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When our guests ask us which one of our local craft breweries is our favorite, our answer is always the same: it’s whichever one we’re currently sitting in. And while that may be true, it’s not necessary very helpful to folks visiting our area. Luckily, there are other resources out there to help you decide which breweries to visit. One of the best resources available is a website called The Brew Ridge Trail.

Nelson County’s newest addition, Brent Manor Vineyards, is a boutique winery which aims to combine the best traditions of the old-world wines with the delicious flavors of the new world. Owners Jorge and Tracie are passionate about this blend of old and new, so passionate in fact, that they left their work in the insurance world behind to manufacture exquisite wines just south of Charlottesville.

Charlottesville’s newest distillery, Ragged Branch, is a nod to the ragged mountains of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding it.  Situated on a knoll amongst the mountains Southwest of Charlottesville, the view from the tasting room is exquisite. The view is not the only thing to love about Ragged Branch, though. From beginning to end, their bourbon is independently, locally made:

United States history pervades Virginia.  From Civil War battlefields to presidential houses, there’s plenty for a history buff to do in our area.  You may have heard of the popular historical destinations: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, James Monroe’s Highland, and Staunton’s Woodrow Wilson Presidential Lib

Charlottesville has a few distinguishing markers: an array of historic homes, a truly exquisite restaurant selection, and an outdoor pedestrian mall to boot.  However, there is nothing more Charlottesville than Thomas Jefferson.  From his stately home, Monticello, down to his influence on the University of Virginia, the founding father is all over the town.  The Annual Tom Tom Founder’s Festival is a yearly birthday bash to celebrate the favorite founding father’s legacy.