Where to Eat, Hike and Drink in Nelson 151
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia, Nelson County is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and craft beverage adventurers.
Where to Drink on Nelson 151 (Beer, Cider, Wine & Spirits)
Blue Mountain Brewery (Afton)
Why go:
One of the original Nelson 151 stops with sweeping mountain views and consistently solid beer.
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:
One of the most well-known breweries on Route 151.
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: 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
🔗 https://hazymountain.com
Why go:
One of the most scenic stops on Nelson 151 with big mountain views.
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
Where to Eat in Nelson 151
Blue Mountain Brewery
Why eat here:
Convenient, dependable, and scenic.
Insider tips:
• Full menu makes this one of the easiest lunch stops
• Expect waits during peak hours
• Ideal if you don’t want to leave the trail for food
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen
🔗 https://threenotchdbrewing.com
Why eat here:
A practical “reset stop” between tastings.
Insider tips:
• Faster service than some outdoor-only stops
• Good option when weather isn’t ideal
• Helps pace a long day on the trail
Picnic Strategy (Highly Recommended)
Local tip:
Many seasoned Nelson 151 visitors pack sandwiches or snacks.
Why:
• Avoids long waits
• Lets you choose when and where to eat
• Frees you up to linger longer at scenic stops
Best Hikes in Nelson County (Near Nelson 151)
Crabtree Falls
Why hike it:
One of the tallest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
Insider tips:
• Go early — parking fills quickly
• Trails can be crowded midday
• Wear proper shoes; sections are steep and rocky
• Best paired with a relaxed afternoon afterward
Best for:
Iconic views, waterfall lovers, morning hikes
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
Why hike it:
Walk through a historic railroad tunnel beneath Rockfish Gap.
Insider tips:
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp
• Cool year-round — great on hot days
• Flat and family-friendly compared to waterfall hikes
Best for:
History lovers, easy walks, unique experiences
Where to Drink on Nelson 151 (Beer, Cider, Wine & Spirits)
Plume is located just 15 minutes from the Rockfish Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park , one of Virginia’s most scenic outdoor destinations. Skyline Drive—which runs the length of the park—is famous for its overlooks, hiking trails, and especially its stunning fall foliage during peak leaf-peeping season. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or peaceful mountain drives, the park offers something for every traveler.
Charlottesville and the University of Virginia area are just about 30 minutes east of Plume, where you can find dozens of great restaurants, music, and culture.