When it comes to school, nothing beats a field trip. Studies prove that hands-on learning is the most effective, especially for young schoolchildren. Combine school and a road trip for some road schooling experiences in the green gem called Nelson County. Nelson’s one-of-a-kind Fruit Loop trail teaches kids history and agribusiness. From May to December, taste and tour some of the best produce in Virginia. Nelson’s local orchards and farms offer a wide variety of apples, Asian pears, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, strawberries, sweet cider, fruit jams, jellies, and more! What’s more, you and the kids can choose from pre-picked or pick-your-own fruit or berries to take home. It’s a well-known fact that eating fresh, healthy ingredients help kids learn, too.
Saunders Brothers farm market has a unique claim to fame: for years, Saunders Brothers has supplied foliage for The White House Rose Garden. This year, Saunders was the sole supplier of boxwoods to The White House. Saunders Brothers boasts one of the largest privately-owned collection of farm antiques in the state of Virginia. Indian artifacts and much more can be observed at the museum.
Breathtaking views almost steal the show from the bright red strawberries at Critzer Family Farm, a fifth-generation family farm. Dickie Brothers is a Century Farm, which is a farm that has been recognized officially as being continuous owned by a single family for 100 years or longer. Drumheller’s Orchard holds festivals in the fall. Pick up a bushel of apples at Fitzgerald’s orchard and let the kids gaze in awe at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery’s indoor beehive- they can watch the bees come and go through a tube that leads out of the building!
What’s more- as you travel to and from Nelson’s farms and orchards, you’ll be enveloped by views of the majestic, ancient Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit all of the farms: Blue Ridge Fruit Company, Critzer Family Farm, Dickie Brothers Orchard, Drumheller’s Orchard, Fitzgerald’s Orchard, Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Saunders Brothers, Seamans’ Orchard, Silver Creek Orchards and Silver Creek & Seamans’ Orchards.
www.blueridgefruitloop.net
More information at: 434-263-7015.
Amenities
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
Region
Last Updated: 11/06/2020
