Things to do in Charlottesville & Lovingston
Discover the best of Charlottesville and Lovingston while staying at Orchard House Bed and Breakfast in Virginia. From scenic wineries to historic sites and outdoor adventures, there’s so much to explore just minutes from our charming B&B!
- Afton Mountain Vineyards – Amazing views, beautiful tasting area
- Cardinal Point Winery
- DelFosse Vineyard & Winery – Award-winning reds, mountain views, special events like Crepe Sundays
- Brent Manor Vineyards – Voted our guests’ best experience, offering a full tasting with both locally produced and Portuguese wines
- Hill Top Berry Farm &Winery – Wines made with fruits, very sweet
- Flying Fox Vineyard – New location, specializing in reds, owned by adult children of Veritas Winery
- Lovingston Winery – Local family-owned, specializing in reds
- Mountain Cove Winery – Virginia’s oldest winery, complimentary tasting, practically in our backyard!
- Veritas Vineyard and Winery – Award-winning wines, beautiful views, offers cheese plates and picnic lunches
- Rebec Vineyards – Small tasting room south on 29, Garlic Festival every fall, unique wines
- Pollak Vineyards – Gorgeous views, beautiful tasting room, Sunday brunch and food options
- Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard – Spectacular tasting room, beautiful views, full tasting, and extensive food menu
- Loving Cup Vineyard – Only organic vineyard in area, small/family-run tasting room, educational experience
- Blue Mountain Brewery – On 151, several brew options, full bar, extensive menu including pizza, burgers, chili.
- Barrel House Brewery – On 29 South, location where Blue Mountain actually makes their beer. Food truck seasonally, live music Friday evenings.
- Devils Backbone Brewery – On 151, most extensive brewery menu, full bar, everything from fried pickles to filet dinner. GF and vegan options, outdoor fire pit and music area.
- Wild Wolf Brewery – On 151, several brew options, full bar, menu includes jambalaya, fish tacos, burgers, pasta dishes, daily specials.
- Wood Ridge Farm Brewery – On 29 North, truly unique experience. Brewery on 300-acre family farm, built from farm cedar trees. Approximately a dozen unique beer choices, food truck serving chicken wings, salads, burgers, cheese steak sandwiches, chicken sandwiches.
- Brewing Tree Brewery – On 151, newest of the breweries, nice outdoor area, several brew options, kitchen with daily specials.
- Albemarle CiderWorks – On 29 North, area’s oldest cidery. Outdoor patio area, seasonal Farmers’ Market, a large variety of ciders.
- Bold Rock Hard Cider – On 151, multiple venues on the property, large variety of ciders, retail shop, tours, lunch menu, dog-friendly.
- Blue Toad Cider – Off of 151, near Devils Backbone, small/local cidery.
- Bryants Ciderr – Newest cidery and small/locally owned.
- Dickie Brothers Orchards
- Seamans Orchards
- Saunders Brothers Orchards
Area Wineries, Breweries and Orchards
Craft Beverages
The Lovingston and Charlottesville, Virginia, area is home to exceptional wineries, breweries, and orchards that highlight the region’s agricultural and craft beverage heritage. Lovingston features standout vineyards such as Lovingston Winery, recognized for its estate-grown wines. Nearby, Charlottesville offers well-known wineries like Jefferson Vineyards and King Family Vineyards, where visitors can enjoy award-winning wines with scenic Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Beer enthusiasts will find a variety of local breweries along the Brew Ridge Trail, including Blue Mountain Brewery and Devils Backbone Brewing Company, both known for their creative brews and welcoming settings. The area also offers family-friendly orchards like Carter Mountain Orchard, where guests can enjoy fresh apples, cider tastings, and seasonal activities.
This region provides visitors with a chance to explore and savor the flavors of Virginia through its thriving wine, craft beer, and cider offerings, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Virginia countryside.
- Vito’s Italian Restaurant – Route 29, (434)263-8688 (pizza, pasta, homemade sauces and dressings, local beer, generous wine pours)
- El Mariachi Mexican – 37 Tanbark Plaza, Lovingston 434-263-5999 (generous menu, daily specials, great margaritas)
- WoodRidge Farm Brewery – 165 Old Ridge Road, Lovingston 434-422-6225 (brewery featuring a food truck: fried pickles to burgers, chicken, salads)
- Blue Mountain Barrel House – 495 Cooperative Way, Arrington (brewery featuring a food truck weekends April-November)
- Chicken Coop – 40 Front Street, Lovingston 434-263-7818 (famous local fried chicken meals and Philly Cheese Steaks, small outdoor eating area or take-out)
- Blue Mountain Brewery – 9519 Critzers Shop Road, Afton 540-426-8020 (one of our family favorites! A great outdoor atmosphere, specializing in pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, salads, full bar)
- Stoney Creek Bar and Grill – 1354 Stoney Creek W, Nellysford 434-325-8110 (burgers, sandwiches, salads, full bar, steak dinners, seafood)
- Devils Backbone Brewery – 200 Mosby’s Run, Roseland , 434-361-1001 (vast menu including everything from nachos to salmon dinner. GF, vegan options, full bar)
- Wild Wolf Brewery – Route 151, 434-361-0088 (burgers, fish tacos, jambalaya, full bar)
- Basic Necessities – 2226 Rockfish Valley Hwy, 434-361-1766 – Open for lunch and dinners on Fri/Sat, with reservations highly recommended. Daily specials, specializing in wine pairings, unique menu, often with a French flare. Considered high-end in this area!
Rustic Charm Meets Refined Taste
Dining Recommendations
Dining in Nelson County is as diverse as its landscape. Relax in welcoming, rustic taverns serving hearty Southern fare, or explore intimate chef-driven kitchens where culinary artistry shines. With influences ranging from traditional Appalachian cooking to modern Southern cuisine, every meal tells a story of tradition, innovation, and community.
- Blue Ridge Parkway – America's Favorite Drive. The Parkway is also a place of varied and significant natural resources.
- Hiking in Nelson County – Nelson County offers a broad range of hiking options.
- Biking in Nelson County – Nelson County offers miles and miles of tranquil country roads winding past meadows and streams.
- Motorcycling in Nelson County – Rural Nelson County offers miles and miles of tranquil country roads winding past meadows and streams.
- Shenandoah National Park – Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows.
- George Washington National Forest – From lush woods and cold mountain streams to unique mountaintop balds, over 1.8 million acres of Appalachian forests in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are yours to explore.
- Horseback Riding – Explore riding adventures at two charming locations, each with various booking options. Immerse yourself in the joy of walking, trotting, and/or cantering your horse at a pace that suits you—no daisey chain experiences here!
- Sherando Lake – Sherando Lake is a recreational area with an extensive 25-acre spring-fed lake that also offers camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking opportunities.
- Fly Fishing in Virginia – Ready to land your perfect catch? Within an hour’s drive anywhere in the Commonwealth anglers can find excellent bank, pier and boat fishing.
- James River Runners, Inc – Your destination for canoeing, tubing, rafting, kayaking, camping and fishing on the James River in Central Virginia.
- James River Float Company – The Inn at Raccoon Ford 17169 Raccoon Ford Road, Culpeper, Virginia 22701, United States
- Devil’s Knob (at Wintergreen) – When Ellis Maples designed this 18 hole gem, the highest golf course in Virginia, his challenge was to enhance its stunning Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
- Stony Creek (at Wintergreen) – Golf year round in the Rockfish River valley on our nationally ranked Stoney Creek Golf Course, and you’ll discover why Conde Nast Traveler magazine selected Wintergreen as one of the “Top 50 Golf Resorts in the World.”
- Central Virginia Golf Courses – The most important association for golfers in the Old Dominion State is the Virginia State Golf Association, which has been serving the needs of Virginians since 1904.
An outdoor adventurer’s paradise
Outdoor Adventures
Nelson County, Virginia, is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, offering a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and countless opportunities to explore nature’s wonders. Hike the scenic trails of the George Washington National Forest, where cascading waterfalls, wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views await. For a challenge, trek to the summit of Crabtree Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, or enjoy the iconic Appalachian Trail that winds through the county’s pristine wilderness. Thrill-seekers can kayak, tube, or fish along the James and Tye Rivers, while the serene waters of Lake Nelson invite picnicking, paddling, and peaceful reflection. Adventure also extends to winter sports with skiing and snowboarding at Wintergreen Resort, a year-round destination for golf, ziplining, and scenic chairlift rides. Whether you’re exploring rugged trails, soaring over treetops, or relaxing by the water, Nelson County promises outdoor experiences for all seasons and every kind of adventurer.
- Monticello – Home of Thomas Jefferson
- Montpelier – Home of James Madison
- Ash Lawn Highland – Home of James Monroe
- Appomattox Court House – On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war.
Historic homes, museums, & events
Culture & Entertainment
Every corner of the Orchard House tells a story—from our striking architecture, which showcases authentic farmhouse charm, to our beautifully furnished rooms, which offer a window into its past lives as a private residence, thriving orchard, and bed and breakfast. As one of the most historic Lovingston Bed and Breakfasts, we proudly celebrate the city’s vibrant heritage. Relax in the comfy Adirondack chairs gazing up at the skies, take a dip in the pool, stroll through our one-acre vineyard, relax in the gazebo, listen to the frogs chirping from the pond, watch the birds that fly to the birdfeeders, or rock on the sprawling front porch while soaking up our amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In the local area, experiences such as hiking, skiing, golfing, wine tasting, music festivals, breweries, and shopping make for a memorable day. We love to host couples’ getaways, weddings, rehearsal dinners, bachelorette weekends, girlfriends’ getaways, family reunions, wellness retreats, and more!
An outdoor adventurer’s paradise
Shopping & Markets
Nelson County, Virginia, is a haven for shoppers and food lovers alike, with charming farmers’ markets and local shops offering the best of the region. Browse fresh, seasonal produce, handmade goods, and artisanal products at community markets, or explore unique boutiques and antique stores filled with local crafts, art, and vintage treasures. From farm-fresh finds to one-of-a-kind keepsakes, shopping in Nelson County reflects its rich agricultural heritage and creative spirit.
Charlottesville Area
Visit Us in Lovingston, Virginia
When you choose lodging at Orchard House Bed and Breakfast, you’ll enjoy wonderful access to all of the activities and attractions of Charlottesville and Virginia’s wine country, including nearby hiking, wineries, restaurants and breweries. Of course, you also may choose to just kick back and relax right here at our country inn, taking in views of the vineyard, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the beautiful landscape.
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What a lovely place! A beautiful historic farmhouse converted into a cozy, comfortable B and B where the host, Sarah makes you feel like family.
We were spoilt with delicious home-cooked gourmet breakfasts which differed daily. The location is beautiful with vineyard, tree, and mountain views from the fire pit, and you feel like you are in the country while still conveniently close to shops and restaurants. We heartily recommend it!