Springtime in Nelson County opens up a whole new world of potential activities.  There are so many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round in the area, but they are just that much more enjoyable when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the air is warmer.

Do you enjoy hiking?  There are multiple mountains, trails, and even an old railroad track very close by for our hiking enthusiasts.  One of the most famous locations, CrabTree Falls, recruits guests from all over the country.  It’s a breath-taking 1.7 miles up, and the same 1.7 miles back down…all with gorgeous waterfall views available at each turn.  Spy Rock boasts the most memorable panoramic view, a full 360 degrees of gorgeous Virginia countryside once you reach the top.  Fortune’s Cove is a family favorite, just over the hillside from the Orchard House, and the sights are amazing year-round.

Do you like wine?  Then Nelson County is like heaven-on-earth for your getaway!  The Orchard House B&B is surrounded by over 30 wineries…some as close as the other side of our hill, to as far as the 30-minute drive to Charlottesville.  Want to really enjoy yourselves without worrying about driving?  Book your seat in our brand new 12-passenger cargo van and let Mike chauffeur you to 4-5 different Nelson County wineries.  Our Wine Tours are an additional package we offer for our guests and has become one of the most popular ways to spend an afternoon.

Is beer more your style?  Again, Nelson County is your place!  Our guests enjoy all the amenities, the views, the food, and of course the fabulous beer at the larger breweries like Devil’s Backbone, Blue Mountain Brewery, and Wild Wolf.  Another guest favorite has become the local “farm to glass” brewery, WoodRidge Farms Brewery.  Just six miles up the road from the Orchard House, Barry and his team provide an unforgettable experience with their new food truck (which only serves products grown right there on the farm!) and their over 13 varieties of fantastic beers.  And just as close heading the other direction is the Blue Mountain Barrel House…where you can sit outside, gaze at the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoy their fire pit, and partake in their weekend food truck offerings.

Is history one of your passions?  You can enjoy the tours at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in nearby Charlottesville, James Madison’s Montpelier, even tour the Walton’s Mountain Museum (who didn’t love John-Boy??) in our neighboring town of Schuyler.  Take the trolley ride through the campus at University of Virginia, walk the grounds of Ash Lawn-Highland, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Do you like to ride horses?  The good folks at Appalachian Horse Adventures are experts at guiding small or large groups.  Their beautiful horses take you all through the wooded trails near Crabtree Falls for a memorable 1, 2, or 3 hour session.

Are you part of a Bachelorette Party?  The Orchard House B&B specializes in group events such as yours!  We can help coordinate spa treatments, wine tours, dinner reservations, even a pizza party around our new in-ground pool!

Are you planning an elopement or wedding?  We are putting the finishing touches on our remodeled event barn just for you!  We have already hosted a couple elopement packages in our brand new vineyard gazebo and we love being part of your special event!  Our barn is temperature controlled, with a caterer’s prep area and two bathrooms.  Our barn would also be the perfect spot for a corporate retreat, a quilting group, a fitness or yoga retreat, a family reunion, the possibilities are endless!  The barn is available for our guests only and we’d be happy to give you the grand tour!

Springtime in Nelson County is unlike anywhere else.  You can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities in the fresh spring air, sit outside at the multitude of wineries and breweries, hike without layers at a variety of close locations, and horseback ride amongst the budding mountain trees.  Enjoy a romantic getaway at the Orchard House B&B that ends with an after-dinner drink in our Adirondack chairs, or gazing up at the starry sky from our hammocks.  You deserve a springtime getaway, and Nelson County offers something for everyone!