The Roots of Grelen

The story of The Market at Grelen begins with Grelen Nursery.

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In 1990, Dan Gregg left a career in banking to follow his lifelong passion for plants and trees, establishing Grelen Nursery on a corner of his grandparents’ cattle farm in Orange County, Virginia. What began as a small nursery steadily grew into a thriving horticultural business known for exceptional trees, quality plant material, and deep horticultural expertise. As demand increased, Dan partnered with Zeke Galvin in 1997 to expand the landscaping side of the business. In 2003, the partners purchased a farm in nearby Somerset, Virginia, providing the space needed for the nursery to grow. Over time, adjoining properties were added, and today Grelen Nursery spans more than 1,000 acres, making it one of the largest rural businesses in Virginia. But what truly set Grelen apart was the beauty of the land itself. Visitors frequently remarked on the sweeping Blue Ridge views, thoughtfully designed landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere of the nursery. Those comments sparked a new idea: what if this remarkable place could be shared with others?

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The Market at Grelen

In 2012, that vision began to take shape. Fruit trees and berries were planted, gardens and terraces were created, and a farmhouse was renovated to welcome guests. Around this time, Leslie Gregg joined the business, bringing her background in marketing and retail to help transform the property into a destination rooted in landscape, agriculture, and hospitality. When The Market at Grelen opened in April 2013, it was envisioned as a European-style garden shop and gathering place where visitors could shop, dine, and experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Over time, the Market has continued to evolve while staying deeply connected to its agricultural foundation and the landscape that surrounds it.

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The Shops, Café & Experiences

At the heart of The Market at Grelen is the garden shop, a natural extension of Grelen Nursery’s horticultural roots. Guests can explore a wide selection of plants grown on the nursery—from trees and shrubs to perennials and seasonal offerings—alongside garden goods, home décor, and thoughtfully curated gifts inspired by the landscape. The shop reflects Grelen’s foundation in plants while creating a welcoming space where visitors can gather, explore, and find inspiration for their homes and gardens. Just steps away, the Grelen Café serves seasonal, farm-to-table fare inspired by the orchards, vegetable garden, and surrounding farms, alongside Virginia beer, cider, and wine. Together, the garden shop and café create a relaxed destination where guests can linger, enjoy the view, and connect with the landscape.

 

Grelen’s retail presence has also expanded beyond the nursery with Grelen Downtown, a women’s boutique located on Main Street in nearby Orange, Virginia—just fifteen minutes from the Market in Somerset. The shop offers a curated collection of clothing, jewelry, bags, and gifts, reflecting the same thoughtful style and welcoming atmosphere found throughout the Grelen brand. In February 2026, Grelen Downtown moved into the historic Grelen Depot building, creating a charming retail space in the heart of downtown Orange.

 

The Market property continues to evolve with thoughtful improvements, including a recently upgraded greenhouse featuring a beautiful new glass front. Beyond the shop and café, visitors are invited to experience the land itself. Pick-your-own orchards offer blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and apples throughout the growing season, while six miles of scenic walking trails wind through the nursery and connect to James Madison’s Montpelier. These experiences reflect Grelen’s belief that beautiful landscapes are meant to be shared and enjoyed.

 

Events & Properties

Shortly after The Market opened, couples began asking if they could marry at Grelen. What started as an unexpected request soon became one of the property’s most beloved experiences. A 4,500-square-foot clear-span tent was installed overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, a full-time Venue Manager joined the team, and Grelen’s Events division was born. Over the years, the Events & Properties collection has grown to include several distinctive venues and guest experiences, including Boxwood Villa, Spotswood Lodge, and The Depot, each offering its own setting for weddings, gatherings, and overnight stays while reflecting Grelen’s aesthetic of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and relaxed hospitality. The property itself has continued to evolve to better serve couples and guests, including a beautifully renovated bridal suite and the addition of a bath house designed to accommodate both weddings and busy market weekends.

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Looking ahead, Grelen’s next chapter will introduce The Grelen Conservatory, a European-inspired glass conservatory wedding venue set within the gardens. Breaking ground in November 2026 and opening in April 2027, the Conservatory will offer a light-filled, year-round setting for garden weddings and celebrations.

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A Place to Gather

Today, The Market at Grelen is more than a garden shop or café—it is a place where agriculture, landscape, hospitality, and community come together. Visitors come to explore the gardens, walk the trails, harvest fruit from the orchards, celebrate life’s milestones, or simply spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of the land. We invite you to visit, gather with friends, and discover all that Grelen has to offer.