Fenton Inn

Come and enjoy a stylish European village nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains between the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and the Ski slopes of Wintergreen Mountain. The Inn is a one-of-a-kind hand crafted work of art that combines the classical museum quality craftsmanship with European tastes and colors and all the best modern amenities. Mastering octagons while rebuilding Poplar Forest from Jefferson’s own letters, the architect and builder of the Inn challenge the visitor to even find their way through the myriad of complex shapes, towers, curving street, and so many hidden details and works of art that it requires a return visit to take it all in.

Wake to a wholesome breakfast buffet in the bakery including Belgium waffles, sausage, eggs or lighter options of fresh fruits, granola and yogurt. Take in the morning views of the National Forest as you plan your day.

Hike from your room to the top of Three Ridges along the Appalachian Trail. Bike or drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, less than half mile away. In winter head up to the slopes of Wintergreen for skiing, sledding and ice skating, or in summer, enjoy a swim at Sherando Lake. All this is just minutes away.

Nelson County has a number of breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries as well as many events from music festivals to golf tournaments, cycling races, mountain bike events and professional and amateur Spartan mud races. Those interested in history can take a short drive to see Mr. Jefferson (as he is called at the University of Virginia) at Monticello in Charlottesville. His second home, Poplar Forest, is in Lynchburg.

If all that sounds like too much to do, then take a slow day and unwind. Enjoy the views of the mountains from your breakfast table, stroll the main street and look for the historic tools that worked on Museums like Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello and many other museums in Virginia. Do some window shopping at our Gift store for some local crafts and brush up on your local nature and geology in our many display windows and bird watching spots.

Prefer a visit to nature? Go for a short hike in the woods filled with old growth chestnut oaks, mountain laurel and tulip poplars. While you can hike for thousands of miles on the Appalachian Trail from here, a short hike from the Fenton Inn can bring you to some of the most scenic spots. Take time to look up, as this area is a migratory highway for birds of prey including bald and golden eagles and many types of hawks. Year-round residents include nesting barred owls, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, ravens and smaller song birds. Return back to village life for a massage in our spa or just relax in a comfortable reading chair.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

European elegance and spectacular views come together in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Fenton Inn is surrounded by things to do, wineries, breweries, National Parks, the Appalachian Trail and the ski slopes of Wintergreen, but the most interesting attraction in the area is a stay at the Fenton Inn. The Inn is not just a place to stay, but a must see destination for anyone interested in art, architecture and European history. Step onto the cobble stone streets and be transported back to Medieval Germany. The Inn is a complete village, with a town square, clock tower, bakery, theater, gym, spa, store and a handful of other buildings. Stroll the Main Street and window shop in the many display windows and look up at the many different half-timber facades inspired by the traditions of Bavarian timber-frame. More than just ornamental, the various braces and figures on the buildings each have historical meanings, like the Grudger head protecting from evil and envy, to the Wildman of the woods in timber bracing used in central Germany. Inside the lobby, oak timbers soar in a full arch inspired from a Medieval English church. Along the street, a curved window display is filled with a museum of historic tools from America and Europe, many of them were used on Museum restoration projects for Thomas Jefferson, Robert E Lee and other Virginia landmarks.

*Lodging descriptions are provided by the host and not independently verified.