WanderLove is calling – and adventure is the destination. Reconnect with what you love on an epic Virginia motorcoach trip to Nelson County.
Virginia is for History Lovers
BLUE RIDGE TUNNEL
After twenty years of planning and restoration, the tunnel and trails opened in November 2020, thrilling close to 200,000 visitors since then. Traveling through the long, dark tunnel is a stirring experience.
OAKLAND MUSEUM
Located in an 1840s tavern, the museum houses a Nelson County timeline of events and exhibits on Rural Electrification, Nelson County Schools and Hurricane Camille. View pictures and hear stories of the destruction of the 1969 weather event that devastated parts of Nelson County.
PHARSALIA
Built in 1814 at the foot of dePriest Mountain by William Massie, Pharsalia commands stunning views and is surrounded by original outbuildings and lovely gardens. On the National Register of Historic Place and the Virginia Landmarks Register, Pharsalia continues to carry on the tradition of grace and eloquence along with a connection with the land as a working farm with orchards and extensive vegetable and flower gardens.
ROCKFISH VALLEY FOUNDATION NATURAL HISTORY CENTER
Once the Wintergreen Country Store, this museum features exhibits from the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Exhibits include an array of taxidermied native wildlife. Visitors will have the chance to experience animal pelts, insects, rocks and other artifacts.
SWANNANOA
Italianate marble villa atop Afton Mountain. Major James Dooley, an executive with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company, completed construction of the $2 million Swannanoa in 1912. Dooley, who owned the Maymont estate in Richmond, built this 52-room marble palace as a token of love for his wife, Sally May.
WALTONS MOUNTAIN MUSEUM
Celebrating 50 years of history and legacy of Earl Hamner, Jr., Schuyler is a must-visit for nature-lovers, history buffs, and fans of “The Waltons” television show. The Schuyler Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and former company town where Earl’s father worked. Nearby, Alberene Soapstone Company is the oldest (and only) soapstone supplier in the United States. Schuyler is located on one of the world’s largest veins of the metamorphic rock.
THE WALTON-HAMNER HOUSE
Another location in Schuyler that celebrates the Waltons is adjacent to the newest addition to “The Waltons” empire- John and Olivia’s B&B.
Virginia is for Craft Beverage Lovers
Bold Rock Hard Cider Museum: Trace the history of cider making in the United States in the Cider Museum or relax next to the fireplace in the comfort of the rustic Tap Room.
Virginia Distillery Company Museum: Tour the museum in the distillery that chronicles the spirits industry and history of this product in Nelson County. The LOVEWork sign is easy to see from the highway. The Distillery logo is featured in the work, while barrel staves and a barrel head finish up the four-letter word.
Virginia is for Food Lovers
Woodson’s Mill: Deep Roots Milling is open one Sunday every month and offers a variety of flour and meal, bolted and unbolted. Regionally grown grains, quality milling and working as a direct link between farmers and bakers are the primary concerns. All products are milled at historic Woodson’s Mill, powered by water.
Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers
The Quarry Gardens at Schuyler: The abandoned soapstone quarries on this property have been renovated with nearly 600 species of native plants and trees. The rich soil of the gardens is due in part to the minerals the land absorbs from this stone.
Virginia is for Lovers
LOVEWorks: Along with Virginia Distillery, there are seven (7) other LOVEWorks in Nelson County that are perfect for that photo opp for social media posts.
2022 TOP EVENTS
Wintergreen Summer Music Festival | July 6-31
Pick Your Own & Apple Festivals | September & October
Overland Expo East | October 8-9
Oktoberfest Celebrations | September & October
CONTACT DETAILS
Maureen A. Kelley, Director of Economic Development and Tourism
8519 Thomas Nelson Highway
Post Office Box 636
Lovingston, Virginia 22949
info@nelsoncounty.org
434-263-7015
