Blue Ridge Day Trip: A Week-Long Driving Tour of Love Ridge
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging shares a border with the Blue Ridge Parkway so a driving tour is the perfect way to experience the scenic byway and the surrounding small towns and mountain vistas. A driving tour will take you to both sides of the Blue Ridge, each with its distinct vibe and culture.
Day 1: Orchards and Waterfalls – Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop fall east of the Mississippi River. Conveniently, it is just minutes from our Blue Ridge Parkway cabin rentals. Head down to the Tye River valley to Crabtree Falls. Crabtree Falls is the perfect excursion for groups with hikers at different levels. The first overlook is accessible and easily reached without much elevation gain. More intrepid hikers can hike further up for more views. After going to the falls, you can dunk into a Tye River swimming hole if it’s the right season and then head to one of the nearby orchards. Seamans Orchard and Dickie Brothers both have amazing views and fruits. Award-winning Saunders Brothers have a farm market for produce, pantry items, and famous peach ice cream. Check the schedule to see what’s in the season.
Day 2: Wineries and Sweeping Vistas – From Love Ridge Head South on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As you ascend Bald Mountain, stop at the 20-minute cliff at milepost 19 to read the interesting history and behold the stunning view of the Tye River Valley. Just after milepost 24, 12 Ridges Vineyard has a 360° view of the Blue Ridge and is renowned for their high altitude wines. The Grassy Hill is great for a romantic picnic or a spot to let the kids run around. They often have music and guest chefs.
Day 3: Charlottesville – A 45-minute drive from Love Ridge, Charlottesville offers rich history, an excellent food scene, and a steady stream of happenings. Visitors can tour Monticello and the University of Virginia, which share a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Groups with teens might enjoy the people-watching at the UVA Corner, a center of UVA student life. Visitors to Monticello can tour the house and grounds, learn about plantation life, and enjoy the beautiful Piedmont views and historic gardens. Stop by the Rivanna River Company for a Mexican popsicle or float down the Rivanna River. Don’t forget to check the events calendar to see if anything piques your interest.
Day 4: Sherando and Waynesboro – Sherando Lake is worth a visit in any season but is particularly enjoyable for swimming late spring-early fall. Hiking, fishing, and biking are also on offer. After some outdoor time, head downstream to Waynesboro and have a bite at the Mill Yard, where everyone can get exactly what they want, from pizza and tacos to seafood and barbeque. Call ahead and carry out for a picnic at Constitution Park along the South River and snap a picture by the LOVE sign.
Day 5: Wintergreen – Love Ridge is only 7 miles from Wintergreen Resort. Book a couples massage at the Wintergreen Spa, a round of golf, or take the kids to the Discovery Ridge Adventure Center. Stop by the Wintergreen Nature Center and grab delicious pizzas and pastries from Fire and Frost.
Day 6: Staunton – From your Blue Ridge perch, descend into the Shenandoah Valley to Staunton. Check out the American Shakespeare Center program, whose talented ensemble always delights with their contemporary twist and engaging theater style. The Frontier Culture Museum depicts the distinct cultural influences of immigrants to the Shenandoah Valley from communities in England, Europe, and West Africa with reproduction houses and costumed interpreters.
Day 7: Nelson 151 – Kickback and keep it local on your last day by exploring the Nelson 151 craft beverage trail and sampling award-winning beverages and local foods. Take home some artisanal gifts from the Rockfish Valley Community Center. Stop at the Black Bear Creamery for your afternoon pick-me-up before checking out the exhibits, trails, and natural playground at the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center. On your way up the mountain to your Blue Ridge Parkway cabin, stop by the Blue Toad for a laid-back atmosphere and a creekside setting with mountain views.
Book your stay now and experience the distinct vibe and culture of both sides of the Blue Ridge on your Blue Ridge day trip!
