Amherst County

The Seminole Trail, US 29, meanders south from the Washington suburb of Warrenton to Culpeper, passes by the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and then crosses the Tye River into Amherst County. From there, the trail continues south, traversing the Carolinas and Georgia on its way to Florida. The trail’s name is a mystery because the Seminole Indians are not indigenous to Virginia and did not use this route. Many suspect that Virginia's General Assembly named the highway after the Florida-based tribe in 1928 to enhance its appeal as a path to the Sunshine State and other desirable points south. The idea worked. Today, Washingtonians and other northerners use it as a convenient and scenic drive to second-home and vacation destinations.

For Virginia Realtors©, the Seminole Trail represents an ever-expanding corridor of commercial and residential development. Twenty years ago Warrenton was booming. Today it’s Culpeper and Madison Counties. High-density growth always pushes people seeking fresh air and seclusion to newer locations. To the chagrin of longtime residents, Amherst County is now responding to that need.

Known for its natural beauty, Amherst County showcases two major recreational amenities: the James River and the Appalachian Trail.

Amherst County is not known for haute cuisine, but if you like good old-fashioned home cooking, try Dudley’s in Madison Heights (and tell Della that I sent you). Just north of SR 130 on US 29 is Berkley’s (tell Dot that I sent you). If you’re looking for barbeque, the Best Bet Mini-Mart in Faulconerville has a small restaurant with great chicken and pulled pork. The Briar Patch in Amherst is a favorite for the locals and students of Sweet Briar College. It made headlines years ago when it was frequented by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It is moderately priced, in a pleasant setting, with an extensive lunch and dinner menu.

The Garlic Festival is the festival of all festivals. Started in 1990 by Rebec Vineyards, it uses the Seminole Trail to bring good wine, great music, regional crafts, and delicious food to Amherst County for an entire weekend of fun and frolic every fall.