Looking to turn your getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains into an adventure before you even arrive? Skip the boring “point A to point B” drive and make the journey part of the fun! Traveling from Richmond, VA to Sugar Tree Inn along Route 250 and the popular Nelson County Route 151 gives you plenty of chances to stretch your legs, sip local wine, browse antiques, and even spot a few reptiles (yes, really).
Here’s how to make the most of your road trip:
First Stop: My Three Chambered Heart
Kick off your trip with something truly unique: Virginia’s reptile natural history museum. From snakes to turtles, this quirky little gem lets you explore the scaly side of the animal kingdom. It’s a fun and unexpected stop to get your road trip rolling. This stop is located just off of 250 on Hwy 522. Museum hours are Thursday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm. 837 Cross County Road, Gum Spring, VA (GPS will say “Mineral, VA”)
Next stop: Sip Local: Bandit’s Ridge Winery
Open Thursday–Sunday, Bandit’s Ridge is the perfect place to sip wine and enjoy some quiet countryside views. Stretch your legs, grab a tasting flight, and maybe pick up a bottle for later by the fireplace at the Inn. Their address is 5061 Broad Street Rd, Louisa, VA
Spots along the way: Treasure Hunting and Antiques Galore
If you love a good vintage find, you’re in luck. Route 250 offers three must-stop antique havens:
- Crossroads Vintage & Antiques (8889 Three Notch Rd, Troy, VA) — Packed with retro treasures and open Wednesday–Sunday.
- A&W Antique Mall (3714 Richmond Rd, Keswick, VA) — A large collection of antiques and curiosities, open Wednesday–Sunday.
- Tuckahoe Antiques (Nellysford, VA) – 2 floors (10,000 square feet) of antiques! Open Thursday-Monday. https://tuckahoeantiques.com/
Perfect places to pick up that little something that you didn’t even know you needed or just enjoy browsing.
History Detour: Monticello
Want to add some history to your trip? Jump off Route 250 for a short detour to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The iconic estate offers tours, gardens, and sweeping mountain views.
1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA
For an Artsy pause on your way, stop at The Barn Swallow
This charming artisan gallery (open seasonally on weekends) features pottery, jewelry, and fine crafts from local artists. It’s the perfect place to snag a handmade keepsake.
796 Gillums Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA
Wine with a View: Septenary Winery
Nestled on a historic farm, Septenary Winery offers spectacular views and elegant wines. A refined stop for a glass before heading into the mountains.
200 Seven Oaks Farm, Greenwood, VA
The Famous Nelson 151 Trail
Once you hop on Route 151, you’re in Virginia’s craft beverage corridor. You’ll find wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries all in one scenic stretch. Highlights include:
- Veritas Vineyards and Winery (near 250 off of Afton Mountain Rd)
- Blue Mountain Brewery
- Valley Road Vineyards
- Flying Fox Vineyards
- WildManDan Brewery
- Silverback Distillery
- Brewing Tree Beer Co.
- Three Notch’d Brewery & Distillery
- Bold Rock Cidery
- Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub
Whether you’re craving a crisp cider, a craft beer, or small-batch spirits, this stretch has you covered.
Final Stretch: Into the Blue Ridge
From Devils Backbone, turn onto Beech Grove Road to climb into the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll join the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the views alone make the trip worthwhile. Head south to Milepost 27, take the Hwy 56 exit—and you’re just minutes away from the cozy mountain retreat of Sugar Tree Inn.
(If the Parkway is closed in winter, no worries—Route 151 connects directly to Hwy 56. This is a beautiful scenic drive. Once you get to the top of the mountain and pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge, you’ll be at the Inn in less than a mile.)
Wrap-Up: Your Mountain Escape Awaits
By the time you arrive to us, you’ll have enjoyed a road trip filled with local flavors, history, shopping, and mountain beauty. At Sugar Tree Inn, you can relax by the fire, enjoy Chef Gerry’s homemade meals, and soak in the peace of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ready for your getaway? Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the journey be half the fun!
Sugar Tree Inn is the ideal home base for your Blue Ridge adventure. Our mountain bed and breakfast offers a peaceful, low-tech escape nestled right off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27. Wake up to the sounds of nature, savor a hearty homemade breakfast, and then set off to explore nearby farmers markets, scenic drives, or hiking trails. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend, a girlfriends' getaway, or a restful solo retreat, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, delicious dinners by Chef Gerry, and cozy accommodations with rustic charm. Come disconnect to reconnect at Sugar Tree Inn—your Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.
