Culpeper & Orange Itinerary  | Things to Do & See | Top Winieries
Our Virginia wine country bed and breakfast's prime location in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills provides guests with marvelous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of central Virginia, and the area’s many hidden treasures. The Blue Ridge Mountain foothills are rich in prehistoric, Native American and Colonial history, as well as Revolutionary and Civil War history. In fact, many Civil War battles were fought very close to our Virginia bed and breakfast. Nearby Charlottesville is home to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson’s estate Monticello, www.monticello.org and President James Madison’s estate Montpelier www.montpelier.org is even closer to the inn. Now the region makes history with award-winning wines from the heart of Virginia’s growing wine industry.
The Inn at Meander Plantation is within 10 miles to historic downtown Culpeper with its many unique restaurants and shops. Also, the historic township of Orange is only 7 miles away. Both townships offer shopping, dining and historic landmarks. Visitor Centers are available in both towns to make the most of your trip.
Culpeper & Orange Itinerary | Things to Do & See | Top Winieries
1. Take a self-guided tour through downtown Culpeper -- designated one of the “Top Ten Best Small Towns in America” -- and discover the array of antiques, gift and specialty shops, fabulous restaurants, cozy coffee shops and gourmet wine stores. Experience a variety of historic architecture downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods.
2. Make sure you visit the Visitors Center located in the newly renovated Depot. The Depot is the site of the Battle of Culpeper Court House during the Civil War. Visitors and locals alike can obtain an array of information on Culpeper, the surrounding area and the state of Virginia.
3. The Museum of Culpeper History is an excellent way to start your adventure in Culpeper. This state-of-the-art museum offers exhibits regarding Culpeper’s Revolutionary and Civil War history, displays of dinosaur tracks discovered in the local quarry, American Indian artifacts and much more.
4. Culpeper’s central location in Northern-Virginia made it a highly-prized location for both armies during the Civil War. You can take a drive and explore the Civil War Battlefields of Brandy Station, Kelly’s Ford and Cedar Mountain. Virginia Civil War Trails and Civil War Preservation Trust are valuable resources if you are interested in visiting the Battlefields.
5. Culpeper and Orange are home to several prestigious and Award-Winning Wineries. All the wineries in the area welcome visitors. Take your time to visit the vineyards, taste their excellent wines. For more information about the wineries read our winery guide, or visit www.virginiawineries.org.
6. The Town of Orange is rich with history. Named in honor of William IV, Prince of Orange, the town became Orange County’s judicial seat in 1749. The present courthouse was constructed in 1858 and Orange was incorporated in 1872. The courthouse and St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Robert E. Lee’s place of worship during the winter of 1863-64, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although fire destroyed much of the town in 1908, many building from the 1800’s still remain. Today, Orange is the commercial and retail center of the county. Further information about the town and county’s history may be obtained at the Visitors Center, (877) 222-8072 , located in the old train station on Main Street in the Town of Orange.
7. Virginia is “horse country” and what better way to experience the sights and sounds of horse shows at Commonwealth Park than staying at the Inn at Meander Plantation. Commonwealth Park is home to Horse Shows In The Sun (HITS) – a summer series featuring hunter, jumper and equitation competitions. Each event hosts approximately 900 to 1300 horses.
For more information we suggest you visit the official Culpeper Tourism, www.visitculpeperva.com. This website has a wealth of information to help you plan your trip.
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Antiques
- Old Town Fredericksburg - www.fredericksburgvirginia.net
50 minutes -
(540)373-1776
706 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA.
Unique and entertaining past & present in its galleries, historical attractions, shops and restaurants.
- J S Mosby Antiques & Artifacts
5 minutes -
(540) 672-9944
Main Street, Orange
Civil War Memorabilia
- People's Antique Warehouse
10 minutes - (540) 672-9604
Off Main Street, Orange
Open 7 days (10-5); Sun (12-5)
- Melrose Antiques
10 minutes -
(540) 661-1004
Main St. in Orange
Open Mon.-Sat. (10-5)
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- Greene House Shops
20 minutes - (804) 985-6053
Rts. 33 & 29, Ruckersville, VA
Open 7 days
- Country Shoppes of Culpeper
20 minutes -
(540) 547-4000
Rt. 29, Culpeper
- Blue Ridge Emporium
20 minutes - (540) 948-2255
Rt. 29, 6 mi. N of Rt. 33
- Antiquer's Mall
35 minutes - (804)973-3478
Rt. 29, N edge of Charlottesville
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Arts & Drama
- Ed Jaffe Gallery
www.edjaffe.com
7 minutes -
(540) 672-2400
Stone Sculpture
Main Street, Orange
- Nichols Gallery
www.frednichols.com
15 minutes -
(888) 994-3733
Silkscreen, watercolor, oil media
Barboursville, VA
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- Sun's Traces
15 minutes - (540) 832-7044
Clay sculptures
Barboursville. VA
- Four County Players Theater
www.avenue.org/fourcp
20 minutes - (540) 832-5355
Five productions annually, including popular outdoor Shakespeare, first 3 weekends August
Barboursville, VA
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Area between Orange & Fredericksburg was most fought over territory in the Civil War.
- Wilderness Civil War
Battlefield & Exhibit Shelter
25 minutes - Staffed in Summer
www.nps.gov/
Site of first Lee vs. Grant encounter;
bloodiest and most decisive campaign of war.
- Chancellorsville Battlefield & Visitors Center - www.nps.gov/
30 minutes -
(540) 786-2880
Staffed by US Park Service
"Stonewall" Jackson fatally wounded
- Fredericksburg National Military Park & Visitors Center with Museum
www.nps.gov/
45 minutes -
(540)373-6122
Well preserved & signed small battlefield
located 3/4 mile from Old Town
- Spotsylvania National Military Park
www.nps.gov/
45 minutes -
(540) 371-0802
Site of the Bloody Angle
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Museums
- James Madison Museum
Orange, VA
www.jamesmadisonmus.org
5 minutes - (540) 672-1776
Monday thru Friday - 9am - 4pm -
Weekends March to Nov. 1-4
- Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum
Gordonsville, VA
www.hgiexchange.org
10 minutes - (540) 832-2944
Civil war museum at the Exchange Hotel
Open April -November.
Monday-Sat 10-4.
Sunday 1-4.
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
- Orange County Historical Society & Historical Research Center
Orange, VA
www.kclark.net/ochs
5 minutes - (540) 672-5366
Monday thru Friday - 1-5 pm.
Summer Saturdays 10-4 pm.
Presidential Homes
Montpelier
Home of James & Dolley Madison
Orange, VA
www.montpelier.org
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10 minutes
(540) 672-2728 |
Hunt Races - first Sat. of Nov.
Quarterly "Big Woods Walk"
Daily tours, frequent special events |
Monticello
Home of Thomas Jefferson
SE of Charlottesville
www.monticello.org
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35 minutes
(804) 984-9800 |
Daily tours, garden tours in season |
Ash Lawn - Highland
Home of James Monroe
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40 minutes
(804) 293-9539 |
Daily tours-Five minutes beyond Monticello SE of Charlottesville |
Nature & Adventure
- Hiking - 0-35 minutes
Enjoy our 80 acres with numerous trails or for the more adventurous try Old Rag Mountain
- Chris Green State Park -
www.albemarle.org/parks
55 min -
(434) 296-5844
120 land acres, 62 water acres, 2 beach areas. Swimming daily, Fishing, playground and picnic areas.
- Lake Anna State Park - www.state.va.us/dcr/parks/lakeanna.htm
35 minutes -
(540) 854-5503
13,000 acre lake, public boat landing, fishing, camping & guarded swimming. Lakefront picnic areas, bathhouse and play area.
- Marina at Lake Anna
35 minutes -
(540) 895-5051 Call for information
- Lake Orange
25 minutes -
(540) 672-4270
124 acre lake, marina, fishing & picnic area
- Oakland Heights Farm & Horseback Riding
7 minutes -
(540) 832-3350
Ride into the hills.
- Rafting, Tubing, Canoeing & Fishing
20 minutes
Rapidan River
- Skydive Orange - www.skydiveorange.com
Tandem Skydiving in Orange, VA
10 minutes -
(877) DIVESKY
Orange Airport
- Shenandoah National Park/ Skyline Drive
40 minutes - West on Rt. 33
- Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing Massanutten Resort -
www.massresort.com
45 minutes - West on Rt. 33
Annual Orange County Events
- Virginia Wine Festival at Montpelier
15 minutes - (540) 672-2728
First Weekend in May
- Orange County Fair
at Montpelier
15 minutes -
(540) 672-2728
Third weekend of July.
Old fashioned & fun events, NO rides.
- Somerset Stream and
Gas Pasture Party
15 minutes -
(540) 672-3429
Last weekend of August.
Demos of antiques steam engines & tractors.
- Orange Street Festival
5 minutes -
(540) 672-5216
Saturday after Labor Day.
Crafts, food and entertainment.
- Fall Fiber Festival
15 minutes - (540)672-2728
First Saturday in October Montpellier
http://www.montpelier.org/special.htm
- Montpellier Horse Races
15 minutes - (540)672-2728
First Saturday in November
www.montpelier.org/races.htm
- Holiday Homes Tour
of Orange County
10 minutes -
(540) 672-6495
First weekend of December
Historic properties decorated for the holidays
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Barboursville Vineyards,
17655 Winery Road, PO Box 136
Barboursville, VA 22923
(540)832-3824
Fax 540-832-7572
Website: www.barboursvillewine.com
Three great destinations in one historic estate. Virginia’s most honored winery, creative Northern Italian dining, and Historic Landmark Ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson.
Open all year round. Free tours, weekends only. Wine tasting fee of $4.00 per person includes a souvenir glass.
Gray Ghost Vineyards
14706 Lee Highway
Amissville, VA 20106
(540) 937-4869
Fax: (540)937-5091
Website: www.grayghostvineyards.com |
Gray Ghost produces internationally acclaimed wine from immaculate vineyards. Enjoy southern hospitality and beautiful picnic facilities. Gray Ghost offers the original and most popular harvest program in the state.
Hours: Jan-Feb., Sat & Sun 11:00 am – 5 pm; Mar-Dec., Fri-Sun 11:00 am-5:00 pm; all Mon. and Federal Holidays. Please call ahead for weekday hours. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Fees: None. Food: light fare |
Horton Cellars Winery
6399 Spotswood Trail
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540)832-7440
(800)829-4633
Fax: (540)832-7187
Website: www.hvwine.com |
Taste naturally acclaimed wines in our old-world Tudor winery. Over 30 wines include Marsanne, Viognier, Petite Manseng, Chardonnay, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Malbec, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Pear, Peach, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, and Blackberry.
Hours Daily 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Open Year Round. Fees None: Food: Light Fare. |
Linden Vineyards
3708 Harrels Corner
Linden, VA 22642
(540)364-1997
Fax: (540) 364-3894
Website: www.lindenvineyards.com |
Linden Vineyards focuses on making wines with character. Their wines are an expression of the place where they are grown and the personality of the winegrower. They love what they do and enjoy sharing their passion.
Hours: April – November: 11:00 am – 5 pm, Wednesday thru Sunday. December – March: 11:00 am – 5 pm weekends only. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Holiday, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday. Unable to accommodate groups of more than 6. |
Old House Vineyards
18351 Corky’s Lane
Culpeper, VA 22701
(540) 423-1032
Fax: (540)423-1320
Website: www.oldhousevineyards.com |
Located near historic Culpeper, Old House offers tasting of award-winning wines in a renovated 1820’s farmhouse. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Hours: Thurs & Fri 1:00 pm – 5 pm; Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sun. Noon- 5:00 pm. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Fees: None. Food: Light Fare |
Pearmund Cellars
6190 Georgetown Road
Broad Run, VA 20137
(540) 347-3475
Website: www.pearmundcellars.com |
Taste unique wines from award-winning Chris Pearmund. Experience romatic views of one of Virginia’s top quality Chardonnay vineyards. Family-owned and operated. Bring your own picnic. Children’s corner for your convenience.
Hours: Daily, Sat 6:00 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24,25,31, Jan. 1st and Easter Sunday. Fees: $2. Food: Light Fare. |
Piedmont Vineyards and Winery
2546 D Halfway Road
The Plains, VA 20198
(540) 687-5528
Fax: (540) 687-5777
Website: www.piedmontwines.com |
Virginia’s oldest Chardonnay producer, Piedmont Vineyards was established in 1973 on the pre-revolutionary estate, Waverly, and today offers a variety of wines with an emphasis on world-class Chardonnays.
Hours: Apr. – Oct. daily, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Nov – Mar 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25 Jan 1. Fees: $3/$5 (refundable w/purchase). Food: Light Fare. |
Prince Michel & Rapidan River Vineyards
154 Winery Lane
Leon, VA 22725
(540)547-3707
(800) 800-WINE
Fax: (540) 547-3088
Website: www.princemichel.com |
Prince Michel is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers tours of the facility, samples of their award-winning wines in the extensive wine and gift shop, and a restaurant featuring Wine Country cuisine.
Hours: Winery is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on major holidays. Restaurant is open Thurs – Sat for lunch and dinner and Sun for lunch. Fees: None. |
Rappahannock Cellars
14437 Hume Road
Huntly, VA 22640
(540) 635-9398
Fax: (540) 635-8720
Website: www.rappahannockcellars.com |
This family owned and operated winery relocated from California to Virginia’s Hunt Country. Elegant award-winning wines include Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc.
Open Daily All Year, 11:30 am – 5 pm. Sat. 11:30 – 6:00 pm, Tour Fees: None. Tasting Fees: $3.50 first visit w/complimentary wine glass, future visits free. Food: Light Fare. |
Rockbridge Vineyard
35 Hill View Lane
Rabpine, VA 24472
(888) 511-WINE
Fax: (540) 377-6204
Website: www.rockbridgevineyard.com |
Winner of the 1995 and 2001 Virginia Governor’s Cup. Enjoy the splendor of the Shenandoah Valley while sampling award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vidal Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun. Noon – 5 pm. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25 31 and New Year’s Day. Tasting and Tour Fees: None. Food: Light Fare. |
Sharp Rock Vineyards
5 Sharp Rock Road
Sperryville, VA 2270
(540) 987-8020
Website: www.sharprockvineyards.com |
Located on the beautiful Huges River in an unspoiled valley at the foot of Old Rag Mountain. Award-winning wines produced in limited lots from hand-selected grapes from vineyards planted in 1992.
Hours: March – Dec. Fri, Sat and Sun 11:00 am – 5 pm. Mon. Holidays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Oct add Thurs. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, other times by appt. Tour Fees: None. Tasting Fees: $2 (refundable with wine purchase). Food: Light Fare. |
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