Just a short drive from Washington, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina, The Indigo House is a modern B&B with convenient access to charming mountain towns you don’t want to miss.
Start your morning with locally roasted coffee in bed, a farm-to-fork breakfast, and plenty of fresh mountain air. Whether you go for a hike, enjoy a tasting room, or explore a charming mountain town, we’ve got you covered!
Waynesboro, Virginia
About the town: Located on the other side of the mountain, Waynesboro, Virginia is an easy day trip for tastings and shopping. The friendliness of this Appalachian Trail Community shines throughout. From their walkable downtown with shops, art galleries, and restaurants to their events and festivals, there’s plenty to be enjoyed in this quaint town!
Distance from the Indigo: About 20 minutes
Nearby Attractions: While most of the drive is on 151 and the highway, you will pass a delicious popcorn truck, King’s Popcorn. It’s practically at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.
FOOD & DRINK:
- Happ Coffee- An industrial and eclectic neighborhood café and roastery serving up thoughtfully sourced coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and tons of space to work or chat.
- The French Press- This is the downtown spot for a seriously good coffee drink. Also has a huge pet-friendly patio.
- Blue Ridge Bucha- One of the first kombucha taprooms on the East Coast!
- Basic City Beer Co.- Huge open spaces, an old-school arcade, great beer and food, and they LOVE dogs.
- The Matriarchists- Grab a mocktail and play some board games inside, or chill with your pup on the iconic deck.
- Common Wealth Crush- Shenandoah Valley’s only urban winery and co-op is also pet-friendly!
Restaurants:
- Delly Up- Enjoy a sandwich, house-made appetizer dips, salads and sides with beer and wine selection available on-site and to-go.
- The River Burger Bar- Our personal favorite! Great burgers and salads and pet-friendly outdoor dining.
Kline’s Dairy & Espresso Bars-
Old-school ice cream walk-up with signature flavors of the day and pup cups!
THINGS TO DO:
- The Greenway Waynesboro- Parks and Rec also maintains a two-mile paved trail along the South River in downtown Waynesboro. It’s super accessible and you can go tubing or fishing in the river.
Galleries and Museums:
- The Shenandoah Valley Art Center- Local art ranging from contemporary paintings to avant-garde sculptures. The Wayne Avenue Gallery is also home to artists in residence, where you can observe their creative process in action. They also allow dogs inside!
- The Plumb House- If you love history, explore the oldest frame structure in Waynesboro.
- The Russell Museum- This colossal museum is part art, part science and philosophy, and 100% dog-friendly.
Shopping:
- Boutique in the Boro- This cute-as-a button boutique offers a little bit of everything from bedazzled cowboy boots to the latest TikTok trends to permanent jewelry and tons of stuff in between.
- Initial Inspiration- Custom gifts, adorable finds, and personalized everything.
- Stone Soup Books- A dog-friendly bookstore right downtown!
- Rusticae- A super cute boutique with clothing and home décor items.
- Pyramid: Appalachian Magick + Remedy- Are you looking for some animal skulls? Home décor? Spell herbs? Loose tea? Pyramid has all that and much more in their beautiful, eclectic shop.
Crozet, Virginia
About the town: If Stars Hollow were in Virginia, it would be Crozet. This one-light town is charming with one-of-a-kind shops and three walkable coffee shops.
Distance from the Indigo: 20 minutes
Nearby Attractions: On your way to/from Crozet, you’ll pass some of our favorite spots. Pop into Rockfish Gap Country Store, Greenwood Antiques, and Chiles Orchard for a little souvenir. Grab lunch from Greenwood Grocery or Batesville Market. Sip a glass of rosé from King Family Vineyard or a beer from Pro Re Nata.
FOOD & DRINK
Coffee Shops:
- Mudhouse- Great vibes and fun tea selection
- Praha- Czech-style pastries and tasty drinks
- Yellow Mug- Cozy shop with a charming outdoor patio if you have your dog
Restaurants:
- Bar Botanical- Tasty vegan eats such as pizza and crab cakes at this bright, cool-looking eatery with a rooftop patio and mountain views
- Fardowners- Cozy hangout with house-smoked wings & locally-sourced American grub, plus a craft beer selection
- Crozet Pizza- Award-winning thin-crust pizza in an old-school parlor
- Bar Botanical- Vegan bites and rooftop cocktail bar
- The Whistle Stop Grill- Just like Luke’s, a greasy spoon with home fries, burgers, and breakfast
- Crozet Creamery- Offers a rotating selection of house-made flavors and fresh waffle cones
- Smoked Kitchen and Tap- Fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, secret dry rubs, and five distinct sauces
- CroZeli Sandwich Shop- Cheesesteaks, muffalettas, and other deli classics, plus healthy options
- Coconut Thai- a casual restaurant and bar focused on authentic, homemade, and healthy Thai food located in Old Trail Village
- Restoration Restaurant at Old Trail- Dining experience amid rolling hills at a golf club with scenic outdoor dining and a patio
THINGS TO DO
Shopping:
- Bluebird & Co.- Indie bookstore highlighting LGBTQ+ storylines, first-time authors, best sellers and this season’s clothing you can’t miss.
- Crozet Artisan Depot- Locally made goods, art, and jewelry
Wellness:
- Santosha Yoga- A clean and welcoming space for novice and expert yogis
- Reset- Athletic Recovery and Wellness Collective with private infrared saunas, cold plunge, compression therapy and more.
- The Basement- A boutique cycle, functional fitness, and private gym
- Sugar Hollow Reservoir- Offers miles of hiking along the Moormans River to a swimming hole or waterfall
Tasting Rooms:
- Stinson Winery- Gets inspiration from the “garagiste” wineries of France, in both their winemaking techniques and the winery itself, which is built into an old three-car garage.
- Grace Estate- Grows grapes onsite, handcrafts wines with a minimalistic approach, and offers balanced, approachable wines at reasonable prices
- Fallen Tree- The newest addition, specializing in handcrafted wines made from estate-grown grapes
- Star Hill- Offers 24 rotating beers, live music, and food trucks
Lovingston, Virginia
About the town: The downtown village is a pedestrian-friendly Virginia Main Street community, with an eclectic array of retail, food and services. Take a selfie at the LOVEwork next door to the HeART of Nelson shop.
Distance from the Indigo: About 20 minutes
Nearby Attractions: On your way to Lovingston, you’ll pass our community center, Rockfish Valley Community Center (RVCC), which houses local businesses, an artisan shop, thrift store, organic coffee stand, rock and gemstone store, and more. There’s also a very tasty Indian restaurant, Indian Oven (don’t let its attachment to the gas station deter you).
FOOD & DRINK:
Coffee Shops:
- Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books- Check their hours first, but when they’re open, enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, books, craft beverages, and of course- coffee! Stick around for the Open Mic night.
- Village Antiques and Cafe- Coffee, tea, and pastries with antique shopping built right in
- Trager Brothers Coffee 1.0- Organic coffee ground there at the shop
Restaurants:
- Vito’s Pizza & Italian Grill- Classic and specialty pizzas and Italian entrees
- Nelson Scoops- Cozy, family-owned ice cream shop offering a delicious selection of hand-scooped ice cream in unique and classic flavors.
- Blue Mountain Barrel House & Smokin’ Barrel Restaurant- Sister property to Blue Mountain on 151, pizza, burgers, and beer
- Chicken Coop- Roadside joint with excellent fried chicken
- El Mariachi- Nostalgic Mexican food
Tasting Rooms:
- Virginia Distillery Company- Award winning bourbon, an onsite museum, and distillery tours
- Wood Ridge Farm Brewery- Pizza and burger food trucks, beer, karaoke and other events
- Outback Brew House- craft beer and a food truck
- Lovingston Winery- Delicious wines and gorgeous scenery
THINGS TO DO:
Shopping:
- Blue Moon Antique Mall- Houses tens of thousands of new and used books for sale
- Olde Southern Charm- Excellent selection of primitive décor
- HeART of Nelson- local hand-crafted gifts
- Apple Shed or Drumheller’s Orchard- Great produce stands
History:
- Bright Hope Baptist Church- Contact them to schedule a tour of this historic African-American landmark that overlooks the village. The church was built along with a school in 1870 to serve the freed men and women of Nelson. The kept area has over 100 marked graves.
- Oakland Museum- Primarily rural history, with exhibits on the history of Nelson County
- Walton’s Mountain Museum- A bit outside of Lovingston, but just a detour from 29; this museum is dedicated to The Waltons TV series, featuring props, set replicas and videos
- Walking Tour of Lovingston- Wander the village with this virtual guide to its history
Hiking:
- Fortunes Cove Nature Preserve trail- A challenging, 5.5 hike with mountain views. Dogs are not allowed at the preserve.