 |
 |
|
|
INDEX: |
||
|
Click here to take a PHOTO TOUR and discover what a rendezvous is all about! |
||
|
Click here to get a |
||
|
Simply click on any subject above and you will be given that information! |
||
|
24th Annual NRLHF and NMLRA |
|
|
A Pre-1840 Living History Encampment |
|
|
An Exceptional Millennium Event |
|
|
|
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
FUN STUFF YOU CAN WALK TO: OAK RIDGE ESTATE: You will be camping on the grounds of Oak Ridge Estate and we definitely recommend a tour of the mansion. The mansion on this 4,800 acre plantation estate was first built in 1802 by Robert Rives. It was acquired at the turn of the 20th century by Thomas Fortune Ryan, a Nelson County native who had become one of the 10 wealthiest men in the nation. He made impressive alterations to the buildings and grounds, including adding a formal Italian garden, a rotunda greenhouse, and even a railroad station. Leisurely tours include the first floor of the mansion and sections of the grounds. Tours will be available daily at a cost of $5.00 each. WITHIN A SHORT DRIVE (within an hours drive): NELSON COUNTY VISITOR CENTER: Stop in the visitor center for free maps, brochures, directions, and other information about Nelson County and surrounding areas. We can provide details on what to see and do during your visit, and where to find meals, lodging and shops. LOCATION: U.S. Highway 29 just south of Lovingston; open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CALL: (804) 263-5239. NELSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Built in 1809, this distinctive structure is still in use as a courthouse and the seat of Nelson County government. It is on the Virginia Landmarks Register. The one-room building in the front serves as the magistrate's office. LOCATION: Court Street in Lovingston CALL: (800) 282-8223. LAKE NELSON CAMPGROUND: Fishing, Swimming, & Camping (Full Hookups available). Hot Showers and laundry facilities are also available. This campground is quite close to the rendezvous site if you are in need of hot shower! Click on the DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE button to see a map which shows Lake Nelson. For more information you may call the campground directly at 804-263-8966. WALTON'S MOUNTAIN MUSEUM: The Walton's Museum is a special blend of history, nostalgia and entertainment. The same building where young Earl Hammer Jr. attended school now houses replicas of sets from The Waltons, the memorable television series he created. Step back in time and memory to John-Boy's bedroom, the Walton's kitchen and living room, and Ike Godsey's store, which also serves as the museum's gift shop. Handicap accessible. LOCATION: 6484 Rockfish River Road (Routes 617 and 800) in Schuyler. HOURS: Daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from March through November. ADMISSION: Rates vary with group size, age. Call (804) 831-2000. They have a web site at: http:// www.waltonmuseum.org, E-mail: waltonmt@cstone.net WOODSON'S MILL: Built in 1794, reconstructed in 1845, and still in continuous operation, Woodson's Mill uses water-driven millstones to grind wheat, corn and other grains. This four-story post-and-beam structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. LOCATION: Route 778 in Lowesville; HOURS: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADMISSION: Free CALL: (800)282-8223 MONTICELLO: The home of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. This architectural masterpiece is the only house in the US on the United Nations' World Heritage List of International Treasures. The house and gardens at Monticello are a ``must see", and well worth the tour. LOCATION: Charlottesville area. Call 804-984-9822 for more information. They have a great web site at: http://www.monticello.org MICHIE TAVERN: A genuine colonial tavern built in 1784, Michie Tavern is located very near Monticello. Today the tavern recreates 18th-century life and you can enjoy a meal of historic food and be served by folks in period attire. Open year-round. Call 804-977-1234 for information. ASH LAWN HIGHLAND: The home of James Monroe, 5th president of the United States, author of the Monroe Doctrine, and the man that negotiated the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Mr. Monroe held more major offices than any other president. He was a Senator, the Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State and War, Minister to France, England, and Spain, as well as president. The 535 acre estate is open daily. Call 804-293-9539 for information. LOCATION: 2 and 1/2 miles from Monticello. MONTPELIER: Home of James Madison, 4th president of the United States, this 2,700 acre estate is well worth a visit. Open on weekends only. LOCATION: About 35 miles north of Charlottesville. Call 540-672-2728 for information. WOODROW WILSON BIRTHPLACE & MUSEUM: This beautiful home is one of the few presidential birthplaces open to the public. This tour will give you an idea of pre-Civil War life in the Shenandoah Valley. Open daily year round. LOCATION: Staunton, Virginia. Call 540-885-0897 for information. MUSEUM OF AMERICAN FRONTIER CULTURE: An excellent living history museum, this is the place to go to really learn more about farm life on the frontier. Covers 17th, 18th, and 19th century American and European heritage. These are authentic working farms! Open year round. Located in Staunton, Virginia. Call 540-332-7850 for information. APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK: This is where the Civil War ended. The whole village of Appomattox Court House has been preserved just as it was on April 9, 1865 when General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia. Open daily, year round. Located in Appomattox, Virginia. Call 804-352-8987 for information. They have a great web site at: http://www.nps.gov/apco/ BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway is 214 miles in length and links Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Nelson County segment--which extends 30 miles--leads travelers through the Blue Ridge Mountains between mileposts 0 and 30, and offers compelling views plus opportunities for short sidetrips to interesting, easily accessible local attractions. The parkway is a designated route on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. LOCATION: Parkway begins off Route 250 at Afton; access from Routes 664, 56 and 814 HOURS: Daily, all year around, weather permitting. Facilities open May through October. ADMISSION: Free CALL: District Ranger, National Park Service in Vesuvius, Virginia, (540) 377-2377; or (800) 282-8223. CRABTREE FALLS: Hike two miles to the top of the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River for a spectacular panorama of mountains and forests, and enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading water along the way. The first overlook is an easy 700 feet from where the well-marked trail begins. In winter and spring, when the water is high, the falls are at their liveliest, but in autumn the stunning foliage enhances the view. Wear hiking boots or comfortable shoes with good treads. LOCATION: Route 56 - HOURS: Dawn to dusk - ADMISSION: Free - CALL: Pedlar Ranger District, (540) 291-2188; or (800) 282-8223. NELSON COUNTY WINERIES: Grown in valleys and on mountain slopes, hybrid and vinifera varieties become prizewinning wines at the hands of skilled Nelson County vintners. Come see and taste for yourself: take a winery tour and sample the finest. AFTON MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS: LOCATION: Route 631 HOURS: Tours and tasting, picnic area--Daily except Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(11 a.m. to 5 p.m., January and February); closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day CALL: (540) 456-8667 MOUNTAIN COVE VINEYARDS AND WINEGARDEN: LOCATION: Route 718 HOURS: Tours and tastings--Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. CALL: (804) 263-5392 WINTERGREEN WINERY, LTD.: LOCATION: Route 664 HOURS: Tours and tastings--Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (January to April 15, noon to 5 p.m.); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter CALL: (804) 361-2519 POPLAR FOREST: Thomas Jefferson's summer home. Located in Forest, Virginia very near Lynchburg. Call 804-525-1806 for tour information and directions. They also have a web site at: http://www.poplarforest.org |