Wintergreen

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling in Nelson in the springtime, take the Nelson Scenic Loop on your way to Wintergreen Resort. Buds will bloom and light spring greens will seem to appear before your eyes as winter warms up and undergoes its yearly vanishing act. As you traverse the pleasant roadways of Nelson, you’ll notice historic, natural, and cultural attractions along the way. The Nelson Scenic Loop is 50 miles long and made up of Route 151, Route 664, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Route 56.

For lunch, enjoy something special from Basic Necessities, a wine and cheese shop in nearby Nellysford. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Sweet Bliss Bake Shop for a vast selection of cheesecakes, cookies, and other sweets.

If you’re looking for unique refreshments, stop in at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery to taste delicious meads or partake in pick-your-own berries. Watch the busy bees bustling throughout the indoor beehive as you cultivate a buzz of your own. In addition to Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Nelson County boasts three cideries if you like hard cider: Bryant’s Small Batch Hard Cider, Blue Toad Hard Cider, and Bold Rock Hard Cider offer crisp, refreshing hard cider to the weary traveler.

Spending time in nature is another fun springtime activity. Take the entire family to The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, which offers nature exhibits and childhood nature programs. Visit The Trillium House to observe the Foundation’s California King Snake, an archaeological exhibit, and more.

Now that the kids have had fun at the Nature Foundation, it’s time for the adults to pamper themselves at The Spa at Wintergreen. Treat yourself to some prime relaxation and beautification.

Fall is a popular time for people to visit gorgeous Nelson County. Mountain golf enthusiasts can take in one of the best mountain views on the Blue Ridge at Stoney Creek Golf Course. Part of Wintergreen Resort, Stoney Creek showcases fall foliage perfectly. Majestic views can be found at Devils Knob Golf Course as well. Because players at Devils Knob golf at an elevation of over 3,800 feet, they experience cooler temperatures and brighter fall foliage than those in the valleys below. The clubhouse is spacious and offers fine dining, snacks, and high-quality merchandise. The view at The Edge restaurant cannot be matched! Wintergreen is a wonderful fall destination, with its 50-mile views of both the Rockfish and Shenandoah valleys.

If you’re looking to maximize your views of the autumn-bright Blue Ridge Mountains, take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Nelson segment of the Parkway is 30 miles long and begins at milepost 0. There are many overlooks and picnic areas to stop and take in the crisp mountain air.

For even more beauty, stop by one of Nelson’s picturesque wineries. Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery lies in the foothills of Afton Mountain and offers gorgeous vineyard views and fantastic wines. Nearby Flying Fox vineyard is a hidden gem. Folks come to Flying Fox for the vermouth, but they stay to take pictures of (and with) the stunning décor. Industrial furniture and huge murals furnish and adorn the building, and art is everywhere you look. People love to gather in front of the black-and-white outdoor mural to snap a few digital memories. Nelson’s attractions are beautiful alongside the bright tapestry Mother Nature lends to the county each year.

Escape the busy city this winter! Bid farewell to the next-door neighbors for the day with a trip to Nelson County. Enjoy the space around you as you shop away from the crowds. Tuckahoe Antiques is part maze, part jewelry box- you’ll love meandering through every treasure-filled room. Stop in at The Ski Barn for winter sports items and souvenirs. Once you have some holiday shopping taken care of, you will probably need some excitement.

You can start your day in Wintergreen by taking a winter hike at The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen, which features blazed trails and an educational center. At that point, head to the Wintergreen Resort Terrain Park. Both beginners and advanced winter sport enthusiasts can find thrills as they race down the snow-covered terrain. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are all offered at the resort. Avoid lines of people while waiting for the slopes- Wintergreen has five chairlifts and two lightning-fast, “six pack” lifts. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded in your life, don’t worry! Skiing and snowboarding lessons are offered at the resort for both adults and kids. Kids can also enjoy Wintergreen’s nationally-recognized children’s programs, which include campfires, holiday weekend events, and of course- winter sports!

After a fun day at the slopes, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool or work up a sweat at the fitness center. For dinner, try The Copper Mine Bistro for both contemporary cooking and classic entrees. You don’t have to make a reservation, but it is recommended due to its popularity. If you need more time in Nelson (and you probably will) stay at the resort.