The Indigo House is located in Nelson County with easy access to the Rockfish Gap Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen Resort, and Shenandoah National Park. While the area is very car-dependent, we find it’s time best spent with the windows down and the music up. We’ve rounded up all the best insider tips for your next getaway.
About Nelson County
Nelson County is about 30 minutes from Charlottesville or Staunton, Virginia. It’s northern border is the first 30 miles of the Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway; its southern border is the mighty James River, with all points between showcasing the county’s mountainous terrain that offers vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s pastural paradise with views of the mountains behind every curve.
Within this bounty of natural beauty are miles of hiking trails, crystal-clear fishing streams, historic family farms and orchards, picturesque vineyards, inviting tap rooms and unparalleled views.
Because most of the wineries close by 5:30 pm, breweries are your best bet for dinner.
FOOD:
- Devil’s Backbone– Casual brewpub serving its own lineup of lagers, pilsners & ales with an inventive pub fare menu; open for lunch or dinner.
- Blue Toad Hard Cidery– BBQ Food Truck available on the weekends.
- Bold Rock Hard Cidery– Great food, views, and hard ciders. The back of the property juts up to a creek, perfect for the pups to play in.
- Three Notch’d– Brewery, distillery, and craft kitchen serving great burgers and shareable apps.
- Blue Ridge Pig– Rustic roadside stand with outdoor seating. Smoked meats and sides, awesome croissant sandwiches. Open 7 days a week, but closes early.
- Basic Necessities– A casual, French cafe and cheese shop serving up excellent wines and meandering meals; Open for lunch most days and dinner specials on Fridays and Saturday nights.
- Chirios Pizza– Thin crust pizza and good deli sandwiches
- Don Lupe– The staple classic Mexican restaurant. Go for the queso, stay for the margs.
- Trinacria Restaurant and Pizzeria– Brings the flavors of Sicily and Italy to you, great takeout pizza
- Belties– A farm cafe and drive-thru serving breakfast favorites until 2 pm daily.
- Sweet Bliss– A cozy bakeshop featuring quiche, pot pies, and incredible cheesecakes.
- Paulie’s Pig Out– Smoked meats but known for their ribs, pulled pork, and sides
- Brewing Tree– From the boozy slushies to the awesome food truck, there’s something for everyone here
- Veritas Winery– Classically made wines with a consistent quality you can count on, a local staple
- Afton Mountain Winery– A farm winery with sprawling mountain views
- Blue Mountain Brewery– Scenic spot for great drinks and grub
- Hazy Mountain– Brewery and winery with epic ridgeline views
- Valley Road Vineyards– Award-winning wines, frozen rose, and pizza
- Hilltop– Try fruit wines and meads at this charming farm winery
- Iron and Ale– American food and cocktails
DRINK:
- Blue Toad Hard Cidery– BBQ Food Truck available on the weekends.
- Flying Fox Vineyard– Wine and vermouth in a dog-friendly indoor tasting room
- WildManDan– Excellent brewery where you can actually meet the man behind the beer
- Silverback Distillery– Women-owned and crafted spirits
SHOPPING:
- Tuckahoe Antiques
- Rockfish Valley Community Center– Coffee shop, artisan gifts, rock shop, and more
- Edible landscaping– Perfect for gardeners! Wander through their orchards to try samples and pick out a new fruiting plant
- Glass Hollow Studios– Blown glass shop offering classes, gifts, and artisan wares
- Dickie Brothers Orchard– Farm stand with jams, apple butter, seasonal fruit, and baked goods
- The Farm Stand at Eventide– A sweet little cottage stocked with homemade lotions, candles, cards, fresh produce, and fresh eggs
- Little Afton Flowers– Roadside U-Pick flowers and market stand
- Rockfish Gap Country Store– Find something old, something new, local wines, and nostalgic candy
THINGS TO DO:
- Drive or hike the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Explore Shenandoah National Park
- Horseback riding through the vineyards with Rebel’s Run
- Bird Watching
- Cycling and Mountain Biking
- Motorcycling Routes
- Golf Courses
- Hiking
Looking for help with dietary restrictions?
Dining out with restrictions can be so hard! View a list of our favorite, considerate, and safe places to enjoy during your stay.