Location: Gordonsville
Top Things to do in Gordonsville
10 Things to Do in Gordonsville That You Shouldn't Miss
Gordonsville is a town in Orange County in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. Located about 19 miles northeast of Charlottesville and 65 miles northwest of Richmond, the population was 1,496 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Gordonsville
1. Civil War Medical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Welcome to the Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum Before the Civil War, the Exchange Hotel with its high ceiling parlors and grand veranda welcomed passengers from the two rail lines: the Virginia Central Railroad and the Alexandria Railroad. Soon war began. Troops, supplies, and wounded were transported on these railroads to Gordonsville. The Exchange Hotel became the Gordonsville Receiving Hospital which provided care for 70,000 soldiers, both Confederate and Union. In the reconstruction period, this hospital served the newly freed slaves as a Freedman's Bureau Hospital. As the United States healed and the railroads boomed, this graceful building returned to its role of hotel. Now fully restored, the hotel is a museum dedicated to the Civil War era.
Reviewed By jehenson81
I had picked up a brochure for this museum on one of my adventures and when I decided to visit some wineries in the area decided to visit it. It is a beautifully restored building and is full of history and informational signs. Sadly it is very much overpriced for what you get at $10. It is self guided and each room represented a different part of the building’s history. I liked the railroad and hospital rooms best. They need to think about the price a little more.
2. James Madison's Montpelier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 969 reviews
Montpelier is the lifelong home of James Madison, fourth President of the United States, Father of the Constitution, and Architect of the Bill of Rights; and his wife, Dolley, America's first "First Lady." The historic home and grounds are open to visitors and adult and student groups seven days a week. House tours are complemented by the permanent exhibition "The Mere Distinction of Colour"; walking tours; galleries; the Museum Shop; the Madison family and slave cemeteries; an archaeology lab and active archaeological dig sites; formal gardens; 8+ miles of forest trails, and award-winning food at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center's Exchange Cafe. Located 25 miles north of Charlottesville and 4 miles south of historic Orange on Route 20, Constitution Highway. Montpelier is administered by The Montpelier Foundation and is a National Trust Historic Site. Montpelier is a monument to James Madison, a museum of American history, and a center for constitutional education that engages the public with the enduring legacy of Madison's most powerful idea: government by the people.
Reviewed By AggieJoe79 - Westerville, Ohio
Was fortunate to visit the day that they were celebrating President James Madison's 267th birthday. Only a couple hours out of Washington DC and near Jefferson's Monticello, this area is steeped in the history of our founding fathers. I did not realize before the visit that this estate was owned for a time by the DuPont family before becoming a public trust again, interesting to see their history of horsemanship. The tour of the mansion and it's history are first rate, the grounds are peaceful and beautiful. Perhaps the most important part of the experience is the very detailed and open history of the era of slavery, much of it described by present day ancestors of slave that served Madison's household. The person who portrays Madison is amazing, I never met a re-enactor who did a better job. Lots of hiking trails on the site too, worth a full day at least.
3. Barboursville Vineyards and Historic Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 503 reviews
Popular vineyard in Orange Country, Virginia that offers wine-tasting.
Reviewed By mamaluvs2travel - Richmond, Virginia
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this winery. The wine is truly superb! Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, yet not stuffy nor snobby. They offer small meat & cheese plates for purchase. Cozy with the fireplace. We can’t wait to go back and try their restaurant!
4. The Market at Grelen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
The Market at Grelen is a European-style garden shop, casual cafe, event venue and pick-your-own farm. Set on Grelen's 600 acre Tree Nursery, The Market at Grelen feels like an Italian vineyard and boasts breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains and contoured tree rows from the patio. You can go shopping any day, but a trip to Grelen is about the experience. Enjoy the delicious farm fresh fare, homemade ice cream, gardening gifts, flowers & plants, public walking trails & pick-your-own berries, peaches and apples (in season).
Reviewed By SpracherK - Fairfax Station, Virginia
This is one of my favorite places to visit. The environment and ambiance makes you feel like you are 1,000 miles away from DC and your troubles. I had a friend over for a long weekend at our house in Orange County and we went...MoreWell this is such a nice thing to read first thing in the morning! Thank you so much for your kind review and your continued support of The Market at Grelen. We truly appreciate it and look forward to your next visit.
5. Keswick Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Keswick Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery situated on the historic Edgewood Estate. Owners Al and Cindy Schornberg chose this land to produce their award winning wines because of its unique terroir and beautiful scenery. Winemaker Stephen Barnard's philosophy is to focus on quality instead of quantity and produce the best wines possible. He has garnered numerous awards for Keswick's wines including the Virginia Governor's Cup for the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and Best of Class for the 2008 Viognier. Other varietals produced include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Norton, Petite Verdot, Syrah, Touriga, and Verdejo.The tasting room is relaxing and inviting and is open daily for tastings from 9-5. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday. During the summer, the tasting room will stay open until 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reviewed By Adrian J - West Melbourne, Florida
Keswick was one of the few vineyards that I had not been to in the Charlottesville area. The patio/outdoor seating section is huge and it was great to sit outside and admire the scenery while having a glass of wine. (I'm a huge fan of the Cabernet Franc style and I was not disappointed with Keswick's Cab Franc.) Also, try the Consensus. It is 55% Merlot, 40% Touriga and 5% Chambourcin. It's quite tasty!
6. Honah Lee Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Dinah Y - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The tasting room was an adorable little building. It was very cozy inside. Our pourer, Ashley was very sweet and fun. We not only tasted at he wines but also the jams made out of wine (which were very charming tasty). We had a great time.
7. James Madison Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 58 reviews
A presidential and cultural museum that features the Presidents Room, Black History Exhibit Room, a small gallery and a Temporary Exhibit Room. In the Presidents Room you will enjoy artifacts of Madison, Jefferson, Monroe and Z. Taylor. The Black History Room has 3 themes (Forgotten Patriots, Atlantic Slave Trade and Post-Emancipation). The biggest surprise for nearly every visitor is the large Hall of Agriculture and Transportation. In this large wing sits a 1730's house originally built for Gov. Alexander Spotswood for a tenant farm in Orange; a 1924 Model T and horse-drawn conveyances as well as a myriad of farm implements and items used during pre-mechanized farm life. Groups are welcome.
Reviewed By gary a - Raleigh, North Carolina
it takes about an hour. several nice items. then move on to montpellier. nice people and they give you and introduction to the museum.Thank you for taking the time to visit the museum. We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit and appreciate that you took the time to write a review.
8. Liberty Mills Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By kdominice - Hampton, VA
Liberty Mills offers a huge corn maze, that features 4 individual mazes (ranging in difficulty), and you can also do the mazes at night with flashlights/headlamps. It's a lot of fun and it's not just running around and trying to find the way out. You're given a map and depending on which maze you choose, you answer trivia, or find a certain number of spots to punch your card, or there's even a mystery maze with no map.
Totally worth it!
Maze is open during Sep-Nov
9. Reynard Florence Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reynard Florence is a small family owned and operated winery featuring hand crafted wines made in small quantities with care and attention to detail.
Reviewed By Dinah Y - Washington DC, District of Columbia
This was a cute little tasting room. I loved the resident corgi. The décor included lots of foxes. The wines were ok, but it was the end of the day and out taste buds were tired. The owner/pourer was very nice and personable.
10. Oakland Heights Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By ckulis - Ithaca, New York
After carefully reviewing Tripadvisor reviews, looking for a riding stable that took an ethical and humane perspective in animals, I decided upon Oakland Heights Farm based upon the positive reviews. I called David Lamb and made a reservation for a ride. My husband, daughter and I arrived to find a rodeo out in front of Mr. Lamb's place. I called him and asked if this was his rodeo. He replied that "yes" it was. I told him that in that case I would have to cancel our ride. He asked why. I responded that I believe rodeos to be inhumane. He laughed and said, "For who? The cowboys?". This is the extent of my experience with this business, but I am sharing it for other folks who are advocates of animals.
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