Visitors would have no trouble filling a day or even a weekend enjoying all that the northern part of Rockbridge County has to offer. From quaint villages to vineyards, from an authentic working water-powered grist mill to welcoming bed and breakfasts, from antiques to history, northern Rockbridge is worth taking the time to explore.
Most everything in northern Rockbridge is accessible off US Route 11, going north from Lexington. Route 11 as a thoroughfare follows the path of pre-Columbian Indian trails, and later the Valley Pike. The views of mountains and valley are spectacular from Route 11, and more easily enjoyed at slower than Interstate highway speeds.
Don’t miss stopping at Ecco Adesso Vineyards. The views from the striking stone mansion of the Blue Ridge Mountains are spectacular. Though the winery has been bottling its own vintages for just a few years, it has already amassed an impressive trove of awards.
The village of Fairfield, 10 miles north of Lexington, is typical of the Valley Pike town. When these villages were build, the road was much narrower and successive widenings has brought the road virtually to the doorsteps of some of the buildings. Many homes and building in Fairfield date from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Spend some time walking the sidewalk in Fairfield and explore this quaint village. 3 Seasons Antiques is open from mid-March until just before Christmas Thursdays-Saturdays.
Going west from Fairfield on Sterrett Road ( a left turn just north of Fairfield) take you to Brownsburg. Be sure to visit the BrownsburgMuseum, which chronicles the life of this community.
From Brownsburg, go north on Rt. 252 1.6 miles to Raphine Road. Turn right on Raphine Road and in about .6 mile you’ll see the brown clapboards of Wade’s Mill to your left. Still a working water-powered grist mill, Wade’s Mill sells flours and meals ground on the property. Back on Raphine Road, in roughly a mile, you’ll come to Rockbridge Vineyard. Rockbridge Vineyard’s wines have won awards for over 25 years. Stop and do a tasting in their expanded wine tasting room and now, their brewery tap room. .
Continuing through the village of Raphine, passing under Interstate 81 find White’s Travel Center on your right. A mile beyond White’s, you’ll see signs for the Cyrus McCormick Farm McCormick invented the first practical reaping machine, which started the mechanization of agriculture. Seeing the replica of the first reaper is worth the stop.
Follow Raphine Road to Rt. 11, make a quick left and right onto Rt. 56 and check out Vesuvius. Gertie’s Restaurant is small but their food get’s great reviews. Stay on Rt. 56, cross the railroad tracks and go up the mountain to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you’re in town for one of the weekends of the North Rockbridge Trail, don’t miss this weekend of open houses and special events at farms, shops, wineries and inns in the northern part of the county. www.facebook.com/northrockbridgetrail
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