 Kim Chappell Presents… Spring in Nelson County!!
Wintergreen resort offers many activities for Spring fun. These include golf on two courses, tennis, hikes in the National Forest or the Appalachian Trail, The Nature Center, and a relaxing day at the Wintergarden Spa.
Don’t limit your fun to just the Wintergreen resort area. Nelson County offers many unique experiences. Below is a guide to a wonderful weekend that combines amenities at Wintergreen resort with adventure in Nelson County.
Come and experience the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!
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.
Call Kim Chappell (434-238-2430) 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.) |
