VISIT VIRGINIA…and the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY – before the weather turns too cold and foggy. NW Virginia – NELSON COUNTY.  Walton’s Mountain Visit. You’ll first want to visit www.nelsoncounty.com, where you’re invited to click on the “Visitors” section and view some pictures and descriptions of a land similar to those words of “John Boy” Walton describing Drusilla’s Pond or Grandpa picking wildflowers way up on the mountain top.

Nelson County contains over 400 square miles of adventure and just one stoplight!  Just 6 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls is the largest vertical drop waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Each year approximately 170,000 newly-hatched brook, brown and rainbow trout are nurtured to maturity at the Montebello State Fish Hatchery (pg. 119) then released to stock all trout waters east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. (located on Route 690, one-half mile off SR 56). 

Families with young kids will want to visit the Montebello General Store (SR 56, 540-377-2650).  Not only will you find snacks and old-fashioned goodies (like sassafras candies), but you can trout fish in their pond across the street at the Camping Resort.  You only pay for what you catch. Bring your own equipment or purchase some there. Every child is pretty much guaranteed to get a catch in season (early spring or late fall is best 😉

The Walton Mountain Museum (pg. 113, Kids Love Virginia) is a special blend of history, nostalgia and even a dash of entertainment. Be sure to start by watching the intro video as it really gets you in the mood and helps you understand this time and place as it really was compared to Hollywood.  On our last visit we had just finished watching the entire Walton’s series so we were proud to find out that the various quiz questions and the kids scavenger hunt (ask for it) were not as difficult as the last visit years ago. The folks who run this place are outstanding hosts!

Lodging and Dining in the Area

Base from the middle of it all…Lovingston Village Inn – painted Bavarian motif outside, local hand-painted murals inside each clean, simple room.  Rates under $60.00. (US 29 434-263-5068).  Lovingston Cafe – (Bus 29. 434-263-8000). Their kids menu is presented in the front cover of a children’s book you can read while you wait on your food. Most kids Menu items are under $4.00 and adult entrees average $11.00.  Their outdoor shaded patio is adorable.

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