Favorite Restaurant Blogs

The Restaurant Guide Part 1

For dinner in Wintergreen Resort, be sure to make reservations.  Did you know that you can make reservations a few weeks in advance?  So, if you know you are coming to the resort, go ahead and book some dinner reservations.

The Copper Mine:  Wintergreen’s steak house.  434-325-8090

Devil’s Grill:  Open on Friday and Saturday Nights:  434-325-8100

Stoney Creek:  See Description Below:  434-325-8110

Yes!  Stoney Creek Bar & Grill (located in Nellysford and Stoney Creek at Wintergreen) IS OPEN on Friday and Saturday nights.  There is a special menu available and a great salad bar.  Call them for more info.  (This restaurant will be open with additional hours as the weather warms.  I will post those hours as things change)

The Edge:  This restaurant is always great for a burger, salad, nachos and full-entrees.  But, they don’t take reservations

Outside of the Resort

Black Rock Market:  Don’t forget that they have sandwiches and pizza to go.  (also a nice wine and beer selection)  This market is actually in the resort, next to the Laurelwood condos, but is not managed by the resort.

NEW:  The Dogwood Restaurant has opened in Nellysford!  We have been dining in the original Dogwood in Amherst County for years and are excited that the Dogwood II has opened in Nellysford.  Currently, the restaurant is only open for lunch and dinner, but breakfast is coming soon soon.  This is a home-cooking restaurant that will be popular and fits a needed niche in the community. 

BBQ To Go:  The Blue Ridge Pig in Nellysford has been written up in The Washington Post and many magazines as some of the best BBQ in Virginia.  Stop by and pick up some and dine at home.  Call ahead and place an order:  434-361-1170

Basic Necessities in Nellysford:  Open for lunch and dinner, but I suggest making reservations for dinner.  They also have a great international wine and cheese selection.  Reservations:  434-361-1766.

Ambrosia in Nellysford:  Is OPEN with the new owners.  Great sandwiches, salads and desserts to go for lunch.  Order a whole cheesecake or pie for the weekend.  Place an Order:  434-361-9661

Great Local Pizza:  If you are interested in a great local pizza, call Chirios Pizza in Nellysford at 434-361-9188.  They even have a limited delivery area.  Our favorite is the vegetarian pizza.  If you have a vegetarian in your family, this makes a great treat.

Worth The Drive:  The locals take a short drive to enhance the dining selection.

1. The new, hot restaurant is the Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton.  It’s a lot more than just a micro-brewery with a wood-fired pizza oven, sandwiches and salads.  The beer selection is great and the atmosphere fun.  Call 540-456-8400 for details.
2. Lovingston, VA:  Check out The Lovingston Café (434-263-8000) for interesting entrees and some great burgers and our favorite, Vitos Italian Restaurant. (434-263-8688)  They have great pizza and pasta that are value-priced.
3. Thai Food in Piney River:  If you love Thai food, then this is the best we have ever eaten.  Thai Siam Take-Out is a little hard to find.  Email Kim Chappell for details on finding this great spot for Thai food.
4. Waynesboro:  Locals go to Waysnesboro to dine in chain restaurants.  Everything is there from fast food to unique restaurants such as South River Grill.

Groceries:    Where do the locals go for groceries?  Many of you may have stopped by the IBA in Nellysford in past years and were disappointed.  They are under new management and the shelves are now stocked.  I will say that this is a store to just pick up the basics.   Most locals to Wintergreen go to Waynesboro for their shopping.  Waynesboro now has some "metro shopping", even with a new Target.  The grocery store of choice is Martins.  (almost like Ukrops out of Richmond)  Let us know if you need directions to Waynesboro

Dining Outdoors in Nelson County

New Options:  We are always looking for new dining options in rural Nelson County. 2008 has provided a few new options that are exciting.

The Blue Mountain Brewery:  We dropped by a few days ago and their outdoor patio was bustling with guests.  Their menu includes sandwiches, salads and a great cheese and meat board.  And, of course, their great micro-brew.  There are large tables available for dining with friends and a traditional bar inside.  Nice views from the outdoor patio.  The Blue Mountain Brewery is located in Afton on Rt. 151. 

The Dogwood Restaurant:  This restaurant opened in Nellysford this past Winter, but has added many outdoor tables.  Enjoy the wrap-around porch or tables near their large koi pond.  Currently, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with a menu that includes sandwiches, salads and entrees.  There are also some Southern- comfort food items such as pinto beans with corn bread.  Rumors say that this restaurant will soon open for breakfast.  We will let you know when it does offer a breakfast menu.

Nelson County Traditions:  There are some great restaurants in Nelson County that have been a tradition for years.

The Blue Ridge Pig:    Often mentioned in the Washington Post travel section and the Washingtonian Magazine as a place to stop for some of the best Bar-B-Q in Virginia, and we agree.  The Blue Ridge Pig is also in Nellysford and offers a few outdoor tables.  In addition to the Q, make sure to try the potatoes.

The Lovingston Café:   This restaurant is located in the heart of Nelson County in Lovingston.  It has the largest outdoor patio in the county and is a great place to meet family and friends or to plan a group dinner.  Our favorites on the menu include a great hamburger and some entrée salads.  (There are also several hot entrees and daily specials)

Outside Dining in Wintergreen Resort

One of our favorite places to dine outdoors is the Stoney Creek Bar & Grill.  Their deck boasts some of the best views in the valley.  Plus, they have both a sunny deck and a covered porch.  Currently the Stoney Creek Bar & Grill is open every day for lunch and dinner is served on Friday and Saturday nights.  Extended hours will start in May.

While on Wintergreen Mountain, the Devil’s Grill is our favorite place to dine outside.  Their patio is a great place to sit with friends for a relaxing lunch or dinner.  The patio is shaded and offers great views of the Devil’s Knob Golf Course.  We also enjoy the menu and cant wait to see this year’s late Spring and Summer menu.

The Copper Mine deck is a great place to enjoy the weekend brunch buffet.  Reservations are still available for their famous Mother’s Day Brunch.

On weekends and on holidays, the resort grills hamburgers and hotdogs on the Blue Ridge Terrace Grill.  Nothing is better than a grilled hamburger for Memorial Day or July 4^th.

Monocan Lake will open over Memorial Weekend and everyone enjoys grilling and eating outside at the many picnic tables.

Another favorite is eating outside on the many condo and home decks with amazing views.  If you would like to rent a condo with a view, be sure to ask for a “view condo” while renting through Wintergreen Resort. 

A Picnic Basket from Ambrosia Bakery & Deli

Recently, I have been writing stories about “Shop Local” and Nelson County Wine Tours.  I have been receiving many questions about winery tours, and one question that I receive often is about wine tours and food.  Many of our wineries promote the idea of bringing your own picnic to pair with their wine.  Well, Ambrosia Bakery & Deli is one place to stop in Nelson County before you start your winery tour. 

Ambrosia Bakery and Deli is located in Nellysford, VA at 2192 Rockfish Valley Highway and can be reached at 434-361-9661.  The menu has business hours from 8AM-5PM, Wednesday-Sunday.  Sherry mentioned that the doors usually open at 7AM for those getting an early start.  I also want to point out that Ambrosia is open on Sundays.  You can even stop by early Sunday morning to pick up pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches.  Also coffee from Greenberry.  (This answers another question that I often get…”where can I eat on Sundays”)  Most of the Ambrosia business is take-out, but there are two tables inside for dining.   Look for the signs and the dark purple shop in the shopping area.

Bring your own picnic basket, and Sherry can quickly fill it with a variety of items:

Gourmet cheese and a selection of crackers and fresh bread for your winery tour

Salads to include Caesar, Greek, Spinach and Salmon Salad

Dips and Spreads to include Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Spinach-Artichoke, Sun-dried Tomato Dip and several others

Mediterranean Pasta Salad and Tabouli

A large selection of custom sandwiches like The Nelson, The Neptune, The Apollo and the Ambrosia.  The Nelson has roast beef, smoked turkey, honey ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion w/horseradish mustard on a sub roll.  There are also vegetarian sandwiches. 

Home-made soups and Quiche

Ambrosia is now serving a wider selection of hot entrée items such as homemade meatloaf, mac & cheese and lasagna.  All of these items can be packed for easy carry-out.

Ambrosia is far more than beautiful desserts.  I have to mention the desserts and sweets though.  They are amazing.  Here’s just a brief list of items:  French pastry, scones, croissants, brownies, baklava, cookie bars, cannoli, cheesecake by the slice or whole, tarts, cookies, cakes and pies  by the slice or whole. 

If you are hosting a celebration or special event, talk with Sherry about catering options.  I have purchased party trays from Ambrosia for my real estate business.  It is a fast solution to your party needs and everyone loves to see a party tray from Ambrosia Bakery & Deli.

Fried Chicken for a Crowd in Nelson County

If you are planning a large picnic or event in Nelson County, and you need to feed a crowd…order some local-made fried chicken.  Southerners have always enjoyed fried chicken for summer picnics.  Nelson County has a few places to pick up enough southern fried chicken to feed that crowd.  You do need to order in advance though.  Our family has fed up to sixty people from these local establishments. 

In Lovingston, stop by and order your chicken from the Chicken Coop.  They are located at 40 Front Street in Lovingston. (434-263-7818)  Yes, there is also a gas station at the same location, but the Chicken Coop does have a pick-up window and a few tables inside.  If you don’t need to plan a large event or party, stop by the Chicken Coop for breakfast or lunch.  They serve a hot breakfast and their chicken for lunch with many side dishes.

Over in Nellysford, stop by Graves Grocery.  Yes, they also have a gas station which is a theme.  Graves Grocery is located at 1779 Rockfish Valley Highway (Rt. 151), 434-361-2504.  Graves Grocery can also fix enough fried chicken to feed a crowd.  I also want to mention that we think that they have some of the best biscuits in the county.  Crowds line up for the breakfast biscuits.  You need to try their sausage biscuit.  They also have good coffee and a breakfast platter.  Of course, you can order the fried chicken with lots of biscuits. 

I think that Nelson County Gas Station Food could be a story…

Also in Nellysford is the Blue Ridge Grocery.  You can also pre-order fried chicken for a crowd from the grocery.  Recently, a fellow real estate agent served their chicken at a real estate open house with rave reviews. 

The Sparrow Café Opens

You may have noticed the construction on the corner of Rt. 151 and Beech Grove Road, near Nellysford.  The building currently under construction is going to be a 120 seat restaurant and micro-brewery.  I will be keeping you posted on the opening of the restaurant later this Fall.  In the same complex is the Sparrow Café which is already open.  Since its opening, it has become one of my favorite morning hang-outs.  They have free WiFi, so several of my blogs have been posted from the Sparrow Café. 

Here is part of the blog that I posted from the Grand Opening of the Sparrow Café:

Besides a great menu, Sparrow’s Café has a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  If you are looking for a “table with a view”, this is the place for breakfast or lunch.  The café is open 6:30AM-2PM, Monday-Saturday.  Sparrow’s  also has free WiFi, plenty of seating including leather sofas and chairs and a flat panel TV.  Plus, there is plenty of parking.

Now onto the menu…..

Anyone visiting at 6:30AM is ready for coffee and Sparrow’s has coffee…both American and Cuban.  American Coffee is .99 for a small and only $1.69 for a large.  A Cuban coffee is $1.29 and is sure to keep you going all day.  For those who like espresso drinks, there is espresso, cappuccino and lattes.  A cappuccino or a latte is $2.29.  There is hot tea, hot chocolate and many cold drinks including Red Bull. 

Sparrow’s serves a hot, made-to-order breakfast.  The menu includes everything from biscuits to grilled Breakfast Panini with egg, cheese, bacon or ham on a croissant.  They also have pancakes and French toast.  Or you can have a Country Boy Breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, potatoes and a biscuit or toast.  Side items include a bagel with cream cheese for $2.99 or hash browns and grits for $1.29 each.

The lunch menu is full of great items.  Plus, they also have a kids lunch box menu that comes with a sandwich (or hot dog) and a fruit roll-up, Capri sun or water, cookie and chips. 

The soup of the day can be served as either a cup $1.99 or a bowl for $3.99.  Add a ½ of a sandwich for a Soup and Sandwich Special for $5.99.

There are four specialty salads including an antipasto salad, chicken salad, chef’s salad or tuna salad served on a bed of mixed greens for $5.99 each.

“Lunch Boxes” are served with chips, pickle, soda and a dessert.  Lunch Boxes include a choice of croissant panini, Roman cheese pizza, Mike’s cheese burger, tuna melt, steak & cheese, a chicken wrap, a BLT, and a Pick 5 Sandwich.  The Pick 5 Sandwich allows you to build your own sandwich with up to 5 choices of meats and cheeses.  Prices for Lunch Boxes run from $6.99 to $9.99.  (you can also purchase the sandwich solo for prices ranging from $3.99 to $6.99)

Appetizers include fresh salsa and chips, warm artichoke dip and bread and fresh tomato slices with mozzarella, basil and olive oil.  All appetizers are $3.99 each.   There is a tossed salad for $2.99.  French fries, seasoned fries and sweet potato fries are $2.99 with cheese fries at $3.99.

If you are still hungry, there are muffins for $1.99, cookies 3 for .99, Danish for $1.29 and homemade pies and cakes by the slice for $2.79. 

Wow, that’s a great menu!