The Indigo House is nestled in the middle of the Nelson 151 — a craft beer, wine, and hard cider route in Nelson County, Virginia. It’s a central location for exploring the local beverage scene, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, and relaxing by the fire under the dark skies.
We’re about 30 miles from downtown Charlottesville and Staunton. Wintergreen Ski Resort is 20 minutes away. The Southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a quick drive up the mountain, only 15 minutes away.
The best days to visit are Wednesday-Sunday, as a lot of businesses close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Shenandoah National Park is open seven days a week and traffic is typically lighter Monday-Thursday. Spring and Fall are the busiest seasons — be prepared for crowds.
FIVE THINGS FOR FIRST TIMERS
Voted Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, there are plenty of places to eat and drink your way through the valley!
TRANSPORTATION
The area is very car-dependent – Be prepared to drive or hire a driver!
- Buy a pass for the tasting tour bus so you can explore safely.
- EV charging stations are limited and 20-30 mins away.
- You can try Uber or Lyft, but drivers are very limited.
Looking for a pet-friendly driver? Contact the Indigo House and we’ll happily coordinate it for you.
FOOD & DRINK
- There are no chain or late-night restaurants in the area. The breweries are your best bet for dinner and we recommend dining by 8 pm.
- You’re welcome to bring snacks. We love stocking up on local favorites from the Batesville Market or Greenwood Grocery.
- There are A LOT of vineyards to choose from. To see the full selection, plan your visit — Monticello Wine Trail.
- Looking for a home-cooked meal? Contact the Indigo House and we’ll happily coordinate a private chef for you.
TRAILS & EXPLORATION
- Waterfall trails (like White Rock Falls and Crabtree Falls) are best in the spring and early summer. Overlook trails (like Dripping Rock South and Blackrock Summit) are perfect for fall foliage.
- If you can only do one trail, we recommend Humpback Rocks. Get there before 9 to avoid the crowds.
- Exploring Shenandoah National Park for the first time? Plan your trip.
- Tip: There is an additional charge to enter Shenandoah, but driving and hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway is free.
WHAT TO PACK
It’s pretty casual around here. You’re good to go from the trailhead to the tasting room, but we understand if you want to stop by the Indigo to refresh. We recommend packing layers for hiking as it can drop up to 20 degrees (especially if it’s windy) once you get on the mountain. Hiking boots are recommended.
Not sure about what to pack? See Stephanie’s ideas.
STAYING AT A B&B
Bed & breakfasts can vary greatly in design, service, and amenities. We live on the property and will serve breakfast daily. On weekdays, we deliver a picnic-style breakfast to your room. On the weekends, we serve a buffet. All our meals focus on local and seasonal ingredients — it’s food to fuel your adventures. Take a moment to review what to expect and our house rules.
Reminder: Each guest room has a mini fridge, but guests do not have access to the kitchen for cooking.
While you can explore the area in full spontaneity, we think it helps to have a general plan for the day and awareness of the business hours. Many of the vineyards close between 5 and 6 pm. A lot of tasting rooms allow you to bring outside food (like a picnic) but most also sell food (sandwiches, charcuterie, snacks, etc). If you are not sure, just ask! The staff members are always helpful and friendly.
Our perfect day: Enjoy breakfast at the Indigo. Explore a trail or the local farmers market. Pack a picnic or eat lunch at a vineyard. Grab dinner at a brewery. Spend the evening playing board games or watching a movie.