 Rockfish Valley HwyA 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Trager Brothers Coffee Roasters
190 Rockfish School LnLocal, 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Valley Road Vineyards
9264 Critzer Shop RdOutstanding 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Nelson Farmers Market Cooperative
3079 Rockfish Valley HwyMay through October – Saturdays 8:00 am -12 pm A wide variety of local produce, bakery items, live music and more.
Trager Brothers Coffee Roaster
486 Front StLocal 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
12 Ridges Vineyard
24981 Blue Ridge PkwyAt 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery
500 DelFosse Winery LnThe 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery
2800 Berry Hill RdHill 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Silverback Distillery
9374 Rockfish Valley HwySilverback 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Brewing Tree Beer Co.
9278 Rockfish Valley HwyOutdoor 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Yogaville - Satchidananda Ashram
108 Yogaville WaySatchidananda 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 LnThe 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 RoadFor 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.
Synchronicity Foundation
2610 Adial RoadMeditation & spiritual center