Traveling to Charlottesville, VA
Posted: October 31, 2011
By Tamar Fleishman Herald-Dispatch.com
Charlottesville, Virginia is steeped in the legacy of Thomas Jefferson. He founded the University of Virginia on lands donated by James Monroe, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounding Albemarle County was also home to James Madison. These Founding Fathers imparted distinct values to the area: education, culture, love of nature and fine living. A visit to Charlottesville has wonderful things to do at all price points, to enjoy life as Jefferson enjoyed it. You can drive to Charlottesville from Huntington in about 5 hours.
Where to stay: The Inn at Darden is an insider’s secret. Stay on the campus at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. The inn has comfortable rooms, a bar and spacious patio. While priority in rooms is for people taking seminars, be assured of reservations and of a lower rate by booking online: http://www.innatdarden.com. This is a great way to be close to UVa cultural activities and sports.
Boar’s Head Inn is a spacious, country-like facility right in town (http://www.boarsheadinn.com ). The inn has a main building and several out buildings with porches and private areas for a secluded, romantic feeling. They have casual and fine dining restaurants; the Old Mill Room is the upscale spot for classic, gourmet American cuisine. Boar’s Head Inn has a top-rated sports club that guests can use – along with pro athletes and UVa’s sports team members – with pools, golf, tennis, climbing walls and more. Other activities at Boar’s Head Inn include a luxurious spa, balloon rides and shopping.
What to do: Since Jefferson’s time, brewing and winemaking have been part of the area. Attend a free tour and tasting at Starr Hill Brewery (http://www.starrhill.com/visit), whose beers are seen at top music fests. Blenheim Vineyards (http://blenheimvineyards.com) is owned by musician Dave Matthews. They offer a wine tasting for $5 in a relaxed loft space and outdoor patio. King Family Vineyards (http://www.kingfamilyvineyards.com ) also offers wine tastings for $5. Bring your own picnic to the spacious grounds and during warm weather, watch polo matches for free.
Tour the Jefferson-designed UVa Rotunda and walk the grounds (http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/rotunda ). Guided tours are not available during exam and vacation periods. See a professional-caliber theater production (http://www.virginia.edu/drama/production.htm.There are places to eat and shop across the street from the university at “The Corner”. The “Downtown Mall” is an outdoor pedestrian strip that’s several blocks long. It has shops for everyone’s taste, including several bookstores, vintage boutiques, locally made ice cream and real record stores. Don’t miss Timberlake’s Drug Store with its old fashioned soda fountain, lunch counter and timeless perfumes.
The jewel of the area is Monticello (http://www.monticello.org). Take a tour tailored to different interests, including the house and grounds, plantation and slavery, as well as cooking classes with the rare vegetables grown there.
What to eat: Michie Tavern is an 18th century tavern, museum, and collection of shops right near Monticello (http://www.michietavern.com ). They serve an 18th century Southern meal buffet style, including the region’s famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes and stewed tomatoes.
Food Network (http://www.crozetpizza.net ) named Crozet Pizza’s Mushroom White one of the 50 best in the U.S. They’re near Starr Hill Brewery and King Family Vineyards.
Foods of All Nations (http://www.foodsofallnations.com ) is a fun place to grab a bite for a picnic or for the trip home. You’ll find delicacies from all over the world and the South.
For an unforgettable, world-class dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere, try the chef’s tasting menu at The Clifton Inn (www.thecliftoninn.com). The menu’s always changing, but you might try the masterful salad made from their own veggies, edible flowers and a cocoa-chicory mixture that looks like gardening earth.