Hike The Blue Ridge Mountains And Sip On Some Of The Best Wine In The South In This Virginia County

While Charlottesville, Virginia, has long been on the radar of travelers from across the Southeast and, perhaps, the entire country, its neighbor to the southwest is still yet-to-be-discovered by those outside the region.

Nelson County is where Charlottesville gets its outdoorsy reputation and its incredible Blue Ridge Mountain views. Nestled in the mountains, Nelson County doesn't encompass any major cities or even larger towns. Instead, it's known for its hiking, craft beer, vineyards, and, of course, the amazing vistas that earned its reputation for being the "sunrise side of the Blue Ridge."

Want to plan a trip to this idyllic Virginia county where you can get away from the hustle and bustle? Here's everything you need to know about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink in Nelson County.

Where To Stay In Nelson County

Plan A Relaxing Escape To Farmhouse At Veritas

If you're already planning on visiting the vineyards, why not stay at one? Particularly if it means staying with mountain views and luxuriously decorated historic accomodations. The Farmhouse at Veritas is located on the property of Veritas Vineyards and Winery, but not only is it known for its wine, but also its gourmet dining program. There's a delicious multi-course breakfast each morning and the option to book their four-course, prix-fixe dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

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veritasfarmhouse.com, 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 22920

Heather Bien

Stay At Charming Orchard House Bed And Breakfast

The six rooms at Orchard House Bed and Breakfast are both comfortable and luxuriously decorated, balancing farmhouse charm with an upscale boutique stay. The inn offers incredible views and, if you visit in the heat of summer, there's a saltwater pool ready for you to cool off.

orchardhousebb.com, 9749 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949

Book Modern Rustic Accommodations at Rockwell Ridge Inn

For a pet-friendly stay and laid-back weekend escape, Rockwell Ridge Inn will put you right where you need to be to access hiking, breweries, and all the beauty of Nelson County. The inn has accommodations for both smaller groups and larger gatherings, all of which have the same modern rustic meets minimalist style.

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rockwellridgeinn.com, 1562 Afton Mountain Rd, Afton, VA 22920

What To Do In Nelson County

Dare Yourself To Go Through The Blue Ridge Tunnel

Explore the outdoors with a side of spookiness. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is nearly a mile long, and, while it was built as a railroad tunnel sometime around 1850, it's now a destination for hikers and bikers. This long, dark tunnel requires a flashlight to navigate.

nelsoncounty.com/blue-ridge-tunnel, 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro VA 22980

Book Starry Nights At Veritas

If you plan your trip ahead of time, try to coordinate it with a Starry Nights evening at Veritas Vineyards & Winery. This beloved summer tradition includes music in the vineyard, under the spectacular night sky. Depending on your ticket, you can bring a picnic or indulge in a seated three-course meal.

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veritaswines.com/starry-nights, 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, Virginia 22920

Hike Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls gets its name from not one, but five, cascading waterfalls that are found along this mountain trail. This stunning three-mile hike includes multiple overlooks where you can take in the natural beauty of Nelson County.

nelsoncounty.com/explore/crabtree-falls, 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway, Montebello, VA 24464

Go Skiing At Wintergreen Resort

While Wintergreen Resort is a four-season resort—you can go golfing or hiking in the warmer months—it's truly known for its skiing and snowboarding. This is where you can get your snowy fix, even in the South.

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wintergreenresort.com, 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, VA 22958

Jack Looney

Hit The Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore

If your idea of a good country getaway requires a stop by an antique mall, then add the Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore to your list. This large space includes thousands of books, along with antiques ranging from dishware to furniture.

8230 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949

Where To Eat in Nelson County

Grab Lunch Al Fresco At Blue Mountain Brewery

Lots of breweries serve food but few have built a following like Blue Mountain Brewery. This farm brewery grows their own hops, brews some of the state's favorite craft beer, and they have an extensive menu that includes everything you could want while enjoying a cold one. From pretzels to fried pickle dip to pizzas with local meat (including an extensive selection of gluten-free!), you could spend an entire afternoon hanging out here.

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bluemountainbrewery.com, 9519 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920

Dine With A View At Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards calls itself a culinary vineyard, and that might be the only way to truly describe the level of both food and wine they're serving. Sit on their back veranda looking out over the mountains and enjoy fresh flavors like tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho or burrata and grilled asparagus salad.

pippinhillfarm.com, 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959

Heather Bien

Indulge In Virginia Barbecue At The Blue Ridge Pig

No trip to Virginia is complete without pulled pork barbecue, and The Blue Ridge Pig is one of the best places to get it. They're smoking meats up on top of a mountain, and, on a nice day, there's no better place to sit outside and indulge in a classic barbecue plate.

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theblueridgepig.com, 2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958

Sit Down For A Tasting Menu Experience At The Farmhouse at Veritas

The restaurant at The Farmhouse at Veritas is open to diners and guests alike, and the four-course meal is one of the most elegant in Nelson County. Taking cues from local flavors and in-season produce, you can expect to find inventive dishes like smashed cucumbers, fromage frais, fried garlic, salmon roe, tarragon, and passion fruit vinaigrette or prime filet mignon, asparagus, red potato hash, and black pepper bordelaise.

veritasfarmhouse.com, 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 22920

End On A Sweet Note At Sweet Bliss Bakery

With a range from turtle brownies to lavender blueberry cheesecake, Sweet Bliss Bakery is a beloved spot for all things sweet in Nelson County. You can grab desserts-to-go or start off with a sandwich then save your sweets for last.

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facebook.com/thecheesecakelady123, 2789 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958

Where To Drink in Nelson County

Follow The Nelson Craft Beverage Trails

There are enough craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries throughout Nelson County to fill up not only an entire weekend, but perhaps an entire week. You can bop around either the Nelson 151 or Nelson 29 craft beverage trails, both named for their main thoroughfares. Make sure to hit Three Notch'd Brewing Company, Hazy Mountain Brewery, Blue Toad Hard Cider, Virginia Distillery Company, and Silverback Distillery.

nelson151.com and nelson29.com

Plan A Winery Tour

A portion of the Monticello Wine Trail runs through Nelson County and, while Veritas Vineyards & Winery and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards have already been mentioned, there are nearly a dozen vineyards worth visiting (maybe make this a long weekend...). Afton Mountain Vineyards, Cardinal Point Winery, Flying Fox Vineyards, and Lovingston Winery are just a few of the locations that blend classic Virginia varietals with the absolutely jawdropping backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

monticellowinetrail.com, nelsoncounty.com/vineyards-wineries

Read the original article on Southern Living