Spring is a wonderful time to tour the area around the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Everyone is familiar with the Blue Ridge Parkway but there are other beautiful, off-the-beaten-path routes to travel and see the fresh signs of spring. Tour the Nelson Scenic Loop just east of Steeles Tavern, VA. The 50 mile route will give you get views and some interesting and historic mini-adventures on four different historic byways. The route includes the lower foothills of the Piedmont and then climbs into the Blue Ridge Mountains and runs through the Rockfish Valley and the Tye River Valley.
From our B&B, travel south-east on VA Route 56 (Tye River Turnpike) toward the small village of Montebello and continue to your first scenic stop – Crab Tree Falls. The falls are the highest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi! You can see a portion of the falls just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. Take some time and hike in about 3 miles to the largest falls and some great overlooks along the way.
Continuing on VA Route 56, you will cross the Appalachian Trail. Stop and hike a mile or two of the 2000+mile trail that runs from Maine to Georgia. Following the same route, turn north onto VA Route 151 and travel to one of our favorite Micro Breweries, Devil’s Back Bone Brewing Company. The Brewery is located on 100 acres in the Rockfish Valley and will serve you some creative pub faire. Enjoy lunch and a brew before heading on your scenic tour.
Plan a stop in Nellysford for the Nelson County Farmer’s Market. This market is a producer-only market where you can get the freshest baked goods, local produce (strawberries will be in-season soon!), fresh cheese, and locally roasted coffees. Then travel to the Rockfish Valley Highway, turn west and head to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Head south on the Blue Ridge Parkway – an iconic road built as a National Park Trail during the great depression. Plan a stop at Humpback Rocks for some great vista views, a visit to the Humpback Rocks Mountain Farm, and maybe a program presented by costumed interpreters. Take a few photos to remember this day and this view. Only one word describes what you see here – WOW!
Enjoy stops such as White Rock Falls and a number of scenic overviews along the Parkway. There is no better way to spend that day than saying “Ahhhh” when looking at Mother Nature’s pallet!
An alternate route is to follow VA Route 664 south, looping back to VA Route 151 back to Route 56 and “home” again to Steeles Tavern Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn and Alpine Hideaway Cottages.
All of these “slow roads” will give you opportunities to try local foods, purchase some local crafts, and taste some VA Wines and Micro-brews. Make a reservation now for a Spring Getaway to the Shenandoah Valley of VA.
