Stops Along the Nelson 151: Blue Mountain Brewery

March is almost over and April is just days away, and I'm craving sunshine. Seriously. I'm tired of winter and ready for it to get warm and stay that way. Goodbye clouds and hello sunny skies. And when the weather's nice, I'd rather be outside sipping an ice cold beer. And I can't think of a better place to fulfill my warm-weather dreams than at Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, Virginia. 

Check out that view. Makes you wish you were sitting there right now, doesn't it?

Located on the Nelson 151--a highway dotted with craft breweries and wineries nestled in the mountains--Blue Mountain Brewery serves up suds, killer pizzas and stunning views. When it comes to drinks, try a flight. I'm a pale ale kind of gal, but feel free to try some of the brewery's hop-filled offerings to round out your palette. The sour beer is also very good. Expect a lightly "spiced" beer that goes down surprisingly smooth. And you must, must, must try one of the pizzas here. I was on a press trip here, and all of the journalists on the trip devoured the flatbread topped with bratwurst with apples and onions. I loved the vinegrette-based dressing and enjoyed this savory dish after downing a few drinks. I don't have a great photo since we all ate is so quickly. Oops.

Looks pretty gorgeous, huh?

All photos by Sarah Hauser, Virginia Tourism Corporation

Parks You'll Love: Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes

Despite my personal Michigan heritage (my grandfather is from there), I actually had never visited the state until this past year. And it blew my away. Michigan is unpretentious, pure and just gorgeous. The tourism rep told me that the "state sells itself," and it does. I fell in love with the water and relatively flat landscapes almost instantly. But as with all trips, I'm left with strongest memories of just one place: Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Yes! This is a real photo. And it doesn't even do the place justice. 

As you might have guessed from the name, be prepared to see some gorgeous dunes at this park. There's one that's notable for how many people climb up it. The press group I was with didn't do that, but we did take in some of the majestic beauty the parks offers. Chances are, you won't be able to take in enough of the deep blue of Lake Michigan in addition to that pure white sand. We were only there for less than an hour, but it's a place I keep revisiting in my head again. If you're in Michigan and have the time, be sure to stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Places You Should Visit: Rocky Mountain National Park

I honestly never understood why anyone would go to a national park until I visited one. Back in 2011, I ventured out to Rocky Mountain National Park, and it was like someone turned on a light switch. It was just so beautiful, pure and straight-out-of-a-painting gorgeous, wherever we went. Every view was breathtaking. When I visited, it was elk bugling (read: mating) season, and I enjoyed seeing those animals all over the park. I felt so in touch with nature and at peace too. Save for a few camping trips in my childhood, I'm never considered myself much of an outdoor person, but this trip changed all of that. Now, I make a point of always visiting national parks or mountains if I'm nearby. 

Yes, even the roads in Rocky Mountain National Park are breathtaking. And yes, this is an actual picture I took.

I'm a firm believer that you have to visit a truly magnificent national park until you understand it. So, next time you get the chance, take it. It won't disappoint. And you'll finally understand why people seek out national parks over and over again.

                                         More gorgeous mountains. I wish I was there right now.