Ring in the new year the right way in Nelson County

Nelson County has a rich variety of options to celebrate 2011 and usher in 2012.

Whether it’s dancing until the clock strikes 12 or enjoying an elegant dinner at one of Nelson’s many breweries, wineries or eateries, there are numerous possibilities.

Here’s a quick look at some of the events happening around Nelson.

Lovingston Fire Department

The fire department will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Adult Dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with doors opening at 8 p.m. People can dance the night away to music by David Hill and Due South. Refreshments, party favors and mixers are included, but the event is BYOB. The event is 18 & over and the cost is $25 a person or $40 a couple. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Front St. Garage in Lovingston or people can pay at the door.

The Fire Department is located at 53 Baker Lane in Lovingston.

Hamner Theater

Set the clocks ahead three hours and celebrate 2012 early at the annual Geezer New Year at The Hamner Theater. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. and no reservations are needed. There will be a potluck dinner and a bar. There is no cost to attend, but donations are welcome. The evening will feature a performance by the Hamner Improv Troupe.

The theater is located in the Rockfish Valley Community Center at 190 Rockfish School Lane between Nellysford and Afton.

Veritas Winery

Dance the night away at Veritas Winery’s black tie optional Masked Ball. The night begins in Saddleback Hall at 7 with wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a five-course dinner with a different wine accompanying each course. At midnight the masks will come off and the champagne will flow. The night will end at 1 a.m. with breakfast at 12:30. The cost of the night is $140 a person and reservations are required. For reservations visit www.veritaswines.com.

The winery is located at 151 Veritas Lane in Afton.

The Blue Toad

Celebrate the new year and the University of Virginia football team’s bowl trip at the Blue Toad’s New Year’s Eve Party. Doors open at 7 p.m. in time for the 7:30 p.m. kick-off against Auburn at the Chick-Fil-A bowl. There will be a buffet style dinner and unlimited domestic beer. Wine will also be available. The night ends at midnight with a champagne toast. The cost is $50 a person and tickets can be purchased at the Blue Toad until Dec. 28.

The Blue Toad is located at 9278 Rockfish Valley Highway in Afton.

Blue Mountain Brewery

Listen as Eli Cook and his band play you into the new year from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Blue Mountain Brewery’s New Year’s Eve Bash. The main restaurant will be serving its regular menu from 11 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. Since the brewery has twice as much space as last year, they will not be taking reservations.

Blue Mountain Brewery is located at 9519 Critzer Shop Rd in Afton.

Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books

Ring in the new year with a night of music at Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books’ New Year’s Eve Party. The night begins at 8 and goes until midnight. It will feature performances from Sue Harlow and the PerfecTones. There will also be a blues review. The cost is $5 a person.

Rapunzel’s is located at 924 Front St. in Lovingston.

Wintergreen Resort

Wintergreen is hosting a variety of activities throughout the resort on New Year’s Eve, with something for someone of every age. All of the events require reservations.

Copper Mine Bistro is offering an elegant dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 with a menu including prime rib, Chilean sea bass and filet mignon. Joe Pettus and the Soul Shakers are performing from 9 p.m. through midnight. For reservations call 434-325- 8090.

Bring the new year in with a night of jazz at Devils Grill where dinner will be served from 5:30 to 9:30 and light jazz will be performed from 8 p.m. until midnight. For reservations call 434-325-8100.

Dance the night away with Sweet Justice, a dance band that plays hits from yesteryears, at The Edge. The band will be playing 9:30 p.m. through midnight. The Edge will be serving its winter menu from 5:30 until 10 p.m. For reservations call 434-325-8080.

Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Italian Buffet in the Commonwealth Ballroom before heading out to other parties. The buffet will feature numerous stations including a Caesar salad bar and a pasta station. The cash bar, wine service and dinner will be available from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The cost is $38 for adults, $19 for children ages 6-12 and $9 for children under 6. For reservations call 434-325-8143.

Children, ages 4-12, can enjoy a night of games, movies, popcorn, pizza and ice cream in Treehouse. The night runs from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and the cost is $69 a child. For reservations call 434-325-8179.

Teens, ages 13-17, can celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Teen Discovery Ridge Adventure Center, with a night of games like Rock Band, Wii, and a mechanical bull. There will also be competitions with prizes given out every hour. The night runs from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The cost of the event is $35 a teen for members and $40 a teen for nonmembers. For reservations call 434-325-8180.

Devils Backbone Brewery

Come enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu at Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Rustic New Year’s Eve. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The regular menu is also available. The brewery does not take reservations.

Devils Backbone Brewery is located at 200 Mosbys Run in Roseland.

Basic Necessities

Toast the new year with a special dinner at Basic Necessities. The pre-fixed dinner includes sparkling wine, an appetizer, salad, choice of entrée and a dessert. Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be live music from Victor Cabas. The cost is $50 a person and recommendations are encouraged. For reservations call 434-361-1766

Bare Necessities is located at 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway in Nellysford.

Basic Necessities is located at 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway in Nellysford.