With cooler air and weather that makes us want to sit around a fire, we find the fall is a time we seek out the beautiful outdoor spaces with a view in Charlottesville more than any other time. Nothing is more relaxing than throwing on some warm, comfortable clothes, sitting on a patio, and enjoying the vibrant colors of fall that paint the scenery this season. Nothing, that is, unless you add a delicious beer into the mix.
Charlottesville has an abundance of breweries with more and more popping up. This season is the perfect time to head out to Nelson 151 and experience the breweries with fantastic views on the outskirts of the city.
Blue Mountain Brewery is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. Not far from the inn, you get to “get out of town” and closer to the mountains without a very far drive. The main draw here is the amazing outdoor space. There are so many options for seating like a heated deck area, the patio, and the lawn area with picnic tables for larger parties. These different outdoor spaces makes it family friendly, and you’ll often see children running around while parents enjoy a drink and some food. There are yard games, like corn hole, available as well.
Better than the seating areas is the actual view from your seat. You’ll get to stare straight out into the mountains- quite the treat in the fall when the colors are bright and breathtaking. We love enjoying one of their fall beers, like their Oktoberfest, as we relax on their patio. They also have good food that pairs well with their craft beer; sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, and burgers can all be found on their menu among others. We highly suggest this spot for a lovely seasonal view and brew!
Drive further down Nelson 151 and you’ll come to what seems like a retreat from the rest of the world; Devil’s Backbone Basecamp and Brewery. The restaurant and “basecamp” has a camp and lodge style feel, but don’t worry, you’ll be far from roughing it with a delicious, most likely award winning beer in hand. Though it is a bit of a drive, it is worth it for beer lovers!
Devil’s Backbone is large and offers many options; there is an entire outdoor beer garden style area with a large outdoor bar. If you want to stay in this area for the duration of your visit, you can even order at an outdoor food stand that serves great food. The lodge-style restaurant offers a more full-service option where you’ll choose from a menu full of delicious foods. We love the bone dipper sandwich, but so much of the menu is great! The beer at Devil’s Backbone is quite the draw as they’ve won several awards for many of their beer. The all popular Vienna Lager is a Virginia favorite!
Whether you are sitting on the outdoor patio of the restaurant or in the beer garden area, it is easy to get the “away from it all” feel at Devil’s Backbone. You’ll be so close to the mountains and the Appalachian trail that you might even see some hikers taking a much needed break. The fall colors will truly surround you completely as you enjoy your mini retreat to such a beautiful spot with some of the best craft beers in the area.
Whichever spot you decide to stop at (maybe both!), we know you’ll enjoy the relaxing feel of fall colors painting your mountain view as you sip on some of the best beer in the area. The views that go along with these Virginia brews really should not be missed when you stay with us this fall!
