This is where we went on our first date to Charlottesville. The Looking Glass exhibit is definitely worth doing if you're into interactive theater. Check out the restaurant there (next on the list). Apparently there's a farmer's market here, too, on Saturday mornings!
After our time at The Looking Glass, we went next door to the North American Sake Brewery. It's a great place to get some Japan-ish food and some interesting sake!
Lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, and more to explore along the Downtown Mall! This is where we wandered on that first out-of-town date in Charlottesville. The next two restaurants were destinations that night.
We had a quick snack here as we strolled the mall. Great food, cozy atmosphere!
And this is where we ended the night! We ran into a professional photographer and documentarian who took some ridiculous pictures of us through the night. These pictures became the basis for Joanna's birthday present to Dave a few months later. The photographer also ripped some bras off of the bra chandelier over the bar, threw them around the room, and then denied it when the bartender asked, which was a fun moment.
This is where we went the afternoon after we got engaged. Enjoy a relaxed environement overlooking the hills around Charlottesville.
Dave loves this place the most, and actually, the quasi-industrial park vibe of the in-town location feels a little bit more laid-back than the beautiful tasting room in the country.
This is the restaurant that is catering the event, and so if you loved the food, feel free to give them a visit afterwards!
A really wonderful restaurant in the Belmont neighborhood. Worth it for a meal and a stroll on a nice day!
Coming from a bit of a bagel snob (Dave), these bagels are legitimately good and a good value! There are locations around town, but if you want to feel as though you're in the middle of the UVA campus, check out this location. If you don't there are other locations around CVille.
A cute little shop with great prepared food and sandwiches. Great wine selection and some quirky kitchen goods. Enjoy on the way to King Family Winery, one of the more famous ones in the Charlottesville area, or on your way out to Shenendoah!
If you're looking for something to do in the days leading up to our wedding especially, go for a hike and enjoy the views! Driving on 81 will get you a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Skyline Drive would be great if we get the fall weather we hope for...
There are some great views and solid wines here, especially for those that want to go to the winery that Dave Matthews built.
Honestly, the wine is okay, but the architecture of the tasting room is pretty cool!
This is a recreation of Shakespeare's indoor playhouse, the Blackfriar's, and up the street is a recreation of Anne Hathaway's cottage. For a while, this was the only way in the world to see one of Shakespeare's plays staged traditionally indoors. Dave would recommend a visit, and also to take a stroll around Staunton after you're done!