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History
Nelson County was formed in 1807 from Amherst County, and named in
honor of Thomas Nelson, Jr., third governor of Virginia. Originally
English colonists established the home of the Monocan tribe of Native
Americans, a settlement along the James River in the early 1700's.
Another stream of settlers, of Scotch-Irish and German descent, came
into the western sections of the county from the Shenandoah Valley. By
the end of the 1800's, Nelson's agricultural products included tobacco,
apples and chestnut trees; the produce and lumber were carried to
market by canal and railroad.
During the 1930's Earl Hamner, Jr. began writing of his experiences
growing up in Nelson County during the Depression. Those writings
eventually provided the substance for the The Waltons TV series. In
1969, Hurricane Camille caused a flood, devastating Nelson County.
Since Camille, Nelson County has slowly recovered its land, its
infrastructure and the will to grow and prosper again. Events that have
aided in this recovery include: the 1972 development of Wintergreen
Resort, the restoration in progress at Oak Ridge Estate, development of
Walton's Mountain Museum, the resurgence of the apple industry, the
maturation of vineyards and winery industry, and the steady growth in
Nelson County's tourism industry.
Location
Nelson County is located in the central part of Virginia midway between
the metropolitan areas of Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The county has
a total area of 471 square miles. It is bordered on the east by the
James River and on the west by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A large
portion of the western section of the county is in the George
Washington National Forest. Elevation range from about 500 feet above
sea level near the James River to as high as 4,000 feet in the Blue
Ridge. Our climate is moderately warm in the summers, with temperatures
averaging about 77 degrees in July. Winters are moderately cool, with
temperatures in January averaging about 38 degrees. Average annual
precipitation is about 42 inches.
The county is almost in the
geographic center of Virginia and by car, is about two hours from
Richmond, three hours from Washington, D.C. and four hours from
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Recreation
Recreational assets in Nelson include hiking along the Appalachian
Trail or to the top of Crabtree Falls (the highest cascading waterfall
east of the Mississippi River) and excellent canoeing or fishing on the
James or Tye Rivers.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,445 people, 5,887 households, and 4,144 families residing in the county. The population density
was 12/km (31/mi). There were 8,554 housing units at an average
density of 7/km (18/mi). The racial makeup of the county was 82.65% White, 14.89% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. 2.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,887 households out of which 27.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.70% were married couples
living together, 10.70% had a female householder with no husband
present, and 29.60% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were
made up of individuals and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65
years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the
average family size was 2.88.
In the county, the population was spread out with 21.70% under the
age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 25.60% from 25 to 44, 29.60% from 45 to
64, and 16.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43
years. For every 100 females there were 94.80 males. For every 100
females age 18 and over, there were 91.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,769, and the
median income for a family was $42,917. Males had a median income of
$29,684 versus $24,153 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $22,230. 12.10% of the population and 8.50% of
families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in
poverty, 14.40% are under the age of 18 and 14.60% are 65 or older.
Recreation, Attractions, Dining & Shopping
- Blue Ridge Parkway to White Rock Falls
Website: http://www.brptrails.com
A 2.5-mile moderate hike, the highlights is the impressive gorge, which
has a water fall and a natural wading pool. The name White Rock came
from the abundant quartz rock found in the area. From Crabtree Falls in
Nelson County, Route 56 west to the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Slacks
Overlook (north of milepost 20). Park at the Slacks Overlook and the
trail starts about 60 yards ahead on the east side of the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway Nelson County, VA 22949
Website: http://www.wintergreenresort.com
One of the boundaries of Nelson County is milepost
zero of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the 30 miles of the Parkway are its
western border. Wintergreen Resort is a significant recreational asset
for Nelson County. This 10,800-acre resort is designed to provide
outstanding leisure pursuits throughout the four seasons of the year. Ski slopes, open day and night, allow skiing for both
beginners and experts. Wintergreen is one of only five resorts south of
New York State to offer a thousand-foot vertical drop. Two golf
courses, swimming, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, and
canoeing provide opportunities for recreation for the entire family.
Five restaurants, a gallery of specialty shops, and luxurious condominiums and villas help complete the total resort package.
- Rockfish Valley Loop Trails
Website: http://www.rockfishvalley.org
Experience the Rockfish River and Reid's Creek on approximately 4 miles of trails on a farm surrounding the confluence. Part of
the Va. Birding and Wildlife Trail, these paths offer recreation
and interation with nature and history. Currently open for hiking only, these are mowed grass and dirt trails, and have a
nearly flat grade throughout, although surrounded by spectacular
mountain views.Parking is located at Spruce Creek Park at old Wintergreen, and
on the southwest side of the Route 151 bridge over the Rockfish
River. Open sunrise to sunset.
Website: http://www.waltonmuseum.org
The Walton's Mountain Museum
is located between Charlottesville and Lynchburg in Schuyler, Virginia.
The museum is open daily from 10AM to 4PM from the first Saturday in
March through the last Sunday in November with the exceptions of
Easter, Thanksgiving, and the last Saturday in September. Admission: $5
adults; $4 Senior Citizens and groups of 20 or more. Children 6-12, $2
and children under 5 are free. From Charlottesville,
take Rt. 29 south about 18 miles until you hit Rt. 6 East. Take a left
on Rt. 6 East and go about 6 miles and then take a right on Rt. 800
(Schuyler Rd.). Go down Rt. 800 for about 2 miles and take a right onto
Rt. 617, the Museum is on the right hand side about 300 yards.
Gourmet coffee, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialty
foods, artisan breads, cakes, cheesecakes and fine pastries. Open
Monday-Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm,
2192 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-361-9661
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Basic Necessities Cafe Wine and Cheese Shop
South of France setting with imported wine and cheeses. Organic
fare, serving lunch and dinner with brunch on Sunday. 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. Open Tuesday -
Sunday. 434-361-1766
Rustic, sophisticated, smoked meat, barbecue and sandwiches. Catering. 2198 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-361-1170
Oldest pizza establishment in Nelson County, since 1989. Authentic homemade NY pizza, subs,
salads, sandwich specials, ice cream. Eat in, take-out, delivery.
Discover why locals and visitors proclaim daily: "Simply the Best".
Bargain prices, quick service. In the Valley Green Shopping Center. 2777 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford 434-361-9188
Subs,
specialty salads, fried chicken, complete short order menu, homemade
breads and desserts. Breakfast. Lunch specials daily. On-site or
carry-out catering for events both large and small. Open 7 am - 2 pm,
Monday through Saturday. In the Exxon station on Highway 29, 5 miles
south of Lovingston. 4071 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington.
434-263-8600
- Copper Mine Restaurant at Wintergreen Resort
An
American Steakhouse with casual, yet elegant dining, adjacent to the
Mountain Inn at Wintergreen Resort. Serving only prime beef and
the freshest seafood available prepared in classic steak house style,
you’ll enjoy our signature restaurant. Reservations are
suggested. Come try our great new breakfast menu, served daily. For
more information on reservations, please call 434-325-8090.
Serving mostly Italian cuisine: manicotti, lasagna, etc. Food prepared
fresh on premises. Dinner Wednesday through Saturday 5 pm - 9 pm,
Sunday 4:30 - 8 pm. November 1 - March 1 open Tuesday - Sunday. Route 151, 9278 Rockfish Valley Highway, Afton.
540-456-4556
Enjoy
the highest restaurant in Nelson County at the Devils Knob Golf Course.
Elegant dining in a "club" like atmosphere with a spectacular setting.
Open daily for lunch April through October. Call for dinner hours.
Reservations suggested. 434-325-8100.
A new look for an old Wintergreen favorite on the mountain overlooking
the ski slopes. Casual fare with a family priced menu. Live
entertainment featured seasonally. Call for hours. 434-325-8080
A pleasant surprise in the middle of Lovingston, offering an eclectic
menu with a full service lounge. Steaks,
seafood, vegetarian, pizza, desserts. Open daily for lunch and dinner
11 am - 9 pm. Friday-Monday open for breakfast.
165 Front Street, Lovingston. 434-263-8000
- Stoney Creek Bar and Grill
Nelson
County's hidden jewel, the restaurant offers a distinctive alfresco
dining experience in the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serving
a true bar and grill menu, enjoy a casual lunch or dinner. Lunch Monday
-Saturday; Brunch on Sunday; call for Dinner hours. On the Stoney Creek
Golf Course, Nellysford. 434-325-8110
Steak, chicken, seafood and sandwiches. Highway 29 south of Lovingston. 434-263-8110
- Vito's Italian Restaurant
Specializing in pizza and Italian dishes. Located on Highway 29,
8181 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston. Hours: 11 am - 10 pm
Monday through Thursday; 11 am -
11 pm Friday - Saturday; 12 noon - 10 pm Sunday. 434-263-8688
- Alberene Soapstone Company
World's
largest deposit of architectural soapstone. Artisan and craftsmen
working on site. Open for tours Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Route 800, off Route 642 Alberene Loop, Schuyler 866-831-5100
Located at the Afton House Bed and Breakfast, 31 Afton House Lane, Afton. 540-942-2993
Antiques,
gifts, collectibles, art work, primitives, Americana, toys and
dolls. Route 29 South of Lovingston. 4719 Thomas Nelson
Highway, Arrington. 434-263-5858
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Basic Necessities Gourmet
Wine,
cheese and bread shop with a difference. Meals served. Many foods and
wines not found elsewhere in Virginia. Organic soaps. Route 151, 2226
Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford 434-361-1766
39 Mountain Inn Loop at Wintergreen Resort. 434-325-7700
Used, rare, discounted
and new books. 8230 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston. 434-263-8890
- Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
Quality
outdoor sportswear and accessories. Men's and women's casual clothing
and footwear. Located at 39 Mountain Inn Loop at Wintergreen
Resort. 434-325-2156
A
catalog bookseller specializing in ornithology. Thousands of new,
out-of-print, and rare bird books fill the shelves of the rustic
residence of Allen Hale and Barbara Fiske. To arrange a visit call
800-722-2460 or 434-263-8671.
Offers a
varied selection of American antiques and decorating accessories. Open
weekends or by appointment. 9704 Patrick Henry Highway, Roseland
434-277-8049.
Located
high in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, find plants and
trees that produce edible food - berries, nuts, fruits, herbs; items
distributed worldwide. Off Route 151, 361 Spirit Ridge Lane, Afton.
434-361-9134
In the heart of the Lovingston historic district. 773 Front Street, Lovingston 434-263-8526
An exciting and inspiring garden shop with goods for
gardening as well as knowledgeable help and advice. Find useful and
unusual plants, gardening supplies, unique gifts for the garden and
home, antiques, and water gardening supplies, plants and equipment,
botanical inspired linens, gift cards, garden art, locally grown fresh
cut flowers and farm produce. At the intersection of Route 29 and Route
6 in the Woods Mill area. Open Wednesday through Friday 9:00 am -
9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 4:00 pm
434-263-8786
Located in the packing shed at Rapunzel's on Business 29, 924 Front Street in Lovingston. 434-263-6660
In an atmosphere of early furniture, pottery, silver, paintings and
jewelry, you will find us a reliable contact for your present and
future antique purchases, whether for cottage, condo, or country
estate. Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 - 6:00
p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: By appointment.
Located in the courtyard of the Valley Green Shopping Center on Route
151 in Nellysford
A
family operation for 4 generations - an interesting place to explore -
just think - "Country Store." We offer a unique collection of toys for
children, a large selection of Lodge Cookware, McCutcheon's jams and
jellies, custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and gift items as well as a
great selection of camping & fishing supplies with a full line of
groceries, ice, and fuel. Try your hand at trout fishing, then
come in for a bowl of our chili . Open April - October. Located on
Route 56, 3.5 miles east of the Parkway (MP 27). 15072 Crabtree Falls
Highway, Montebello. 540-377-2650.Mountain Cove Farm MarketOpen
August - November from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with special weekend
events. 567 Mountain Cove Road, Lovingston. 434-981-3091
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Saunders Brothers Farm Market
Visit
the retail store for all the orchard products and see the antique farm
equipment museum. Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm June through October, 27717 Tye
Brook Highway, Piney River. 434-277-5455
Skis
and winter sports equipment. Biking, hiking, golf, and tennis apparel.
Skate boards and roller blades. Home and garden decor. Gift items and
souvenirs. Open 8 am-6 pm daily. Route 151 and Route 664, 45 Beech
Grove Road, Nellysford. 434-361-2600
Fine
art and craft including pottery, jewelry, painting, sculpture,
woodworking, glass, fiber arts and more. Framing services available. In
the Old Wintergreen Country Store on Route 151, 1368 Rockfish
Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-361-1859
Total
interiors for home, office or resort. Distinctive furniture, art,
antiques and accessories for over 50 years. Route 151, 2788 Rockfish
Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-361-2560.
- Steve's Steel and Stone Sculpture
Steel
and monument signs and tables. Found art sculpture, antique wood
carvings. 60 Davis Creek Road in Lovingston. 434-263-5014
Quality antiques and collectables. Open April through December. Route 29, 17523 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston
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