Madison County is located in the scenic north-central Piedmont area of the Central Virginia region. There are several wineries and the Shenandoah National Park is only 26 miles from the Tulip Festival. You can easily create a weekend adventure between picking tulips, vineyards, hiking trails and B&B's in the area. If you want to venture a little further you can visit the charming town of Charlottesville.
Wineries
Wineries
Featured Winery: DuCard Vineyard, with tours and tastings overlooking the Shenandoah National Park. DuCard will be pouring here at the festival on April 2nd, 9th and 10th. We recommend taking a drive to the vineyard to see for yourself how DuCard takes stewardship and Eco-awareness to another level. They use solar panels that generate the full amount of electricity they need for heating, cooling and lighting in their tasting room and used reclaimed hardwoods for their flooring and bar from their barns and other Appalachian sources. Directions from the Tulip Festival to DuCard.
Four wineries call Madison County home -Sweely Estate and Prince Michel are two larger producers, while Castle Gruen and DuCard Vineyards (together with Sharp Rock Vineyards just "over the line" in Rappahannock County) are boutique, family-run operations in gorgeous locations.
Places to stay
Featured B&B: Brightwood Farm-Farm Stay. This hand-crafted Eco-friendly cottage is perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the confluence of the Robinson River and Spring Branch, you'll hear the gentle sounds of water and the calls of woodland birds from this beautiful vantage point. It's the perfect environment to relax and unwind - a true escape from your hectic everyday world. Located 5 minutes from the Tulip festival and the host of several festival events, staying here is the perfect choice. Contact your hosts Dean and Susan Vidal to make reservations.
Ridge View Bed and Breakfast: A Restored farmhouse on 17 rolling acres with Blue Ridge views - three bedrooms with vintage/Victorian furnishings and gracious innkeepers. This is a great place to stay especially if your coming from areas south as they are located on one of America's ten most outstanding scenic byways-Virginia Byway Route 231.
Spirit Dancer and Sun Dancer Lodge: These two jewels, tucked in the side of Old Rag Mountain,five minutes from DuCard, are perfect retreats for couples, friends, families and corporate gatherings - with sleeping for groups as large as 16.
The Blue Rock Inn: Newly renovated with stunning mountain views of Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. Five rooms, including a large bridal suite with private library, sitting room and deck.
La Bella Terra: Restored, historic farmhouse, tranquil setting, mountain views, pool and yoga lessons on-site, enjoy a homemade breakfast.To celebrate National Park Week April 17-25, during which entrance fees to the nearby Shenandoah National Park will be WAIVED, La Bella Terra is offering a 30 percent discount for those who make reservations for April 23 and 24. Other, below-market rates available now through June 1.
Things to Do :
Shenandoah National Park: Celebrate National Park Week April 17-25, during which entrance fees to the Park will be WAIVED!Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.
Directions from the Festival.
Montpelier: This glorious 2,650-acre estate in Orange County, Virginia, was the lifelong home of James Madison. Its history begins with settlement by James Madison's grandfather in the 1720s, and includes slaves who worked and lived on the plantation, Civil War soldiers who encamped on the property, and a freedman's family who lived and farmed here after Emancipation.
Southern Grace: A Beautiful Colonial Style Store. Stroll down their Garden Walk, nearly a quarter of a mile of display gardens, is all expertly landscaped to help you visualize what your garden could be. Statuary, Pottery, Garden Decorations, Container Gardens, Outdoor Fountains and Water Features, You are sure to find it here. One of their amazing fountains will be at the festival in our show garden.
Mad Arts:Featuring local and regional artists, writers and musicians from
7353 S. Seminole Trail and Jack's Shop Rd.
Graves Mountain Lodge: Nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the end of the road in Syria, Virginia. Here you are invited to assume a leisurely pace as you enjoy some of life’s simpler pleasures, such as hiking, fishing, swimming and some good old-fashioned porch sitting. If you like, you may even take a stroll down the lane and observe the activities of our fruit and educational farm.
Places to Eat
Madison
Yoder's Country Market :Yoder's Country Market is a family-owned market and grocery store selling homemade baked goods, deli meats and cheeses, homemade soups, farm fresh eggs, baking supplies, candies, and bulk dry goods. For an additional country experience, stroll down to the barnyard. Watch the goats romp and play on their 15' high sky-walk or feed them corn from your hand.
Piedmont Deli: Excellent example of a small-town deli. Great sandwiches, excellent selection of meats and cheeses.
Brightwood General Store and Grill: Jeroen planted, yes planted a welcome sign of tulips and daffodils in front of the General Store, that can be seen from 29 if you are driving south. In the store you can find groceries, breakfast, sandwiches, subs, burgers, pizzas and homemade foods from the kitchen, cold beverages, fresh coffee and tea, hardware, local products and crafts, and always a pleasant greeting from the folks working there.
The Madison Inn: Located in downtown Madison,this is a good place to stop for a satisfying meal.
Culpeper
The Stable: Located in Downtown historic Culpeper.The actual stable that housed both Federal and Confederate horses (including those of Gens. Lee and Grant), this restaurant has great sandwiches and the portions are plentiful. We recommend the Steak and Cheese Loaded.
It's about Thyme: This is by far my favorite restaurant when I want a nice meal. This European style restaurant has a fantastic wine selection, mouth watering food and lovely ambiance.
