The Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains are the best place to go for your summer getaway. From the sprawling vineyards, dozens of free things to do, including live music, farmers markets, and local events. Explore the best trails, cool off in the many streams and rivers, and take in the sights from a mountain overlook or Wintergreen’s sunset chairlift rides. Get ready for the best things to do for summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains
It’s finally summertime! This is really the best season in the Blue Ridge Mountains to step outside and enjoy the weather. From cool mornings (yes, I’ve worn a sweatshirt in June before) to the hot afternoons (perfect for ripening the fruit in the orchards), you’ll find summer is really where we peak. With long days, laid-back vibes, and lingering afternoons on a porch, you’ll find anything goes in this neck of the woods. There’s no pressure to “summer” right—just plop yourself someplace fun and let the busyness of regular life take a vacation.
Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains is perfect for so many reasons. No one ever feels pressure to have a “mountain body”. If you’re hot, you just take a dip in our natural mountain stream water or drive up to higher elevations. There are no shark bites or jelly fish stings. Instead, we have fireflies in the evening and hummingbirds at the feeder. The fruit is ripe, the frozen rose is cold, and it smells like fresh cut hay when you drive with the windows down.
If you’re looking for the best ways to spend your summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up our favorite activities, both dog-friendly and not-so-dog-friendly to inspire your next getaway to The Indigo House.
The Best Things To Do For Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains
OPT OUTSIDE
- Go for a hike in Shenandoah National Park or off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Temps tend to be cooler in the higher elevations, and the numerous overlooks offer a scenic spot for a picnic. Both areas are very pet-friendly and have trails with water access.
- Walk through the Blue Ridge Tunnel. The trail is about four miles round trip, but the majority of it takes place in an actual railroad tunnel, keeping things cool and shaded. Bring a flashlight, water, and your dog!
- Tailgate and watch free polo every Sunday at King Family Vineyards in Crozet. This event is dog-friendly, and you can bring your own food. They have wine carts that drive around the field, so you’re never without a refreshing glass of wine.
- Cool off at the creek. Some of our favorite spots, like the Camille Trailhead, Bold Rock Hard Cidery, Brewing Tree, and Blue Toad have creek access. Grab a blanket and your dog to cool off on those warm afternoons.
- Hike to a waterfall or natural swimming hole. You can hike 3 miles to Blue Hole and/or 4 miles to a waterfall with swimming access at the Sugar Hollow Reservoir.
- Plan a paddling adventure with Rivanna River Company. Located about 30 minutes from the Indigo, this outfitter has numerous rental items, including canoes, kayaks, tubes, and paddle boards. They can shuttle you to multiple points along the river and provide guided trips for those looking for a bit more instruction on the water.
- Climb aboard a historic batteau with James River Batteau Company. A wonderful experience for history fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike! Enjoy a drink or get tickets for a catered meal while you float down the James River.
- Ride your bike. We’ve curated a locals’ favorite Blue Ridge Cycling routes or explore Road & Gravel Rides in Charlottesville.
TASTE THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
- Meander through the Nelson County Farmers Market for baked goods, locally grown produce, and artisan finds. Dogs are welcome, but must stay out of the tent.
- Take a sip. Explore the Craft Beverage Trail on the Nelson 151 or along the region’s award-winning Monticello Wine Trail. Looking for pet-friendly places? Download our guide!
- Hop onto a craft beverage tour. From shuttles to private drivers, Charlottesville is a hub to many transportation services.
- Cool off with local ice cream at Black Bear Creamery or Crozet Creamery, two of our favorites. Black Bear has plenty of outdoor seating and pup cups for your dog’s enjoyment.
- Find fresh seasonal ice cream and U-Pick fruit at Chiles Peach Orchard.
- Enjoy apple cider donuts, seasonal produce, ice cream, and more from Dickie Brother’s Farm Market in Afton.
- Meet the brewer and enjoy a grilled cheese pairing at WildManDan Brewery on Saturday afternoons. Advance ticket purchasing is required and dogs are welcome.
ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND ADVENTURES
- Take a bite from Veritas’s Summer Supper Series. Veritas is showcasing food producers and chefs from a variety of backgrounds and influences with a multi-course dinner and wine pairing. Advance tickets can be purchased here.
- Enjoy a free concert at Ting Pavilion’s Fridays After Five. View the line-up here.
- Watch fireworks for the Fourth of July. From the July 4th Jubilee at Wintergreen to picnicking on the lawn at the Indigo House to view shows from afar, there are plenty of activities to choose from.
- Pack your cowboy boots for the Rockfish Rodeo. Watch professional cowboys, raging bulls, barrel racing, mutton busting, bucking broncos, and more!
- Walk through time at Frontier Culture Museum. Either get there early or save this for an overcast day because this is an outdoor, living-history museum with 11 exhibits that show you what it was like to reside all over the world through different centuries.
- Go for a soak. Buy a day pass for Wintergreen’s pool or plan a spa day and gain free access.
- Celebrate PRIDE. In September, this free marquee event serves as a chance to bring together the larger LGBTQ community in Charlottesville through entertainment, local vendors, resource booths, food & drink and more.
- Take in a show. Enjoy the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre at Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Saddle up. See the area’s vineyards, breweries, and farms on horseback with Indian Summer Guide Service.
- Go for a hot air balloon ride. Climb in for Monticello Country Ballooning, which offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset flights.
Go to an alpaca farm. Point of View Farm teaches you about the animals and alpaca safety. Then you can take them on a walk and feed them treats!
- Try flyfishing. Virginia’s mountaintops are still home to the East Coast’s first and only native trout. Hire a guide through Ladyfish East or Ribjord Fishing. This excursion can be dog-friendly!
Did we miss anything? Drop your favorite things to do for summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the comments below!