Best Places to Bring Kids in Nelson County Along Route 151
Nelson County might be famous for wine and beer, but it’s also one of the best family destinations in Virginia — something many visitors don’t realize until they spend a few days exploring. Route 151 and the surrounding valleys are lined with orchards, swimming holes, rivers, farm markets, and laid-back outdoor spots where kids can roam, play, and burn off energy while adults enjoy the scenery.
Start at Drumheller's Orchard, where you can pick apples, peaches, and pears depending on the season. It’s the kind of place where kids run through the rows while parents fill baskets and snack on fresh fruit.
Nearby in Crozet, Chiles Peach Orchard
has been a beloved pick-your-own family stop for decades. Their apple cider donuts are famous for a reason, and the mountain views from the orchard make it an easy place to linger.
Just across the road from the Nellysford farmers market is another local gem: Belties. This quirky little diner is home to a small herd of Belted Galloway cows (“belties”) that kids love to see up close. Inside, there are tiny hidden mouse houses tucked into the walls that children enjoy spotting while they wait for their food. On Saturdays, the farmers market across the street often has fantastic local ice cream and baked goods — making it a fun morning outing.
One of the best swimming spots in the area is the Sugar Hollow Reservoir swimming hole outside Crozet.
The shallow pools and rocks make it a favorite with families on warm days — bring water shoes and a picnic and plan to stay awhile.
If you’re heading up the mountain, Lake Monacan
is another great family stop. This small lake at the base of Wintergreen Resort has a sandy beach, paddleboats, fishing, and bounce houses and trampolines on the water— an easy place for kids to swim and play for the afternoon.
Just down the street from Plume is Brewing Tree Beer Company,
one of the most family-friendly stops along Route 151. Kids love the giant sandbox, river access, and water-gun play area, while adults can relax with a beer at the picnic tables overlooking the Rockfish River.
At Bold Rock Hard Cider, families gather on the lawn where there are board games and open space for kids to run around while parents enjoy cider. Each fall they host a playful WWF-style wrestling event that has become a surprisingly popular local tradition — loud, silly, and very family friendly.
Locals know Crabtree Falls
as one of the tallest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The lower section of the trail is manageable for most kids and rewards you with beautiful views of the falls.
You’ll also find easy access points along the Tye River and Rockfish River where families wade, splash, and skip stones.
✦ Ready to make the most of your Blue Ridge escape? Book Your Stay at Plume
— the perfect luxurious basecamp for wine country, the mountains, and everything in between with sweeping mountain views, a hot tub, and EV charger. Plume sleeps the whole family comfortably, and the property itself gives kids room to roam, explore, and settle into mountain life. There's even play equipment onsite, with plenty of children's books, games, and legos.
Where to Start: The Anchor Stops Begin your day at King Family Vineyards. Their Sunday polo matches are legendary, and their Meritage is the kind of wine you'll be talking about all weekend. It’s one of those places where you can spread out a blanket, open a bottle, and settle into the rhythm of Virginia wine country. From there, head to Veritas Vineyard & Winery — perched on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge with sweeping mountain views. Their sparkling wines are bachelorette-party perfect, and the setting feels tailor-made for celebratory photos and golden-hour toasts. For a more rustic, barn-in-the-hills feel, Afton Mountain Vineyards is right in our backyard and pours elegant, European-inspired whites that reflect the cool mountain climate. Nearby, Stinson Vineyards is a local favorite known for beautifully structured Cabernet Franc and a welcoming tasting room that still feels intimate. Add a Few Scenic Standouts If your group wants one of the most dramatic views in the region, make time for Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery . Sitting high along the Blue Ridge, it’s known for panoramic vineyard and valley vistas that make it a favorite for celebratory groups. The estate also has a brewery and restaurant, which makes it an easy mid-day stop when the group is ready for something a little heartier than charcuterie. Another excellent stop that feels a bit more tucked away is Septenary Winery at Seven Oaks Farm . This small, family-run winery offers a quieter counterpoint to the larger estates. The tasting room sits on a historic farm with rolling pastures and Blue Ridge views, and the wines lean toward small-lot, thoughtfully crafted bottlings. For a bachelorette group, it’s the kind of stop where you can slow down, enjoy a relaxed tasting, and take in the landscape without the bigger-winery crowds. ✦ Ready to make the most of your Blue Ridge escape? Book Your Stay at Plume — the perfect luxurious basecamp for wine country, the mountains, and everything in between with sweeping mountain views, a hot tub, EV charger, and great open living space.
Blue Mountain Brewery (Afton) Why go: Blue Mountain Brewery is one of the original anchors of the Nelson 151 trail. Known for its mountain views and consistently solid beer lineup, it’s often the first stop many visitors make when exploring the area. Insider tips: • Go earlier in the day — this is one of the busiest stops on weekends • The patio fills up fast when the weather is good • Food is reliable and makes this a good “anchor stop” for lunch • Parking can bottleneck midday — patience required Best for: First-time visitors, groups with mixed tastes, casual lunch + beer Three Notch’d Brewing Co. – Nelson County Why go: Craft beer, bourbon, and a full kitchen — great if your group wants variety. Insider tips: • Often less chaotic than some neighboring stops • Solid food options make it a good late-afternoon stop • Indoor seating helps on hot or rainy days Best for: Groups, shoulder-season visits, beer + food combo stop Devils Backbone Brewing Company Why go: Devils Backbone is one of the most recognizable names along Route 151. The sprawling campus attracts visitors from all over Virginia. There's a campground onsite and regular events. Insider tips: • Extremely popular — expect crowds on weekends • Large space but lines can still be long • Best visited earlier or on weekdays Best for: Checking off a Nelson 151 “classic,” large groups Bold Rock Hard Cider – Nellysford Why go: A flagship cidery with crisp cider and expansive outdoor space. Insider tips: • One of the most polished, visitor-friendly stops • Outdoor seating is plentiful but busy on weekends • Great non-beer option if your group needs variety Best for: Easygoing afternoons, cider lovers, mixed-preference groups Blue Toad Hard Cider Why go : If Bold Rock feels too busy, Blue Toad offers a smaller, more laid-back cidery experience. Insider tips: • Less crowded than Bold Rock • Good stop if you prefer quieter tastings • Check hours — they can vary seasonally Best for: Relaxed pace, smaller groups, low-key vibes Hazy Mountain Vineyard & Brewery Why go: Hazy Mountain is one of the most scenic stops along Nelson 151, with dramatic mountain views that make it a favorite for photos and sunset drinks. Insider tips: • Views are the draw — arrive with time to linger • Can feel more “event-y” on weekends • Works well as a final stop near golden hour Best for: Scenic photos, wine + beer drinkers, slower afternoons A Local Tip for Nelson 151 Many seasoned visitors try to pack in as many stops as possible — but the real secret of Nelson 151 is choosing just a few and enjoying them slowly. Instead of rushing between every brewery or cidery, pick two or three places with great views and give yourself time to relax. That’s when the Blue Ridge experience really shines. Make It a Weekend A day along Nelson 151 often turns into a weekend once visitors realize how much there is to explore — from waterfalls and hikes to wineries and mountain drives. ✦ Ready to make the most of your Blue Ridge escape? Book Your Stay at Plume — the perfect luxurious basecamp for wine country, the mountains, and everything in between with sweeping mountain views, a hot tub, EV charger, and great open living space.