It's actually the Nelson County Historical Society but the address is correct. Small museum with an…read moreinteresting display about Hurricane Camille that came through in 1969.

This roadside marker points out the birthplace of a local hero…read more The marker reads, "Two miles east, at Oak Ridge, was born William Cabell Rives, May 4, 1792. He was minister to France, 1829-32 and 1849-53; United States Senator, 1832-45; member of the Peace convention of 1861 and of the Confederate Congress. He died, April 25, 1868. Later, Oak Ridge was owned by Thomas Fortune Ryan." Online, there is more information. William Cabell Rives was an American lawyer, planter, politician and diplomat from Virginia. Initially a Jackson Democrat as well as member of the First Families of Virginia, Rives served in the Virginia House of Delegates representing first Nelson County, then Albemarle County, Virginia, before service in both the U.S. House and Senate (his final term as a Whig). Rives also served two separate terms as U.S. Minister to France. During the Andrew Jackson administration, Rives negotiated a treaty whereby the French agreed to pay the U.S. for spoliation claims from the Napoleonic Wars. During the American Civil War, Rives became a Delegate to the Provisional Confederate Congress and the Confederate House of Representatives. In 1860, Rives endorsed the call for a Constitutional Union Party Convention. He received most of Virginia's first ballot votes for President. Rives then became one of Virginia's unofficial delegates to the February 1861 Peace Conference in Washington, which sought to prevent the American Civil War by preserving slavery. Although Rives spoke out against secession, he was loyal to Virginia when it seceded. He served in the Provisional Confederate Congress from 1861 to 1862 and the Second Confederate Congress from 1864 to 1865. [Review 15230 overall, 732 of 2021, number 1330 in Virginia.]

This marker stands on US-29 about a half hour from both Lynchburg and Charlottesville. It is almost…read morea billboard for the nearby property which functions as an event space at https://www.oakridgeestate.com/. The marker reads, "About two miles east is Oak Ridge, a 4,800-acre estate first patented in the 1730s. Robert Rives (1764-1845), a tobacco planter and international trader, built his house there in 1802. In 1867, William Porcher Miles (1822-1899), a former Confederate congressman, acquired the plantation. Nelson County native and Wall Street financier Thomas Fortune Ryan (1851-1928) purchased Oak Ridge in 1901 and transformed it into a country estate. He remodeled Rives's Federal farmhouse into a Colonial Revival mansion and built some 80 structures, including schools, a telephone company building, a movie theater, and stables for Ryan's 200 Thoroughbreds. A Crystal Palace-style greenhouse, a racetrack, and a private railroad station are among 50 surviving structures." I did not have time today to see the property. Perhaps in the future. [Review 15197 overall, 699 of 2021, number 1329 in Virginia.]

I loved everything about this property. The host sent instructions the day before which were easy…read moreto understand and helped us once we got there to get the key and get everything situated. We stepped in the cabin and it is beautiful. The interior is rustic and it fits so well. The host left information about the area and pamphlets for things to do and see in the area which is a very nice touch too for someone who has never stayed in the area like myself. The kitchen is stocked with things you would need to cook, make tea and coffee which is very cool but bring things to cook (meats and such). There are restaurants about 20 minutes away but if you are looking for the retreat and just wanting to stay at the cabin there is also a firepit and grill out back available. It was awesome to sit in the fire pit area and just listen to the nature in the area.

We just discovered The Orchard House Bed & Breakfast in Lovingston, Virginia--only about 3 1/2…read morehours from Raleigh, NC--and it's the perfect getaway. The husband-and-wife owners, along with their four wonderful boys, are building such a special place here. The property is absolutely stunning: an amazing barn that's ready to host weddings, a sparkling pond with a fountain and gazebo, a vineyard right on-site, a beautiful swimming pool, a cozy fire pit, and breathtaking mountain views in every direction. There's so much to do--wineries, breweries, and incredible restaurants are just 15 to 20 minutes away in any direction, along with antique shops to explore. Or you can stay put and relax: enjoy a private breakfast on the front porch, book an in-room massage, or have a romantic dinner under the old oak tree in the backyard. And the breakfast? Out of this world. The wife is an incredible cook--you'll wake up to something better than you could imagine every morning. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, planning a wedding, or just want to enjoy Virginia wine country, The Orchard House B&B is absolute perfection. Highly recommend!

We paid more than $500 to rent their event area. It was advertised as a nice, renovated area WITH…read moreAC and we were told it would be cleaned before our event. We were also told the owner/event manager would be on hand for help the day of. She seemed to forget who I was after meeting with me multiple times, but no biggie. I'm sure she meets lots of people. What was really not okay was that when we showed up to set up our event, the area was NOT cleaned and there was nobody to be found. There was dust and dirt everywhere that took an hour to clean before even being able to set up, a gross dead bug graveyard in the sitting area floor, it smelled musty, and overall was just not up to the standard they advertised. The owner nor any staff showed up at any point. We were not greeted, we were not helped, and it was just kind of a "okay good luck" situation. Also, the "AC" was on 75 on a hot May day. After paying the second half of the $550 fee, I didn't hear from the event manager other than a text asking what time I'd be in. Afterwards, nobody checked on us or the space. Never even heard from them to get a "thank you for renting our space" or "I'm sorry I wasn't available today"... To pay $550, you'd expect to get what you pay for. As a local, I will NOT be renting there for any other party I host nor trying out their B&B if the service is anything like this experience has been. Next time, we'll pay $550 for a nicer place on 151.

While in the greater area, i was looking for new wineries with mead and saw Rebec and decided to…read morecheck it out. Driving in is a little strange, but do not let the exterior dissuade you. My husband and I shared a tasting of their entire menu, along with their mead and fruit wines. So literally tried everything. The mead was fantastic, and I liked how different some of the wines were - like the Sweet Sofia, an herb infused wine that tasted like Thanksgiving dinner. The price to try all 16 wines with pretty generous pours - $16. You cannot beat that price in the area. Check it out!

Wow this is a hidden little historic gem. Don't let the exterior fool you. Not pretentious at all…read morebut stellar wines. Honestly, Emily is the biggest gem, she was a phenomenal host exuding love and kindness. There are some very unique wines to try here and some awesome hosting wines. I am not a sweet wine person but I loved all of their sweet wine selections for hosting. They were not overly sweet and each had their own unique and dynamic flavors. Svet's Sweet Sofia was so unique and offers a herby Bulgarian recipe. Do the wine tasting because their wines will surprise you. Highly recommend you stopping by! As a side note they have both an annual Labor Day Festival and a Garlic Festival which is in October.

Our 2 year old had a fantastic time and was nothing but smiles and giggles. If you have young ones…read moreI would recommend stopping by!

Great stop for the granddaughters, age 9 and 8. Great stop for someone with a sense of humor, kids…read morewho love dinosaurs or just needing to give the kids a moment to run. It Was campy and over the top but hey... I think it was meant to be. The rating is strictly for young kids. Adults, don't waste your time. The price was a bit high but the kids got to squirt a "Bigfoot" who was also armed with a squirt gun.

My 12/9 year old boys and I went on a 2 day canoe trip down the James River with Twin River…read moreOutfitters in early Aug and it was awesome. We elected the glamping option to lighten our pack load and the site was extraordinary. Highly recommend this very professional company who delivered on everything they promised.

Found this place on a drive by while camping up in Natural Bridge. Did the tubing and it was a…read moregreat experience. As others have mentioned, wear shoes as the rocks are slick. Went 2 days after storms rolled through so the water wasn't clear, but the pace was great. Staff very receptive and stored keys for free so they don't get lost in the river. Will be back