Travelers have been trading in their long vacations for shorter day trips during these unprecedented times. A short, but sweet vacation offers all the wonder and relaxation of a longer holiday. Nelson’s beautiful forests, streams, and interesting attractions make for the perfect day trip. Visitors should travel peaceful Nelson County roads to the Massies Mill and Tyro areas. This picturesque, historic location is seriously charming any time of the year, and the location is conveniently located near Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Waynesboro; Tyro and Massies Mill are located near State Route 56, adjacent to the headwaters of the Tye River.
Springtime in Nelson County is all blue skies, pastel flowers budding, and warming sunshine. Enjoy spring beauty at Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery. Hill Top’s “True to the Fruit” wines and meads are perfect for enjoying the picturesque farm, which includes a small herd of Sottish Highland Cattle. Enjoy the gorgeous stain-glass art in the tasting room and watch the busy bees work in the indoor beehive (all behind glass, of course)! If you’re hungry, select local artisan cheeses and snacks in the winery’s gift shop. If you’re hungrier, stop by Blue Ridge Pig in nearby Nellysford for mouth-watering BBQ.
If hiking’s your game, springtime is a perfect time to explore the Three Ridges Wilderness in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. It’s one of Virginia’s most popular hiking destinations. Because everyone’s so excited about the spring thaw, there are many annual events in Nelson to celebrate the arrival of spring. One such event is the Annual Rockfish Valley Foundation Kite Festival, which is held every second Sunday in April. Free kite materials are available for kids, and there are games, the Rockfish River Duck Race, and a Rockfish Valley Natural History Center display.
If you still feel like adventuring after the Kite Festival, enjoy a jaunt over to Seamans’ Orchard and get some pick-your-own strawberries from the fourth-generation farm. Before you head home, check out The Nelson Scenic Loop, a 50-mile road circuit that begins at Spruce Creek Park and the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center.
Can’t tear yourself away from Nelson? It happens a lot. Places to stay near Massies Mill & Tyro include Fenton Inn, a Bavarian Village with delicious breakfast options. If you want to stay on Route 29, stay at the Village Inn, a ground-level and convenient place to spend the night.
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Last Updated: 09/09/2020