Charlottesville Last Minute Shopping

Small shops in Charlottesville, VA

For last-minute Christmas shopping in Charlottesville, VA, consider these top 10 small stores:

  1. Agents in Style: Luxury consignment store with high-end brands.
  2. BitterSweet: Chic boutique with locally designed clothes and jewelry.
  3. Bottle House: Wine shop offering quality selections and tastings.
  4. Brigid & Bess: Unique decor and artisan items, perfect for gifting.
  5. Darling Boutique and Dashing: Secondhand and artisan combo store for sustainable fashion and gifts.
  6. Rock Paper Scissors: Custom paper store ideal for unique invitations and gifts.
  7. C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery: Offers local art, crafts, and unique handmade gifts.
  8. Derriere de Soie: Lingerie boutique for luxurious and intimate gifts.
  9. O’Suzannah: Quaint store with an eclectic mix of gifts, stationery, and home goods.
  10. Telegraph Art & Comics: Perfect for comic book enthusiasts and art lovers.

These stores offer a diverse range of options for all tastes, ensuring a unique and thoughtful gift for anyone on your list.

County Assessment Tax Rates

County Assessment Tax Rates As Of November 2019

ALBEMARLE 0.85.4
AMHERST 0.61
AUGUSTA 0.63
BEDFORD 0.50
BUCKINGHAM 0.55
CHARLOTTESVILLE 0.95
CULPEPER 0.62 County 0.91 Town
FLUVANNA 0.92.5
GOOCHLAND 0.53 (+.32 EXTRA TAX IF TUCKAHOE WATER/SEWER LINES)
GREENE 0.82
LOUISA 0.72
MADISON 0.70
NELSON 0.72
ORANGE 0.80.4
RAPPAHANNOCK 0.73
ROCKBRIDGE 0.73

1931 Dudley Mountain Rd Charlottesville VA 22903 | Charlottesville Historic Farm for Sale

Convenient location and stunning views are yours in this historic property in Charlottesville!

Enjoy gorgeous views, privacy, serenity, and space offered by this circa 1821 historic home just ten minutes from Charlottesville. 

Built in the farmhouse style, this historic property is known as Pleasant Hill and features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 5,494 square feet of living space. 

Charlottesville VA Historic FarmsNestled on 113+/- acres of gently rolling, partly cleared and partly wooded land, this property offers the relaxed and laid-back country lifestyle you long for while placing you close to the conveniences of the big city.

Historic Farm for Sale in Charlottesville VASited grandly on a hilltop, this 3-story home offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Excellent craftsmanship blended seamlessly with old country farmhouse finishes, showcasing an elegant and inviting appeal. You’ll love its expansive front yard, spectacular water and field views, and the many possibilities you can do with more than a hundred acres. 

When you long to get away from the frantic demands of city life and have a space for you and your horses, this Charlottesville historic estate is the one for you. 

Beautifully-maintained historic home in Albemarle County

Surrounded by open spaces and lush greenery, this Charlottesville real estate property is the epitome of a country estate. 

Historic Farms in Charlottesville VAThis home’s beautiful landscape and cozy porch provide a lovely spot to catch the morning sun or enjoy the twilight.

Charlottesville VA Historic Real Estate Properties for Sale

Feel right at home as soon as you step onto the graciously-spaced foyer with gleaming hardwood floors, neutrally-toned walls, and a lovely staircase to the third level. 

Historic Farm for Sale in Charlottesville VAThe hallway leads to a light-filled and welcoming living room. Large double-hung windows let in plenty of sunlight, bathing this home’s interior with a cozy feel. The hardwood floor adds depth and structure to this spacious home, and the brick-surround fireplace is ready to warm you up throughout the winter months. 

Off the living room is a bedroom with built-in shelves and a fireplace, a conveniently-located bedroom so you don’t have to go up just to enjoy the comforts of a warm bed. 

A bar with storage is also located off the living room, perfect if you love entertaining. Thanks to its vast storage spaces, you can store yours and your loved ones’ favorite drinks so you’ll always have something to look forward to.

On the third level are three more generously-spaced bedrooms and a full bathroom.

For the best relaxation, head to the master’s bedroom on the first floor. Added in the 80s, this room features a vaulted ceiling, large windows with views to the front and side, and a private bathroom with a walk-in tub, double sinks, and a dressing area with views of the pasture. 

When you need more space for entertaining, the spacious family room/den with a loft and soaring brick-surround fireplace offers another sitting area to entertain. 

As with most homes of the 1800 era, this home boasts of a finished English basement that houses the kitchen, the formal dining room, the laundry room, and a full bath. 

The kitchen comes with a woodstove to keep you warm, a dishwasher, microwave, wall oven, refrigerator, electric cooktop, and tons of storage spaces. 

Charlottesville VA Historic Farms for SaleIf you love to entertain, the inviting dining room with a fireplace may easily become your favorite social space with family and friends because of its easy access to the kitchen.

Albermarle historic property with stunning views

Get your camera ready! This manor showcases a lot of scenic views, perfect if you are photography-enthusiast.

Charlottesville VA Historic FarmsThe back porch offers fenced field and wooded views perfect for relaxation. 

Historic Farms in Charlottesville VAThe lovely patio is a great outdoor space where you can relax and enjoy the peace and serenity this home brings. 

Historic Real Estate Properties for Sale in Charlottesville VAThe gorgeous grounds of this historic manor are truly exceptional. 

Historic Farm for Sale in Charlottesville VAA pond, a stable, and a 3-car garage with high ceiling complete the features of this historic Charlottesville farm. 

Live just minutes away from Charlottesville!

In addition to breathtaking views, beautiful living space with plenty of room to enjoy entertaining, history and vintage charm, you have the added bonus of a great location. 

This property is within minutes of Charlottesville where you can enjoy the best of shopping and dining. 

Red Hill Elementary School, Leslie Walton Middle School, Monticello High School, and the University of Virginia are all within a short drive. 

Don’t miss this fantastic Charlottesville historic estate! Call me, Gayle Harvey, at 434-220-0256,  to schedule a private showing today.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Hilltop Historic Home | Home For Sale | 1931 Dudley Mountain Rd on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn2FDzj5c1I&feature=youtu.be

7341 Magnolia Pl Gordonsville VA 22942 | Gordonsville Historic Estate for Sale

Own one of Gordonsville’s updated historic estates at a reduced price!

Do you love old stately homes but concerned about maintenance and utility costs? This gorgeous Magnolia property in Gordonsville is the one for you. 

Tucked away on Magnolia Place, this historic property is set on 55 acres of gently rolling hills and private lands. 

Gordonsville VA Historic HomesShowcasing vintage charm to its finest, it offers highly-desirable privacy, space, serenity, and gorgeous views. 

Built in 1900, you’ll love the manor home’s vintage charm and architecture like the hardwood floors, arched entryways, transoms above the doors and more. 

To ensure your best comfort and convenience, this historic home in Gordonsville has been totally renovated and updated with energy efficiency in mind. It has received the Pearl Gold Certification. 

Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms, a porch, a balcony, 4 fireplaces, 5,674 square feet of finished living space, and gorgeous views, this historic estate is truly a gem. 

An Orange Country property you’ll be proud to own!

This Gordonsville historic manor is set at the end of Magnolia Place. Thanks to the large mature plantings of hardwoods and magnolia trees surrounding the property, the home enjoys exceptional privacy. 

Historic Homes in Gordonsville VAFeel right at home as soon as you step on the large front porch. Set it up with some complimentary outdoor chairs and you have an inviting setup where you can relax. 

Historic Real Estate Properties for Sale in Gordonsville VAWelcome guests into the spacious center hallway with crown molding on the ceiling, high ceiling, white trims, gleaming hardwood floors, and neutrally toned walls. Across the entryway is a lovely wood staircase that leads to the second level. 

Gordonsville VA Historic Real Estate Properties for SaleThe bright eat-in kitchen enjoys a generous floor space and features quartz counter, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, pantry, and recessed light. Appliances include a double oven, dishwasher, gas range, refrigerator, wall oven, and wine cooler. An ample-spaced dining area is also provided. 

The french door opens to the hallway and another door opens to the backyard.

Usher guests into a light-filled and spacious living room with a 10’ ceiling, crown moldings, double-hung windows, and a fireplace that’s ready to warm you up on a cold night. 

Do you need a home office or library? This old home boasts of a large study/library with more large windows, built-in shelves, and another fireplace.  A mudroom, laundry, and a half bath complete the features of the main floor.

All five bedrooms are on the second level of this Central Virginia historic home. 

The spacious master bedroom offers retreat, privacy, and personal space. It features a fireplace, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony where you can enjoy scenic country views. Enjoy the best of pampering in the luxurious master bathroom with his and hers vanity sink, clawfoot tub,  a separate walk-in shower, and a separate commode. 

Fall in love with the one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat

This historic property for sale in Gordonsville VA is perfect for entertaining, both indoors and out.

Historic Homes for Sale in Gordonsville VA

When you want to enjoy the beauty of nature or just bask in the serenity of the country, head to the old stone terraced garden, your very own stress-free zone. 

Gordonsville VA Historic Homes for SaleOn cool nights stay warm by lighting the garden fireplace.

Gordonsville VA Historic HomesHave you ever dreamed of creating your own garden and growing organic foods? This expansive property has a partially fenced barn with garden space and storage shed. 

Historic Homes for Sale in Gordonsville VAThis exceptional historic property in Central Virginia has enough land to add to the home if you wish. 

A conveniently-located historic estate in Orange County

If you’re looking to live in the country yet still be in short proximity to the big cities of Charlotteville and Richmond, Gordonsville is a great choice. US Route 33, Horton Vineyards and Barboursville Vineyards are only minutes away. 

Embrace your love for historic homes and live the relaxed and laidback country life you long to have in this stately Gordonsville historic home for sale. 

Call me, Gayle Harvey, at 434-220-0256,  to schedule a private showing today.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 7341 Magnolia Pl Gordonsville VA 22942 | Gordonsville Historic Estate for Sale on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/KOTLTq7wuKc

Get to Know Charlottesville, Virginia

Downtown Mall Charlottesville Charlottesville, Virginia is a city located about two hours southwest of Washington DC and about an hour west of the capital city of Richmond. Charlottesville is best known for the University of Virginia and being home to Thomas Jefferson. Charlottesville is an independent city in the Commonwealth, but the Charlottesville Metropolitan Area makes up Albemarle, Fluvanna, Buckingham, Greene and Nelson Counties.

What’s In A Name?

The city of Charlottesville was named for Queen Charlotte who married King George III in 1761. She was Queen of Great Britain until 1818.

History of Charlottesville

The area that is modern-day Charlottesville has long been settled upon by pioneers and native people. A Monacan Indian trail was used by travelers to connect Richmond and The Blue Ridge Mountains. This trail became known as Three Notch’d Road. Later, the explorer Meriweather Lewis’s great-great-grandfather patented land that makes up the area we know as Charlottesville today. The city was officially founded in 1762.

During the Revolutionary War, Charlottesville actually had a prison for British and German prisoners named The Barracks, hence the name of the popular shopping center.

In 1819, Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the Unite

Paramount Theater Charlottesville

d States, founded the University of Virginia. The university was built nearby Jefferson’s home, Monticello, and its distinguising feature, the Rotunda, still stands as the center of Grounds. UVA became the largest university in the south and one of Jefferson’s proudest achievements. Today, many traditions from the early years remain in tact.

Despite Virginia being home to the most battles in the Civil War, the city of Charlottesville remained out of harm’s way. In fact, the mayor surrendered the city to General Custer in order to save it. Around the same time, a factory that was used to make wool uniforms for confederate soldiers was burnt down. The factory was rebuilt and was known as Woolen Mills until it closed in the 1960s.

Railroads were built in Charlottesville in the 1850s and by the 1880s, the city had its first horse-drawn street cars. Around the turn of the century, more infrastructure was added including trolley lines, paved streets and eventually automobiles would find their way to Charlottesville. As the city grew, so did the University. It became, and remains, one of the area’s largest employers.

Nearby Attractions

Charlottesville’s most notable resident, Thomas Jefferson, lived in the beautiful mountainside home of Monticello. Today you can visit Monticello, tour his house and gardens, and learn about the countries Founding Father.

The Historic Downtown Mall is one of the longest walking malls in the country. Made up of historic buildings, there are dozens of shops, restaurants, theaters and more.

Grab lunch at Michie Tavern, a historic restaurant built in 1734. The tavern was a place where travelers could eat, drink and stay as they were passing through. Today, the tavern keeps its place in history – the “Southern Midday Fare” is served by folks wearing 1800s century attire.

The Rotunda on UVA’s Grounds is an iconic site in Charlottesville. The building sits in the center of Grounds, overlooking The Corner, a bustling place where students and locals can shop and grab a bite to eat within walking distance to the University.

James Monroe’s Highland is not far from Jefferson’s Monticello. Highland belonged to our nation’s fifth president and its history is preserved for people to enjoy today.

Carter Mountain’s Orchard not only has great local treats, apple picking and fun events, but the views of the city are breathtaking. 

Charlottesville is in the heart of Virginia wine country and is surrounded by dozens of delicious local wineries. In recent years, the brewery scene has exploded in the area, and even cideries as well. There is a restaurant for every craving, and the food scene is one you may find in a much larger metropolitan area.

Present Day Charlottesville

Charlottesville still has the smalltown feel, but has certainly grown in the past few decades. Local events, food, and the University continue to put the city on the map. 

Get to Know Somerset, Virginia

Somerset, Virginia is a small community that sits between Madison and Orange Counties. The small community is best known for the grand estates that were built in the early 1800s and remain there today. 

History of Somerset

Thomas Macon was a local of Somerset and owned land in the area. He eventually married Sarah Catlett Madison, the sister of James Madison. The two celebrated their wedding at Montpelier and later built a home on Macon’s land which came to be known as Somerset Plantation, a neighbor to Montpelier. The brick manor was designed by Dr. William Thorton, the architect behind the United States Capitol building. The home still boasts many of its original details.Somerset, Virginia

The area was well-traveled by well-known Virginia statesmen, including Philip Pendleton Barbour, the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and others from the Madison family.

Nearby Attractions

The Market at Grelen is a 600 acre tree nursery complete with it’s own cafe, hiking trails, farm and plenty of local beer, wine and ciders. The Market hosts plenty of seasonal events and even hosts corporate retreats and serves as a wedding venue. 

Tetley, Rocklands and Frascati Estates still stand and show the beauty of 19th century Virginia architecture. Each with its own role in history, they are all on the National Register of Historic Places. Frascati Estate was home to Philip Pendleton Barbour, the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson and resembles the look of his home, Monticello.

Horton Vineyards and Honah Lee Vineyards are nearby wineries that boast the flavors of local Virginia wine. 

Present Day Somerset

Somerset is just a thirty minute drive to Charlottesville and offers a rural setting with plenty to explore. The small community is rich in history and modern day amenities. 

Get to Know the town of Madison in Madison County, VA

The town of Madison is the center of Madison County and serves as the county seat. Madison sits at the crossroads of three major highways – US Route 29, State Route 230 and State Route 231.

What’s In A Name?
MadisonCourthouse
The town of Madison and the county it is located in was named for prominent statesmen and the fourth president of the United States, James Madison. Madison’s father was a well-known planter in the area. Madison, himself, served on the Virginia House of Delegates and Continental Congress. His family’s home and tobacco plantation, Montpelier, still remains in nearby Orange County.

History of Madison

The town of Madison is still, and has always been known for the rich agriculture it produces. The rural setting has remained since its inception in the 1790s. The area was often traveled through by native people due to its proximity to paths to the Shenandoah Valley. The Royal Governor Andrew Spottswood and even Civil War General Stonewall Jackson has spent time in Madison.

In August 1929, President Herbert Hoover visited the town of Madison and ended up buying land in the mountains nearby. His visit is still celebrated each year.

A handful of buildings in Madison, including the courthouse that was built in 1828, are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nearby Attractions

Not in Madison, but it’s namesake, James Madison’s Montpelier’s is just up the road in Orange County. Over 2,500 acres of land to explore, you can see where James and Dolley Madison lived in the Virginia countryside, tour their home and grounds, and visit the cemetery where the Madison family is buried.

Yoder’s Country Market is more than just a store. Grab homemade baked goods, bulk food, all-natural local meat, sandwiches, a petting farm, and so much more.

Graves Mountain is a beautiful place to go apple picking in the fall, camping during the summer, or host a retreat any time of year. The Graves family has been running the lodge and farm for over 135 years.

Shenandoah National Park is a must-see in the area. The views of the Blue Ridge are unbeatable. With over 200,000 acres of protected land, you will find tons of wildlife and countless hiking trails, and you can take your time driving through the park on Skyline Drive.

Madison, Virginia was the location of two Civil War Battles, both sites you can visit today. The James City Battlefield and Jack’s Shop Battlefield can be seen on your own or as part of a Civil War tour in the area.

Virginia is wine country after all, and Madison is home to some great wineries and breweries including Bald Top Brewing Company, Blue Quartz Winery & Shotwell Run Brewing Company, DuCard Vineyards, Early Mountain Vineyards, Prince Michel and Revelation Vineyards.

Present Day Madison

Today, Madison clings to its rich history and rural, agricultural roots. It is part of the Madison County School District and is governed by a mayor and a four-person town council. 

 

2046 Rock Quarry Rd Louisa VA 23093 | Lakefront Country Property for Sale

Whetstone Lodge is the dream waterfront property you are looking for!

Do you dream of owning a private lakefront country retreat where you can wake up to the gorgeous view of the sunrise across the glimmering waters of a lake? 

Do you long for peace and serenity, fresh air, country and waterfront views, and more space for you and your loved ones to enjoy?   This wonderful waterfront property near Charlottesville, Virginia is the one for you!

Tucked away on 5.14 acres of lush country land is a one-of-a-kind property that’s perfect as both a full-time residence or a weekend retreat. Surrounded by the lake, several ponds, a bold stream, and towering trees, this home provides lots of privacy.

Feel the stress of the day dissipate the moment you drive through the gates. 

Whetstone Lodge is one of three lots sharing the privacy and beauty of the Rock Quarry, a spring-fed lake that’s cool, deep, and ideal for swimming, fishing, paddle-boarding, Yoga on board, and scuba diving.

Waterfront Real Estate Properties for Sale in Louisa VA

With this property you will have  full access to the 19 acres of common area providing great recreational opportunities with a beach, docks,  pavilion and lots of trails. 

Enjoy ultimate privacy and serenity in this Louisa County lakefront property!

Located on Rock Quarry Rd., a winding tree-lined driveway leads you to this 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom lakefront property adjacent to the protected Historic Green Springs area.

Lakefront Properties for Sale in Louisa VA

Feel the warm and inviting ambiance of this gorgeous home, thanks to its spacious wrap-around porch.  

Louisa VA Lakefront Properties for Sale

Featuring an outdoor wood-burning fireplace which is perfect for those chilly days and nights when you want to stay outside and enjoy the view, this porch is beautiful and welcoming.

Waterfront Real Estate Properties for Sale in Louisa VA - Relax in the welcoming living room of this Louisa VA lakefront property for sale.

If you love to entertain, the inviting living room with a fireplace and hardwood floors will easily become your favorite social space. Large windows let in plenty of light and offer amazing views of the lake.

Waterfront Properties for Sale in Louisa VA

The dining area is set just a few steps away from the living area, allowing you excellent views whenever you’re enjoying your meals. 

Louisa VA Waterfront Properties for Sale

Past the living area is an eat-in gourmet kitchen for the avid cook. With custom made solid cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops, this kitchen is designed to impress!

Louisa VA Lakefront Properties

Embrace peace of mind and the best of rest in the impressive master bedroom with beautiful views overlooking the quarry.

This Louisa waterfront home also has a gym, a card room, a laundry room, and a large garage. 

Lakefront Properties in Louisa VA

What better way to end the day than with a relaxing spa experience in the in-house sauna?

Waterfront Properties for Sale in Louisa VA

This property also offers a separate apartment above the garage with its own kitchen and laundry hookups. 

Properties in Louisa VA with Waterfront

The large deck overlooks the crystal-clear lake and delivers serenity and a heightened connection to nature. 

Everything you could possibly want in a country home is in this lakefront home for sale located between Charlottesville and Richmond.

In addition to lake views, mature trees, a beautiful living space, and plenty of room to enjoy entertaining, you have the added bonus of a great location. This home is within minutes of dining, shopping, and I-64.  

For more information visit www.WhetstoneInVA.com

This is an opportunity YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO MISS!

Call me, Gayle Harvey, at 434-220-0256 and make an appointment to see this spectacular waterfront retreat.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 2046 Rock Quarry Rd Louisa VA 23093 | Lakefront Country Property for Sale on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/6sxY7OSquak

3773 E Point Rd Elkton VA 22827 | Elkton VA Equestrian Property for Sale

Make this Elkton VA horse farm yours!

Are you looking for a move-in ready equestrian property? Look no further than Red Horse Farm in Elkton VA!

Featuring 41+/- acres of gently rolling land with mostly paddocks and hayfields, this property known as Red Horse Farm offers top-notch equestrian facilities with a beautiful one-level home.

This gorgeous Elkton VA  horse farm has everything you would want and need in an equestrian estate.   The property was designed to maximize the safety of your horses.

Horse Farms in Elkton VA

You and your horses will love the spaciousness of the 48′ x 112′  stable. 

Horse Farms in Elkton VA

This stable features 8 stalls (four of which have turnouts), Dutch doors, and a wash stall with hot water for easy cleaning. It also features a large work area, so you have enough space for hay and your farm equipment.  

Elkton VA Horse Farms

 

A gated entrance and a perimeter fence provide additional security for your horses while letting them enjoy their grazing. 

Enjoy country living to the fullest in this Virginia horse farm

Elkton VA Horse Farms

This expansive horse farm comes with a spacious single-story brick home with a split bedroom design. It features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 4,118+/- square feet of living space. Privacy, space, serenity, and stunning mountain views are yours to enjoy in this home. 

Elkton VA Equestrian Properties

The bright and generously-sized kitchen features solid surface counters, oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and an expansive island with granite counter and induction cooktop. 

This eat-in kitchen comes with a  dishwasher, double oven, refrigerator, and trash compactor. 

If you enjoy having friends over, the easy flow of this home’s floor plan makes entertaining easy and convenient. From this kitchen, you have a wonderful view of the land where you can see the horses grazing, as well as the stunning mountains beyond. 

Equestrian Properties in Elkton VA

 

Retreat to the spacious master suite after a long day.

Virginia Horse Farms for Sale

You will enjoy the large master bathroom with its dual vanity counter, soaking tub, and large closet space. 

Exceptional panoramic mountain views await you on the patio of this Elkton VA horse farm 

Horse Farms for Sale in Elkton VA

 

For your outdoor retreat, this Elkton home offers a 425 square feet of brick patio which showcases a built-in stainless gas grill. If you love to entertain, this patio will definitely come in handy. 

Horse Farms for Sale in Elkton VA

 

This horse farm also comes with a 3-car attached garage, generator and has Comcast Internet available. 

An exceptional Virginia horse farm 

Everything you want in a horse farm is in this property! In addition, it is just minutes away from River Bend Elementary School, East Rockingham High School, and Massanutten Resort and Indoor WaterPark. 

Downtown Elkton offers dining and shopping choices, and  is only six minutes away. For more options, Harrisonburg is only 20 minutes away, and Charlottesville is an hour drive. 

Whether you are looking for a place to raise horses or just seeking spacious one-floor living,  you will love this Elkton, VA farm!

Properties like this are rare, so don’t miss this chance!  For more information, visit www.RedHorseFarmInVA.com

Call me, Gayle Harvey, at 434-220-0256 to see this exceptional horse farm for yourself.

Get to Know Lovingston, Virginia

Lovingston is a ‘census-designated place’ located in Nelson County, Virginia, just southeast of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. It currently serves as the county seat for Nelson County and has a population of less than 600 people. Located on Route 29 South out of Charlottesville, Lovingston is the geographic center of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is just over 100 miles from Richmond.

What’s In A Name?

The area of Lovingston was named for the Lovings, a prominent family who settled in the area in the early 1800s. The town was formed in 1807 when the Nelson County Court HouseLoving family gave 30 acres of land to create it. The courthouse became the center of the town and was the first building built after the town was created. Lovingston was de-incorporated in 1938.

History of Lovingston

After the courthouse was built in 1809, the rest of the town was built around it in a grid-like pattern. The town was designed by George W. Varnum, a merchant and architect from the area. The courthouse served as a place for people to come and gather weekly from across the county. Around the courthouse, other buildings went up one by one, including a law office, taverns and hotels, and even a jail.

In 1969, Hurricane Camille hit and devastated parts of Nelson County and Lovingston served as a rescue area for all those affected by the storm. In total, 153 Nelson County lives were lost during the storm and a monument stands in courthouse square to remember them.

In 2005, over 130 buildings in Lovingston were recognized by the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register for Historic Places. 

Nearby Attractions

The building best known as Kilmartin’s Pharmacy was originally built in the early 1800s and served as an inn for travelers. During the Civil War, it was used as a hospital for Confederate Soldiers. In the 1930s, the bottom was restored and used as a retail space and ultimately became the pharmacy. It was a place for gathering and remained open until 1980. The building still stands in Lovingston and is worth a visit.

Bright Hopes Baptist Church still stands and overlooks Lovingston. It was built by the American Missionary Association after the Civil War to serve freed slaves in the area. 

Nelson Hall once held the only theater in Nelson County. It still stands today, but has been used as a movie theater, performance hall and even a church over the years.

Mountain Cove Winery and Lovingston Winery are both located in Lovingston and worth the visit. Virginia Distillery Company has its home in Lovingston and makes Whisky using the water straight from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wood Ridge Farm Brewery makes its beer from its own, farm-grown ingredients and prides itself on being ‘legitimately local’.

Over 29,000 acres of land makes up Fortune’s Cove Preserve, located in Lovingston. A challenging hike ends with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The unique landscape allows for ‘unusual combinations of plants’ species to survive here. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife.

Present Day Lovingston

Today, Lovingston is part of the Nelson County Public School system. It’s layout still remains similar to the original grid it once was. 

There are plenty of wonderful wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries within driving distance of Lovingston that provide fun for everyone. Lovingston is just a quick drive down Route 29 and is an easy commute to either Charlottesville or Lynchburg.

Lovingston’s historic charm and rural setting make it a great place to live.