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Blog on Wintergreen Tips
I have FREE kits about Nelson County and Wintergreen
Resort. The kits include information about Summer activities, wineries, real
estate and lodging. To request a kit, send an email to
kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com. Also, send me any questions about Nelson
County or Wintergreen Resort. It is reader’s questions that provide topics for
this daily blog.
Wintergreen Resort’s VIP Passport to Fun
I am always on the look-out for good deals in Wintergreen
and Nelson County. If you have kids under 12 years old, I think that
Wintergreen’s VIP Passport to Fun is a good deal. This passport lets you create
your own vacation package, and kids under 12 years old can ride on their
parents’ passport. This VIP Passport provides special rates on just about
everything in the resort. (must purchase at least one passport per bedroom to
qualify and the passports are $25)
The Passport includes the following discounts:
20% off of recreation and children’s programs
10% off of spa services
10% off of purchases at the golf and tennis pro shop and
Wintergarden Spa Shop
10% off of breakfast in the Copper Mine.
If you have kids under 12 years old, and you purchase a VIP
Passport, your savings start as soon as you make reservations for the kid’s
Treehouse. In April, I will be posting information about upcoming Treehouse
activities for kids of all ages. They do have some excellent activities planned
for kids under twelve this summer.
Wintergreen’s Amazing Race
After the blog about GeoCaching in Wintergreen and Nelson
County, I received many emails with questions about GeoCaching for groups.
Wintergreen’s new Amazing Race is exactly what you are looking for as a group
activity. Add the Amazing Race to your next group meeting or family reunion in
the resort. Wintergreen’s Amazing Race combines GPS orienteering, logic puzzles
and physical obstacles to provide participants with a full filled and awarding
day.
Teams receive cards providing clues and GPS points that
lead them to specific tasks in the resort. Some of the tasks may include
paintball, Sudoku, a high ropes course and trivia questions. All can be
tailored to the specific group. The team that can outsmart their competition
will be the winner of this race.
The Amazing Race makes a great addition to any corporate
retreat in the resort. As an added bonus, the meeting planner who books the
group will receive a personal GPS tracking device.
For a tamer adventure, Wintergreen can also plan a
resort-wide scavenger hunt for your group. This is another perfect activity for
scout troupes or family reunions.
Wintergreen Resort Tip: When visiting the
Mountain Inn, stop by the resort’s official Real Estate office, Wintergreen
Resort Premier Properties, and pick up a free coffee voucher. Use this voucher
for either a free cup of coffee or as a discount coupon for coffee drinks at
Colony Coffee in the Mountain Inn. Free Coffee from Wintergreen Resort Premier
Properties….
SUPER Saver Condo Rental:
The owner of 326 Dobie has announced a special promo for readers of this blog.
Nightly rate of $99.99 for his two bedroom, two bath condo. (Not per person but
per night.) This condo is slope-side and within walking distance of The
Mountain Inn, several restaurants, the kid’s Tree House center, the Black Rock
Pool (opening Memorial Day) and many other amenities. They allow well-behaved
dogs. The special price runs for Spring and Summer. For information on this
rental, go to
www.IIMoose.com. (the only additional fee is a one-time $65 cleaning fee
per stay)
To take advantage of this amazing deal, you must use this
blog’s promo code when calling or emailing for reservations:
KCBlog2008
Rejuvenate this Spring with Yoga and the Wintergarden
Spa
The Wintergarden Spa is located in Wintergreen Resort, in
the same building at the Fitness Center. Personally, I could spend an entire
day in this complex. There is an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, steam rooms,
fitness facilities, classes, yoga and a full line of spa & salon services.
Guests can use the fitness and aquatics center for $15 a day or those who rent
through the Wintergreen Resort rental program can visit at no charge. (Spa
services are extra)
Spa Hours include:
Sunday-Thursday: 8AM-8PM
Friday and Saturday: 8AM-9PM
Wintergarden Salon
Monday-Sunday: 9AM-6PM
Aquatics & Fitness Center
Sunday-Thursday: 7AM-8PM
Friday and Saturday: 7AM-9PM
Water Aerobics
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
9AM-10:15AM
Spa Parties
Let the Wintergarden Spa plan the perfect Spa Party for you
and your friends. You will have the full use of the Aquatics and Fitness Center
as well as the services listed below. Wedding Season is here and any of these
parties would make a great treat for your wedding party. (Having your wedding
at Wintergreen or in Nelson County is a whole new topic of discussion as there
are many options)
Simple Celebration
This party is for 5-10 people. Each person chooses two 30
minute treatments and spends 2-3 hours in the Spa. Each partygoer will also be
given a gift. (refresher facial, or a Swedish massage, a manicure or a make-up
application.
Grand Gala
This party is also for 5-10 people. Each partygoer will
choose two one-hour services or choose four thirty minutes services. Each
partygoer also receives a gift from the spa.
Enjoying the Indoors at Wintergreen Resort
Here are just a few ideas for enjoying the indoors while
visiting Wintergreen Resort:
Stop by the reception desk in The
Mountain Inn and pick up a weekly guide to all activities. While you are there,
enjoy some shopping or a cup of coffee at Colony Coffee. Remember that we have
free WiFi in the Grist Mill and Colony Coffee.
Pick up a deck of cards at
Necessities in the Mountain Inn or bring some board games and play in the Grist
Mill.
Go by The Wintergreen Nature
Foundation and look at their exhibits, books and educational materials. My
family especially enjoys the upstairs and I think any kid (or adult) would love
this visit. Check out the wildlife photographs taken by visitors and residents
of the resort. Also be sure to check out the white board with the list of all
of the “wildlife spottings”. I look at this board every time I visit the
foundation. (PS: They have many Burt’s Bees products for sale with great
prices)
The WinterGarden Spa has a
full menu of spa services. I think that I could spend the entire day at this
spa. There are even some spa packages for kids.
The Fitness and Aquatics
Center has an indoor pool, a full fitness
center and many exercise classes, from
water aerobics to belly dancing. (also check out the outdoor hot tubs. They
are fun, even in the rain) So, pack your bathing suit, even if you are visiting
the resort in Spring.
Indoor tennis is very
popular and classes and events are provided each day
There is the golf fire-side
chat each afternoon
The Treehouse for kids.
Check out the Treehouse for a wide-range of activities from games to crafts to
movies. In coming weeks, I will be posting information about the Treehouse and
summer activities.
New and the favorite for kids of
all ages: The Adventure Dome. One of my friends just told me that this
is now his kids’ favorite place in the resort. Here is what they have to offer:
- 12 Stations - 10 Xbox 360s and 2 Nintendo Wiis
- 42-inch plasma TVs and comfy game rocker chairs at
every station.
- Wifi Lounge
- Mechanical Bull
- Foosball
- Pool Table
- Air Hockey
- Basketball 2-Man Game
- Theatre showing sporting events
- Children's interactive games
You can even purchase tickets on line for The Dome at
www.WintergreenResort.com
Stoney Creek at Wintergreen
Stoney Creek is the valley community of Wintergreen Resort.
It sits in the Rockfish Valley, at the foot of Wintergreen Mountain. This is
part of the resort that should be included in your Spring-Fall visit to the
resort. Activities abound.
No, there are no rental condos in Stoney Creek. (I get
that question often) But, Stoney Creek is only a short drive from the top of
Wintergreen Mountain.
As you enter Stoney Creek, off of Rt. 151, you will see a
large grassy field on your left. On Saturdays, starting in May, that field is
the home to the Nellysford Farmer’s Market. It opens at 8AM and runs until
Noon. This is a “don’t miss event”. The market has really been growing over
the years and now has fresh fruits and vegetables, home baked breads and
desserts, fresh cut flowers and plants, crafts, local cheese, eggs and meats…and
the list could go on from there. I will be covering this in blogs, starting in
May. I always suggest to get to this farmers’ market early in the morning. (I
will be discussing amFogs new farmers market in a blog in early April. They are
located in Afton, VA)
As you drive along in Stoney Creek, you see Rosewood which
is our 55+ community in Wintergreen Resort. I will be mentioning this community
in future blogs. I have a client that just purchased a golf-side home in this
community and really loves being in the resort.
The next center of activity that you will reach is the
golf-tennis-and pool area. The outdoor tennis courts are scheduled to open on
April 7th. The pools of Stoney Creek will open over Memorial Day
weekend. If you are a guest of Wintergreen Resort via a rental through the
Resort’s Home & Villa rental program, you may use the pool and tennis courts.
(rentals through
www.WintergreenResort.com) Many private rentals also include passes to
these amenities.
Stoney Creek Golf is open year-round but has really been
greening up this past week. There were many playing golf yesterday. Be sure to
read some of my earlier blogs on Stoney Creek Golf and there will be a few new
posts in coming weeks. There is also a pro-shop just below the Stoney Creek Bar
& Grill.
Speaking of the Stoney Creek Bar & Grill, it is open every
day for lunch plus dinner on Friday and Saturday nights and brunch on Sunday.
The hours will be extended, starting in May. Try the Cobb Salad for lunch and
they also have a great salad bar for weekend dinners. We have enjoyed many of
the entrees on Friday and Saturday nights. Can’t wait for the outdoor, patio
seating to open as the views are great.
Stoney Creek has a network of walking trails, which I was
out enjoying yesterday. In addition, there is a new nature preserve. I will be
posting information on both the walking trails and the nature preserve in the
next few weeks. The walking trails are well marked, and some are even paved.
If you are walking for exercise, or even to just enjoy the views, I recommend
these trails.
Lake Monocan is a 20 acre lake in the heart of Stoney
Creek. It will also be opening over Memorial Day weekend. (or some weekends in
May, weather permitting) Hours are from 9AM-6PM. Families with kids of all
ages enjoy this lake. Activities include paddleboats, canoes, electric fun
boats, inner tubes, kayaks, fishing equipment, standard road bike rentals,
horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, and a sand beach with lounge chairs.
There is also a snack bar, a picnic area and a charcoal grill area.
The stables at Rodes Farm is our next stop in Stoney
Creek. The stables are now open for the season and offer trail rides for all
abilities. This is a great place to introduce your family to horseback riding.
Later in the season, they will even offer dinner trial rides that includes
dinner beside one of Stoney Creeks beautiful lakes as the sun sets.
As you can see, there is a lot to do in Stoney Creek. In
coming weeks, I will be posting in-depth information about each of these
activities. (also be sure to read yesterday’s blog for information about
fishing in Stoney Creek)
Horseback Riding at Rodes Farm Stables in Wintergreen
Resort
Rodes Farm is in the Rockfish Valley and is part of the
Stoney Creek area in Wintergreen Resort. When planning a visit to Wintergreen
or Nelson County, be sure to include a visit to the Rodes Farm Stables. From
pony rides to Summer camps to Sunset Dinner Trail Rides, they have events and
programs for the entire family. The stables are open every day, except Monday.
Make reservations for any program 24 hours in advance by calling 434-325-8260.
Pony Rides: Pony rides are a great introduction to
riders of any age.
Trail Rides: Enjoy a one-hour guided trail ride.
Trail rides are available for novice riders as well as advanced riders. During
the ride, you will see some stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, pine forests and
open fields. The stables provides helmets and closed toe shoes are required.
Advanced Private Rides: Call for full details for
rides for the advanced.
Sunset Rides: This ride is for novice riders and
will be on Saturday evenings from 6:30-8PM, starting this Summer. This is the
perfect ride to add to your Summer vacation in Wintergreen Resort.
Sunset Dinner Rides for Groups: Are you planning a
family reunion or visiting Wintergreen with a group of friends? This dinner
ride is for groups of 8-12 people. This would make a great surprise dinner for
your group’s visit.
Lessons: Rodes Farm Stables offers half-hour
private and semi-private lessons for age 7 and up. Frequent rider packages are
also available. This would make a great addition to any summer vacation.
Summer Riding Camp: This summer camp is designed
for the beginner to intermediate rider ages 8-14. Each day will include lots of
riding, horse management, natural horsemanship and swimming at Lake Monocan.
Camps are Tuesday-Friday from 8AM-2PM.
A Week Vacation in Nelson
Yes, there is plenty of activities to keep a family
entertained for days or even weeks. Visiting Nelson County can also be
educational, challenging with rock climbing, mountain biking or hiking or just
relaxing.
If you need assistance planning a family vacation, send me
an email to kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com and I can put you in touch with
resources to plan the perfect vacation. I can also send you an Experience
Nelson County Vacation Kit. The kit contains maps and brochures.
Nelson County has camping, Bed & Breakfasts, and condo or
home rentals. For a week vacation, check out either
www.WintergreenResort.com or
www.VRBO.com. Once in VRBO.com, click on Virginia and then select
Wintergreen Resort. VRBO has several homes and condos that are available for a
week-long rental.
Next week, I will be posting a blog about Wintergreen
Resort condos that have been recently renovated and are available for rental
through the resort. These condos have all new furnishings, flooring, kitchens
and baths.
Earlier this week, I wrote about a private rental of a
fishing cottage on the Tye River. There are many private rentals and the
Nelson County Visitor’s Center can assist with putting you in contact with
the owners.
Check out my Blog Archive for many stories about
activities to fill your vacation week. There are also several day camps that
kids can visit during your vacation. (See the blog archive about kid’s
activities) There is even a world-class spa.
Here is a sample of activities:
Tennis & Tennis Lessons from Wintergreen’s nationally-known
program
Swimming in indoor and outdoor pools
45 holes of golf and golf lessons for all ability levels
Horseback riding and lessons for all ability levels
Hiking on marked trails
The Wintergreen Tree House is open year-round for crafts
and adventures
The new Wintergreen Adventure Dome with many games,
including Wii
Miniature golf at the Wintergreen Adventure Center
Rock climbing wall
Mountain biking on marked trails
The WinterGarden Spa
Lake Monocan with its beach and boats
Paint ball sessions
Music and fireworks
Camping at Crabtree Falls
Fishing Nelson County’s many rivers and streams
Tubing on the James River
Day trips to many interesting sites in Charlottesville,
Staunton and Waynesboro
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Farmers Markets and Apple Festivals
Wineries and Micro-Brew
Antique Shopping
Local Art Galleries
Wintergreen Resort Rentals
I get questions about resort rentals a few times a week.
Many people are looking for rentals for Summer vacations in Wintergreen Resort.
All condos and homes within the resort are privately owned, but many owners do
rent their property.
There are a few rental companies covering Wintergreen
Resort, but the most popular are the following:
Wintergreen Resort Official Program:
www.WintergreenResort.com
Vacation Rentals by Owner:
www.VRBO.com
Rentals are available in a wide range of sizes and
shapes…from a studio condo in The Mountain Inn to 9 bedroom houses that are
large enough to entertain a crowd. Some real estate agents, including myself,
can help you find a long-term rental if you are interested in staying in the
resort for the entire summer. All rentals have a kitchen that ranges in size
from a kitchenette to a large chef’s kitchen. You can plan to cook at home or
dine in any of our local restaurants. Many of the rentals have large decks or
patios to enjoy the views of Wintergreen. There are also rentals close to
specific resort amenities such as golf, tennis, hiking and the Wintergarden
Spa. (There are also slope-side rentals for ski season)
Many condo or home owners use a rental to program to gain
income to off-set the cost of home ownership. Anyone who owns a property within
the resort may rent their property through any program for which the property
qualifies. I offer clients a “condo worksheet” that reviews both possible costs
of ownership and possible rental income. I also offer home owner references to
anyone interested in purchasing in the resort. Contact me at
kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com for the condo worksheet or additional
information about property ownership or property renovations.
Condos and homes that have been renovated usually produce a
higher rental income. Renovation projects have become popular in the resort and
include the following upgrades:
Interior paint and upgraded flooring
New furniture
Upgraded kitchens and baths
In the past year, I have seen a surge of condo renovations
in the resort. These owners have all seen an increase in their rental income.
In the Mountain Inn, condos that have been recently sold and renovated
included: 184, 186 and 194. All three of these condos are rated Gold and are
available through
www.WintergreenResort.com These condos include new furniture and flat panel
TVs. Condos 184 and 186 have a door that can be unlocked to provide an interior
access through both condos. This is perfect for a family or group that needs to
share space.
A recently renovated VRBO.com condo is 326 Dobie. You can
view that condo at
www.IIMoose.com. This is an example of an owner purchasing a condo,
renovating it and then placing it on VRBO as a private rental with its own web
site. This condo has some special summer rates. Ask the owner about week-long
rentals.
1542 Cliffs was just purchased in March, 2008 and has
already been completely renovated. This condo is also available for rentals at
www.WintergreenResort.com The renovation in this condo includes new baths
and a new kitchen, including granite counters. This condo also has new flat
panel TVs and a lot of new furniture. It has an amazing view of the Rockfish
Valley from its Living Room and deck.
There are several local companies that can assist in the
renovation of your condo or home. I am a member in the Lowes Real Estate
Program with HGTV, and offer the program to my clients. This program includes a
renovation discount program.
Wintergreen Performing Arts Summer Music Festival
2008
I want to start by providing contact information for
Wintergreen Performing Arts:
www.WintergreenPerformingArts.org
Call: 434-325-8292 or email:
info@WintergreenPerformingArts.org
If the Summer Music Festival interests you, I urge you to
contact WPA today.
This year’s festival is far more than music. Many, many
activities have been added to this festival, and it has been expanded to the
full month of July for 2008. The theme of this year’s festival is Old World,
New World…exploring the music of Spain, France, Italy and the Americas. There
are more than 150 performances planned for this year’s festival. This year’s
festival includes classical music, jazz, theatre, dance, film, literature, food
and wine. There is even a 5K run/walk event planned.
With 150 concerts and events planned, there is too
much information to cover in this blog. I will certainly be covering these
events through July. There are a few new events for 2008 that I want to point
out today. Sounds like ticket sales for these new events are brisk.
Cooking classes are new in 2008. These include
great chefs, exciting recipes and a few of some beautiful Wintergreen kitchens.
There are Spanish, French, Italian and American cooking classes. Each class is
only $25.
There is also an Italian Film Festival. Come out
and enjoy some classic and recent Italian films.
Several wine tastings are planned as well as “Making
Musical Ice Cream”, Coffee Concerts and Saturday Seminars. All of these special
activities are in addition to all of the music concerts planned. Their web site
does have a full list of all of the activities and concerts.
Wintergreen Resort is also offering special lodging
specials for the Summer Music Festival. For information, go to
www.WintergreenResort.com
Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties is also a
proud sponsor of this year’s Summer Music Festival. Wintergreen Resort Premier
Properties is the official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort and located
in the Mountain Inn.
A Perfect Weekend in Nelson County
Saturday
Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the Copper Mine
(7AM-11AM) in the Wintergreen resort adjacent to the Blue Ridge Terrace at the
Mountain Inn. Or, if you are looking for great pastries and coffee, try Ambrosia
Bakery and Deli in the town of Nellysford, VA. (opens at 9AM) You will want to
pick up a to-go menu from this spot for later use.
Before leaving Nellysford or the Wintergreen
resort, stop by the Black Rock Market or the Valleymont Market in Nellysford to
pick up beverages and snacks. The morning adventure will take you out of town
and away from supplies. You will need water and snacks.
The Saturday morning adventure is a hike at
Crabtree Falls. This has been a popular spot for decades and is the tallest
waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Be sure to bring your camera and good
walking shoes.
Directions:
From Wintergreen Resort, go east on Rt. 664 for 3.1 miles to Rt. 680. Turn right
and go 5.1 miles on Rt. 680 to Rt. 699. Turn right on Rt. 699 and proceed 1.4
miles to SR 56. Go west on SR 56 for 6.5 miles to Crabtree Falls on the left.
Parking is $3 per car.
I always try to be at Crabtree Falls no later
than 10AM. Plan 2 hours, at least, to really enjoy this hike. Take time for
photos and the view from the top is outstanding. You will want to take a few
moments to soak up this view. The trail is well marked and maintained. There are
several places along the way to stop and rest, if needed. You may also link to
the Appalachian Trial.
Lunch
When you leave Crabtree Falls, and you are in
immediate need of either food, beverages or a nice restroom, turn left out of
the Crabtree parking lot and head up the mountain on SR 56. Head just a few
miles to Montebello, VA and the general store. They have snacks, including soup,
beverages and a restroom. They also have some unique gift items.
I suggest that you don’t miss lunch at the Blue
Ridge Pig. It has been showcased on the Food Network and in the Washington Post.
The bar-b-que is the best and you need to order the potato salad. (bring cash as
they don’t take charge cards.) It is located under the big pink pig just a few
doors down from the True Value Hardware in Nellysford. There are a few inside
and outside tables for dining, but I suggest that you take your bar-b-que to go.
Take your bar-b-que and head to the Wintergreen
Winery on Rt 664, heading back to the Wintergreen resort area. The Wintergreen
Winery has outside seating with a river view. They also have a great selection
of wines to pair with any lunch with prices from $12-$25 per bottle. Tastings
are also available as well as a gift shop and additional food.
Afternoon
Here are some suggestions for your afternoon:
Continue exploring Nelson County Wine
at the Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery. (2800 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford). Don’t
miss the Pear Sangria.
Play some tennis at the Wintergreen
resort. There are 19 clay courts and 3 indoor courts.
Go horseback riding. The resort offers
lessons for both adults and children.
Relax and enjoy the spring weather
from your deck or outside of the Mountain Inn.
Dinner
I highly suggest making a reservation for dinner
at any restaurant within Wintergreen Resort. The Edge offers casual dining while
overlooking the mountains. The Copper Mine is an American steakhouse at night
with casual but elegant dining. The Devil's Grill has southern American food.
For dinner outside of the resort, I suggest Basic
Necessities in Nellysford. They serve full-course European dinners on Saturday
(and Friday) night with live music. A reservation is a must. 434-361-1766
Night
Check at the Mountain Inn for Saturday Night
entertainment. Often, a live band or comedian will be scheduled.
There is a Game Room for all ages that is open to
11PM. Its in the breezeway below the Copper Mine. Games include NASCAR, Sopranos
Pinball, pool and air hockey.
Rent a movie at the Black Rock Market. They are
open on Saturday nights until 9PM.
You may arrange for a babysitter in your unit 48
hours in advance through the resort.
Sunday
If you have to return to work on Monday, spend
Sunday pampering yourself.
The Aquatics and Fitness Center opens at 7AM on
Sunday morning. (additional fee) There is a fitness center, indoor pool and hot
tubs. Call in advance to join a yoga session. The Wintergarden Spa opens at 9AM
on Sunday morning.
Brunch
Take the short drive to Stoney Creek for Sunday
Brunch. Served 10AM to 3PM. Enjoy the Spring weather with their outdoor seating.
Afternoon
Right after brunch, stay at Stoney Creek for a
round of golf. A 27-hole course designed by Rees Jones. Or golf at Devils Knob
at Wintergreen resort after April 1st.
Take the family to the Out of Bounds Adventure
Center at Wintergreen Resort. It is open from 12-5PM on Sunday. There is a rock
wall for climbing, a skate park and mini golf.
View Art and Antiques. The Spruce Creek Gallery
(434-361-1859) and the Tuckahoe Antique Mall (434-361-2121) are both open on
Sunday and are a short drive from Wintergreen resort.
Email Kim Chappell
at
kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com in advance to schedule an area homes tour.
See the best homes for sale in Wintergreen Resort and the surrounding Nelson
County area. View condos, mountain homes, and houses in Stoney Creek. Receive
Kim’s Experience Nelson County Kit.
(If you want to experience adventure in Nelson
County, including Spring hunting, trout fishing, Appalachian Trail hiking, wine
tours, orchards and berry farms as well as Virginia southern cuisine, contact
Kim Chappell to receive community information.)
To watch a tour of Nelson
County, click on this link:
http://www.ubuildtours.com/natour.php?id=14DD
Lake Monocan Park Opens
Lake Monocan is a 20 acre lake at Stoney Creek in the
valley. The park opens this weekend, and there are many activities planned for
family enjoyment. (Visit my web site and click on the Memorial Weekend Guide)
The lake and park will remain open through Labor Day.
The lake and park is open to the public and is $12
for adults, $8 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under the age of
5. Wintergreen Resort Members, and all registered resort guests have
complimentary access to Lake Monocan park. You will need to present a proper ID
or pass for complimentary access. Each guest will pick up a wrist band. There
are also multi-visit passes available at a discount and an individual Season
Pass. For example, an adult can purchase a Season Pass for only $99 to cover
the entire Summer.
The lake and park has a full-time life guard, snack bar,
paddleboats, canoes, electric fun boats, inner tubes, kayaks, fishing equipment,
standard road bike rentals, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, sand beach,
lounge chairs, picnic area and outdoor charcoal grills are available. (some
fees apply) Bring your own towel.
There is a two-mile bike trail that follows the lake and
the Stoney Creek Golf Course. The park offers hourly rentals of bikes or you
can bring your own.
Any of the six picnic areas can be reserved for a fee.
Each picnic area has an 8ft long table, charcoal grill and trash can. Half day
rentals are $20 and an All Day rental is $30. To reserve one, call
434-325-8181. This is a perfect area for a family party, office event, birthday
party or picnic with friends. (attendees also pay the daily entrance fee)
During the Summer, there are also several Summer Kid’s
Camps planned with activities at the lake and park. For details, see my Blog
Archive and the Kid’s Activities library of past blog posts.
WiFi Spots in Nelson County
Even though we are a rural community, we do have several
wireless Internet spots in the county. Here is a list:
Lovingston Café: 165 Front Street in Lovingston. Open
10:30-9PM Everyday
McDonalds: In the Lovingston shopping center on Rt. 29.
This is also our only fast-food chain restaurant in the county. They are open
everyday from 6AM-11PM
Rapunzels: 924 Front Street in Lovingston. Open Tuesday
and Thursday from 12PM-6PM; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Noon-10PM. They
also have great coffee drinks and a nice used book collection.
Devil’s Grill: At the Devil’s Knob Golf Course on
Wintergreen mountain. Open for lunch during the Summer and dinner from
5:30-9:30.
The Edge: Located behind the Mountain Inn in Wintergreen
Resort. Open everyday from 11AM-10PM
The Mountain Inn & Colony Coffee: Located on Wintergreen
mountain and the main lodge. The lodge and tables are open 24X7.
Sparrow’s Café: Intersection of Routes 151 and 664 in
Nellysford, behind the Ski Barn. Open Monday-Saturday 6:30AM-2:30PM.
Visit the Nelson Memorial Library in the hot summer
and pick out some great books or join one of their fun events for kids. On June
11th, the library will have bug stories for kids ages 3-5. (10:30AM)
The library is open six days a week:
Monday - Tuesday: 12 - 8pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 10am - 5:30pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm | Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday – Close
Gas Price Resources
The rise in gas prices is on everyone’s mind this Summer.
I have said it a few times, but it is worth saying again that Nelson County is
less than a tank of gas from DC, Richmond or Raleigh. I have done some research
and there are a few web sites that can assist with spotting any gas stations
with lower prices. Here are the web sites that may come in handy when planning
your visit to Nelson County and buying that tank of gas:
www.gasprices.mapquest.com
www.gasbuddy.com
www.VirginiaGasPrices.com
www.RichmondGasPrices.com
www.VirginiaBeachGasPrices.com
Many Maps of Nelson County and Wintergreen Resort
Maps can help you find your way around Nelson County or
Wintergreen Resort. They can also be fun and educational. Here are some places
to find maps of our region:
Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties: Located in
the Mountain Inn of Wintergreen Resort and the official real estate office of
the resort. This office is open 10AM-5PM, seven days a week. FREE Maps
available include:
- Wintergreen Resort driving map including map of all of
the condo neighborhoods
- Wintergreen Resort hiking map including 30+ miles of
marked hiking trails
- Ski Trail Map
- Map of all of the dwellings and building lots on
Wintergreen mountain or Stoney Creek
- Map for day trip to Charlottesville and surrounding
areas: Ask for the Discovery Map/Charlottesville
Maps Available On-Line: Here is a great web site
for maps of Nelson County:
www.nelsoncountyva.org/#maps . (Look in the upper left corner of the web
site) My favorite map shows Points of Interest across the county and it
can be found at this web link. There are also driving maps of Nelson
County that can be printed from this site.
Maps Available at the Visitor’s Center: Visit the
Nelson County Visitor’s Center in Lovingston to pick up not only maps but
brochures and information about Nelson County. The Visitor’s Center is located
in the same building as the library. At the Visitor’s Center yo can also pick
up guides to Nelson County’s wineries and micro brewery.
Appalachian Trail Maps can be purchased at Blue
Ridge Sports in the Mountain Inn in Wintergreen Resort.
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