Welcome to our neighborhood.
Located in a friendly, diverse neighborhood of wineries, breweries, sustainable farms, and artisans, there are always interesting things to see, listen to, and consume. Despite its privacy, our farm is only a 5-10 minute walk (.3 miles) to Devil's Backbone Brewing Company and restaurant and a mile walk on public footpaths to Bold Rock Cidery and Brew Pub (tastings and tours), and 2.5 miles to Three Notch'd Brewery, Distillery and Restaurant. Blue Toad Cidery and Calligan Winery and walkable. Many, many other wineries and breweries within a short drive.
We're located close to the restaurants of Nellysford, 25 minutes from Waynesboro and its splendid Kline's ice cream, (And large grocery stores providing grocery pickup options) and only 35 minutes from Charlottesville and the University of Virginia.
We are only a three minute drive to The Blue Ridge Pig (an acclaimed BBQ joint), and Basic Necessities, a wonderful wine shop and bistro which also stocks delicious artisan breads, pastry, and cheese.
Pick apples, peaches, berries, or pumpkins at one of the many local farms. Drop by our bountiful Saturday's farmer's market. Buy local, organic breads from 3 different bakeries. Visit the studios on the Monticello Artisan Network. Swim to the tiny island in Sherando lake, the legacy of the WPA. Visit the Rockfish Valley Natural History Museum’s natural playground less than two miles away.
Walk out the door to 4 miles of public footpaths on the stunning Rockfish Valley Loop, which goes through farmlands, along streams and rivers, and through wetlands, all surrounded by a ring of purple mountains. Or drive 8 minutes to where the Appalachian trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In addition to many Parkway hikes, the magnificent Crabtree Falls is just 20 minutes south and Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park is 20 minutes north. We are also an 8 minute drive to the entrance of Wintergreen Resort, with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in season, and an adventure course open in the warmer months. We love our beautiful neighborhood and are happy to give you directions to these unique places, and many others.
Like history? Antiques? Permaculture? Just let us know. We live on the farm, so we're always available for any questions you might have.
We will provide extensive local information about All The Best Things before you check in— our locally curated guide is top shelf, and includes little-known hikes and some nearly-unknown treasures. A guest recently told me that it was the best Google Doc she’d ever read. 😌
Local Magic
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Hiking
Walk out the door to 4 miles of public footpaths on the stunning Rockfish Valley Loop, which goes through farmlands, along streams and rivers, and through wetlands, all surrounded by a ring of purple mountains. Or drive 8 minutes to where the Appalachian trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Wineries
Nelson County is legendary for the abundance of its vineyards and winery. The mountain micro-climates allow us to grow some remarkable fruit, and its beauty has attracted some amazing wine markers. Come see why the Rockfish Valley holds its own, nationally.
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Beers and Ciders
Our region may be best know for its beer: Despite its privacy, our farm is only a 5-10 minute walk to Devil's Backbone Brewing Company and restaurant and a mile walk on public footpaths to Bold Rock Cidery and Brew Pub, and 2.5 miles to Three Notch'd Brewery, Distillery and Restaurant. Blue Toad Cidery and Calligan Winery are also walkable.
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Farms & U-Pick
Central Virginia has become a center of the locavore and organic food movement. You won’t want to miss our our bountiful Saturday's farmer's market, or pick your own apples, peaches, berries, or pumpkins at one of the many local farms.
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The Arts
Elise is a working artist and loves to highlight other talented artist and craft-people in the area.
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History
This is Virginia— you can’t throw a beer can without hitting a historic site. We’ve assembled a list of our favorite historic sites that are good half-day excursions from the farm. We’re always happy to talk history, too— its one of the family businesses!
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Natural History
Nature isn’t just hiking to great vistas— if your passions run to fungi, lichens, birding, or little furry animals, we have you covered. With two local Natural History Centers, and a bevy of guides in both houses, you’ll leave with a full heart and a full mind.
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Biking
Cyclists take their Blue Ridge Parkway rides very seriously, but even weekend bikers and families with young children can enjoy the rails-to-trails bike path in Piney River, and the meandering byways of the county.
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Fishing
Anglers enjoy crossing the mountains to fly fish in the legendary New River at Waynesboro, about a 25 minute drive. Closer is Sherando Lake and the streams near it, and Nelson’s Tye and James rivers, both stocked with trout. And School House guests are welcome to bring your tackle box and fish for bass in our pond.
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Antiques
Nelson has some excellent antique shops, and since this is Virginia, nearly every town you drive to has treasures. Click here to see our favorite spots!
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Food & Dining
Nelson is a sparsely populated county, but it still has a handful of good restaurants, and good access to great ingredients, if you want to stay in and cook.
