Things To Do
Bearrr Appetit
Bear Appetit is the restaurant inside the Lodge at Lydia Mountain that serves up Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. From the restaurant's website (and subject to change): "Bear Appetit seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor dining amidst stunning mountain views – and our warm and friendly service will make you feel right at home. Take in the fresh mountain air while savoring mouth-watering dishes that celebrate the region’s natural flavors. With a cozy indoor fireplace and a spacious outdoor patio, Bearr Appetit provides the perfect ambiance for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of friends. Come hungry and leave happy! HOURS FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 8AM – 9PM SUNDAY: 8AM – 6PM"
Jack's Shop Kitchen
This is a great spot about 15 minutes away for breakfast or lunch. From their website (and subject to change): "At Jack’s Shop Kitchen, we serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and ice cream daily. Our kitchen is open from 9am-3pm for breakfast, brunch and lunch. We offer seasonal menu changes to highlight the best of Virginia foods, wine, and beer. We are a counter service restaurant and bring the food to you in our dining room. You will find us at the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in Greene County, Virginia fifteen minutes from Charlottesville near the scenic Skyline Drive. The restaurant was created by renovating the main floor in the Greene House Antique Shops, a Ruckersville landmark and former Ferguson Tractor Showroom, circa 1940. Visit us for brunch, ice cream, drinks and unique gifts and then explore the antique stores on the floors above and below the restaurant. "
Continental Divide
Our favorite restaurant in Charlottesville and we're not just biased because one of our best friends owns it (shout out to Margie!!). This place wins all the awards (posibly with a little help from Wendy McConnell's dedication to voting daily). I (Meghan) have been dining here for over 20 years and Chance ever since he fell in love with the beef tacos when we first started dating. Best margs and tex mex food on this side of the border! There's no sign, just neon lights telling you to "Get in here!" - you better listen to them!
Early Mountain Vineyards
While we may be biased to Pippin Hill (obviously the best culinary vineyard around, thanks to the best Executive Chef and Kitchen manager, wink wink), Early Mountain is a good bit closer to Lydia and also headed by a great culinary team with excellent wines and views. If you've got a little time to kill on Saturday or Sunday, head on over for a glass or two. This was one of our first dates back in 2019. And it's also the initials of our flower girl - ask her parents if they've gotten around to getting the Early Mountain tattoo they drunkenly thought they should get after their first visit ;) (Sorry Kevin and Mia!)