Amherst County
Amherst County, VA – Blue Ridge Mountains and Parkway, What’s Not to Love?
Named for Sir Jeffrey Amherst, a British forces commander, Amherst County, VA has charming 18th, 19th and 20th century architecture, as well as spectacular scenery. Because Amherst is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the drive to get there is gorgeous. If you are visiting Amherst County and want to take a drive on the parkway, just enter it via Route 60 near mile marker 45. Not only will you see beautiful foliage, but you can also bask in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plan for more than a drive though if you are coming to Amherst because there is much to see and do.
Experience a Variety of Recreational Attractions in Amherst County
Along with the breathtaking scenery you’ll view in Amherst County, VA, you will see and experience a variety of attractions. For a day or more full of recreational activities, you can enjoy any of the following options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird-watching, fishing, hunting or ATV:
- Appalachian Trail – approximately 25 miles of trail through Amherst to enjoy from the James River to the Nelson County line
- Old Hotel Trail – 5-mile loop, can combine with Appalachian Trail to see spectacular views of the Amherst foothills and the western valley
- James River Heritage Trail – beautiful blacktopped hiking and biking trail, accessible at the end of Fertilizer Road
- Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail – hiking, biking and horseback riding trail with access points at Piney River and Roses Mill
- Henry Lanum Memorial Trail – 4.8 mile loop in the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area, fantastic panoramic views
- Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area – 7,580 acres in the Glenwood and Pedlar Districts, part of the George Washington National Forest, great for fishing, hunting and hiking
- George Washington National Forest – in the western part of Amherst County, offers great spots for camping, hiking and fishing
- South Pedlar ATV Trail System – 25 miles of trails for ATV’s.
Options for camping in Amherst County include:
- Otter Creek Campground – Seasonal with gift shops, Restaurants, Creekside tent camping, RV camping (no power or water hookups), near the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wildwood Campground – 75 sites for tents and RV’s, rental cabins, travel trailer camper rental with satellite television, gated, playground, swimming pool, game room, fishing, hiking, mini-golf, pavilion and recreation hall
Golfing Options in Amherst County include:
- Poplar Grove Golf Course – 18-hole course designed by Sam Snead and ranked #8 Best New Upscale Golf Course in 2005 by Golf Digest
- Shadow Ridge Golf Course – 18-hole rural course with reasonable green fees and cart fees
- Winton Golf Course – 18-hole championship public course open year-round, has an 18th century clubhouse on the National Register of Historic Places
Fulfill Your Educational and Cultural Needs in Amherst County
If you are moving to Amherst County and require a great college, this area doesn’t disappoint. Amherst County is the home of Sweet Briar College, which is a private, women’s liberal arts and sciences college. Sitting on 3,250 acres, this college was founded in 1901 and is time and again ranked as one of the most beautiful campuses in America. The 21 buildings on campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places is known as The Sweet Briar College National Historic District. Sweet Briar offers an assortment of cultural events as well. Close-by on 12-acres is the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, which is one of the biggest working retreats for writers, composers and visual artists. The Center offers 2-week to 2-month residences for guests so they can work free of any disturbances. To further your need for cultural fulfillment, there are 2 local museums, the historical Amherst County Museum and the Monacan Indian Museum. In the area and nearby, there are plenty of other opportunities, which include:
- The Academy of Fine Arts
- Riverviews Artspace
- The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
- Amazement Square
- The Maier Museum of Art
- Appomattox – location of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant
- Poplar Forest – plantation retreat and octagonal 2nd home to Thomas Jefferson
- National D-Day Memorial
- Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
- Roanoke Civic Center
- University of Virginia
Amherst County – Home to Fantastic Orchards and Vineyards
When you get your fill of recreational and cultural activities, relax and unwind with tasty fruits and marvelous wines from the Orchards and Vineyards in Amherst County. Some places to enjoy include:
- Morris Orchard – peaches, blueberries, apple-picking and more, gift shop, petting zoo (closed January through March)
- Rebec Vineyards – features the annual Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival every second full weekend in October, 8 acres of top-rate grapes (vitis vinifera of Europe), designed by Richard Hanson (owner) and son-in-law Mark Magruder, building has exposed beams from a 200 year old tobacco barn on Mountain View farm (on the National Register of Historic Places)
- Lazy Days Winery/Amherst Estate Vineyards – hosts the annual Virginia Summer Solstice
Amherst County, VA – Spend a Week, a Year, a Lifetime, You Won’t Want to Leave
Amherst County, VA is a charming place that you would be proud to call home. If you want to come and visit for the day or make a permanent move to Amherst County, the help of real estate agent, who is knowledgeable about the area will be invaluable. Contact us to help with any questions you have about Amherst County, VA real estate or general information. We’ll get started on the search for Amherst County homes on the MLS and narrow down your search to make the whole home buying process less stressful.
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