Chelsea & Seth
Things To Do
Town of Staunton
When we first started visiting Virginia wine country, we often stayed in Staunton. It's a small town that's big on charm. We love wine during the day at Ox-Eye Winery's Tasting Room, dinner at Mill Street Grill, live music at Byer's Street Bistro, and catching a Shakespeare play at Black Friar's Playhouse.
Skyline Drive, Afton Mountain Overlook
Skyline Drive is a beautiful stretch of highway winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains. When driving from Staunton to Charlottesville (or vice versa), you'll pass the Afton Mountain Overlook, a pull-off point with Insta-worthy views and breathtaking vistas. The community of Afton can be seen from this overlook. It is most notable because it was the route Thomas Jefferson took in 1818 on his way to confirm plans for the University of Virginia. We've taken many a selfie here and we hope you enjoy it too.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Monticello is a must-see when visiting Charlottesville. One of the reasons we love the area is because of its rich history. Monticello is no exception. Inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1987, Monticello was the plantation and home of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. There is also a winery nearby with beautiful views, if you're interested!
Stone Mountain Vineyards
This is where we got engaged! We LOVE the view from Stone Mountain, it is breathtaking. Their wine is pretty delicious too of course! Quick note: Stone Mountain is up a fairly steep mountain dirt road. There is parking at the vineyard. You may not think you're on the right path, but keep going -- the Bacon Hollow Sunset Red Blend awaits you at the top of the mountain!
Castle Hill Cider
Castle Hill is like something out of Gone With The Wind. It has beautiful, green sweeping lawns lined with white picket fencing. The pristine white barn and outdoor tasting room are the perfect spot to share a bottle of cider with a loved one and drink in the view. Seth always says that he wishes there were a butler to greet you with a chilled lemonade as you drive into Castle Hill! Parking is available near the barn.
Barboursville Vineyards & Ruins
Preserved as a ruin after its destruction by fire on December 25, 1884, Barboursville was one of the largest and finest residences in the region. The only building in Orange County known to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson, Barboursville was constructed between 1814-1822 for Jefferson's friend James Barbour, who served as governor of Virginia, U.S. senator and secretary of war. Today the estate is run as a vineyard. We stayed near here the weekend we got engaged and visited the vineyards and ruins the very next day. The ruins are something that can't be missed -- we like to imagine what the mansion was like before it was burned to ruin and what the people were like who lived there back then. Oh, and the wine is pretty good too.
Grand Caverns
According to legend, the cavern system was discovered in 1804 by 17-year-old Bernard Weyer, manager of the local distillery, looking for a missing trap. It is one of the first show caves of the United States. During the Civil War, the cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers. During their visits, over 230 soldiers signed their names on the cave's walls. One noted signature is that of W.W. Miles, signed on September 26, 1864. Once, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was apparently camped near Port Republic and allowed his soldiers to visit the caverns.
Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery
Though Charlottesville is known as the hub for Virginia's wine country, there's some pretty delicious local craft beer here too. Pro Re Nata is one of our favorite breweries, not just for its beer, but also for its atmosphere. There's a great indoor and outdoor area and usually some live music too. Plus it's just down the street from King Family, so you know we love that!
South Street Brewery
Located within walking distance of the outdoor Downtown Mall in Charlottesville (which is more similar to DC's mall than a typical shopping mall), South Street is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and a beer tasting. Some of Chelsea's bridesmaids and her had dinner here the night she bought her wedding dress!
The Alley Light
The Alley Light is a real speakeasy. It takes some finding, but once you've found it, it's a real gem. A favorite for both dinner and drinks, The Alley Light is refined, cosy, and definitely has that 1920's vibe! Hint: If you think you're lost, just look for the light in the alley -- hence the name!
The Vintage Restaurant at the Inn at Willow Grove
If you want to treat yourself (or someone else!), this is the place to do it. Located in a historic plantation home, The Vintage Restaurant at the Inn at Willow Grove offers fine dining in an excellent atmosphere. Seth took Chelsea here for dinner the night before they got engaged (she thought he would propose that night and was a little disappointed that he didn't...until the next day at Stone Mountain, of course!). We recommend walking around the grounds before or after dinner because they are lovely. You can also stay at the Inn at Willow Grove, but beware of the Civil War ghosts that are said to haunt the property!
Oakhart Social
Oakhart Social is one of our favorite restaurants in all of Charlottesville. We had dinner here the night we got engaged and they remember us to this day. The building that houses Oakhart Social used to be a mechanic's automotive garage. Now, it's a cosy restaurant serving phenomenal small plates with excellent service.
The Local OR Junction
Owned by the same company, The Local and Junction are just two of the great restaurants located in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville. The Local serves American bistro fare with a twist and Junction serves upscale Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. We love The Local so much that they are catering our wedding! If you visit, don't miss the Crispy Shrimp appetizer and the Caramelized Banana Split with homemade ice creams (yes, plural!!) at The Local and the Mexican Street Corn and The Other Woman rose-scented cocktail at Junction. If you eat at the Local, ask Chris to serve you -- he's our favorite!