Afton is found in the foothills of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, only about 20 miles from Charlottesville. The Rockfish Gap, a famous wind gap in the Blue Ridge, runs through Afton Mountain. Home of famous writer Rita Mae Brown and musician Mary Chapin Carpenter, Afton attracts people from around the world, be it to live there permanently or to visit. Also found in Afton is the well-known and well-traveled Nelson 151, a craft beverage trail that features 6 wineries, 4 breweries, 3 cideries, and a distillery. With year-round festivals and events, there’s something to do in Afton every season of the year!
Make new holiday traditions (or just freshen up some old ones) by taking a trip to Nelson County this winter. Talk about a winter wonderland! During winter mornings, Nelson’s ice-slicked rock mountain walls glitter in the sun. As the fields’ frosts melt away until tomorrow, a new day begins- with more than a few opportunities to enjoy the sights, shopping, events, and people that make Nelson so special.
Start your day with some holiday shopping at Rockfish Valley Community Center. Pick up a fresh, hot cup of coffee at Trager Brothers and peruse the local shops found in the repurposed school building. Buy a little piece of Nelsonite, Virginia’s state rock, at the VA Rock Shop or purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of art from Rockfish Pottery Collective or the Rockfish River Gallery. Next, stop at Rockfish Gap Country Store. It’s like a jewelry box inside, with wall-to-wall gifts, art, antiques, handcrafted clothing, furniture- you name it, it’s probably on display somewhere at Rockfish Gap Country Store. Watch out and listen out for pop-up events from the HeArt of Nelson Art Collective, a group of artists selling jewelry, paintings, and more.
After your shopping day, warm up at Silverback Distillery. Stop in for a tour or try amazing cocktails with names like Shock the Monkey or Smoked Old Fashioned. More traditional? Whiskey served neat is fine. If you’re hungry, head over to Devils Backbone Brewing Company or Wild Wolf Brewing Company. Stay a night in cozy, country luxury at The Farmhouse at Veritas or their Barn Cottage, or enjoy stunning, peaceful winter vistas at Cardinal Point Farmhouse.
Amenities
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
Region
Last Updated: 09/11/2020
