A Gluten Free Getaway to Virginia’s Wine Country

Special thank you to Baltimore Gluten Free reader Ariana Marshall for sharing her experiences at the beautiful Nellysford Country Inn, a gluten free bed and breakfast located on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia. She visited last summer and wanted to spread the word about this great getaway that boasts a 100% gluten free kitchen!

Nellysford Inn Virginia Gluten Free Bed and Breakfast phtoographed by Bill Rettberg MidAtlantic Photographic LLC

Looking for a celiac-friendly way to build your own adventure in Virginia’s wine country? I just discovered that my dear friends Rich & Mary Tousignant have opened a 100% gluten free bed and breakfast: Nellysford Country Inn. The Inn sits along Nelson 151 – a route dotted with welcoming wineries and cideries (as well as less celiac-friendly breweries and distilleries.)

My two kids and I made the 3.5 hour drive from the Baltimore area to their 26-acre property in Nellysford, Virginia. We chose to take the slightly longer route along I-70 and I-81 to avoid DC area traffic (on I-95 and I-66), and found plenty of places to stop en route for gas, rest areas and kid meals (so many Chick Fil A’s!) 

Sitting atop a rock outcropping, the beautiful Nellysford Country Inn Bed and Breakfast rests along a quiet stretch of the Rockfish River. A barn and animal enclosures sit out behind the main house, with horses, miniature donkeys and all manner of fowl (including a gorgeous peacock), and guests can follow walking paths around the property to view it all.

A Gluten Free Bed and Breakfast

Nellysford Inn Virginia Gluten Free Bed and Breakfast phtoographed by Bill Rettberg MidAtlantic Photographic LLC

But, I’m here to share about the food, right? The for-real, gluten free – not just gluten-friendly – breakfasts served by Mary, who has been cooking gluten free for herself for over 20 years. And, your non-celiac family and friends won’t even notice anything missing!

For our breakfasts, we enjoyed amazing French toast, creamy cheesy grits, baked apples, scrambled eggs (from their own chickens), local sausage from a neighboring farm, fresh berries and abundant coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice.  All celiac safe, because no gluten-containing foods come into the kitchen.

We were there to visit with our friends, and we had a wonderful visit. Without worrying about food! They also can accommodate gluten free vegan guests with several days notice.

To check out photos, stop by their Facebook page or for reservations, visit http://www.nellysfordcountryinn.com/.

Things to Do

In addition to wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries, Nellysford is close to the Wintergreen Resort, known for skiing, golfing and tubing and taking in the magnificent colors of fall. There is shopping, trails for hiking, horse back riding and golf  – all in the vicinity of the Inn. It’s also an easy drive to Charlottesville, VA and historic Monticello. You can read more about what to do in the area here.

Additional Information

It’s Andrea again; I had the pleasure of speaking with owner Mary myself to learn more and possibly plan a trip for my own family. Mary is warm and welcoming, just what you would imagine a Bed and Breakfast owner to be. She loves to create gluten free dishes and reported her breakfasts get rave reviews from both gluten free and non-gluten free guests. When I inquired about gluten free lunch and dinner options, Mary referred me to area restaurants with gluten free options. Local grocery stores include a  Harris Teeter.

The Inn also has a Guest Cottage with a Travelers Suite, that includes a full kitchen and refrigerator. The Guest Cottage can sleep up to 6 and would be a good option for a family. Please note the Inn welcomes children ages 10 and over.

A peaceful, gluten free getaway sounds good to me. How about you? Has anyone visited this area and have any other recommendations? I would love to hear from you and thank you again Ariana for sharing this wonderful gluten free travel option.