Virginia Forestry and Wildlife Group

About forestry service, 22245, Arlington, VA, US, Virginia

Afton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Albemarle and Nelson counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is newly listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 313. == Geography == It is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 20 miles (32 km) west of Charlottesville. == Economy == Afton is home to Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, Silverback Distillery, Veritas Vineyard and Winery, the Blue Mountain Brewery and Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery. == Demographics == Afton first appeared as a census designated place in the 2020 U.S. Census. == Point of Interest == Scott Castle - also known as The Royal Orchard, the 25,000-square foot Tudor Gothic-style mansion was built in 1911 by Richmond, Virginia engineer Henry Baskervill and architect John Russell Pope. The Royal Orchard name originated in 1837, when Andrew Stephenson, who was serving as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, introduced a basketful of Newtown Pippin apples that he had grown in his orchard to Queen Victoria, and it quickly became a royal favorite. In October 1968, the Scott Family held a charity event at their castle by hosting an art auction in order to raise money for the local fire and rescue services. This would be the only time that the home was open to the public. It was reported that an estimated 4,600 visitors and one thousand automobiles appeared around the mansion, oftentimes blocking U. S. Route 250.