GUIDEBOOK.
Scroll for info about libations, local attractions, caves, and unique adventures.
Get Outside.
Hiking.
Cair Paravel Farm Hikes:
Cair Paravel Farm 58 acres of lovely mountain top woods is easily explored on our network of trail surrounding the property. Maps available upon booking.
For those looking to explore further, we are located at the base of Pocosin mountain fire road and 3 miles to the Pocosin Mission.
Shenandoah Hikes
Swift Run Gap entrance to Shenandoah 25 min by car. Hiking Guide in Shenandoah.
White Oak Canyon Lower parking area 50 min by car. Most people approach White Oak from above, we love this lower approach so on your way home you get to walk downhill :) Download P.D.F
Old Rag Mountain parking area 50 min by car. Reservations through Shenandoah National Park- required. Best views of the mountains! This hike can be very crowded on weekend so recommend getting up early and bringing a headlamp- just in case. Download P.D.F
Hiking Upward- is one of our favorite resources for finding local hikes. By using the filters we are always able to find the best hike for our needs.
Greene Co. Hiking Guide- Explore more with the Greene hiking guide.
*Always bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a headlamp when heading out for a hike.*
A multitude of other adventures await, from cycling on the ridge to caving deep down the Blue Ridge offers adventures for every age and skill level. To explore more of what Greene offers please check out Greene Outdoor Website.
Libations.
Breweries
Check out the Blue Ridge Brew Trail for all the brews in the area. Too many to list :)
1830 Thrift Road, Madison, VA 22727 (540) 999-1830
This is the closest brewery to Cair Paravel Farmstead and if you are coming along Route 29 is just a quick trip off the highway and about a half an hour from the farm! Our favorite in the area.
Wineries/Vineyards
Check out the Monticello Wine Trail for other wineries
17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923. (540) 832-3824
Wine tasting Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. The $5 tasting fee includes
6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, Madison, VA 22727. (540) 948 9005
Beautiful winery with food & entertainment.
5898 Free Union Road, VA 22940. 434.975.0094
Glass House Winery is a boutique winery in the heart of the Monticello Wine Trail in central Virginia. Artisan wines made solely from grapes grown on their property and this region. Fine chocolates and an occasional food truck. Great music- Be certain to check their calendar!
1543 Evergreen Church Rd, Stanardsville, VA 22973 (434) 985-2535
Starting 1994, Kilaurwen has grown wine grapes for many of Virginia’s finest wineries and still do. In 2009, they began crafting their own artisanal wines. Eight miles from the Swift Run Gap entrance to SNP.
1849 Simmons Gap Road, Nortonsville, VA 22935 (434) 990-0111
Open March through December the vineyard had its first bottling in 2012. Splendid views- up and coming establishment. (Seasonal)
1376 Wyatt Mountain Road, Dyke, VA 22935-1371. 434-990-9463
We recommend this one for its beautiful and high altitude setting. Come relax on the mountain and partake of panoramic views while enjoying fine wines. Picnic area is available. Tastings and tours are available including a visit to the wine cave. Make certain you follow the directions from the website…GPS fails. (Seasonal)
*Greene Co. Winery guide and map.
Distilleries:
Cideries
Winery/Vineyard/Breweries Touring
Our guests have used these two companies and we've heard nothing but great reviews. However since we have not used the services we can not say they have our personal recommendation. Except for large buses most tour vehicles will have no difficulties with the mountain road. The company is welcome to contact us if they have any concerns.
Monticello Wine Tour and Coach Company -
400 E Water St. Suite B
Charlottesville, VA 22902 434.260.7144
Offers beer and wine tours.
175 S. Pantops Dr. Ste. 107
Charlottesville, VA 22911 434-531-5802
Charlottesville centric tours of wineries.
History .
Monticello
Spend a day on the beautiful grounds of Monticello and get an intimate look at Thomas Jefferson. Monticello is open daily, year-round and offers house tours which run several times an hour throughout the day. Enjoy an introductory film, exhibitions, and special events as well. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is owned and operated by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation with a dual mission of preservation and education. ...
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Address:
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Phone: 434-984-9800
James Monroe's Highland
Experience Highland, the official residence of fifth President James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, from 1799 to 1823. Join us for our guided tour, lasting approximately 40 minutes, as we explore the fascinating life of the tireless public servant who fought and bled in the American Revolution, successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, worked behind the scenes to push the Missouri Compromise through Congress, secured our nation’s borders, and issued our first hemisphere-wide foreign policy statement: the Monroe Doctrine. The tour also showcases an outstanding...
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Address:
2050 James Monroe Pkwy
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Phone: 434-293-8000
Michie Tavern
Michie Tavern, located ½ mile below Jefferson’s Monticello, accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging more than 200 years ago. Today, visitors experience the Tavern’s past through an historical journey which recreates 18th-century tavern life. Servers in period attire offer bountiful Colonial Midday Fare. The rustic restaurant setting renders a lunch dining experience rich in southern culture and hospitality for families to enjoy. Get a taste of the 18th-century as we feature a buffet of southern fried chicken, marinated baked chicken, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, stewed tomatoes, b...
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Address:
683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Phone: 434-977-1234
Montpelier
Montpelier is the home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights and president of the United States. Visit Montpelier to experience the "Presidential Detective Story," the worldwide search for the furnishings, décor and plantation landscape that once graced the Madisons' beloved home. Your Montpelier tour will show you how curators and archaeologists uncover and connect evidence to reveal James and Dolley Madison's personalities and style. See the latest finds including the red, flocked Drawing Room wallpaper and a chess set like the one James Madison and Th...
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Address:
11395 Constitution Hwy
Orange, Virginia 22960
Phone: 540-672-2728
Greene County Historical Society & Museum
Come with us and take a journey back in time to learn about our County's rich and proud heritage. Browsing these pages you will discover how the County’s Old Jail, located next to the 1838 Jefferson-inspired Courthouse, has been turned into a Museum. Our Gallery and Sales areas are open for your shopping and viewing pleasure along with Society and County events. The Links will provide you transport to other sites of interest. Visit often as we are always adding new content. This Society was formed to bring together people interested in history, and especially in the history of Greene County...
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Address:
360 Main Street
Stanardsville, Virginia 22973
Phone: 434-985-1834
*Information taken from Greene County Va tourism website. Many thanks.
BAKE SCHEDULE:
ANYTIME: Cookies, quiche, muffins
Baked Goodness:
Martha is the expert baker at Cair Paravel Farmstead. She uses fresh, high quality ingredients to produce artisanal baked goods. Eggs come from our hens, milk from the neighbors, and cheeses produced on the Farmstead can commonly be found in her goods. Grains are milled the day of baking for the whole grain products as well as King Arthur Flour. Make sure to order ahead, things can go fast!
24 Hour Notice:
Order Anytime:
Eating Out
Search Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Culpepper for restaurants that are in the 45 minute to 1 hour range away. Restaurants in Stanardsville are 15 minutes away, Ruckersville and Madison are 30 minutes away, and Gordonsville is 40 minutes away.
102 Martinsburg Ave, Gordonsville, VA 22942. (540) 832-0227
Fantastic barbecues and vegetarian option as well. Whitt’s favorites are the Belly-Q and Smoke Salmon! Beware- when they say hot they really mean it! Good selection of local beers. Large portions! On FB
4831 Seminole Trl Charlottesville, VA 22911. (434) 973-9211
Don’t be deterred by the funkiness of this place. A real unique, fun, and delicious experience. Amazing Korean food- the Bibimbap is fantastic as well as the kimchi pancake. The Chinese food leaves something to be desired.
5102 South Seminole Trl, Madison, VA 22727. (540) 948-6505
The Bavarian Chef has been operated by the Thalwitz family since its opening in 1974. Its cuisine is distinctively German and all the food is prepared onsite using Thalwitz recipes. Huge portions and the staff dresses in traditional German garb, making for a wonderful ambience.
The Big Meadows Lodge is an old classic lodge, serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. Convenient for a meal if you are hiking Skyline Drive. Fireplace & views. (Open seasonally: Mid-May through the end of October or early November.)
8296 Seminole Trail, Ruckersville, VA 22968. (434) 985-3300
At Dutch Pantry, you are greeted with friendly smile & quality service. Enjoy coffee, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods. Bring computer or a good book to a comfortable sitting area. Open Monday-Saturday. On FB
Stoneridge Dr N, Ruckersville, VA 22968. (434) 985-2218
Chinese restaurant, Carry out or Dine in available. Offering vegetarian dishes. Small casual dining area within restaurant.
8694 Seminole Trail, Ruckersville, Virginia 22968. (434) 990-9500
El Agave was started and is still run by cooks from Jalisco (Mexico), who are proud to serve Mexican cuisine. Located on US 29 North in Ruckersville.
$$ Fabios NY Pizza-Ruckersville
6420 Seminole Trail, Barboursville, VA 22923. 434 990-0101
Italian cuisine, pizza, subs and good desserts. Italian family owned & operated restaurant on 29 North. Fine food at great price. On request traditional Italian music too:)
14843 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, VA 22968 (434) 939-9239
“Serving Farm Fresh and Local products to embrace the Virginia life style.” Open 7 days a week.
hours vary On FB
285 Commerce Drive, Ruckersville, VA 22968. 434 985-9920
An undiscovered treat with a Central American flair. Excellent home cooked food & vegetarian options too. We recommend the pupusas. Extensive tequila selections as well. Open 7 days a week- later hours as well. On FB.
17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923-8321. (540) 832-7848
Northern Italian in inspiration, yet creatively indebted to the most seasonal and local resources of the earth and sea, Palladio offers the handsomest gastronomic redemption. (Closed in January)
$ Two Brothers Southwest Grill
124 Cedar Grove RD, Ruckersville VA 22968 (434) 939-9124
A nice mix of of Southwestern and American food. Fresh, homemade salsa, and good sauces. SUNDAY BRUNCH and food truck You can check out the menu is on FB.
344 Stoneridge Dr N, Ruckersville, Virginia 22968 (434) 242-1551
Just opened in Ruckersville. Large local following. Please let us know what you think! We have not had a chance to give this place a taste yet.
Indian Cooking Classes
Kumud Vanderveer
kmdvanderveer@gmail.com
434-985-1785
You are invited to a interactive & informative cooking class that will end with a sit down meal. You will learn dishes that are rooted deep in India’s age old vegetarian culinary traditions. You can also take home a recipe sheet. Classes will include tips on health benefits of spices used in class and home remedies from spices if any.
Only natural & wholesome ingredients will be used. Ingredients will also be organic and/or local when possible.
You are welcome to the comfort of my kitchen to learn a healthy yet delicious way of cooking.
- $60.00/person, $90.00/couple. For larger groups please ask for pricing.
For scheduling please contact a week or so in advance of your stay.
You will be sent 5 sample menus to pick from for your class.
(Vegan & Gluten Free options available)
Yoga.
All of us at the farm take a weekly class with Kumud. She is a wonderful teacher and we cannot recommend her enough.
***Kumud Vanderveer***
*kmdvanderveer@gmail.com 434-985-1785*
I am a Certified Yoga Instructor from the Integral School of Yoga (Coimbatore,India). I have been teaching Yoga since 1997 both in India and now here in the USA.
Private classes in offsite studio are available Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday.
Private classes are $45/hr (or $60/1.5hrs) for single or couple; $15.00 for each additional person.
Group classes offsite are held Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday mornings (9-10:30AM) & Monday/Wednesday/Thursday evening (6-7.30pm), at our studio at 2504 Amicus Rd. Group classes are $15.00 for a drop-in class, when space is available. (Usually I have some spots open for group classes, with 1 or 2 days of advance notice.)
Contents of my General Class:
1) Asanas (Postures)
2) Relaxation Techniques
3) Pranayama (Breathing Practices)
4) Dhyana (Meditation)
My classes are a wholesome, gentle & meditative style of Hatha Yoga, If you are looking for a physically intensive, fast-paced yoga class, mine may not be suitable for you.