CAITLIN & BENJAMIN
A Guide to Charlottesville
Mudhouse Coffee
An award winning local mini-chain coffee company, comprised of specialty cafes, a roasting company, and a geisha coffee farm on Volcan Baru in Panama. There is a second location for guests staying closer to the University of Virginia at 116 10th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
MarieBette CafÉ and Bakery
Highly recommended for baked goods and brunch! There’s a second location which is a bakery and coffeehouse called Petite MarieBette (105 E Water St).
Iron Paffles & Coffee
The place to go for Paffles - puff pastry waffles - with your favourite sweet or savory filling! Most importantly, with vegan & veggie, as well as gluten-free options!
Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar
Seasonally rotating menu exploring soulful Mediterranean cooking traditions and a special collection of new dishes exploring a different region of the Mediterranean each month, known as their Passport Menu. Not to mention, wine, wine, and more wine, as well as uniquely crafted cocktails.
Citizen Burger Bar
This burger bar teamed up with a few exceptional nearby farms and designed a menu around locally produced, top-tier ingredients!
The Whiskey Jar
Home of the Whiskey Society of Central Virginia, classic southern food and a fine selection of whiskey!
Otto Turkish Street Food
Informal Turkish hangout specializing in kebab wraps & sandwiches, plus veggie & vegan options!
Botanical Plant-Based Fare
Plant-based vegan restaurant offering sharing plates, sandwiches, salads, bowls, desserts and drinks!
Downtown Mall
The Downtown Mall is the hub of Charlottesville's dining, entertaining, and shopping district, and one of the countries lengthiest pedestrian outdoor malls.
Monticello
A historical landmark and World Heritage Site, the Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, a historic house and plantation that is now a museum and research institute.
Saunders-Monticello Trail
Trail through native hardwood forest, deep ravines and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the trail winds its way toward Monticello and back. Completely accessible to walkers, cyclists and those in wheelchairs.
Monticello Wine Trail Tours
Private wine and beer tours! Different options are available for a variety of group sizes and each itinerary is fully customized based on your request. The link provided is to the wine tour company that was recommended by our wedding venue, however there are plenty of wine tour companies in the area that may better fit your budget!
Cville Hop On Tours
Public hop on tours to visit wineries, breweries, and cideries! They offer 14, 18, 22, & 32 passenger buses and give you the option to choose your destinations! Each tour offers the flexibility of participants to select their own stops along the Hop On Route itinerary. Explore their options at their website by hitting "view". P.S. They even offer complimentary hotel pick up and drop off for our 11am tours. If not, they pick up at Three Notch'd Brewing (a short walk away and mentioned below).
Indian Summer Guide Service: Vineyard & Brewery Horse Riding
Guided horseback riding through a variety of vineyards, cideries and breweries! Choose a brewery, cidery, or vineyard from their options and enjoy a 1.5 hour horse ride through the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains and then enjoy a tasting afterwards.
Rivanna River Company
Canoe & kayak rental service near the Rivanna River, approximately a 20 minute walk or 4 minute drive from downtown Charlottesville.
Carter Mountain Orchard
Orchard overlooking lush groves and breathtaking views of the valley below! Against this stunning backdrop, families and friends pick sun-ripened peaches and crisp apples while breathing in the fresh mountain air. Also, adults can enjoy Bold Rock Hard Cider and Carter Mountain Wine. However, most importantly, they offer their fresh apple cider donuts all season long!
Ting Pavilion
Live music and entertainment venue located on the Downtown Mall. Check their website for events going on during your stay!
Ix Art Park
Ix Art Park seeks to empower its community through curating welcoming spaces that allow everyone in the community a safe space to exist creatively. It is a non-profit organization that manages a 24-hour free mural and sculpture art park, Virginia’s first permanent immersive art experience, as well as several community-driven series including weekly markets supporting women and minority entrepreneurs, arts education programs for underserved youth, and creative empowerment programs for the whole community. Be sure to check out Three Notch'd brewery as well, located in the park, if you make your way over!
Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery
Located in the IX Art Park, Three Notch'd is a Craft Kitchen & Brewery that also specializes in creating locally-sourced, beer-infused dishes designed to compliment the season as well as what’s on tap.
The Glass Palette: Interactive Glass Art Studio
Make glass art for yourself! The studio provides a wide range of tools, materials, and instructions, with workshops and classes for people in their late teens and above.
Pikasso Swig
Sip & Create! DIY craft workshop and art bar has dozens of projects for both children and adults with a fresh selection of food and drinks!
Sunday Polo at King Family Vineyards
Polo matches are held every Sunday at King Family Vineyards, at noon (gates open at 10:00am), weather and field conditions permitting! ***POLO IF FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*** No reservations are required and food trucks will be present!
Consignment House
Great store to check out in the downtown mall if you are shopping for unique gifts or souvenirs!