Amherst County: Landscapes, Monacan History and Wine

If you’re looking for a hotel in Amherst County, your travel interests can be a useful starting point: the Blue Ridge Parkway, Monacan history, wineries and the landscapes of Sweet Briar College offer different ways to spend your time in the area. The places and attractions below can help you explore nature, culture and activities during your stay.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Otter Lake

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive connecting Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Amherst County, the parkway is designated a National Historic Landmark. Its length, endpoints and designation give the parkway both scenic and historical significance, while the drive itself need not be limited to a single section.

Otter Creek Lake, also called Otter Lake, is a 7-acre lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Amherst County. The approximately 1-mile Otter Lake Loop Trail passes through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, as well as a small wetland. This relatively short route brings together forest and wetland landscapes; no walking time is specified for the trail.

There is an accessible fishing pier and parking at the lake. Check the information about the pier and parking before you set out. Ducks, herons, sandpipers and kingfishers are observed at Otter Lake seasonally and in varying numbers. If you plan to watch wildlife, expect different sightings depending on the season rather than counting on seeing particular birds.

Monacan and County History

The Clifford-New Glasgow Historic District is located around the oldest surviving settlement in Amherst County. In its early history, the district was a regional trading center. The settlement’s history and its former role in trade provide two distinct historical perspectives: the development of a place and its importance to regional commerce.

For hundreds of years, Bear Mountain has been a spiritual center for the Monacan community. Bear Mountain Indian Mission School is also part of the area’s history: it provided several hundred Monacan students with an education through seventh grade until 1964. This timeline shows that Monacan history encompasses both a long cultural dimension and specific developments in education.

The Monacan Museum presents key developments in Monacan history through artifacts, including pottery, pipes, games, beads and tools. These different types of objects provide a tangible framework for the museum’s themes; together with Bear Mountain and the school’s history, they offer several distinct perspectives on Monacan culture and history.

Campus Landscapes, Horseback Riding and Wine

The Sweet Briar College campus includes a 22-mile trail network, two lakes, vineyards, gardens and wildflower meadows. The campus equestrian center covers 130 acres and offers opportunities for riders of all skill levels. Advance arrangements may be necessary to participate; if horseback riding is part of your plans, confirm the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

Sweet Briar College Farm includes a nearly 18-acre vineyard, a 26,000-square-foot greenhouse, an apiary with 20 colonies and a wine shop. Products and visiting arrangements may change. If you need information about products or visiting arrangements, check in advance.

Rebec Vineyards in Amherst County offers both winery tours and wine tastings. Lazy Days Winery is a family-owned winery in Amherst County, Virginia, offering wine and scenic views. These different options can help you refine your plans: consider whether a tour and tasting or the family-owned character and views are more important for your stay.

Discover more destinations: 3, Big Island, Madison Heights, Arlington, Prince George, Bath, Emporia, Carroll County.

View the broader travel guide: Virginia.